Building a new computer.

[Wiscow]

Howdy! I have finished my research and selected all the parts I want for my computer. This will be the first computer I will build. I feel I do have good quality parts. But please look over my selection and let me know of any problems and/or issues.

CPU: AMD Athlon XP 1800 (OEM)

Heatsink: Thermal right SK6 (With out a delta fan)
Thermalpast: Artic Silver 3

Motherboard: MSI KT3 ULTRA-ARU (KT333)

Memory DDR: Kingston KVR333X64C25512 (512 mb)

Power Supply: Enermax EG301p-VB 300w

Videocard: MSI Geforce 4 Ti4400-VTD

Networkcard: Netgear FA312

Harddrive: Western Digital Caviar
WD600BB 7200rpm 60GB

CDRW: Teac CD-W540E (40x)

DVD-ROM: Pioneer DVD-116 (16x)

Case: Lian-Li PC-7USB

Keyboard: Logitech Cordless Keyboard

Mouse: Microsoft Intell Mouse Explorer 3

Soundcard: none (MSI has sound on it which will be fine for me to start with)

Monitor: Taking a trip to Best Buy etc. and having a look. Sofar I like the Sonys

Speakers: Some Best Buy deal.

OS: Windows 2000 (I have it already)

 

[bozo1]

I would make the following changes, but PLEASE keep in mind that what you are going to read here are only SUGGESTIONS, and many of them coming from uninformed people:

Look at the Thermalright AX7 for an HSF if it will fit on that board. (Mobo forum here has a list going for what boards it fits on.)

If you are purchasing a new powersupply, I wouldn't go 300w. Look at the Enermax 330/431 or Antec 330/400.

(not a gamer, can't comment on video card)

WD makes good drives, I have no problem with that choice.

What's a Lian-Li PC-7? Never heard of it, Lian-Li's website has no referance about it.

 

[Grendel99]

I would recommend at LEAST a 400watt powersupply considering you are getting such a nice rig. You don't want to skimp on the powersupply. I second the Thermalright AX-7 heatsink. Same company as the SK-6, just larger and works better. Also it uses 80mm fans as opposed to the sk6's 60mm fans. Therefore you can have higher CFM's with lower dba's. Trust me, your ears will be thankful!

EDIT: I think he means the PC70 case.

 

[tenoc]

Good choices except for psu, as mentioned.

For the monitor, don't skimp on real estate - 19" minimum, 21" if you
possibly can, with a flat screen. Your eyes will thank you!

Have fun!

 

[Jeff H]

Wiscow, I'll echo the p.s. change. Don't scrimp on that component. Get a 400w Enermax or Antec. Re a monitor, if you're going to Best Buy, check out the Samsung 955DF - a very good monitor for the $$. Re speakers, again, don't scrimp. If you haven't heard good computer speakers you might be surprised. BB sells the Logitech series, which are very good. They also sell the Klipsch series, which IMO are better. I've read a few forum articles recently on Logitech's disintegrating, but that has to come from excessively high (and continous) play levels. FWIW I have the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1's, and they are something to hear.

 

[Strych9]

Have a look at the Antec True Power power supplies. These things are really nice and very quiet.

 

[RaiderJ]

I agree with the previous posters on the power supplies, but check out Sparkle along with Antec, they can be priced better. Do go for a 400 watt PSU if you can, the investment will be worth the extra cash.

For your burner, depending on how much copying you want to do, check out CD Freaks for an in depth review of lots of burners. That way you can make sure the drive you are purchasing will make good copies of what you want to back up.

 

[Wiscow]

HSF: After taking a look at price differences of the SK6 vs. the AX7 I have change my mind. The AX7 has three clips and supprt for an 80mm fan.

PSU: A 400w is twice the cost of a 300w is it worth it? I decided antec brand because another topic raves about it being less noisy then Enermax.

PC-7 USB
Directron has it for $119. It is like the PC-60 USB but without the slidout modo tray and psu tray. Also the trap door for the usb is not clear.

Teac is a noisy drive to some, but from most reviews it is quality.

Thank you all!

 

[TheCorm]

300w would just about be able to power that rig I think, thanks to the XP's reduced power demands but you might want to consider a 350w if you don't want to pay the premium for the 400w.

Corm

 

[Wiscow]

What Fan should I use on my Heatsink? I don't want to use delta because I hear they are loud! I want to have it be three pin so my mobo can read rpm.
I proable will not overclock very heavly.
I will beplaying games and running intensive programs.