First Time Computer Builder

[EquusTempero]

Hi Folks,
I noticed another user post a question about his components and I thought I'd do the same. I need some savy heads to bounce my hardware selection off of so I can make sure I'm buying sensible compatible components.

I do some high end CAD work and some gaming on my machine. I also hate to go slow.

MB
MSI nForce4 SLI (939) K8N Neo4 Platinum SLI
http://www.xpcgear.com/neo4platsli.html

CPU
AMD Athlon 64 (939) 4000+ 1MB
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant...PROD&Product_Code=120493&AFFIL=pg&NR=1

Memory
Ultra 1024MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz SODIMM Memory
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...CODE=PRICEGRABBER&CMP=OTC-PRICEGRABBER

GB
Radeon X850 XT Platinum Video Card
http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?sku=5602431&SourceID=k15506

HD
Western Digital Caviar WD2500JD 250GB OEM Hard Drive
http://www.chiefvalue.com/app/productde...ATT=Hard%20Drives&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r

DVD±RW/R 1
DVD+R DL/-R SONY DW-26A Double Media 4.7/8.5GB 16xDVD w/media
http://www.xpcgear.com/sonydwd26abk.html

DVD±RW/R 2
BenQ DW1620 Dual Layer DVD±RW Writer
http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_...od.php?masterid=4773708&lot_id=1839699

Monitor
"ViewSonic VX2000 20"" LCD Monitor"
http://www.a2zcomp.com/buy.asp?REF=12&SKU=844545

Keyboard
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3100 Keyboard and Mouse Combination
http://www.supplysale.com/Item.aspx?sku=367862TD&sgd=341d318d314d308d315

Sound
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS Gamer
http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3?refer=pricegrabber.com&id=1001769

Case
ASUS VENTO 3600 PC Case
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?SCriteria=BA21077

Fan Controller
Zalman Multi Fan Speed Controller - ZM-MFC1
http://www.thenerds.net/productpage.asp?un=289778&s=1


Power Supply
Antec True Power 550W Power Supply Gold Plated Connectors
http://www.yesmicro.com/Item.aspx?sku=049486TD&sgd=341d314d308d312d309

Cooler
Zalman CNPS7700-Cu 120mm Cooler
http://www.thenerds.net/productpage.asp?un=286641&s=1

OS
MS XP Pro
http://www.salesintl.com/product.asp?0=218&1=235&3=199

Floppy
80mm Case Fan
120mm case Fan Whatever

Thanks
Tom Smith,
California

 

[imported_Kensai]

You don't need the Audigy2.. The onboard live card is more than enough.
That memory ain't gonna work. Get two sticks of dual-channel memory.
Don't get the Vento, bloody expensive for it's fricking stupidness. Get an Antec PlusView 1000AMG.

 

[mechBgon]

I'd bet that isn't a legit WinXP Pro they're offering. Careful careful wording, yesss Precious. Also, it would probably be best to order most of your loot from one place to consolidate the shipping costs. I'd definitely steer you away from TigerDirect, at least.

Considering that 24-pin ATX12V 2.0 is the new standard in power supplies, also look at getting a TruePower 2.0 unit instead of the original TP series.

If you want to get two burners, it might make sense to get two of the same model, because the OEM-version burning software (such as Nero) is often keyed to burn only to the specific brand/model of drive it came with.

If you don't mind a pretty subdued case, you might also look at the Antec SLK3000-B, which comes with a 120mm exhaust and a position for a 120mm x 25mm intake fan. The link in my signature shows its sister model, the SLK3700AMB in bronze-color. The 3000-B doesn't come with a PSU.

 

[Green Man]

That memory won't work. SODIMMs are for laptops. You need 184 pin DDR400. Like This.

 

[boomerang]

You might want to consider one stop shopping. I've got to believe any savings you're getting is going to be exceeded by shipping costs.

Edit: I'd leave off the Zalman. You're buying a retail processor and the stock cooling is more than adequate and very quiet. I'm also partial to Seagate drives because I like a 5 year warranty.

 

[Chosonman]

What's wrong with putting an ATI video card in an SLI motherboard? It won't work.

 

[narcotic]

Originally posted by: Chosonman
What's wrong with putting an ATI video card in an SLI motherboard? It won't work.

you mean in SLI mode...

 

[SVT Cobra]

Originally posted by: narcotic

Originally posted by: Chosonman
What's wrong with putting an ATI video card in an SLI motherboard? It won't work.

you mean in SLI mode...

It'll work fine, just do not sli them

 

[Chosonman]

Correction:
It'll work but not in SLI.