Final System Specs... need advice

[BeauJangles]

Well guys, after weeks of debating I've settled on two different configs. I will primarily use this computer for moderate gaming, web surfing, some image editing, etc (basically a little of everything). My parents are buying this for me as a graduation present, so I can technically spend as much money as i want. (to be resonable, I'm trying to keep it all under $2,000).


Config 1:

Pioneer DVD burner 4x
(2x) KINGSTON KVR400X64C25/512 512MB 400MHz DDR PC3200
Aopen AX4C Max
Microsoft Intelli-Mouse Explorer
Intel Pentium 4 / 2.8 GHz
Audigy 2
FIC Radeon 9500 Pro
TV LEADTEK WINFAST "DELUXE" TV2000XP
(2x) 120 gig WD drives for RAID 0

Total: $1560 (without monitor)


Config 2:

Pioneer DVD burner 4x
(2x) KINGSTON KVR400X64C25/512 512MB 400MHz DDR PC3200
Aopen AX4C Max
Microsoft Intelli-Mouse Explorer
Intel Pentium 4 / 3.0 GHz 800 mhz FSB
Audigy 2
FIC Radeon 9500 Pro
TV LEADTEK WINFAST "DELUXE" TV2000XP
120 gig WD drive

Total: $1515 (without monitor)


Anyway, the only real difference is the processor and HDD size. I want to stick with a canterwood board even if I don't go 800 mhz FSB and the Aopen seems to fit what I want pretty well..

I just wanted to say that I also have a case and powersupply. I also don't really want to go back to AMD, unless someone can give me a compelling argument to do so.

Let me know what you guys think. Btw, all prices are from newegg.com

 

[Shimmishim]

Nice specs there.... what processor you plan on getting?

so you ask about going back to AMD huh?

well...

I mean if you have the money, go with the P4 but don't count the amd systems out....

There are a lot of hype going on these days with the new (since about january) revision B's of the thoroughbred processors more specifically the 1700, 1800, and 2100+... the most impressive are the 1700+'s... they run at a stock 1.47 ghz but can be overclocked into the range of 2.4 to 2.5 ghz (over a 1 ghz overclock).... at relatively low voltages (well high compared to the p4's) and all on air...

Another thing is that building an AMD system will cost A LOT less money but as i stated before... if ya got the money, then you might as well spend it!

Seems also that the new 2.4C HT enabled 800 fsb p4's are going to be GREAT overclockers as well... there are reports these things are hitting 3.6 to 3.9 ghz from the stock 2.4

so yeah... go with the pentium but just letting you know that building an AMD system would be just as great as well...

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: Shimmishim
Nice specs there.... what processor you plan on getting?

so you ask about going back to AMD huh?

well...

I mean if you have the money, go with the P4 but don't count the amd systems out....

There are a lot of hype going on these days with the new (since about january) revision B's of the thoroughbred processors more specifically the 1700, 1800, and 2100+... the most impressive are the 1700+'s... they run at a stock 1.47 ghz but can be overclocked into the range of 2.4 to 2.5 ghz (over a 1 ghz overclock).... at relatively low voltages (well high compared to the p4's) and all on air...

Another thing is that building an AMD system will cost A LOT less money but as i stated before... if ya got the money, then you might as well spend it!

Seems also that the new 2.4C HT enabled 800 fsb p4's are going to be GREAT overclockers as well... there are reports these things are hitting 3.6 to 3.9 ghz from the stock 2.4

so yeah... go with the pentium but just letting you know that building an AMD system would be just as great as well...

Yeah, I have an AMD system now, and I can't say that I have been dissapointed. WIth this system I want 100% stability, so no overclocking (or very minimal). I currently run my XP1700 @ about 2100 speeds and have never had any problems, but for some reason I just want a normal, non overclocked system (at least to start ).

As for the 2.4 HT chips, does anyone know when they are due out? If they come out in the $300 price range I think I can get both the higher speed AND the bigger drives

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber

Originally posted by: Shimmishim
Nice specs there.... what processor you plan on getting?

so you ask about going back to AMD huh?

well...

I mean if you have the money, go with the P4 but don't count the amd systems out....

There are a lot of hype going on these days with the new (since about january) revision B's of the thoroughbred processors more specifically the 1700, 1800, and 2100+... the most impressive are the 1700+'s... they run at a stock 1.47 ghz but can be overclocked into the range of 2.4 to 2.5 ghz (over a 1 ghz overclock).... at relatively low voltages (well high compared to the p4's) and all on air...

Another thing is that building an AMD system will cost A LOT less money but as i stated before... if ya got the money, then you might as well spend it!

Seems also that the new 2.4C HT enabled 800 fsb p4's are going to be GREAT overclockers as well... there are reports these things are hitting 3.6 to 3.9 ghz from the stock 2.4

so yeah... go with the pentium but just letting you know that building an AMD system would be just as great as well...

Yeah, I have an AMD system now, and I can't say that I have been dissapointed. WIth this system I want 100% stability, so no overclocking (or very minimal). I currently run my XP1700 @ about 2100 speeds and have never had any problems, but for some reason I just want a normal, non overclocked system (at least to start ).

As for the 2.4 HT chips, does anyone know when they are due out? If they come out in the $300 price range I think I can get both the higher speed AND the bigger drives

they are out in japan already..... dunno when it's due out in the US... but man... 3.6 at stock voltage is INCREDIBLE!!!

please tell me that you'd overclock it just a little?

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: Shimmishim

they are out in japan already..... dunno when it's due out in the US... but man... 3.6 at stock voltage is INCREDIBLE!!!

please tell me that you'd overclock it just a little?

maybe a litte

 

[Shimmishim]

please say when you mean a little you mean like 1.2 ghz

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Well, in that price range you could get the 2.4ghz cpu with HT AND a raid card so you could have a raid setup with those 2x 120gb drives. You may even want to buy something like 4 80GB drives for the same price or maybe 60GB drives and do a Raid 1+0 configuration so you get the speed and reliability for Raid 0 and Raid 1, respectively.

I would strongly reccomend a cpu with Hyper Threading because it will make your CPU last longer because as programs become optimized for HT, you may not need an upgrade as soon as if you went with a 2.4ghz cpu with OUT HT.

 

[BeauJangles]

Thanks for all the advice so far guys!

Anyone got any suggestions as to whether I should keep the Pioneer burner (which is a - burner) or go for something else?

 

[Krk3561]

Get config 2 except with an Abit IC7 instead of the Aopen and get NIC if you need one because the IC7 doesnt have one. You'll save some money and get a better board too.

 

[TonyB]

correct me if im wrong, but I thought only the 3 GHz cpus had HT enabled and non below that.

 

[Krk3561]

Originally posted by: TonyB
correct me if im wrong, but I thought only the 3 GHz cpus had HT enabled and non below that.

2.4GHz, 2.6GHz, and 2.8GHz chips with an 800FSB and HT come out next month.