First build - based upon socket 939 - please critique

[tripledeckerPBJsandwich]

Hi all, another user piecing together a computer for the first time. I've been doing my homework for a few months and have a good idea of what will fit my needs.

Some background: I'm not a gamer and don't know much about video cards. I'll probably want to watch DVDs on occasion but graphics are not the focal point of this computer. A 2.1 speaker setup is preferred as this will be in my room and surround sound seems unnecessary for just playing music.

There are other reasons for a few of the choices, most of which I won't get into to save everyone time. The items I am the most certain about are the mobo (I can see where people might think the mobo is overkill but it is the only 939 I've seen w/ built-in wireless capability) and the optical drive (really seems to be the best burner for the $ right now that won't need to be replaced in the near future).

My main goal is to keep this as upgradeable as possible. Otherwise I'd probably go the cheap route with a 754 setup. Also no overclocking.

Any advice, belittlement, or other suggestions are welcome. And most of all thanks for taking the time to read this post.

cpu AMD Athlon 64 3000+ $156.00

mobo Asus A8V Deluxe VIA K8T800 Pro Wireless Edition $126.99

ram Kingston KVR400X64C3A/512 pc3200 $74

sound Chaintech AV-710 VIA ENVY 24HT-S $26

video PowerColor RV6DL-A3 Radeon 7000 $36.00

hdd Seagate (haven't decided what size yet, but the 5 yr warranty seals the deal)

optical drive NEC ND-3500A $68.00

case Antec SX635BII $78.99

fan Zalman ZM-F1 $10.49

speakers Klipsch ProMedia GMX A-2.1 $145.00

 

[ts3433]

If you're just going to listen to music and watch DVDs, that's quite overkill. A simple Socket A build could do that--upgradeability is not a concern for something like this (not to mention an overclocked Barton can still accomodate a 6800 very well, if a stopgap solution for gaming is needed).

For video cards, please give us ATI/nVidia's model number (like 9200 or Ti4200), not the board maker's. A 9200 will do fine for you.

Swap the optical drive for the newer NEC 3520A, a few bucks more.

 

[CheesePoofs]

The computer looks very nice overall, just a few things i noticed.

Only get that graphics card if you are absolutely sure you will never even consider playing a game on that computer, otherwise there are better choices for only a small amount more.

Also, im pretty sure maxtor has started putting 5 year warranties on their hard drives too, you might want to check out a maxtor before you buy, they are often cheaper.

 

[tripledeckerPBJsandwich]

Nope, won't be playing any games. Just changed the video card description.

I'm open to suggesttions on the video card, but if it won't improve the quality on a DVD it will probably be $ wasted.

As far as the Maxtor's go, I'm still a bit skeptical. Seagate's quality and quietness are the other factors leaning me this way.

Thanks for the input.

 

[ts3433]

Video cards generally don't vary too much in image quality for your purposes. Just get a 9200, or use the onboard GF4MX video if you build a much cheaper Athlon XP system with an nForce2 IGP board. That's all you need. Seriously. (If you go the NF2 IGP route, get 2x256MB for dual channel, because it will really make a difference here. The extra bandwidth that the Athlon XP can't take goes to the graphics, which use system memory. You would still be fine with the frame buffer set at a reasonable amount like 32MB. )

As for a case, get something like an Antec SLK3700AMB. It includes a good 350W PSU and a 120mm exhaust fan (nice and quiet). No extra fans necessary.