Help me build an AMD gaming machine

[Jassi]

I just got done with a tough semester and I figure its time to treat myself for 3.5 years of EE madness

So, I need some help. I have never OC'ed but I would like to eventually when it gets a little long in the tooth. I have been living with P3 + GeForce 440 MX, so anything better would be awesome for me. I am a casual gamer, I will mainly play new RTS and FPS games like HL2 or Doom 3.

Anyways, here is what I am looking at:

AMD 3000 (or better skt 939 + 90nm chip)
Any Skt 939 MB (with good onboard sound, support for RAID and good OC'ing properties)
Atleast 1GB of good RAM (Just good enough to allow mild OC'ing)
Either BFG 6800 OC card from BB or a good 6600GT
Good looking case (I am thinking MGE Quantam black or silver or a sleeker/ smoother looking case)

Stuff that would be nice :

Decent 17" gaming LCD monitor
Either a 74 GB Raptor or a good SATA HD (will probably RAID it later when bank balance recovers)

Stuff I have :
160GB 7200 RPM Maxtor HD + 60 GB 7200 WD HD
DVD burner
CD burner (backup)

Thanks for your help, there is just too much to choose from so any help and previous experience woulld be awesome. My budget is around $1000 give or take a couple of $100.

 

[ts3433]

I suggest an Antec Sonata case+PSU combo, which offers a good value on a well-built case and 380W PSU. You won't want to waste money on a Raptor or RAID here, either (Raptors giving you a whopping 3 seconds less loading in games, RAID 0--I assume this is the kind you have in mind--an increased risk of array failure). A 17" LCD might be pushing it as well, though since you don't need any drives you might be able to do that.

Depending on how you define "mild overclocking" and if you must run 1:1 (CPU FSB, or in this case, HTT to memory ratio; any ratio other than 1:1--where the RAM is run asynchronously--is called a "divider"), you can get away with 2x512MB CL2.5 value PC3200 RAM from Corsair or Mushkin. This should be about $140 and good till 215 or 220 MHz, probably at more relaxed timings (don't worry, this won't kill performance). If you're going to run 1:1 and overclock more heavily than that, consider some Patriot PC3200 CL2 or G.skill PC4400 CL2.5 (or something else that uses good TCCD chips like those two; OCZ Platinum Revision 2 is also recommended, but costs more because of the brand name). To do heavier CPU overclocking, you'll also want to consider an aftermarket heatsink/fan solution. One good overclocking board for S939 that comes to mind is the Epox EP-9NDA3+ (they also make a cheaper version ending in "J" instead of "+").

 

[Jassi]

I don't know about the Antec cases, they are sturdy but I'd like something that looks slick and unique. I would probably buy a Antec PSU tho. I have been scouring the hot deals section but I couldnt find a price for a A64 3500 90nm chip. Those are pretty powerful and should last me a couple of years.

I agree with the RAM, I will look into ones that can handle a higher FSB. The multipliers on A64's are locked right? That would make pumping up the FSB the only option for OC'ing.

 

[ts3433]

If you're going to buy a separate PSU, Enermax and Fortron are also worth considering; I know Enermax's rails are supposed to be a bit stronger than Antec's.

Multipliers are locked on A64s (except for the FX series), but the Winchesters have been known to overclock very high regardless of that--nick1985 on here has gotten his 3000+ (stock is 9*200=1.8 GHz), EP-9NDA3+, and G.skill PC4400 to 300 FSB (1:1). That's 2.7 GHz, a 900 MHz overclock. Even at 3500+ speeds (2.2 GHz), the overclocked processor would perform a little faster with the RAM kept synchronous with the HTT. I suggest getting one of these (or a 3200+) instead of a 3500+ (prices on 90nm versions of these are insane at the moment, from what I've heard) so you can move up to a 6800 GT.

 

[Rike]

This thread has some good ideas in it. Thread link.

Definitely worth a click and a look.

 

[ts3433]

Oh yes, the system thread, a very good resource. More than worth a look. I don't know why it was unstickied.....

 

[Jassi]

Overclocking voids warranty right?

Also, do I need experience in overclocking to get those speeds? I would definately get a 3000+ 939pin and invest the change in better RAM and the 6800 card.

 

[ts3433]

Of course it voids the warranty. Don't abuse RMAing if you fry your chip.

You probably don't need experience--just research, do it with care, and DON'T do anything stupid, and you'll be fine. Check out things in the CPU/OC forum for more information.