Check out my new computer build

[imported_Hamlet2000]

Building my first computer for my 27th birthday - here are the final items I have purchased. Prices include shipping and tax:

$190 Athlon64 '3200+' (Socket 939), retail
$108 Epox 9NPA Ultra Motherboard
$249 Connect3D X800XL PciE Video Card
$103 2x512 mb G.Skill F1-3200PHU2-1GBZX Latency 2 DDR Ram
$117 Antec TX1050B Performance case w/500 w. SmartPower II PSU
$75 Windows XP Pro Upgrade license
$55 Thermalright XP-90, Panaflo 92mm, Panaflo 80mm fans, and Arctic Silver 5
$40 Hitachi 160 GB 8mb cache PATA hard drive
$46 NEC 16X 3520A DVD+RW

Total $983


I think this is a pretty good setup for under $1000 - I'm looking to do some basic overclocking to get some extra FPS in Half-Life 2. . .

Let me know what you think.

 

[imported_Kensai]

8/10. Opt for an MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum if you want some good light overclocking.

 

[imported_Hamlet2000]

In my research I found that the Epox boards are extremely stable and still good for basic overclock - Anandtech had an article a few weeks a ago that rated this board just below the DFI for overclocking potential - so that's the direction I went. It is also about $20 cheaper than the MSI board which was another important factor.

 

[GuileVsGuile]

What is G. Skill?...Never heard of that RAM manufacturer.
Go for a SATA drive if you're only gonna get 1 hdd.
I agree with Kensai on the mobo issue.

Other than that, you're lookin alright...

 

[Hacp]

Try OcZ value vx. They use WInbound untested ram, and you can generally get 2-2-2-6 timings with 2.9 volts.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

VX'll only run on DFI because of it's insane volts. Corsair ValueSelect should be good enough.
Epox got better overclocks than the MSI I thought, looking at Anand's review.
The Hitachi.... well, try a WD or a Seagate instead for reliability.
As for the NEC, Anand found the BenQ to be a better burner.

-TPG