First time builder looking for guidance

[JohnnyT]

Hi,

I'm looking to dump my Dell 8100 on my non-gaming roommate and build my own system to replace it. I have been lurking the forums here for several weeks, which has helped a lot, but still have tons of questions. I am a moderate gamer, and don't have a clue about overclocking, but it's something I'd like to do (basically just want to make the most out of my stock items).

Basically, I'm looking to build the best machine I can within a reasonable (apx. 800USD?) cost.

The core I've decided on is:

Athlon XP 2100 Thoroughbred B ($93 NewEgg)
Epox EP-8RDA+ ($122 NewEgg)
2x Samsung True PC2700 CAS 2.5 256MB (2x$55=$110 NewEgg)
ATI OEM RADEON 8500 LE 128MB ($88 NewEgg)
WD 80GB 7200RPM EIDE HD (WD800JB - 8MB Cache) - OEM, DRIVE ONLY ($107 NewEgg)
Viewsonic G90F 19" CRT Monitor or Samsung DynaFlat 955DF 19" monitor (~$220 NewEgg)

I need help on selecting the best case (seems like 60 bucks is a good price point), as well as heatsinks/powersupply/fans/cables I'll need to actually put all these pieces together.

Look forward to seeing if I'm on the right track!

Thanks!

 

[HokieESM]

Looks like you've got a great start. I wouldn't change much, unless you want to spend a bit more on the vid card... but I like yoru other choices thoroughly.

As far as heatsinks... if you're not going to move your case a lot, get a Thermalright SLK-800 and put a Panaflo fan (made by Panasonic--get the L1A version). This will offer good cooling with low noise. I say "if you're not going to move it" because its QUITE heavy... if its jostled around a lot, it could possibly break off. But if you take care, it should be fine.

A case. I would pop for a LITTLE more money and get an Antec SLK3700AMB. It has space for 120mm fans (more airflow, less noise) and an Antec 350W power supply. They typically run about $80 (look for low-cost shipping... it can get you on cases!).

As far as cables--you can use the ones that come with your motherboard/drives.... or you can pop for some rounded ones. The flat ones are just fine, but impede airflow a bit--but if you're not doing anything severe, dont' worry about it--the flat ones will be fine.

Overclocking. Get the system up and running and stable first. Do it slowly. Check stability with Prime95 or the like. I personally favor no overclocking if the rig will handle what you want to do (it might not be worth 5 fps on a game to overclock). But only you can decide this. Just take it slow.

Best of luck to you!

 

[psnathan]

"lurking the forums here for several weeks" ---> The way you put it.......sounds so cool!

Anyways......get an Antec trupower, 350W or 430W
Get any case you want....Chieftech or any case that you can squeeze into while not compromising on the Antec power supply. If you can't get that for the budget, Enermax power supplies are also good.

The other stuff that you'll need is the Heatsink/Fan combo......this I cannot suggest because I've never assembled an Athlon after the old Slot A type athlons. Just look around the forums....there are tonnes of HSF suggestions.

Everything else(cables, etc) should come with the motherboard. Except for that 80 millimetre fans for your case ventilation. Panaflo fans are good.....from what I've heard. But if you don't mind the noise any fan will do.

 

[mechBgon]

Here's a pretty good shipped price on the SLK3700AMB: TechStore.com, $73 shipped

I second the motion for the SLK-800/Panaflo L1A heatsink combo, and when you put the heatsink on, make sure you put it on the right way. The fins have a notch cut into one end, like most conventional AMD heatsinks would have a notch in their base. You want the notched end to go at the solid-plastic end of the CPU socket where the CPU doesn't cover it. You also want to make sure you slide the heatsink down the clip away from the solid-plastic end of the CPU socket, so it doesn't ride up on it. Some Arctic Silver 3 thermal compound would probably be your best bet, and one tube will last you nearly forever.

 

[JohnnyT]

I've heard good comments regarding this case, and I kinda like its appearance over the Antec SLK3700:

Enermax, CS-3051L-B3A. BLACK, Aluminum Silver and Plastic Front Panel with Acrylic Cover. 10-Bay, Enermax Logo side Window, Sound Sensitive Neon Light. 2 x USB, 1 x MIC, 1 x headphone ports at front. POWERUP 350W P-4 power supply, Mid ATX Tower Case See it here...

Any objections? Also, I'm a bit confused with the term "SLK-800/Panaflo L1A heatsink combo". Also, how many fans do I need to get, and where in the case should I put them? Would they all be exhaustfans, or would one be an intake? Should I get a 120 for the front (and if so, again, as intake or exhaust?) The case above comes with one 80mm, but has room for 3 more 80s and a 120 in front.

Also, is the thermal compound really necessary? I haven't heard it mentioned much in the forums.

Thanks for yout input!

Finally, what about my monitor choices. Any preferences/alternatives?

 

[mechBgon]

Here's the SLK-800 heatsink: SLK-800 and you can see some more good pictures of it here: LostCircuits. It would work well with an 80mm Panaflo L1A fan (SVC has been out of them for a long time though) or a YS Tech adjustable-RPM 80mm fan. 2Cooltek.com would be another place to look for the SLK-800/L1A combination.

Some type of thermal-transfer compound is essential, and Arctic Silver 3 is probably the best widely-available stuff.

Power-supply quality should weigh heavily on your mind. I'm not familiar with the Top Power brand so I would tend to be conservative and recommend something that has a proven reputation, such as Enermax, Sparkle Power, Antec, and I've heard good remarks about HEC too.

 

[JohnnyT]

Doesn't some themal stuff come with the heatsink? See tube on right...

So do I just need the one 80mm fan?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: JohnnyT
Doesn't some themal stuff come with the heatsink? See tube on right...

So do I just need the one 80mm fan?

You could start out with the thermal stuff they send, yeah. It would be good to use at least one 80mm exhaust fan on the case (besides the PSU fan) to ensure that the air stays moving past the CPU. Looking at the photos of the case you were proposing, it does have positions for two 80mm exhaust fans, but it looks like the grillework over them is highly restrictive, so you might want to start out by drilling those weentsy little holes to a bigger size if you decide on that case.

Newegg has some nice quiet Enermax thermally-regulated case fans for $6 if I recall correctly. They even come with fan screws, a grille and a 3-pin-to-4-pin converter. If you're ordering from there, you might try a pair of those.

 

[bocamojo]

Usually, the heatsinks will come with some form of thermal gum stuck on the bottom, or some cheapo thermal paste in a tube. Don't use either. I would recommend Arctic Silver 3. It should cost you less than 10 dollars, and is well worth it. You're going to need every bit of help you can get, as those XP 2100's run pretty hot. If I were you, I'd step up to a 2400+. I believe they run a little cooler than the 2100+, and are obviously faster. You should be able to get one for around 182 @ newegg.com.

 

[newbiepcuser]

Viewsonic G90F 19" CRT Monitor or Samsung DynaFlat 955DF 19" monitor (~$220 NewEgg)

Hold off for a Dell deals on monitors. You can probably save money there.

 

[JohnnyT]

Thanks for the tip. I'll go with the Arctic Silver 3. However, I'll stick with the 2100+. At 93 bucks, 1/2 the price of 2400+ That extra 90 bucks is a big difference (as I'm already over budget of 800).

 

[mechBgon]

If you want to take off about $10, you could pick the Thermalright SK-7 instead of the SLK-800. It's not too far behind in the cooling department, according to tests by Overclockers.com on a CPU-die simulator (using equivalent fans).

 

[JohnnyT]

OK, here's my current plan shopping cart at NewEgg:

Epox EP-8RDA+: $122
AMD Athlon XP 2100+/266 FSB Thorougbred : $93
2x Samsung Original DDR333 PC-2700 256MB CAS2.5: 2x$55=$110
ANTEC SLK3700AMB w/ANTEC SMART POWER 350W: $73
WD WESTERN DIGITAL 80GB 7200RPM EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # WD800JB: $107
Thermalright SK-7: $25
Panasonic Panaflo 80mml: FBA08A 24L1A - OEM : $8
Lite On 48x24x48 CDRW Model LTR-48246SBlack OEM: $
MITSUMI D359M3 BLACK 1.44MB 3.5INCH - OEM: $11
Arctic Silver 3. 3-gram( 1 cc. ) tube: $6
Free expert advice from Anandtech Forum Gurus?: $Priceless!!

$612.99 + Shipping and Handling Charge $ 38.31 = $ 651.30 Not bad at all!!!

I have copy of Win2K, so just leaves monitor I think, which I may just buy locally (avoid shipping, see before buy).

I know I'm very close now. Am I missing anything? Can I get away with the SK-7? Do I need another fan for the box? I'm still not clear on how to use the L1A. Does is go rght on the Heatsink?

Thanks again for all your input!

 

[mechBgon]

The L1A does go right on the heatsink, check out the photos throughout the LostCircuits review I linked to for a better understanding of how the Thermalright heatsinks set up in general. Make sure to get one of these Panaflo wiring connectors or you'll be hating life when you get the Panaflo fan and see that it comes with bare wires! :Q EDIT: hold off on the Panaflo, it's a 24-volt fan! :Q

You could also save about $10 by ordering your 8RDA+ from www.mwave.com, where it's about $110 shipped. And if you don't mind slower shipping, you can probably save yourself about $15 overall by getting the case/PSU from Techstore.com.

 

[HokieESM]

You can certainly "get by" with the SK7!!! Its a very nice heatsink... both the SLK800 and the SK7 are "over the top" if you're just running stock speeds. Its just they will cool WELL and QUIETLY (a rare combination). The heatsink should have instructions for attaching the fan--some use brackets, some just simply screw on. If the directions don't come with the heatsink, i'm sure thermalright's webpage should have them.

Yes, if you can, I'd buy a monitor locally... or wait for Dell to do a "free shipping' promotion. Shipping on a monitor can be outrageous at the wrong place.

Good luck. Take your time, read the directions (definitely read the motherboards directions before you touch anything else!)... and good luck. System building is actually quite easy with the right parts... I hope it goes well for ya!

 

[mechBgon]

Also, I see one other critical item: you've got a 24-volt Panaflo L1A in your cart. Newegg doesn't seem to have the 80mm L1A in a 12-volt model right now. Checking to see what else they've got...

Ok, here's a good one if you don't mind that it's royal blue: Enermax adjustable-RPM 80mm fan with adapter and grille, $7.00

 

[JohnnyT]

Oops. Forgot Video Card

ATI OEM Sapphire ATI RADEON 9000 Atlantis PRO 128MB DDR DVI/TV-out is $97
ATI OEM RADEON 8500 LE 128MB DDR DVI/CRT/TV : $88

What's the better card? I would think the 9000PRO, so worht the extra 9 bucks?

The 4200 64MB is 110, is that worth considering? I really don't want to spend more than 100.

 

[JohnnyT]

Originally posted by: HokieESM
Yes, if you can, I'd buy a monitor locally... or wait for Dell to do a "free shipping' promotion.

They have one on now, but they correct for it by really jacking up prices. :disgust:

 

[JohnnyT]

Thanks for your advice! Anyone with final thoughts/suggestions? I'd like to make place my order tomorrow.

I just don't want to make a major blunder by ordering a component that will really hinder the system. I also don't want to spend money needlessly on parts that are too advanced, where I won't see a real-world benefit.

Here's my NewEgg cart:

• Epox EP-8RDA+: $122
  AMD Athlon XP 2100+/266 FSB Thorougbred : $93
  2x Samsung Original DDR333 PC-2700 256MB CAS2.5: 2x$55=$110
  Chaintech Geforce4 4200 "GT20" 64MB Retail : $110
  ANTEC SLK3700AMB w/ANTEC SMART POWER 350W: $73
  WD WESTERN DIGITAL 80GB 7200RPM EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # WD800JB: $107
  Thermalright SK-7: $25
  Panasonic Panaflo 80mm: FBA08A 24L1A - OEM : $8
  Lite On 48x24x48 CDRW Model LTR-48246SBlack OEM: $57.99
  MITSUMI D359M3 BLACK 1.44MB 3.5INCH - OEM: $11
  Arctic Silver 3. 3-gram( 1 cc. ) tube: $6
  Free expert advice from Anandtech Forum Gurus?: $Priceless!!

$721.99 + $ 38.85 (shipping) = $ 760.84

Will this machine maximize my bang for the buck?

 

[mechBgon]

Let me reiterate: the Panaflo in your cart won't work, it's a 24-volt fan (check my last several posts for an alternate fan suggestion, and a couple ways you can save about $25 if you want to split your order)

 

[JohnnyT]

Oops. I copied and pasted from my earlier post. I had changed that to:

Enermax Adjustable 8CM cooling fan (BLUE). Manual adjustable fan speed, 1000 RPM ~ 3000 RPM. 3pin to 4pin adaptor. Retail Box: $7.00

 

[JohnnyT]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

You could also save about $10 by ordering your 8RDA+ from www.mwave.com, where it's about $110 shipped. And if you don't mind slower shipping, you can probably save yourself about $15 overall by getting the case/PSU from Techstore.com.

Ordering from the separate sites brings total cost down to $729, saving 31 bucks from an 'all NewEgg' order.

I trust newEgg, do you know much about mwave and Techstore?

Also, with the 3700 case, do I just need the fan for the heatsink, or do I need an additional fan for the case? If so what fan (since case has 1 free spot for 120mm fan)?

 

[mechBgon]

Mwave has a good reputation and has been around for longer than Newegg. They're trustworthy. The case comes with one 12cm rear exhaust fan that will take care of your case ventilation needs great, but you'll still need to get that 80mm Enermax fan for your heatsink.

 

[bocamojo]

Both MWave and Newegg are good vendors. I always go Newegg first, and if they don't have what I want, then I go with MWave. You should do well if you stick to those two. As for your question regarding a vid card, I would look at trying to pick up an OEM 64MB 9500. You can get one for about 140 @ newegg. You'd get full DX9 support and the advanced pixel shading capabilities. If that's too pricey, then drop down to the 9000 Pro 128MB OEM, with 275/550MHz clocks, for around 110-120. It's fast, although it doesn't support the new DX9 advanced pixel shading like the 9500's and 9700's.

 

[DeeTees]

>ATI OEM Sapphire ATI RADEON 9000 Atlantis PRO 128MB DDR DVI/TV-out is $97
>ATI OEM RADEON 8500 LE 128MB DDR DVI/CRT/TV : $88
>What's the better card? I would think the 9000PRO, so worht the extra 9 bucks?

I would go with the ATI OEM Radeon 8500 LE 128MB. IMHO it is a better card. The 8500 was a top of the line chip, the 8500 LE is a slightly down rated version (underclocked) and it is usually possible to overclock it a bit to match the 8500 card. It also has full dual out 1 CRT one DVI.

The Sapphire Radeon 9000 is a inferior chip set and it is made by a second tier manufacturer. I do not believe that it is a true dual out card. There have been some problems with driver updates with non ATI cards and the Radeon 9000 card is just not as powerful as the Radeon 8500 LE. So it would be a better idea to save $9.00 and get a better video card.