Help with selecting new PC components!

[andyjz]

I am currently building a new PC. I have done some research and have decided on the following components:

AMD Thunderbird 750 or 800
MB: MSI K7T Pro (Had trouble deciding between this and ASUS K7V but went with K7T because I don't think I'll be overclocking)
Case: Antec SX830

I need help with video and sound cards, memory, and a 30GB 7200rpm hard drive? I won't be doing any gaming (no time as a student) so would a quality 2D card be better? Was originally thinking of Voodo3 3000 w/video out but now I don't know. I'd like to spend about $150 for video, around $50 for sound and around $100 for ram. This isn't set in stone thought.

I would greatly, greatly appreciate any help from someone who knows what there talking about and from what I've seen this is the place to get it.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[Noriaki]

IBM 75GXP for hard drive, fastest IDE harddrive available right now.
They make a 30GB.

128 or 256 MB PC133 CAS2 Crucial/Mushkin
Just get an SBLive! Value for a sound card.

For Video I'd say a G400 if you want the absolute best 2D quality. that only comes with TNT2/Voodoo3 level gaming performance though.

You could also try a Radeon, they have SDR, DDR and 64MB DDR for increased gaming performance over the G400, but they have good 2D quality as well.

I'd personnally try for a Radeon SDR, but they aren't quite available yet, and a G400 is about the best 2D quality you can get so you might want one of those. Dual head is fun to

(Just an FYI: There is a problem with nVidia boards and 2D because they can't control all the components on the board, and board manufacturers have to pay nVidia so sometimes they cut corners to save back that cash and it hurts 2D quality sometimes. If you really want good 2D as your primary concern you should check into companies that make board and chip.)

 

[pdo]

It's a sin to not overclock these chips. If you don't care about gaming that much then I would suggest G400. I'm using it right now and I love it to death. I have a Quantum LM 30 gig and it cost a $105. Danm that's cheap.

 

[Jonny]

What monitor are you using? No point in getting a G400 if you have an older monitor, then you might as well get a geforce 2 mx since you will not be able to tell the difference in quality and you will have the 3D performance if you ever find yourself needing it.

 

[mirrorlake]

Select the best hard drive which you could afford, it is one of the essential factor for your system. that should be IBM 75GXP. About the RAM, I also have some confusion, just not sure with the difference of 128/256. Video card, mmm, i have selected creative GTS2, although i am a student too... I just wonder if you don't play game why you need this level of CPU.

 

[andyjz]

I was going to get a viewsonic E-790 is seems to be a good 19" monitor for the price. I bought one for someone else a few months ago and the picture is pretty good. How will that G400 work with this monitor?

I don't know why a need that level of cpu if I'm not gaming. I chose it because I really like what I've heard about the thunderbirds and there isn't a huge jump any more between the different speeds like there use to be. Do you think it's stupid to get a 750 or 800 then if so what else do you suggest?

 

[Impact55]

Depends, what is your budget?

 

[andyjz]

About $175 is my budget.