Help Me Spend My Money

[The Superlative]

Okay, when I get back to the states (I'm currently in sunny Cairo), I intend to build a new box and re-enter the gaming community after a three-year laptop haitus. I have not been following hardware for most of this time, and have been doing a lot of updating in the last few days, but could always use help. I intend to finish ordering everything for this system by December 19th or so so that I can have it for when I get in on Christmas.

I have a $1900 budget including shipping for everything except speakers. I've already made some decisions: I ordered a WD 74gb 10k RPM SATA drive and a Logitech mx510 mouse. I also have not ordered but am more or less decided on: Antec Sonata Case w/ 380 watt truepower (quiet is a must), Rosewill dvd/cdr (I don't do video, and won't use a DVDR though cheap), thermaltake silentboost, 19" AG Neovo LCD (need LCD for space), and other trinkets (func 1030, artic silver, floppy, rounded cables, printer, etc).

Therefore, I actually have about $860 to buy: processor (probably A64), mobo, ram, video, and soundcard. Here's what I was thinking:

Athlon 64 Winchester +3200
MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum
1gb (512x2) PDP Dual Channel cas2 pc3200
XFX GeForce 6600GT AGP
Audigy 2 ZS

Does this sound good, are can you guys come up with better combinations for the money? Any comments on my other components too?

THanks

 

[Peanya]

I'd get the Crucial Ballistix or OCZ EL plat rev2 for the memory. I'd also swap that board for either the Asus A8V or Abit's AV8. The card you picked out is excellent for the money. If it'll be a few months, you might want to consider switching to the PCI Express versions of board and video card as it will give you more room to upgrade in the futire.

 

[yadda]

Obviously it appears you have done your homework. I think people will have a hard time critiquing what you are going to buy. Good selection except I would pick a NEC 3500 DVD even though you won't think you will not use it. These days IMHO everyone needs a DVD burner.

Great selection in the Sonata case. I have it and it is extremely quiet. Another thing you haven't specified if you truly want to keep it quiet is a HSF combination. I am using a Zalmann and it is awesome.

Good luck

Y

 

[The Superlative]

I was thinking Thermaltake Silentboost, which Zalman do you use? Are there any comparisons out there?

 

[w00t]

maybe you should wait for the nf4 boards.if your take that route get a 6600 pci-e,get this ram its the good OCZ EL plat rev2, make sure for gaming you get a nice lcd 12ms-16ms and you still are going to have ghosting. i would sacfice the space and get a crt no doubt.

 

[The Superlative]

Yeah, I'd like an nf4 board, but it'd be hard to convince me to wait, unless I get lucky and a good non-sli one comes out pre-christmas.

I wish I could sacrifice the space, but it doesn't exist.

Also, one question for Sonata owners: extra 120mm necessary or no? If I get one, I'll get an Antec thermal controlled.