Budget system - please critique

[cmai]

ANTEC SOLUTION SERIES Model# SLK2600AMB w/ANTEC SMART POWER 300W P4/AMD POWER SUPPLY ATX12V $56+15
AMD ATHLON XP 2500+ "Barton" 333 FSB PROCESSOR CPU- RETAIL $96
ABIT NF7-S $109+5 (excaliberpc)
Albatron Ti4280P $105
1x512mb Crucial RAM PC2700 $50 (crucial) - I don't plan to overclock until my warranty expires

existing dvd-rom, cd-rw, 2xharddrives $0

Total: $436

I know it's a pretty typical setup, since I took all the reccomendations from you anandtechers, I'm on a tight budget and I'm coming from a willimette P4 1.5ghz which can't stand up to today's applications and games.

Is it a good time to buy now or should I hold off? I would like the mobo to last me at least 3 years and I want the system to be easily upgradeable unlike my crap Dell 8100. I'm not in dire need of a new computer but I'm definitley getting jealous of all these posts with similar systems. =)

Thanks for your input

 

[cmai]

Any form of confirmation would be appreciated. This is my first build, so I'm kind of nervous. I've also heard the nforce2 chip and crucial ram don't plan well together but crucial is my cheapest option.

Thanks,

cmai

 

[Shooters]

I've also heard that 512MB PC2700 Crucial sticks don't play nice with nForce2. I would definitely investigate that matter a little more before you buy. Also, where are you finding it for $50? That's a great deal. Also, remember that with only 1 stick of RAM you won't be able to run dual channel, although that's really not a big deal since you're not going to be using the onboard video.

The Abit is a good board, but you can get the Epox 8RDA+ for $83 dollars shipped at Newegg. It's an awesome board and you can't beat the price. I would do that and put the extra money towards different RAM (you may want PC3200 if you're gonig to overclock in the future, although 3 years seems like a long time to wait) or a different video card, maybe a Radeon 9500 or 9600.

 

[capricorn]

I don't know a lot about those particular parts (except the CPU, which is a good one). In general, assuming no hardware conflicts, that system should play the games out now pretty well. I have one system with a XP 2200+, Gainward Ti4200 card, and 512 MB on an A7V333 that's doing just fine with what's out now. Can't always turn on all the bells and whistles in every game, but enough that the games look and run good.

-cap

 

[Regs]

Solid. The case is the only thing I would think over. I hate mini-towers. A lot of hot hardware in a cramped space is something worth re-thinking.

IMO the case is the only thing you can future proof for over a year. So do not go budget on a case.

I recommend a cooler master . On newegg it is listed as:

Cooler Master Model# ATC-201C-SXK(Silver) All Aluminum Mid-Tower PC Case - Retail

You need to order a PSU with it though. A Antec PSU would go well. But look at the pic's and you can see the huge difference. The frustration the case will save you alone is worth the money. And it comes with 3 case fans unlike your mini-tower. The case is like a wind tunnel. No worries of over heating with this case.