Finally, my new system is coming!!

[jdogg707]

Well, after going completely Apple for almost a year, I decided that I was tired of having to use the school computers for Windows based tasks, and the need to play some of the sweet new games (i.e. Half Life 2) was far too great. So today, after a month of waiting and researching, finally ordered my new box! I am keeping my Powerbook, because I love the thing, but this is going to be my workhorse! Virtual PC no more!!!!

Here are the specs:

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (Winchester)
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe Motherboard
1GB PDP PC3200 w/XBL
BFG 256MB 6800GT PCIe Video Card
Western Digital 74GB Raptor Hard Drive
NEC 3500A 16X DVD+/-RW
Enermax EG701AX-VE SFMA 2.0 600W PSU
Zalman CNPS7000B-Cu HSF
Cooler Master Centurion 5 Mid-Tower Case
Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard
Logitech MX1000 Cordless Mouse
Logitech Z-2200 2.1 Speakers
Samsung 181T LCD Monitor


I still have some time to make changes, the mouse, monitor, and speakers I am taking from my laptop and I already have a copy of Windows XP Professional from an old build. Are there any changes that I should make? I am mainly going to be gaming, listening to music, burning DVD's, coding, and doing basic office tasks on it. I would like to overclock this sucker to 2.5GHZ, which seems fairly reasonable if I get a descent chip. I may add another 6800GT sometime in the future if it proves a worth while upgrade. The monitor will most likely see and upgrade here in a month or so to something a little bigger and with a lower response time. Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Chaotic42]

Is 74GB going to be enough for you?

 

[BentValve]

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (Winchester)
>>>>
Best bang for buck right now, good choice.

Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe Motherboard
>>>>
Cutting edge, why not.

1GB PDP PC3200 w/XBL
>>>>
You could probably get away with spending less on the ram

BFG 256MB 6800GT PCIe Video Card
>>>>
Id want 2 to be able to use SLI right away.

Western Digital 74GB Raptor Hard Drive
>>>>
Too small IMO...just get a 120gb Seagate or something...maybe go raid later on then.

NEC 3500A 16X DVD+/-RW
>>>>
Does the job

Enermax EG701AX-VE SFMA 2.0 600W PSU
>>>>
Excellent choice...probably the best home user PSU Enermax makes right now.

Zalman CNPS7000B-Cu HSF
>>>>
Quietness/Performace leader

Cooler Master Centurion 5 Mid-Tower Case
>>>>
If you like it why not.

Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard
>>>>
Go with a Logitech Elite.

Logitech MX1000 Cordless Mouse
>>>>
Go with an MX510 but if you have to have wireless then this is ok.

Logitech Z-2200 2.1 Speakers
>>>>
2.1 is my preference too...the Z3s are a nice option too.

Samsung 181T LCD Monitor
>>>>
Whatever you choose make sure its a good gaming monitor and
go as big as you possibly can.



Nice PC overall, the main things that stick out is id get 2 6800s right away and
a bigger HDD.

 

[Dremel]

All nice choices. I agree with BentValve on the keyboard it's the one I use and it is awesome. Start off with a raptor but you will need more later. Good look with SLI!

 

[jdogg707]

I really don't have a lot of storage needs, as I have a network storage drive that I will be using for system backups and archiving. I have had the Logitech Elite Keyboard before, and liked it, but like the feel of the Microsoft keyboards a bit better. I was going to go SLI right off the bat, but until I get a monitor that is capable of displaying a higher resolution than 1280x1024, I felt it was semi-pointless. I like the MX1000 so far, but if it starts causing me issues in games I'll replace it with a MX510. I forgot to mention the Logitech Z-2200's I already have, they are awesome speakers! I have heard the Z3's before, as I recently used them on a system build for my girlfriend's sister, and they are excellent speakers! On the same build I used the Cooler Master case and was thoroughly impressed. It has an excellent design, sweet looks, and was very easy to get together.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! All help is appreciated!

 

[element]

I'd go with a larger HD but that's just me, you have network storage like you said so that's fine. I'd wait to SLI till you can get the 2nd card cheaper. No need for that much performance right now.

I'd go with the logitech mx700 for a cordless optical mouse. In fact I have and I love it, and yes I do game.

 

[BOLt]

OMFG, that's a near perfect carbon-copy of my system which is coming together as soon as Chumbo stocks the ASUS A8N-SLI. Just curious, what's your system priced at right now, or what did you pay if it's already ordered? I have an Creative Labs SB Audigy 2 ZS, which I highly recommend to you. I agree with whoever said Logitech Elite and MX510. I'm getting a Maxtor DiamondMax 10 200/250/300 (haven't decided which) from ZZF instead of the Raptor now and then adding a Raptor later.

GOOD CHOICES!

 

[jdogg707]

Originally posted by: BOLt
OMFG, that's a near perfect carbon-copy of my system which is coming together as soon as Chumbo stocks the ASUS A8N-SLI. Just curious, what's your system priced at right now, or what did you pay if it's already ordered? I have an Creative Labs SB Audigy 2 ZS, which I highly recommend to you. I agree with whoever said Logitech Elite and MX510. I'm getting a Maxtor DiamondMax 10 200/250/300 (haven't decided which) from ZZF instead of the Raptor now and then adding a Raptor later.

GOOD CHOICES!

Once I go with a surround sound setup I will go with an Audigy card, but until then, the onboard sound for the A8N eems pretty good. The parts I had to purchase ended up being around $1,600 or so after shipping and minus a few MIR. I have installed the 250GB Maxtor you are talking about in a recent system build for a friend and it is a great drive, very fast! I may recommend adding the Raptor first, since you would most likely be using that as your system/primary drive, and then adding a larger, storage drive on later. It may make for a bit less ghosting/restoring.

 

[jdogg707]

Originally posted by: element
I'd go with a larger HD but that's just me, you have network storage like you said so that's fine. I'd wait to SLI till you can get the 2nd card cheaper. No need for that much performance right now.

I'd go with the logitech mx700 for a cordless optical mouse. In fact I have and I love it, and yes I do game.

Thanks for the input! I most definitely agree with oyuo n the SLI thing, hence the reason I am waiting, heck, maybe I can snag a 6800GT for around $250 in a few months or so and really benefit in both price and performance! I have used the MX700, as it is what was replaced buy the MX1000. I have to say I like the MX1000 better, other than for a few quirks with the mouse software, it really is superior in terms of tracking. If it gives me trouble I will most likely be looking at the MX510, as I really don't mind a cord.