First Build...Critique Please.

[SMutty]

This is my first PC build, I have set a $2,000 budget. Primary use will be gaming.

Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Toledo - $300-400 after price cuts. (I'm guessing)
Video Card - eVGA Nvidia GeForce 7900GT non-clocked - $261.99 ($236.99 after rebate)
Power Supply - PC Power & Cooling 510W - $219.99 (or the OCZ Powerstream 520W for $135)
Motherboard - Asus A8N32 SLi-Deluxe - $189.99
Case - Lian-Li PC-G70B Full Tower - $179.99
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM SATA 320GB 16MB Cache - $109.99
Memory - Corsair XMS 2GB (2x1GB) DDR400 - $202.00
Monitor - Samsung 740N 17" LCD - $179.99

Total - $1618.94

Once all the other misc. stuff is added it comes out just a shade under $2000.

Suggestions? Tips? Would it be possible to build a Conroe system for $2000?

 

[bamacre]

Intel's Core 2 Duo will be inexpensive, so yes, you could easily go C2D and you should.

Also, you are spending a lot of money OC'ing the cpu, and you would be much better off keeping the cpu at stock, and putting more money into faster video card, or a better monitor.

Processor - Intel C2D E6600 - $300
Video Card - X1900 XT - $400
Power Supply - 450W Fortron - $55
Motherboard - Asus P965 $140 (guessing)
Case - Lian-Li PC-G70B Full Tower - $179.99
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM SATA 320GB 16MB Cache - $109.99
Memory - Corsair VS 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-667 - $150
Monitor - Samsung 940BF 19in w/ DVI - $275

Total - $1610

Faster, cheaper. Bigger and better monitor.

 

[1N0V471V]

bamacre, I am unsure why you picked only a 450w PSU and Value Select RAM. With C2D everybody will be overclocking. If you have to put RAM on a divider it's going to effect performance and will bottleneck the system. At any rate, it looks good but I would wait. Here's my planned C2D build:

DFI motherboard (whatever it may be)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
2x1GB OCZ Platinum PC6400
2x EVGA 7900GT CO Superclocks in SLI
600w OCZ GameXStream
2x 80GB Hitachi Deskstars RAID-0
NEC ND-3550A
Zalman CNPS9500
Zalman VF900CUs
Lian-Li PC-65B
20" Viewsonic VX2025WM

The only thing I currently have and will be using is a single 7900GT and VF900CU. The build will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $2000.

 

[TK2K]

it is silly to buy any cpu at this time, with the conroe line so close at hand.

wait about a month or so, and you will have far more options.

 

[AssistantPimp]

wait some time and then buy...and take better PSU...

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
bamacre, I am unsure why you picked only a 450w PSU and Value Select RAM.

First off he has a budget. The second reason is very simple to understand.

Gaming performance relies on the video card much more than cpu.

Example:

System 1:
E6600 OC'ed to whatever paired with 7900 GT

System 2:
E6600 at stock paired with X1900 XT

System #2 will win in every gaming benchmark. Not only that, but I was also able to upgrade his monitor, from a 17in LCD to a 19in LCD with DVI, without increasing his budget.

Gamers put WAY too much focus on cpu, when it otherwise should be on the video card. And additionally, some tend to spend way too much money OC'ing the cpu, when that extra cost could easily go to a better video card.

Think about it, it's roughly and extra $50 for the PSU, extra $50 for motherboard, and an extra $50 for memory. That extra $150 could be spent on a better video card, which will offer the consumer much better performance over an OC'd cpu.

And I cannot even believe you mentioned the word, "bottleneck."

 

[1N0V471V]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Think about it, it's roughly and extra $50 for the PSU, extra $50 for motherboard, and an extra $50 for memory. That extra $150 could be spent on a better video card, which will offer the consumer much better performance over an OC'd cpu.

You can't really do jack 5|-|17 with a system that has inadequate power, DFIs overclocking ability IS supreme to anything out there, and better memory will allow him to overclock. He's on a budget, yes, but I see little reason not to have high end components vs. low-end for $150. Plus, at $1600 he isn't even close to reaching $2000. But you're probably using an ASUS, so what do you know?

 

[Howard]

Even though I'm not fond of the AX450-PN, it does supply way more than enough power for the system bamacre suggested.

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V

Originally posted by: bamacre
Think about it, it's roughly and extra $50 for the PSU, extra $50 for motherboard, and an extra $50 for memory. That extra $150 could be spent on a better video card, which will offer the consumer much better performance over an OC'd cpu.

DFIs overclocking ability IS supreme to anything out there

lol

But you're probably using an ASUS, so what do you know?

uhh

 

[SMutty]

Would you drop 500-600 dollars on a video card now or go with something like a 7900GT and wait until Vista and the DX10 cards arrive to spend that much?

 

[1N0V471V]

LOL this is why I dislike Anandtech forums. All the people around here have no flippin clue what they are talking about.

I'm 16 and even I can appreciate a well balanced system...

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
LOL this is why I dislike Anandtech forums. All the people around here have no flippin clue what they are talking about.

I'm 16 and even I can appreciate a well balanced system...

When I was 16, I thought I knew everything as well.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: SMutty
This is my first PC build, I have set a $2,000 budget. Primary use will be gaming.

Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Toledo - $300-400 after price cuts. (I'm guessing)
Video Card - eVGA Nvidia GeForce 7900GT non-clocked - $261.99 ($236.99 after rebate)
Power Supply - PC Power & Cooling 510W - $219.99 (or the OCZ Powerstream 520W for $135)
Motherboard - Asus A8N32 SLi-Deluxe - $189.99
Case - Lian-Li PC-G70B Full Tower - $179.99
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM SATA 320GB 16MB Cache - $109.99
Memory - Corsair XMS 2GB (2x1GB) DDR400 - $202.00
Monitor - Samsung 740N 17" LCD - $179.99

Total - $1618.94

Once all the other misc. stuff is added it comes out just a shade under $2000.

Suggestions? Tips? Would it be possible to build a Conroe system for $2000?

Conroe won't cost anymore then an Athlon X2 system today but isn't released until the end of July. Even when it is released finding one might be very difficult since all the big OEMs are likely to buy them up.

Here are the changes I would make and why.

Motherboard: ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe AM2 is the succesor to 939. HD audio os onboard. It's cheaper.
PSU: Seasonic S12 430 or Seasonic S12 500 Much, much better then the OCZ and equal to the PCP&C in my opinion, only much quieter.
GPU: ATi 1800XT This is more of a personal preference.
Case: Why a full tower? I would suggest something in the mid-tower Lian Li range.

Also you may want to consider dropping the CPU to a X2 3800 or 4000 and moving the GPU to something such as the 1900XT.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
Plus, at $1600 he isn't even close to reaching $2000. But you're probably using an ASUS, so what do you know?

Read the OP again...

Originally posted by: SMutty
Total - $1618.94

Once all the other misc. stuff is added it comes out just a shade under $2000.

He obviously needs other things as well, mouse, keyboard, OS, etc.

 

[1N0V471V]

I have a job as a Desktop Support Intern at my states second largest medical center.

I build computers on a monthly basis.

I know what I'm talking about, despite my age.

And I think people on other forums (slightly more "elite" forums) would agree.

I don't see anybody with X1900XTX in CF running a 520w Aspire PSU because it kind of works. I don't see ANYONE who has a C2D using value memory, period.

Just because I am 16 doesn't mean I don't know more than you, because I obviously do.

That being said, SMutty has a good head on his shoulders and will go for a good PSU. Evidence is in his OP.

It's his first build and he seems to know a little more than you, bamacre

 

[LOUISSSSS]

i'd go with a conroe build in a month or so. paired with x1900xt or xtx even the xt will spank anything compared to the 7900. PCPC 510 is one of the best psu's on the market, after the pcpc1k and 850, stick with it.

1N0V471V: since you seem to swear by dfi, why dont you head on over to dfi-street and go solve some of the 12308912 problems that user's are having with dfi boards. incompatible ram, incompatible psu's, pci cards... etc. but wait thats not dfi's fault right, its all the other brands' fault (kingston, corsair, patriot, seasonic, creative..etc )

i for 2k i'd def go with something with that viewsonic 20.1in monitor.. i'm looking for it at a good price

 

[1N0V471V]

Haha LOUISSSSS, in fact I have over 1,500 posts there. I wouldn't put an ASUS in my grandma's rig.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
I have a job as a Desktop Support Intern at my states second largest medical center.

I build computers on a monthly basis.

:laugh:

I think your e-penis needs a cold shower.

I sold over $600K worth of computer systems in 2005, and I'll just leave it at that.

I know what I'm talking about, despite my age.

It looks like you have done some homework, I'll say that.

And I think people on other forums (slightly more "elite" forums) would agree.

With what? It's better to have an analog 17in LCD and an OC'd cpu than a 19in Digital LCD and a cpu at stock speeds? I doubt it.

I don't see anybody with X1900XTX in CF running a 520w Aspire PSU because it kind of works.

No one is recommending that. A 450w Forton is plenty of power to run a C2D at stock speeds and a high-powered video card.

I don't see ANYONE who has a C2D using value memory, period.

Well, first off C2D hasn't been released yet, so, no ******.

You have to understand the OP has a budget in mind. $2K for everything, inlcuding a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. Some people have morals and choose not to YARR an OS.

I run Value Select memory, and I bet 10 months ago, my $920 gaming system with a 7800GTX and 2GB of ram could beat anyone else's $1000 self-built gaming rig. You, along with many others fail to see that gaming performance relies on the video card much more so than cpu power.

Just because I am 16 doesn't mean I don't know more than you, because I obviously do.

No one said anything about your age, other than yourself.

That being said, SMutty has a good head on his shoulders and will go for a good PSU. Evidence is in his OP.

He has a good head on his shoulders because he asked for recommendations on AT forums.

Are you saying a Fortron 450w isn't adequate for a stock E6600 and an X1900 XT? Or are you saying an OC'd E6600 and a 7900 GT will offer better gaming performance than a stock E6600 and an X1900 XT? Either way, you are wrong.

It's his first build and he seems to know a little more than you, bamacre

I beg to differ.

 

[acegazda]

Hey 1N0V471V, since you've come here you've done nothing but flame other members. If we're so stupid here then go somewhere else. Just b/c someone suggests a psu thats a little less expensive, doesn't you have to go into "crap on your life" mode... IMO, something around the 450w range with decents amps on the 12v rails would suffice, a 400w enermax liberty for example. Now, he has an sli board so a 500w s12 might be better. Even the 600w s12 is less expensive than the turbocool 510. Granted there are advantages of a single rail psu, but $2000 budget is the key here. >$2000 opt for pcp&c. There are planty of great options for less, and that's not just my opinion.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
LOL this is why I dislike Anandtech forums. All the people around here have no flippin clue what they are talking about.

I'm 16 and even I can appreciate a well balanced system...

You know what you are? An idiot.

 

[SMutty]

Ok I have revised it.

Processor - Intel C2D E6600 - $300.00
Video Card - eVGA 7900GT - $261.99
Power Supply - PCP&P 510W - $219.99
Motherboard - A Brand - $150.00 (guessing)
Case - Lian-Li 65B - $126.99
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 320GB - $109.99
Memory - OCZ Platinum 2GB PC2 6400 - $219.99
Monitor - Viewsonic 20.1" VX2025WM - $321.99
Soundcard - Creative Audigy2 - $66.99
Speakers - Logitech Z-2300 2.1 - $93.99
Mouse - Logitech G5 - $44.99
Keyboard - Logitech G15 - $68.99
OS - Windows XP Pro - $137.99
CD/DVD-RW - Samsung 52x32x52x - $25.99
VGA Cooler - Zalman VF900 - $36.99
CPU Cooler - Zalman something. - $50.00

Grand Total - $2236.87

That doesn't include rebates either. I think I will wait until Vista comes out to upgrade video cards.

 

[Howard]

You really want to spend $220 on a PSU?

 

[SMutty]

Do you recommend one in particular? I am still open to any suggestions. If I can save money on something I am for it.

 

[ddviper]

Originally posted by: SMutty
Ok I have revised it.

Processor - Intel C2D E6600 - $300.00 -Good
Video Card - eVGA 7900GT - $261.99 -Would personally go with ATI, but thats just me
Power Supply - PCP&P 510W - $219.99 -Spend less and get a Fortron (I personally have a 550 and love it. Only set me back $80)
Motherboard - A Brand - $150.00 (guessing) -Fine
Case - Lian-Li 65B - $126.99 -You could get down around $90 for a Lian-Li but that extra $30-40 shouldnt be a problem
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 320GB - $109.99 -Good
Memory - OCZ Platinum 2GB PC2 6400 - $219.99 -Little pricy for me, cuz i respect value ram and all it can do for the wonderful prices
Monitor - Viewsonic 20.1" VX2025WM - $321.99 -Good
Soundcard - Creative Audigy2 - $66.99 -Good
Speakers - Logitech Z-2300 2.1 - $93.99 -Pricy for 2.1 speakers
Mouse - Logitech G5 - $44.99 -Good
Keyboard - Logitech G15 - $68.99 -WAY TOO MUCH to spend on a keyboard, get a value $10 one.
OS - Windows XP Pro - $137.99 -Fine
CD/DVD-RW - Samsung 52x32x52x - $25.99 -Is this a dvd burner? im too lazy to check. If not, then get one, trust me its worth it
VGA Cooler - Zalman VF900 - $36.99 -Dont know much about GPU coolers, so someone else can help ya here
CPU Cooler - Zalman something. - $50.00 -Good

Grand Total - $2236.87

That doesn't include rebates either. I think I will wait until Vista comes out to upgrade video cards.

Check it in Bold ^^^

If you want me to link some of my suggestions ask, cuz i dont want to if you dont need me to

-Got advice?

 

[1N0V471V]

Looks great SMutty. I'd recommend the 600w OCZ GameXStream.

@bamacre, there are people with engineering samples of C2D CPUs. I know of at least ten.

And I never said that an X1900XT would lose to a 7900GT. Never. It was just my recommendation seeing as how DX10 cards will be coming up soon.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: SMutty
Do you recommend one in particular? I am still open to any suggestions. If I can save money on something I am for it.

Seasonic S12-380 or S12-430 (the latter is slightly quieter and more powerful, though both are sufficient)
Enhance ENP-5150GH
Enhance ENS-0560G
Fortron FSP400-60GLN
Fortron FX600-GLN/OCZ OCZ600GXSSLI
Enermax EL400AWT
Zippy HG2-6400P (loudest out of the bunch, but arguably better than PC P&C)

EDIT: stupid filter...