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Another Critique this rig for friend!

C

Chobits

Senior member
Hi Guys!

My friend and I are off to college soon and his dad is going to get him a pc and he approached me to ask if I'll do it and I figured why not since we are dorming. His old 200mhz Pc doesn't cut it (his dad however has a lapatop) and all that is needed is the Computer - His dad already bought winxp home thinking it would speed up his 200mzh pc 😉 and he will buy the moniter seperately. 700 should be the limit - and no more than around 730 with taxes (8.75% in CA 🙁 ) and I'm ordering Newegg since it has the best deals...unless there is a "Newegg" of California that won't charge me sales tax.

This is what I got the PC down too.... I really didn't try to skimp anything (I was hella suprised at the price of Antec Tru Powers) and I'm suprised that I got this with 700 dollars and my rig barely squeezed 900.

Few things to mention:

µµµ--Obviously that 2100+ is not going to stay at 1.73Ghz and I'm hoping to push around 2.3Ghz (thoug no more than 2350) if possible so cooling and silence will definitely be issues.
µµµ--No need to get 2x256 of memory mainly because DualDDR is near useless if it isn't IGP and it won't be 🙂
µµµ--I keep getting these ideas that I couldn't gotten a better truepower psu for cheaper...am I on drugs or not? Also I must add the fact that this PSU has a top fan to push out air yet the case doesn't have a hole to let that happen...is that okay if I don't try to create a hole into the case and just leave it as is?



µµµ-- Rig will be used for the occasional game, encoding (I went AMD mainly due to price so unless I could get a Pentium 4 rig ) once in a while and downloading.

µµµ-- If something is substiancially cheaper elsewhere please tell me because price is a factor!



Thanks everyone and let the critiquing begin

Cases (Computer Cases, ATX Form)
Enermax CS-56881S (Silver) Mid ATX Tower Case with Large X Side Window + Enermax EG301P-VB 300W PS, with 1.2mm Aluminum Front Panel and Sliding-Open Bay Cover + a 8-cm fan on top.
Specifications:
Material: Steal (SGCC0.8mm).
Drive Bays: 5 x 5.25", 1 x 3.5" Internal 4 x 3.5".
Expansion Slots: 7.
Power: Enermax EG301P-VB 300W ATX +12V power supply.
Approx. Dimensions: 18.9" (L) x 7.9" (W) x 17" (H).
Retail. more info>
N82E16811124057 $67.00
$67.00
$69.99

----------------------------
CD/DVD Burners (RW Drives)
?On Sale!
Lite On 52x24x52 CDRW Model LTR-52246S OEM Buffer underrun error free & automatically adjust writing strategy plus running OPC to meet various burning condition.
Specifications:
Speed : Recording 52Xmax CAV Re-writing 24X High-Speed CLV Reading 52Xmax CAV
Interface : ATAPI-E/IDE, support up to Ultra-DMA Mode2 33.3MB/sec
Supported Media:CD-DA,CD-ROM,CD-Extra,CD-ROM/XA,Photo CD,CD-I Ready,Video CD,CD-R,CD-RW
Access Time : 80ms
Buffer Memory Size: 2MB
Operating System : Windows 95/98/NT/XP/2000/ME
Full OEM Pack: w/ Full Software *See pic for details more info>
N82E16827106185 $43.00
$43.00

----------------------------
CD/DVD ROM Drives
?On Sale!
LITE-ON XJ-HD166S/XJ-HD165H 16X DVD ROM Drive - Retail48X CD-ROM Access all format DVD-ROM/R/RW ,CD-ROM/R/RW title & disc Comes with Audio Cable, Manual and Power DVD Software. XJ-HD166S or, XJ-HD165H more info>
N82E16827131113 $33.00
$33.00

----------------------------
Fans, Heatsinks (Case, CPU, Chipset)
Thermalright SK-7 ( Heatsink ONLY ). All Copper heat spread. Dimension: 85 (L) x 65.5 (W) x 42 (H) mm (without fan). Can be used with 60MM, 70MM, or 80MM fans
$28600
Hard Drives
?On Sale!

----------------------------
WD WESTERN DIGITAL "SPECIAL EDITION" 120GB 7200RPM EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # WD1200JB - OEM, DRIVE ONLY
Specifications:
Size: 120 Gigabytes
Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA100
Seek time: 8.9ms
RPM:7200
Cache 8MB
OEM(Drive alone) 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty --* Works With PC & Mac *-- more info>
N82E16822144118 $122.00
$122.00

----------------------------
Memory (System Memory)
?On Sale!
KINGSTON HyperX Series 184-pin 512MB DDR333 (PC2700) 64X64 DDR RAM modules, Model# KHX2700/512
Specifications:
Type: Kingston HyperX
Capacity: 512MB
Speed: DDR 333 (PC 2700)
Latency: CAS Latency 2 (2-2-2-5-1T)
$75.50

----------------------------
Motherboards - AMD
?On Sale! Epox Motherboard for AMD Athlon/Athlon XP/Duron Processors, Model# EP-8RDA+
Specifications:
CPU Supported: AMD Athlon/Athlon XP/Duron processors
Chipset: nForce2
FSB: 333MHz Max
RAM: 3x DDR SDRAM PC3200, 3GB Max
IDE: 2x E/IDE Ultra DMA/133
Slots: 1x AGP(8X), 6x PCI(32-bit)
Ports: 2x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard, 2x Serial, 1x Parallel, 4x USB, 1x RJ-45, 2x IEEE Firewire Ports
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC650E 6-channel audio
Onboard LAN: Realtek RTL8201 PHY more info>
N82E16813123191 $89.00
$89.00

----------------------------
Power Supplies
See Case

----------------------------
Processors
AMD Athlon XP 2100+/266 FSB Thoroughbred Processor CPU 2100+/ 1.73GHz -OEM, AXDA2100DUT3C
The Ultimate Digital Media Experience in an x86 Platform.Tailored for Microsoft® Windows® XP. Featuring QuantiSpeed Architecture for Rapid Execution of Applications. Tomorrow?s Technology Today.The Power of a Reliable Partner.
Specifications:
CPU: 1.73 GHz
Type: 2100 XP Thoroughbred (revision B)
Cache: 256K
BUS: 266MHz
Micron: .13
Socket A (PGA) OEM (Processor Only)
more info>
N82E16819103370 $75.00
$75.00

----------------------------
Video Cards
VGA LEADTEK|GF4 TI4200 64M /TV/DVI Output Retail Box Specifications:
Chipset: Nvidia 4th-generation 256-bit GeForce4 Ti 4200 GPU InfiniteFX II Engine
RAM:64MB fast DDR Memory
8.8 GB/sec Memory Bandwidth
4.4 Billion AA samples per second fill rate
Integrated 350MHz RAMDAC, resolution up to 2048x1536, True Color @ 60Hz
Comprehensive AGP 4X support
Ports: DB-15 VGA + Svideo + DVI Retail (Full Box with games and software See pic) Winfast A250 more info>
N82E16814122144 $111.00
$111.00
Click to expand...
 
for ocing, you want something better than than volcano 9. try aero 7 for around $30 or slk800 if u have the $. also, get hyperX or XMS pc3200
 
I have the Volcano 9 😉 and why wouldn't I want to use it? I never peak above 43 Celcius (asusprobe) with it.

But I'll see the prices of those that you mentioned.


And what is wrong with Crucial Pc2700? Some of the best ram out there...right?
 
if u live near the fry's the aeroflow 7 (vantec) is only $29.99 and greatly outperforms the volcano 9. also, if you want to get to 210+ FSB you'll need pc3200 XMS, HyperX, mushkin, etc...
 
Go with an Antec Case, i recommend the SLK3700 w/ 350W PSU, i tihnk its like $84 shipped on newegg, and still cheaper than ur case + psu combined

Go with some HyperX 3200 or 3500 ram since u will be OCing

Get a SK7 from SVC for $20, much better HS and cheaper.

Otherwise the choices look very good, should have a nice rig there
 
That seems like a nice case but he demands a window 😉 plus I showed him the pic and he doesn't want a case where the front opens up like a cabinet... Though I must admit I'd really like to stick in something cheaper that will do the job just as well but still retain the "riceness" of it because then I could put that extra cash toward some pc3200 ram. He is also begging me to get a cheaper PSU but considering how mine is currently failing me right now I'm not allowing that unless there is something that is better

Other than that I did do some edits - namely the Heatsink and the addition of HyperXpc2700 ram (pc3200 is a bit to expensive for him at the moment and if I have to I can loosen the timings to 6-3-3-2 to reach higher speeds)

I added the heatsink but I noticed it doesn't have a fan on it...is this a silent heatsink or is that something you yourself are supposed to add (Thermal right AX7) and if so can anyone show me a VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY cheap fan that'll do the job 😉
 
I made another edit and got rid of the powersupply and case in favor of a combo - an enermax one with a 300wat Enermax and that'll shave around 20-30 off of the price which is nice

Enermax CS-56881S (Silver) Mid ATX Tower Case with Large X Side Window + Enermax EG301P-VB 300W PS, with 1.2mm Aluminum Front Panel and Sliding-Open Bay Cover + a 8-cm fan on top.
Specifications:
Material: Steal (SGCC0.8mm).
Drive Bays: 5 x 5.25", 1 x 3.5" Internal 4 x 3.5".
Expansion Slots: 7.
Power: Enermax EG301P-VB 300W ATX +12V power supply.
Approx. Dimensions: 18.9" (L) x 7.9" (W) x 17" (H).
Retail. more info>
N82E16811124057 $67.00
$67.00
 
hmm that combo is ok although it leaves no room for expansion and id just want to get a larger PSU just for comfort... many problems can be caused by cheap/weak PSUs.

Get a Panaflo H1A or something similar to put on top of the AX7.. from SVC id get a http://www.svc.com/convarspeedc.html tho. I have one and its really nice.
 
No room for expansion? what do you mean because I'd like to know since that baffles me because do you mean the case is too small or not enough bays to stick in extra HDs or what? So I'm not criticizing you but I really have no idea what you mean and would like an elaboration.

As for the PSU I know from reviews that often lower wattage enermax outpreform higher wattage of other brands (vantec comes to mind) because of the effiency that Enermax acheives. On top of that I do know that people underestimate PSUs but if there is another who also will say I need a bigger PSU then I'll look into it. So you've "proposed" it and now I need a second.

I'll also go and add a Panaflo when I get the chance but right now I'm downloading some fansubs using bittorant and on a 56k connection everything else moves at a snail's pace (it'll take about 2-3 minutes for this message to be uploaded)
 
No room for expansion? what do you mean because I'd like to know since that baffles me because do you mean the case is too small or not enough bays to stick in extra HDs or what? So I'm not criticizing you but I really have no idea what you mean and would like an elaboration.

As for the PSU I know from reviews that often lower wattage enermax outpreform higher wattage of other brands (vantec comes to mind) because of the effiency that Enermax acheives. That and the power provided on all three rails is very impressive and if Enermax's effiency is what all the reviews say I should be getting enough power easily. On top of that I do know that people underestimate PSUs but if there is another who also will say I need a bigger PSU then I'll look into it. So you've "proposed" it and now I need a second.

I'll also go and add a Panaflo when I get the chance but right now I'm downloading some fansubs using bittorant and on a 56k connection everything else moves at a snail's pace (it'll take about 2-3 minutes for this message to be uploaded)
 
Originally posted by: Chobits
That seems like a nice case but he demands a window 😉 plus I showed him the pic and he doesn't want a case where the front opens up like a cabinet...
Click to expand...
cabinet (Chenming KE..
The new 301KE comes with plenty of features, which including front door, side plastic window, side LED Fan, USB 2.0 & IEEE Firewire. The front door feature can cover up all unmatched drive bay color.

One major characteristic of the front door design is the mid portion can combine different color. There are eight different color for you to choose which including beige, black, silver, blue, green, yellow, purple and red. Totally there will be 64 combinations (This feature only available at 301KE & 301AE)
Click to expand...
)can be a good thing..esp. if the drive(s) colors aren't black I'd go with the Antec Lanboy manufacturer..here..Chenming KE for $97 shipped with a 450w ChannelWell psu..w/out psu here but better pics..
Though I must admit I'd really like to stick in something cheaper that will do the job just as well but still retain the "riceness" of it because then I could put that extra cash toward some pc3200 ram. He is also begging me to get a cheaper PSU but considering how mine is currently failing me right now I'm not allowing that unless there is something that is better

Other than that I did do some edits - namely the Heatsink and the addition of HyperXpc2700 ram (pc3200 is a bit to expensive for him at the moment and if I have to I can loosen the timings to 6-3-3-2 to reach higher speeds)

I added the heatsink but I noticed it doesn't have a fan on it...is this a silent heatsink or is that something you yourself are supposed to add (Thermal right AX7) and if so can anyone show me a VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY cheap fan that'll do the job 😉
Click to expand...
need an 80mm fan...

Originally posted by: Chobits
I made another edit and got rid of the powersupply and case in favor of a combo - an enermax one with a 300wat Enermax and that'll shave around 20-30 off of the price which is nice

Enermax CS-56881S (Silver) Mid ATX Tower Case with Large X Side Window + Enermax EG301P-VB 300W PS, with 1.2mm Aluminum Front Panel and Sliding-Open Bay Cover + a 8-cm fan on top.
Specifications:
Material: Steal (SGCC0.8mm).
Drive Bays: 5 x 5.25", 1 x 3.5" Internal 4 x 3.5".
Expansion Slots: 7.
Power: Enermax EG301P-VB 300W ATX +12V power supply.
Approx. Dimensions: 18.9" (L) x 7.9" (W) x 17" (H).
Retail. more info>
N82E16811124057 $67.00
$67.00
Click to expand...

 
vantec fanbus very useful. silence those case fans. i just built a new case with 5 case fans🙂 but i got the chieftec x-pider case. vcs has decent led fans for 1.99 to boot.
 
Originally posted by: stev0
corsair xms ram if he's got the extra $$
Click to expand...


In my experience with Corsair, HyperX and Crucial I've learned Corsair charges WAY to much for their ram - especially when compared with HyperX

I looked at the Panaflos and I was interested in one that was 2950 RPM for 40ish CFM @ 32decibals (this is newegg) however it had some adapter that I had to have? Must I get that (price is only 2 dollars but it adds 4 to ship! Yikes can't they just toss it into the box or something...stuff like this should get free shipping providing you are buying a bunch of stuff) or not? Is the initial connection on the Panaflo propeitory or not?

I took a gander at the case but he doesn't like it 🙁 and I am also not a fan of where the side opens up 😉 But man it must seem like a great case...thanks for the suggestion though I really appreciate it!

 
For the HD I'd get a Seagate over the WD because the Seagates are near quiet.

Also as for the DVD-player I'd get the Sony DDU1621. I own a Lite-On 163 DVD and although it performs well when ripping CDs/DVDs and is fast, it is a little bit too noisy for my taste.
Xbitlabs.com has a round up of DVD-roms and the Sony ranks high in both performance and quiet.

Finally, I second RWalker's recommendation of an Antec case. Not only are they less expensive, they come with quality PS and they look nice... sorry to say but those Enermax cases look really tacky😀.
 
I have the SLK800 w/80mm Vantec stealth fan I run a p4 2.66 @ 3.2 and my temp is 34-35 c normal and 38 under load. And to top it off it is super quite!!!! The Thermalright unit itself is amazing, I remember one time after cleaning my computer I forgot to hook back up the fan and looked down and saw my temp at 56c (in the middle of playing Raven Shield!!) so if it is that hot OCed and with out a fan on it the heat sink itself is great.
 
condense it? Huh?

You make make it more legible? IF so I'm not sure what else to do...The part is in bold, the description isn't so that shouldn't be too hard to distinguish and the price is italicized...

As for the HDDs the Cuda's are silent as hell but they are not the fastest preformer 🙁

The Liteon is noisy? I'll check out that Sony but I have the same one and it has a loud intial startup but then it goes silent. Is that what you are talkig about
 
sorry, Expansion - i mean that you probably wont be able to upgrade or add components because it will be too much for the PSU to handle, also i recognize that the PSU only has 170W combined on the 3.3 and 5v rails, which is kinda of weak. I kno the 350W that comes in the SLK3700 (i have one) is 230W combined. - Even the Antec 300W has 220W combined.

Suggestions for case with a window... Antec Lanboy
or even take a look at this, the PSU is quality, its the same one i use.
Chenming Spider

and yes, you need to add either a 3pin or 4pin connector for the panaflo fans, they come without any wires.

Edit: Links shortened! 😀
 
You should put a shorter name for those links, they make this post nearly impossible to read.

Edit: Thanks
 
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