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acorcoran

Member
Jan 9, 2005
34
0
0
I have been lurking and researching for a while now and think I have a computer that I would enjoy. I am in no real rush to purchase, so I am sure prices and technology will change in a couple of months, however, I'd like to get a base model on paper that I can easily modify. Here is what I have come up with. I'd like to stay <= 1500.00 w/o monitor.

I am not an experienced O/C'er if that aids in your decision making processes. I know there are a ton of these threads and I appreciate the time and dedication that you all bring to the forums when assisting people like me :)

ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe Motherboard +3500+
$479.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...uctCode=80717-R-240418

Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200
$136.25
http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=20-146-299&amp;DEPA=0

BFG GeForce 6800 GT OC PCI Express Video Card
$399.00
http://www.chumbo.com/Info.aspx?id=242673

Maxtor DiamondMax 10 200GB Hard Drive
$110.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...p?ProductCode=100713-2

Lite-On HD166S/167T 16X IDE DVD-ROM Drive (Black)
$29.50
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=170628

Enermax Noisetaker 470W Power Supply
$80.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=270318

Antec P160 Anodized Aluminum Super Mid Tower Case
$112.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=140032

Grand Total $1,346.74
Last Modified 1/15/2005
 
S

sniperruff

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
11,644
2
0
drop the SLI, and the PSU is overpriced.

as for the hard drive and dvd-rom... get a SATA hard drive when outpost or something has one on sale and just forget about the dvd-rom... you can get a dvd burner for $40 at officemax or something.
 
D

Dragonbate

Senior member
Mar 1, 2004
324
0
0
I'd drop down to a 6600 GT, keep the sli for upgradability, upgrade to one raptor &amp; the cheapest storage drive I could find and swap out the dvd drive for a cheap dvdr/w.
 
E

Edward Lee

Senior member
Dec 11, 2004
477
0
0
You should buy a 6600 GT and Keep your SLI that way when you need to upgrade in the future you can buy the 6800gt or ultra dirt cheap. While your at it you should get better RAM if you want to keep up with the latest technology and keep your computer upgradable. Make sure you get dual channel. Make sure you upgrade your processor in 6-12 months for at least 2 years or the money you spent on that SLI won't be worth it because it'll be out of date after that. But you should have a great system for the next 2 or 3 years.
 
A

acorcoran

Member
Jan 9, 2005
34
0
0
I don't 'need' an SLI system per se. There seems to be arguments for an against. I'd like to be able to play most of the mainstream games, but I wouldn't consider myself a hardcore gamer in the sense that a few FPS would make a difference. I'd like to get the most bang for the buck, but also keep up with current technology, hence the SLI set up. Are you saying stay with PCI-e but a non-SLI set up or stick with AGP and go with something like the MSI k8N nforce3?


As far as the graphics card, I'll take a look at the 6600 GT as well, but from what I've read, people have mixed reviews. I'll continue my research.

Thanks for the help.
Aaron

Possible Revised Build (AGP in lieu of PCI-e: Is this a bad move?)

MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum nForce3 Ultra Athlon 64 (939) + 3500+
$405.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...uctCode=80717-R-241143

Crucial Ballistix 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200
$113.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...it=property&amp;DEPA=1

Crucial Ballistix 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200
$113.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...it=property&amp;DEPA=1

Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, AGP 8X, Model $216.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=14-122-206&amp;depa=1

Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160827AS 160GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer
$109.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=101559

Lite-On HD166S/167T 16X IDE DVD-ROM Drive (Black)
$29.50
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=170628

Enermax Noisetaker 470W Power Supply
$82.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=270318

Antec P160 Anodized Aluminum Super Mid Tower Case
$112.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=140032
Grand Total $1,181.48

Seems like a great bang for the buck system.
 
A

acorcoran

Member
Jan 9, 2005
34
0
0
I'm sure most of you are like this, but I can't stop changing stuff around on a daily basis =). I really enjoy this.

I think I have all but finalized this build...but of course suggestions are welcome, as the suggestions from you all have really aided me quite a bit.

MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum nForce4 Ultra Athlon 64 Skt939 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, Gigabit LAN, RAID/Serial ATA $169.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=241158

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Processor Socket 939 $203.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...sp?ProductCode=80701-2

Crucial Ballistix 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 $113.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...submit=property&DEPA=1

Crucial Ballistix 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 $113.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...submit=property&DEPA=1

Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model ""PX6600GT TDH Extreme" $214.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...tion=14-122-208&depa=1

Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160827AS 160GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer $109.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=101559

Lite-On HD166S/167T 16X IDE DVD-ROM Drive (Black) $29.50
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=170628

Enermax Noisetaker 470W Power Supply $82.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=270318

Antec P160 Anodized Aluminum Super Mid Tower Case $112.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=140032

Grand Total $1,147.47
Last Modified 1/16/2005

I have never done any OC, but I would like to keep my options open in case I do decide to go that route.
 
T

ts3433

Platinum Member
Jun 29, 2004
2,731
0
0
Those Socket 939 Winchesters overclock very well, even on the stock cooler. If you find you need something quieter or more effective later, get a Zalman or Thermalright.

That RAM's quite expensive. On the A64, "fast RAM" is a huge waste of money (proof). Just get something like this.

Consider getting a 6800GT if you want to play at high resolutions like 1600x1200 with above maximum details (adding more AF and AA), but otherwise, the 6600GT will suit you well for a while.

That's a good power supply you've linked, and I don't think it looks overpriced at all. Also consider Fortron* (rebadgers include OCZ, Zippy/Emacs, and the PCP&C TurboCool line) and Seasonic (rebadgers include the PCP&C Silencer line).

I noticed that you don't have any kind of optical drive that will burn stuff for you. I wouldn't build a system these days without at least a CD-RW, but in your case maybe you should just get an NEC 3520A (16x DVD+/-RW) for about $70.

*NOT "Fortron HiQ."
 
A

acorcoran

Member
Jan 9, 2005
34
0
0
Thanks for the heads up on the memory. I've been back and forth on this one, but after reading that post, I think Corsair Value (as others have mentioned) may be a great way to go.

NEC burner will come eventually...wasn't a high priority at the very beginning of the build, as I still have a computer at the office that can burn =)

Thanks!
Aaron
 
I

Ike0069

Diamond Member
Apr 28, 2003
4,276
2
76
IMO, stay with a 6800 GT if you can aford it.
ASlo , PLEASE NOTE: I believe you need a special power connector for PCI-e VC's. For Enermax, you'll need the SFMA 2.0 version for this. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here.
 
T

ts3433

Platinum Member
Jun 29, 2004
2,731
0
0
There is a 6-pin PCIe connector, but IIRC the 6600GT PCIe gets all its power from the PCIe slot. For higher-end stuff that requires it, if the PSU doesn't have the plugs already, you can convert two Molex peripheral connectors (4-pin) to the 6-pin PCIe Molex with an adapter.
 
M

masshass81

Senior member
Sep 4, 2004
627
0
0
Originally posted by: acorcoran
I'm sure most of you are like this, but I can't stop changing stuff around on a daily basis =). I really enjoy this.

I think I have all but finalized this build...but of course suggestions are welcome, as the suggestions from you all have really aided me quite a bit.

MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum nForce4 Ultra Athlon 64 Skt939 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, Gigabit LAN, RAID/Serial ATA $169.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=241158

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Processor Socket 939 $203.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...sp?ProductCode=80701-2

Crucial Ballistix 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 $113.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...submit=property&DEPA=1

Crucial Ballistix 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 $113.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...submit=property&DEPA=1

Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model ""PX6600GT TDH Extreme" $214.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...tion=14-122-208&depa=1

Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160827AS 160GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer $109.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=101559

Lite-On HD166S/167T 16X IDE DVD-ROM Drive (Black) $29.50
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=170628

Enermax Noisetaker 470W Power Supply $82.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=270318

Antec P160 Anodized Aluminum Super Mid Tower Case $112.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=140032

Grand Total $1,147.47
Last Modified 1/16/2005

I have never done any OC, but I would like to keep my options open in case I do decide to go that route.
Click to expand...

This looks good, but drop that crucial ballistix if youre not going to OC. Look in the CPU/Processors forum and read up on the Official Memory Matrix thread to see why you don't need expensive RAM. Instead, get that Mushkin dual pack you listed earlier or some Corsair value RAM. Also, I would change the mobo to the Chaintech nForce4 mobo listed on newegg for $130.

But since you said you can wait a few months, by then you'll have a wider selection of mobos, better availability, and cheaper prices.
 
A

acorcoran

Member
Jan 9, 2005
34
0
0
Thanks all...I really have enjoyed this and will continue to enjoy this. It looks like I might be having some fun with part of my tax return on this =). I've altered the ram to put in some value ram which actually dropped the whole rig < 1,000, so we'll see about upgrading the video card to a 6800gt, but we'll see, they are a bit pricey right now.

I'll research the PSUs a bit...to make sure they are PCI-e compliant.
 
T

ts3433

Platinum Member
Jun 29, 2004
2,731
0
0
If you're talking about a PCIe 6800 GT, the prices are indeed heavily inflated right now (usually $500, compared to about $390 for an AGP card). You can get them for MSRP ($400) whenever Chumbo.com has them in stock, though.
 
A

acorcoran

Member
Jan 9, 2005
34
0
0
Originally posted by: Ike0069
IMO, stay with a 6800 GT if you can aford it.
ASlo , PLEASE NOTE: I believe you need a special power connector for PCI-e VC's. For Enermax, you'll need the SFMA 2.0 version for this. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here.
Click to expand...

Enermax does provide the PCI-e ready type PSU's in the 485 and 420w flavors. I went ahead and made that change since it was a matter of about $20.00.

Thanks.

I appreciate all of the feedback, I know you all get swamped in these type of posts.

MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum nForce4 Ultra Athlon 64 Skt939 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, Gigabit LAN, RAID/Serial ATA $169.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=241158

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Processor Socket 939 $203.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...sp?ProductCode=80701-2

Corsair VS1GBKIT400 1GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 CAS2.5 Value Select Memory $113.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...p?ProductCode=80098-21

Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model ""PX6600GT TDH Extreme" $195.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...tion=14-122-201&depa=1

Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160827AS 160GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer $109.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=101559

Lite-On HD166S/167T 16X IDE DVD-ROM Drive (Black) $29.50
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=170628

Enermax EG495P-VE-SFMA Noisetaker 485W Power Supply $113.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=270323

Antec P160 Anodized Aluminum Super Mid Tower Case $112.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=140032

Grand Total $1046.47
Last Modified 1/17/2005
 
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