Building system and need input

Reisooh · Jan 22, 2005

I took what I could from the most recent "Anandtech January Mid-range buyers guide" I'm open to any opinions.

This will be the second computer I've put together, the first one was a intel 1.8Ghz about 3 years ago.

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Processor Socket 939 Retail

I don't plan on using the SLI feature, I just wanted the nForce4 chipset.
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe nForce4 SLI Audio/GB-LAN/IEEE/USB/PCI-E/SATA/DDR/ATX 64 939

This Ram is about $100 dollars higher than cheaper stuff, is it worth the money?
Patriot Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MB x 2) DDR PC-3200 w/ XBL Technology

Is this power supply any good? Might go with the 6600gt video and save 100 dollars, then I'd get an Antec power supply.
BFG Power Bundle - 6800GT/550-Watt Power Supply/Doom3

Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6B300S0 300GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/16MB Buffer

NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Black, Model ND-3520A BK

Will the 2 fans this case comes with be enough?
Antec Performance Plus Series PlusView1000AMG SOHO File Server

NEC 1.44MB Black Internal Floppy Drive

I mainly use headphones so I might use the onboard sound and for-go a sound card.

bovinda · Jan 23, 2005

What CPU are you going to use?

From reading around here, I've gotten the impression it's better to save the money by getting some value RAM and use it on a CPU upgrade. Here's a good thread on a comparison between value and more expensive RAM: http://forums.anandtech.com/me...rd1=RAM+AND+comparison

SrGuapo · Jan 23, 2005

Intead of the SLI, why not just get a good nForce4 Ultra? Availability is getting a little better and new boards are eing released.

That graphics card is an awsome deal. Most 6800gts PCI-e are selling for more than that, without a PSU or Doom3. I have never heard any reports on the quality of BFG PSUs (possibly just a rebranded something)?, but BFG is a great company.

Get a gig of value RAM. you will not notice any difference in speed. The link in bovinda's post will demonstrate that. That DVD is a good choice. I just got for my new build and it is fast. It is arguably the best DVDRW out there and is also one of the cheapest.

BTW - the onboard on the nForce4 is exceptional.

slash196 · Jan 23, 2005

Big-time no to the Maxtor. I have nothing but heresay to back it up, but I've heard Maxtor sata drives have some...issues. Seagate rocks MY socks, so I'd suggest getting one of those, instead.

Reisooh · Jan 23, 2005

Would this be considered "good value Ram"?

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=20-146-299&ATT=Memory+System+Memory&CMP=OTC-dealram">Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail
</a>

RalphTheCow · Jan 23, 2005

$190 for an SLI motherboard seems like too much if you aren't going to use SLI.

And I would probably go with the 3000+ at half the price.

Reisooh · Jan 23, 2005

In regards to Motherboards with the Nforce4 it looks like I only have 3 options, one of which is listed above and the other 2 are listed below. Are all 3 of these equally good boards since I won't be using the SLI?

Chaintech VNF4/Ultra ZENITH VE Athlon 64(FX)/Sempron Skt939 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, Gigabig LAN, RAID/Serial ATA Retail

G-BYTE GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard Athlon64/64 FX , Socket 939, nForce4 4X, ATX, 4GB DDR

Waylay00 · Jan 23, 2005

If not overclocking, get Corsair Value RAM. And BTW, that 6800GT is not PCI-e.

Waylay00 · Jan 23, 2005

Oh yeah, the new DFI NF4 boards are supposed to start being shipped this week to the states. You might wanna check that out. They have an NF4 Ultra (No-SLI) that is supposed to sell for about $150.

Reisooh · Jan 23, 2005

"If not overclocking, get Corsair Value RAM. And BTW, that 6800GT is not PCI-e."

I wondered about that, it says "PCI Express Support" but also says "AGP 8x". I take it the term "PCI Express Support" is different from a PCI Express video card?

bluewall21 · Jan 23, 2005

Originally posted by: Reisooh

Would this be considered "good value Ram"?

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=20-146-299&ATT=Memory+System+Memory&CMP=OTC-dealram">Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail
</a>

Yes.

Waylay00 · Jan 23, 2005

Originally posted by: Reisooh
"If not overclocking, get Corsair Value RAM. And BTW, that 6800GT is not PCI-e."

I wondered about that, it says "PCI Express Support" but also says "AGP 8x". I take it the term "PCI Express Support" is different from a PCI Express video card?

When it says PCI-Express support, it is talking about the PSU. Very misleading, and I would understand why someone would get confused with this.

flamingspinach · Jan 23, 2005

Originally posted by: Reisooh
"If not overclocking, get Corsair Value RAM. And BTW, that 6800GT is not PCI-e."

I wondered about that, it says "PCI Express Support" but also says "AGP 8x". I take it the term "PCI Express Support" is different from a PCI Express video card?

The "PCI Express Support" may have been referring to the PSU that comes with it.

-fs

Waylay00 · Jan 23, 2005

Lol, Spinach, we posted at the same time about the same question.

Reisooh · Jan 23, 2005

Thanks for the headsup on the video card, any suggestions on another?

Since the video/PSU deal won't work it looks like i'll go with this case;
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=140108">Antec Performance Plus Series Plus1080AMG Soho File Server Case (Metallic Gray) Retail
w/430W Power Supply
</a>

I have 2 questions on this case;
Is the 430 watt plenty of power?
Will this work with a PCI-e card and AMD processor?

Waylay00 · Jan 23, 2005

I reccomend buying the PSU separately, but I'm sure that one will suffice, as it is an Antec. You may want to consider buying the PSU separately though, as I said. If you do, get an Enermax, Fortron, OCZ, or one of Antec's higher quality PSU's.

jterrell · Jan 23, 2005

Get the 6600 GT from Leadtek. The extreme is like 214 at newegg.
I couldn't find the 6800 GT in stock for anything reasonable.
I had the 6800 on order but after 2 weeks just cancelled it and got the 6600GT and am having great perfomance with high marks on all the 3D benches.

I'd go with value ram as it seems to make little difference right now if youi have to run dividers to OC a64's.

I ended up spending about 500 less than I had planned so was able to shift that to other purchases and have been completely satisfied with my build.

Reisooh · Jan 24, 2005

Oh yeah, the new DFI NF4 boards are supposed to start being shipped this week to the states. You might wanna check that out. They have an NF4 Ultra (No-SLI) that is supposed to sell for about $150.

I can't find any projected shipping dates for the DFI board, anyone have a link?

flamingspinach · Jan 24, 2005

Originally posted by: Waylay00
Lol, Spinach, we posted at the same time about the same question.

Heh

Well, that's what happens in SUPER SPEEDY FORUMS AAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! :laugh:

-fs

Waylay00 · Jan 24, 2005

Check out this.
http://forums.extremeoverclock...howthread.php?t=151790

in regards to the DFI.

Building system and need input

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