building a comp for friend

[Corporate Thug]

looking to build a gaming comp for a buddy, with a $800 budget

here is the newegg wishlist:

DFI ULTRA: $129
Venice 300+: $146
NEC 3520: $42
Corsair value select (2X512) $80
Tsunami w/420W PSU $120
Seagate SATA 200 GB $111

for the time being, he will be using onboard sound until he gets some funds for an Audigy2

i will add a X800XL (ATI) for $179 (thru ATi accomodation program), making the total exactly $800

comments? suggestions?

 

[KoolDrew]

You suck at linking. Just list the components and prices.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
You suck at linking. Just list the components and prices.

done

 

[KoolDrew]

Everything looks good except the Tsunami w/420W PSU. I dislike the case (it is personal preference really though) and their PSU's are average. It may be fine if he is not overclocking, but I personally would get a better PSU.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Everything looks good except the Tsunami w/420W PSU. I dislike the case (it is personal preference really though) and their PSU's are average. It may be fine if he is not overclocking, but I personally would get a better PSU.

no overclocking, he seemed to like the case

any recommendations for a case and psu in the $120 range

 

[GuitarDaddy]

If no overclocking the DFI mobo is a waste. Save some bucks and get another NF4 for $100 or less

 

[KoolDrew]

I agree with getting rid of the DFi board since he is not overclocking. I would recommend the Chaintech VNF4 Ultra. As for the case and PSU I really like the Cooler Master Centurion 5. It is $50 at newegg. That leaves $70 for a very good PSU.

 

[Spike]

The TT psu's are decent, especially without overclocking. My TT 480 has stable rails and works great, especially for $50. That case is a great case but if you want to get one without a PSU take a look at the seasonics and lower power Antec's (350-400 range). That would be more than enough power and can be had for $50-70 range.

Other than that the system looks great. I am not vastly familier with CPU prices so if the older core A64's are cheaper than a venice you might want to go with them. From my understanding the venice has SSE3 and can oc better but if oc is not an issue it would not be worth any extra money.

-spike

 

[Corporate Thug]

nice, the coolermaster it is

the thing is that he wants to keep the door open for overclocking in the future, thats why i went with the DFI

 

[KoolDrew]

Since he will be keeping the door open for overclocking definitely get a quality PSu. I would get a Fortron 500w Blue Storm. It would be great for that setup.

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Since he will be keeping the door open for overclocking definitely get a quality PSu. I would get a Fortron 500w Blue Storm. It would be great for that setup.

Yah, if you want to do serious oc'ing the tt will not take it. Those fortrons are decent, though not quite up with the OCZ and Antec's (in my experience). He should be able to do some pushing of that venice no prob

 

[KoolDrew]

Nobody gives you more for your money then Fortron and he wanted the case+PSU to equal around $120. For around $70 that Fortron is the best IMO.

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Nobody gives you more for your money then Fortron and he wanted the case+PSU to equal around $120. For around $70 that Fortron is the best IMO.

I beg to differ, all you have to do is watch the sales. I have a Antec Smartpower 500watt (modular cabling, 17a 12v1, 19a 12v2) that I got for $70 out the door and I am waiting on my $20 rebate. You can't beat $50 for that nice of a PSU.

-spike