Components for my new computer - Please Look!

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agrall

Senior member
Jun 1, 2000
326
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I am planning on building a new computer in a couple of weeks... my current system is starting to die off a little bit. I already have the new 19" flat-screen CRT, so I am looking to build the main system. Here is what I am thinking of so far, along with current prices: (all prices include shipping)

  • case + PS: Antec SX840 $117
  • m-board: Gigabyte 8irxp $127
  • processor: P4 1.8a $170
  • memory: Samsung 256 MB PC2700 $82
  • hard drive: 60 GB Maxtor ATA-133 7200 RPM $94
  • video card: GF4 4400 $242
  • cpu fan: Sunflower $34
  • mouse: MS Optical Intellimouse $27
  • keyboard: MS Internet Keyboard $27
  • scsi card: Tekram PCI $16
  • thermal paste: Arctic silver $12
  • speakers: Logitech Z540 $64
  • sound card: SB Live $29
  • OS: Win XP Pro Upgrade $89

I am going to reuse the DVD/CD-RW from my current set-up. I plan to overclock the P4 1.8a to ~2.4 GHz. What do you guys think? Any recommendations? Any better bargains? Any good reason to go AMD instead?

Is there a better motherboard option? There are so many P4 chipsets...

One other thing I am considering is trying out the sound on the motherboard before ordering the SB Live...

Thanks for any advice!
 
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Spikey289

Senior member
May 20, 2002
291
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What kind of monitor did you get? I am looking to purchase a new monitor 17inch NEC Accuview.
 
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foofoo

Golden Member
Mar 5, 2001
1,344
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hi,
looks good,
you can get the pny gf4 4400 through the anandtech deal at tcwo for $229 + $6.95 shipping if you want.
enjoy it
 
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elekid

Member
Feb 18, 2002
191
0
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Nice, but the fan may not be needed, in most cases with that setuo. the Antec has fans, and the p4 comes with with a heatsink, and make the jump for 512 ram if u can, its well worth it and will be required soon.
 
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psy44

Banned
May 20, 2002
513
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The system is allright, the sound really sux but the rest is allright. Antec makes good cases. Tell me what you think of the Maxtor if you get it, I'm planning on getting a Seagate or IBM(even though they are discontinued). Where do you get Win XP pro for $89 dont u mean Win XP pro $189?
 
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agrall

Senior member
Jun 1, 2000
326
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0
Originally posted by: psy44
The system is allright, the sound really sux but the rest is allright. Antec makes good cases. Tell me what you think of the Maxtor if you get it, I'm planning on getting a Seagate or IBM(even though they are discontinued). Where do you get Win XP pro for $89 dont u mean Win XP pro $189?
Click to expand...

What would you recommend different for sound?

I can get Win XP Pro Upgrade Academic because I am a teacher...
 
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LordAccord

Senior member
Jan 17, 2002
457
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I also back up the jump to 512mb.... I would recommend an upgrade in the speakers, but I honestly dont care about sound quality...I run it through my home digital suround sound system if I really need the audio....

LoRdAccord
 
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agrall

Senior member
Jun 1, 2000
326
0
0
Originally posted by: LordAccord
I also back up the jump to 512mb.... I would recommend an upgrade in the speakers, but I honestly dont care about sound quality...I run it through my home digital suround sound system if I really need the audio....

LoRdAccord
Click to expand...

Yah... I know all about that... I'm a huge home theater nut. I'm just looking for an upgrade from my current system (2 generic speakers) for gaming... I won't be watching movies or anything on my computer. That's what the 50" widescreen HDTV and Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 system is for... :)

I'll consider a sound upgrade, though... I'll also very possibly upgrade to 512 MB memory.
 
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xynder

Member
Jan 23, 2002
197
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Get the 4200 and get Z560's. You won't really notice the difference between a 4200 and a 4400 (unless you have superhuman eyes that can perceive a 5-10 FPS difference at speeds over 100 FPS), but you WILL notice a HUGE difference between the Z540's and Z560's.

Just don't have the bass on the Z560's at maximum. First off, you'll blow out your eardrums and your ribcage will cave in. Second off, the amp will keep feeding the woofer power until it destroys itself. So keep the bass at 3/4 or less (MORE THAN ENOUGH UNLESS YOU'RE SUICIDAL!)
 
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agrall

Senior member
Jun 1, 2000
326
0
0
Originally posted by: xynder
Get the 4200 and get Z560's. You won't really notice the difference between a 4200 and a 4400 (unless you have superhuman eyes that can perceive a 5-10 FPS difference at speeds over 100 FPS), but you WILL notice a HUGE difference between the Z540's and Z560's.

Just don't have the bass on the Z560's at maximum. First off, you'll blow out your eardrums and your ribcage will cave in. Second off, the amp will keep feeding the woofer power until it destroys itself. So keep the bass at 3/4 or less (MORE THAN ENOUGH UNLESS YOU'RE SUICIDAL!)
Click to expand...

Thing is... the price between a 128 MB 4200 and a 4400 right now is minimal...
 
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Zukatah

Senior member
Mar 10, 2002
391
0
0
For the mobo, you should also look for the GA-8RSX that is based on the SiS 645 chipset. The people over at asusboards really like this board and it's cheaper too !
 
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Strych9

Golden Member
May 5, 2000
1,614
0
76
I personally don't like Gigabyte mobo's
Click to expand...
That was helpful.

I too would recommend bumping up the RAM to 512MB. Also take a look at a sound card like the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz. A few more bux but a better sound card.
 
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LordAccord

Senior member
Jan 17, 2002
457
0
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Originally posted by: agrall


Yah... I know all about that... I'm a huge home theater nut. I'm just looking for an upgrade from my current system (2 generic speakers) for gaming... I won't be watching movies or anything on my computer. That's what the 50" widescreen HDTV and Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 system is for... :)
Click to expand...

You will soon find out that you only THOUGHT the HT was for movies..... but I can find multiple reasons to get a video card with TV out and a sound card with SPDIF.......

Just wait....DivX movies on an HDTV with digital surround......
HalfLife CS on an HDTV with digital surround....
MOHAA on an HDTV with digital surround....

Well, you get the picture... :)

LoRdAccord
 
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agrall

Senior member
Jun 1, 2000
326
0
0
Ok... I have updated a few options... any more input?

  • m-board: Gigabyte 8irxp $127 or Epox 4BDA2+ $128
  • processor: P4 1.6a $129
  • memory: Samsung 512 MB PC2700 $157
  • sound card: SB Live $29 or Santa Cruz $63

I'm still not necessarily inclined to change the speaker system for double the price, as I'm sure this is already a major improvement over what I have, and should be good enough for gaming...

Any new remarks? Which way would you go where I have 2 options?
 
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