First build, about to buy, looking for feedback

[starwars7]

I already own these two parts:

Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 532 RC-532-SKN1
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS

Tonight I'd like to purchase:

PSU: ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT ATX12V 500W
Motherboard: DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D
Processor: AMD Opteron 165 Dual-Core 1.8GHz 1MB
Hard Drive: Western Digital 3.0Gbps 250GB 7200RPM 16MB Caviar SE16
Video Card: EVGA 256-P2-N517-AX Geforce 7800GT 256MB
Memory: OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
DVD RW: NEC Black IDE DVD Burner Model ND-3550A - Retail

What do you think?

I wondering about the Opteron 165, would it be better to get the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400 since they are around the same price. I'd like to Overclock, but I'm going to be cautious and assume I get the minimal overclock just incase I get a bad chip.

Thank you!

 

[1N0V471V]

Umm well for sure get a 7900GT instead of the 7800GT

And if you're overclocking, you may want to consider a heatsink such as the Zalman CNPS 9500

DFIs are the way to go.

 

[starwars7]

I happend to notice that all the 7900's are out of stock right now

But I'll hunt some more and maybe wait on one.

What do you think about the 7600 as a better value?

 

[1N0V471V]

Also, make sure to visit www.DFI-Street.com and follow the build guides. The site is run by DFI employees and there is a wealth of knowledge to be had.

There is a recommended list of PSUs, so be sure to check that out to make sure you have sufficient power.

EDIT - as for the 7600GT I'm going to have to say no. Theres a couple of eVGA 7900GTs on Newegg right now I believe. It's worth the wait, trust me. This card is amazing.

 

[starwars7]

ok, thanks!

i was thinking of going with EVGA because of their warrenty, but I notice you have a PNY, what do you think of their brand?

 

[1N0V471V]

I think that PNY was the cheapest the morning it was released and that why I have it, lol.

eVGA is the best, I had two 6600GTs for a while with no problems.

 

[starwars7]

hahahhaa, that makes sense

what do you think about the PSU and the Opty, they are suposed to be solid.

 

[1N0V471V]

http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10854 for PSUs

and I think the Opteron is a wise choice, it should also be very good for overclocking. I saw on DFI-Street someone got 3.0GHz using a new DFI Venus board @ 1.4v!

 

[starwars7]

I'm surprised the liberty did not make the list!

 

[Howard]

The stock Opteron HSF is excellent... for a stock HSF. Performs on par with the XP-90, albeit louder.

 

[BOLt]

Originally posted by: starwars7
I happend to notice that all the 7900's are out of stock right now

But I'll hunt some more and maybe wait on one.

What do you think about the 7600 as a better value?

Wait for the 7900GTs.

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
Umm well for sure get a 7900GT instead of the 7800GT

And if you're overclocking, you may want to consider a heatsink such as the Zalman CNPS 9500

DFIs are the way to go.

Not worth spending the extra money on an aftermarket HSF because S939 Opterons and A64s run so cool as it is. Read my response to Howard's post for more.

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
Also, make sure to visit www.DFI-Street.com and follow the build guides. The site is run by DFI employees and there is a wealth of knowledge to be had.

There is a recommended list of PSUs, so be sure to check that out to make sure you have sufficient power.

EDIT - as for the 7600GT I'm going to have to say no. Theres a couple of eVGA 7900GTs on Newegg right now I believe. It's worth the wait, trust me. This card is amazing.

At 500W with a quality brand, he's got more than enough power. I'll reiterate: wait for a 7900GT if you've got the money.

Originally posted by: starwars7
ok, thanks!

i was thinking of going with EVGA because of their warrenty, but I notice you have a PNY, what do you think of their brand?

Go for eVGA if the price is right. Otherwise BFG FTW.

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10854 for PSUs

and I think the Opteron is a wise choice, it should also be very good for overclocking. I saw on DFI-Street someone got 3.0GHz using a new DFI Venus board @ 1.4v!

Not uncommon!

Originally posted by: starwars7
I'm surprised the liberty did not make the list!

Me too.

Originally posted by: Howard
The stock Opteron HSF is excellent... for a stock HSF. Performs on par with the XP-90, albeit louder.

Yes. If you're really concerned about noise, get a Zalman CPU HSF; otherwise, an aftermarket heatsink/fan is a waste because the stock AMD HSFs perform more than adequately. Not to mention the S939 Opterons and A64 parts run cool enough as it is. You probably won't even have to increase the VCore at all to achieve (sp.?) your CPU's maximum OC.

 

[starwars7]

Thank you Bolt and Howard!