building a new system

[cesto]

Hey all, a while back I was going to upgrade my system (only a few parts). The old thread is here: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...hreadid=1422564&enterthread=y&arctab=y

I did not get around to updating but now it's time. The old system is being passed to other family members and I'm starting from scratch.

my scope is the same. i don't do any gaming and the most CPU intensive stuff woudl be multimedia stuff (video making, dvd burning etc.). Before I was on a budget of about $500. Now since I'm updating everything I'm expanding the budget to double or a little more if need be. I'm basically looking for rather new stuff (not the latest of the latest because I don't see the money being spent justified). Having that said, what do you guys recommend? From a previous thread it seems I'm leaning towards a seasonic psu . I'd also like my processor to be AMD (not Intel)...so other than that, let's here some recomendations!

thanks!

 

[cesto]

did i leave out any info for you guys?

to make things easier, ignore the link above...here is a cust and paste of the current system:

Current System:
ASUS 87V8X 333Mhz mobo
AMD XP 2200+
Gainward Geforce Ti 4200 128mb video card
512mb Crucial RAM
Creative labs Audigy sound card.

 

[erwos]

Hmm. Simple problem is that a Socket A motherboard is rather limited for CPU upgrades.

1. Recommend you kick up the mobo to an nForce4 Ultra of some sort (Lanparty?), and get an A64 3800+. That's about $500 right there, maybe $550.
2. Get 2gb of PC3200 DDR - on a four DIMM mobo, you can do this for $150 if you're not picky about timings.
3. A good mid-range video card these days is the 256mb 6600. XFX has a dual DVI + HDTV variant running in the $130 range on Newegg.
4. Save the sound card. Not worth it to get an X-Fi. If you handed it off, just use the onboard stuff.
5. Pump whatever's left into a decent DVD-RW and hard drive(s).

-Erwos

 

[segdmd]

I am in the same boat. I am going to get an nForce4 ultra board. haven't decided on the cpu. I am looking to go upto no higher than a 4000+. Also can't decide on a vid card.

 

[cesto]

thanks for your reply. I have a few questions for yah.

should i get the dual core processor?
regardless of the processor, should I get the amd heat sink with it or some other brand?

as far as the sound card goes. believe it or not, i noticed a differnce from the onboard sound versus the sound card. i watch movies via my projector and godo sound is key and very much a high priority. i wonder if the same will hold true for the mobo you recommended.

 

[kleinwl]

If you are willing to spend $1500 on a system then do dual core/X-fi. Otherwise, save you money, buy a Venice 3000+ and a Aud 2... or live with onboard for a while.

For $1000, you can put together a nice system
Venice 3000+ ($150)
Epox 9npa+ ($100)
2 GB OCZ Value ($200)
X800 ($200)
Hitachi T7K250 ($100)
Aud 2 ($70)
Antec Solution ($80)
Benq DW1640 ($40)

 

[mike3uz]

I would get the X2. (Dual core CPU). Your multi tasking will be much better. Ignore the Anti X2 people since the X2 will really benefit you. I would get an Audigy 2 ZS oem or an X-FI. X-fi is good if you love headphones. I would get 2 GB of Ram. I hope this helps. Well an aftermarket heatsink is good if you want a quiet system. A big typhoon or an XP-90 would be good. XP-90 should be bundled with an 92 mm fan and some Arctic Silver 5. Any Ati or Nvidia midrange card would be great. I would also recommend the ASRock or Epox Mobo. I hope this helps.

 

[pkme2]

:thumbsup:

Check out my rig as a example. I built it to handle my video work, but you can adjust it to meet your needs.

All parts were purchased from eBay over several years, but a major update this past month cost almost a $1000.

You can build a better unit, but at least you have a mid-ranged version to consider. Happy upgrading.