Complete new build..suggestions, comments?

[Shortass]

I've been researching for quite a while and I've come up with a complete computer system I intend to build. I want to overclock the 2.0GHz processor to about 2.4GHz and have chosen my parts to help ensure this. Though I'm fairly sure about this, I'd still like some opinions or suggestions on the comptuer to see if I should change anything or if it's all set. I want to play some pretty intense games, and I'm pretty sure this will accomplish that.

AMD 64 3000+ retail box - $223.00
Chaintech "VNF3-250" motherboard - $100
1 gig Muskin PC3500 Level One - $259
Western Digital Raptor 74 gig 10,000 rpm serial - $212
Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro - $204
Lite-On Black 52X32X52X16 - $49
Sony Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive - $13
Antec P-160WF (2 120mm fans) - $120
Antec True430 - $60
Logitech BLACK Optical Desktop - $24
Altec Lansing 221 2.1 Speaker System - $40

Total: $1303

This is all from newegg.com and doesn't include shipping.

 

[DaNorthface]

the altec lansing speakers are at staples for today and tomorrow for $10 after rebate.. i'm builidng a new system too.. i'm planning on getting an abit nf7-s and barton 2600+ mobile.. It should be $180 total for the mobo and cpu. I'm wondering is it worth it to have the 64? The mobile barton should overclock to 2400-2500 mhz and it'll have a PR rating of 3600-3800+... A AMD64 at 2400 mhz would be a PR of 4000+.. Not much of a difference, except in price.

 

[DaNorthface]

also, i don't know it this is only for old A64 chips, but don't they die easily when overclocking??

 

[Shortass]

Not only does the 64 process better than the Bartons, it will be compatable with near future software and will take advantage of the 64-bit programs that come out. As of now there are none that i know of, at least retail, but i don't want to have to upgrade again in a year.

 

[SneakyStuff]

You won't. 32 bit is going to be around for some time to come. It's impossible for it to be phased out THAT quickly.

 

[Shortass]

I know, but I might as well be ahead of the technology curve. I don't really plan on spending much more on this computer for maybe 2 or 3 years, and there will be some programs that come out that I can take advantage of. It may sort of be a waste, but it will at least be fast.

 

[Shortass]

Also, should I buy 2 optical drives as oppossed to having a combo drive? If so, what do you reccommend?

 

[myocardia]

Whether you buy two optical drives or a combo drive is up to you and your accountant , but you're going to need a power supply with quite a bit more +12v power than a TruePower 430 has, since you're going to be trying to hit 2.4-2.5 ghz. This is what I'd get if I were you (I'll personally be ordering one very soon): link to Enermax for 465PE for ~$79. It has 33 amps on the 12v rail.

 

[Illissius]

1. I'd get ADATA Vitesta PC4000 for the memory. They're /cheaper/ than the 3500 Mushkins, are rated higher, and I've heard good things about them overclockingwise as well. Besides, to get 2.4GHz you'll need 240FSB, so they'll fit right in.

2. Do your best to get a CG revision A64, you'll have a better chance of reaching 2.4GHz with them. DTRs are supposedly all CGs, but there may or may not be issues with the motherboard supporting them, dunno, you'll have to look into it. You might also want to check out the A64 mobiles which have shown up at newegg, but again, same thing applies. If you're lucky you could probably get one of those to 2.5GHz. Stick with the standard A64 if you want to play it safe, though, but you'll have less of a chance for your goal of 2.4GHz.

3. I hope you didn't intend to do this with stock cooling... get a Thermalright SLK948U with a fan of choice, or a Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu. Personally I like the Zalman, but tastes differ.

4. If you want to overclock your 9800 Pro as well, consider a Zalman ZM80C-HP + OP1 or an Arctic Cooling VGA Silencer. No idea which one is better. There's a D revision coming for the Zalman and a Rev. 2 for the Arctic, but I didn't see either at newegg.

 

[Dufrane]

If you are going to overclock do not go with stock cooling.