CPU/Mobo determined...lacking other parts

[guynexdoor]

I'm building a PC for the first time. I've decided to go with a 600 dollar budget...That's enough right since I don't need to buy a monitor...and I can probably keep my old HD

So I decided:

Athlon 64 3000+ $160.00 zipzoomfly.com Retail ( I saw the OEM version somewhere for $104 on pcprogess.com I think, and so I might get that and get my own heatsink/fan, any suggestions?)
Mobo: MSI K8 Neo Platinum w/the nvidia 3 chipset

I want to get 1gig of RAM, but I figure any RAM will do right? As long as I have 2 sticks of 512mb
I dont know what vcard to get as I'm not in touch with what the latest is out there. I'm gonna be using this computer for internet and games.

I am also spending way too much time on the case, as I want a nice, but simple one that comes with a PS. I'm thinking 400w is good enough. I'd spend 80 dollars on a case that has PS, and some fans.

Oh yeah, I read something about getting 120mm fans...so is that determined by my case, or I can choose what I want?

Thanks for the input.

 

[Nickel020]

At that budget the 9800 PRo 128 MB is the best value (make sure the memory interface is 256 Bit!). AGP versions of the 6600GT and the X700XT will probably not be available for 6 to 8 weeks.
The case needs to be made 120mm fans, they are quieter at the same cfm than 80mm fans.
The best heatsink out there is the Thermalright XP-120 which is the only one that takes a 120mm fan. Great for silencing or overclocking. If you want to save some money get the OEM CPU and get a Zalman CNPS 700A AlCu heatsink for about $30 - best value hsf out there.

 

[guynexdoor]

"(make sure the memory interface is 256 Bit!)"

what do you mean by that?

 

[Gurck]

There're a few companies offering 9800 "pros" with 128bit memory bandwidth for a few dollars less; this crippled card has a much worse price/performance ratio than a "real" 9800pro. Just look for a 128mb, 256bit 9800pro from a reputable vendor and you'll be fine. And I'd do a search here for "MSI", you might be amazed at how many ATers have had problems with their mainboards.

 

[ts3433]

Swap the MSI board for the either the Chaintech VNF3-250 or the Soltek SL-K8AN2E-GR. Both of these are <$100 and will suffice if you don't overclock to the point where you'd need the DFI and/or don't need a 1394 port.
For a case I recommend the Antec SLK3700AMB--you should be fine with its Antec 350W unit. It has 120mm fans too. Great if you're not looking for something that's pre-blinged.
RAM: Just some CL2.5 Corsair Value Select PC3200 should be just fine. The A64 will not benefit from low (CL2.0) latencies at all.

And maybe reconsider buying the chip from PC Progress. Their reseller rating is around 5.8. Use Newegg or ZZF. You'll be fine with a retail HSF if you're not overclocking or only doing some mild playing around.

 

[masshass81]

Pretty much what ts3433 said.. They got an A64 2800+ and the Chaintech mobo combo for $209 with a free copy of FarCry at mwave.com.. Dunno if they still have it, but it was less than two weeks ago when I saw the deal. Definitely go with the corsair, great value memory, they sell a gig for around $150 :thumbsup: