Another "please rate my build" thread

[deveraux]

Ok, I will be getting this rig in about 2 weeks time, so, please critique it as much as possible:

AMD Athlon64 3500+ (not OCing)
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe (any noticable difference from the non-deluxe version?)
2x512 Corsair VS PC3200 CL2.5
--2x1GB Corsair TwinX C2PT PC3200 (2-3-3-6)-- REMOVED
Leadtek GeForce6 6800GT 256MB
Creative SoundBlaster Audigy 2 (is audigy 4 worth it?)

WD 74Gb Raptor
Maxtor DiamondMax10 300GB 16MB (already have it -- brand new)
IDE WD 200GB Caviar 8MB (already have it and using it as backup)

NEC ND3520 DVD+/-RW Dual Layer
Asus DVD-ROM

Antec NeoPower 480W (already have it)
Antec SLK3700BQE (already have it)
Dell 2005FPW (already have it)

I know I mentioned that I'm not overclocking, however, I would very much like a quiet system, so any good hsf combo's? I was thinking of getting the ThermalRight 120XP and was wondering if it would work well WITHOUT a fan blowing on it?

Thanks for your time guys!

EDIT: forgot about the PSU, RAM

 

[Sqube]

Looks good to me.

It's my understanding that uber-RAM doesn't have as much effect on AMD systems as it does on Intel, but that still looks nice to me.

And I imagine the whole SLI thing is a big difference...

Other than that, I thought the whole point of the Deluxe versions was that they had everything except SLI.

 

[MrControversial]

Yeah, you're spending way too much on memory. If you're not ocing, then just get 2 x 512 of Corsair Value for about $120.

 

[Cheesetogo]

I would not recomend getting the raptor, it might decrease some load times, but really I don't think it will make a difference. I would use the saved money from the raptor to get a 6800 ultra. I see no reason not to use that 300gb or 200gb drive as primary. Audigy4 is a waste unless you have very good speakers, so mention what you have. I don't think you can use a xp120 with no fan, I'd rcomend the zalman 7700cu. DOn;'t get that ram, get some value stuff. THat ram is for ocing.

 

[deveraux]

Yup, I read Zebo's memory matrix thread and didn't actually want to get uber-RAM. However, the shop that I'm getting it from doesn't really have 1GB Value RAM as a single stick hence, that was the only RAM I could get but it doesn't cost too much so I'm willing to overlook it. And I didn't know that the deluxe versions DON'T support SLI (not that I'm going to use it but I would like to have it around -- better to have it and not need it rather than to need it and not have it). Looks like I'll have to start shopping for another board then, any good recommendations?

 

[Sqube]

Gamepc.com, I think, had a review of 7200.8 vs. Diamondmax 10 vs. Raptors; in random seek times, Raptors are good; in terms of sustained transfer, though, the cost/benefit ratio doesn't seem worth it (in my eyes).

Why don't you just get the RAM from Newegg or ZZF?

Also, the A8N-SLI Deluxe supports SLI. Thus the name.

I was saying the hierarchy is like Vanilla --> Deluxe --> SLI. Only I think Deluxe is usually referred to as Ultra, thus the confusion. Keep the board, it's SLI.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Originally posted by: Sqube
Looks good to me.

It's my understanding that uber-RAM doesn't have as much effect on AMD systems as it does on Intel, but that still looks nice to me.

And I imagine the whole SLI thing is a big difference...

Other than that, I thought the whole point of the Deluxe versions was that they had everything except SLI.

Uh, they call it A8N-SLI Deluxe for a reason.

 

[deveraux]

Ok, everyone seems quite adamant about the RAM issue, so I guess I'll stick with 1GB for now using Value RAM and upgrade when 2GB becomes more common. Sqube, I don't live in the US and hence why I can't really shop in Newegg and ZZF. I'm currently in the UK but VAT is a killer and hence why I'm waiting till I go home to Malaysia for the easter holidays to get my components since most stuff is very much cheaper down there, and also why I can't actually find Value 1GB sticks over there.

Also, any opinions on the hsf?

 

[MrControversial]

If you want the XP120, get a nice quiet 120mm fan for it. You need something blowing on that HS.

 

[Sqube]

Originally posted by: Cheesetogo

Originally posted by: Sqube
Looks good to me.

It's my understanding that uber-RAM doesn't have as much effect on AMD systems as it does on Intel, but that still looks nice to me.

And I imagine the whole SLI thing is a big difference...

Other than that, I thought the whole point of the Deluxe versions was that they had everything except SLI.

Uh, they call it A8N-SLI Deluxe for a reason.

Like I said, there was a misunderstanding. Me not knowing anything about ASUS, I thought there was an A8N Deluxe, and an A8N-SLI Deluxe.

I clarified in my above post by editing it. Note the part where I said "Keep the board, it's SLI."

 

[Alex]

Originally posted by: MrControversial
Yeah, you're spending way too much on memory. If you're not ocing, then just get 2 x 512 of Corsair Value for about $120.