Final verification before I buy this !!!

[Zukatah]

This is what I'll buy next weekend to replace my P3 500 that is becoming slower and slower by today's standards... I guess that 40fps in Q3 isn't plenty fast anymore

This is what I'm planning to buy, feel free to post suggestions but keep in mind that I'm on a really tight budget so I can't afford to pay more than that. I won't post the prices here but you see the general picture...
So this is it:

P4 1.6a with stock HS/Fan with AS3
Asus P4s333
256 megs of Samsung PC 2700
Antec Performance Plus 880 (430 watts TruePower PSU)
Radeon 8500 now or Ti 4200 later (need your advice on this one, I can hold to my TNT2 Ultra for another 2 months or so)
Rounded cables
4 Panaflos or 4 Vantec stealth fans

Possible upgrade later this year: Replace my ViewSonic E771 with a good 19 incher (new) or a Dell P1110 (21" Trinitron refurbed)

Things I already have in my system:
SB 512PCI (Should I sell it and use the onboard sound?)
WD 40 gigs @ 7200RPM
LG DVD (16X)
Yamaha 8424 writer
MS Internet Keyboard
Logitech Dual optical mouse
Altec Lansing ACS54 speakers
Ethernet card

This computer is for gaming (Racing games, Flight simulators, not something really hardcore), doing homework, a lot of web browsing, a little bit of music, but not that much. I want a P4 because I want to overclock it , also because this is my first complete system that I'll build myself and want it idiot proof (ave you ever seen how the retail heatsink is installed, much easier than on my old P3... and Athlon), I do not want to crush my core. I've played arround quite a lot im my computer, the only thing I haven't installed yet is a motherboard but I do not feel comfortable installing a heatsink with a screwdriver just inches away form the motherboard (I've seen enough nightmare stories).

Thans ALOT !!!

 

[AU Tiger]

Sounds good to me with the exception of 256MB of memory. I have found XP to have a little more pep with 512MB.

 

[Adul]

256 will do has long has you dont do a wh9ole lot at once. Works ok for my mom, but 512 is definitely better to have.

 

[Zukatah]

I know but if I want 512 megs, I must sacrifice something else. I go for 256 now and when I'll have the money, I'll put another 512 in there.

 

[oldfart]

Better off with an EPOX 4BDA mobo
I really like the new Antec cases and TruePower PS, but 430 watts is way overkill. A True330 would be fine.
4 case fans is overkill
More mem would be nice (good choice on the Samsung PC2700)

 

[Zukatah]

Is 430 watts really overkill? I want this PSU/Case to be as future proof as it could be so I was going for the 430 watts for the future.
As for the case fans, what would you suggest... how many?

For filters, are Bounce any good?

 

[oldfart]

Its up to you. I dont use more fans than I have to. 1 Intake, 1 exhaust will do it. L1A's are a good choice either way.

 

[herbage11]

I am building soon as well to also replace my P3 500. I am getting the P4S533 mobo instead though. It just hit Newegg at a great price and looks kickin. I am going to also get the Ti4200 and P4 1.6A but 512 RAM. Looks great to me but those are going to be my adjustments.

EDIT...forgot to mention I already got a Chieftec case w/ 420 watt PS for under $100.

 

[MrBond]

I'd definatly go the 256mb memory now, add more later route. It's going to get cheaper than it is now, so you might as well stick with 256mb. Thats what I've got, and it's more than enough for me. I usually have at least 64mb free, as long as I'm not rendering in bryce or something.

 

[herbage11]

As for filters. I got a sheet at WalMart. Dont remeber name brand but it is black and I think for an air conditioner. I cut them to fit perfect in the slot on the front. Works great.

 

[bluemax]

These guys make some very valid points.
Instead of wasting money on unneccesary things like overkill powersupply and more case fans than you need, put your money into things you can get practical use out of, like the extra memory. 512MB of PC2100(?) would be far better than 256MB of PC2700 IMHO. If there's a big price difference in the speed. If it's only a few bucks, go for faster RAM - if it's 20% or more higher, I'd get MORE of the slower RAM which would boost system performance more than you'd think.

And 330Watts is PLENTY of power, unless you're planning to have a dozen drives which I *hightly* doubt.
Compared to your current TNT2, even a Geforce3 TI200 would be such a huge improvement you'd be happy as a clam - but if you can hold out for a Ti4200, you might as well get something you won't replace for at least a couple years!

 

[marylandnorthwoodclock]

<< This is what I'll buy next weekend to replace my P3 500 that is becoming slower and slower by today's standards... I guess that 40fps in Q3 isn't plenty fast anymore

This is what I'm planning to buy, feel free to post suggestions but keep in mind that I'm on a really tight budget so I can't afford to pay more than that. I won't post the prices here but you see the general picture...
So this is it:

P4 1.6a with stock HS/Fan with AS3
Asus P4s333
256 megs of Samsung PC 2700
Antec Performance Plus 880 (430 watts TruePower PSU)
Radeon 8500 now or Ti 4200 later (need your advice on this one, I can hold to my TNT2 Ultra for another 2 months or so)
Rounded cables
4 Panaflos or 4 Vantec stealth fans

Possible upgrade later this year: Replace my ViewSonic E771 with a good 19 incher (new) or a Dell P1110 (21" Trinitron refurbed)

Things I already have in my system:
SB 512PCI (Should I sell it and use the onboard sound?)
WD 40 gigs @ 7200RPM
LG DVD (16X)
Yamaha 8424 writer
MS Internet Keyboard
Logitech Dual optical mouse
Altec Lansing ACS54 speakers
Ethernet card

This computer is for gaming (Racing games, Flight simulators, not something really hardcore), doing homework, a lot of web browsing, a little bit of music, but not that much. I want a P4 because I want to overclock it , also because this is my first complete system that I'll build myself and want it idiot proof (ave you ever seen how the retail heatsink is installed, much easier than on my old P3... and Athlon), I do not want to crush my core. I've played arround quite a lot im my computer, the only thing I haven't installed yet is a motherboard but I do not feel comfortable installing a heatsink with a screwdriver just inches away form the motherboard (I've seen enough nightmare stories).

Thans ALOT !!! >>



You can't use the TnT.Ultra....it's 3.3 volts....and the P4boards require a 1.5 volt video card. In fact....the mobo will not even let you install your card. A 1.5 volt card has 3 nothces in it, not 2. A good indication is if it's rated 4x AGP. I had a TNT...couldn't use.....think yours is the same.

 

[bluemax]

Didn't have to quote his whole original message.
But that's right. An INTEL brand i845 or i850 might have troubles with a TNT2U... some will work, some will fry the card, motherboard and possibly other plugged-in components.

I'd strongly suggest a motherboard based on the recent SiS chipsets you can get for several reasons:
1) You can put in any darned video card you want!
2) It's probably a bit cheaper.
3) You can get one with integrated SiS 315 video which performs at least as well as your TNT2 Ultra and if you add another video card later you get instant dual-monitor capability. Real neat feature only by SiS.
4) Other features of the chipset are every bit as fast, compatible and reliable as Intel. No reason not to consider it.
5) It's better than VIA.

I'm sure there's other reasons, but let those stew for a bit.

 

[Zukatah]

Thanks alot guys !
I haven't thought about the TNT2 thing before seeing this!
As for the power, I'll listen to you and buy the 330 watts instead of the 430 and I'll take the stock 2 fans that comes with my case for cooling and I'll buy other fans to replace them when I'll have the money.

As for the RAM, will I really see the difference between PC 2700 and PC 2100?

So what I'm thinking now is P4S533 mobo (they received it yesterday at my local shop), 256 or 512 megs of PC 2100 or 2700... not quite sure about it. For the video card, I'll try the integrated video and buy a Radeon if it doesn't cut it for now or if I can hold on a little bit longer, I'll go with a GeForce4 4200.

Keep posting to help me, it really helps !

Thanks alot

 

[tenoc]

<< Possible upgrade later this year: Replace my ViewSonic E771 with a good 19 incher (new) or a Dell P1110 (21" Trinitron refurbed) >>



Good choice on the Dell P1110. Got one for CDN 400 (U$250) and am very happy with it.

 

[Zukatah]

I've looked on the Asus website to see the onboard graphics to make sure it was there and I don't see it listed anywhere even if it's a SiS chipset (645DX)

 

[bluemax]

The SiS 645 is the regular chipset... the one with video is SiS 650.
SiS Chipsets

 

[Zukatah]

What mobo's are based on that chipset.. I can't find them !

Ohh well, I might just go out and buy that Radeon, it will do the job and still be plenty quick !