I'M DONE!! Tell me what you think before I spend $1100 hehe

[daweinah]

Yes, I have been updating the original post 🙂

Ok, so I have no real plans for OCing, and from what I've heard, the 3200+ is very OCable as well, so I'll stick with it.

Originally posted by: Zaitsevs
You should take a look at the EVGA Motherboard and 7800GT bundle.

I swear, it's such a deal.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813188002

$70 off a mobo is a great deal, I agree. However, that 7800GT (N518) is clocked at 445/1050 whereas the one I picked (N517) is clocked at 470/1100.

Also, before anyone asks, I won't be getting a sound card. I don't care that much about sound, so the onboard will do fine for me. Ill be getting the 2.1 Logitech Z-4 set.

SO! I think this means that I finally really am really done with this, for real! Woohoo! I'm gonna sleep on it, check more replies on the 3 forums I've posted this on (lol) and hit the order button, hopefully during my lunch break at school tomorrow!

 

[Sean Maxwell]

probably could do better with that budget

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: daweinah
Whew, its been a lot of fun getting hyped about finally building a new computer to replace my trusty 5-year old 1.5GHz P4, and I think I'm ready to display what I've put together for you all to pick apart. I'm pushing my budget, and I still have to find a disk drive! If you see any place to save, be sure to mention it!

This PC will be used for gaming, what else?

Case: AeroCool SPIRAL GALAXIES Aluminum ATX Case $85

Make that $101. Considering you can get a cheap case for $27 (supergooddeal.com), or a nice one for ~$50, that is *way* too much.

Power Supply: Fortron AX450-PN ATX12V 450W Power Supply $50

You mean $57. That is decent, but you could save ~$20 by going for with a 350W model.

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice Socket 939 Processor - Retail $175
HS&F: Retail

With your budget, there's no reason you shouldn't get a dual-core CPU.

Thermal Paste: Artic Silver 5 $6

Like everything else, you're probably forgetting shipping, which I imagine would raise the price to ~$11. I'd nix this unless you have convincing evidence it will help your overclock.

Motherboard: EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra nForce4 Ultra AMD Motherboard - Retail $105

$108, actually. Depending on the features you need, you could save $43 by going with a Biostar GeForce 6100-M9.

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s $110

You mean $115. You could save $17 by going with a Maxtor.

Memory: Corsair XMS 2GB (2x1GB) 184-Pin DDR 400 (PC3200) $196 ($236-$40)

Even after rebate, you could save $42 by going with Mushkin.

Video Card: eVGA 256mb N517-AX 7800GT $314

If you *really* want to spend $320 on a component meant only for playing video games, go right ahead. I suggest the minimum, here, though, which is a 6800XT for $140, saving $180.

Disk Drive: getting from a friend

Speakers: getting from a friend

Sound Card: onboard

TOTAL: $1041

My count is $1,087.


Try this...
$27 basic mATX case (supergooddeal.com)
$44 400W Fortron
$64 Biostar GeForce 6100-M9
$323 Athlon 64 X2 3800+
$98 Maxtor 250GB SATA HDD
$154 2GB Mushkin RAM (2x1GB)
$140 ASUS GeForce 6800XT
TOTAL: $850

Or you can get that 7800XT you wanted and *still* save $7.

 

[Sean Maxwell]

Hold off on this order.. I'll try to help you find the best deals, give me a half hour

 

[daweinah]

Wow, didn't expect this, but thanks and let me get into it..

Let me preface by saying I intentionally didn't include shipping. It will add about $65 dollars to the total (I will be doing Next Day because I'm too excited to wait any longer than that 😛)

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
Make that $101. Considering you can get a cheap case for $27 (supergooddeal.com), or a nice one for ~$50, that is *way* too much.

Few things.. One, the case would be a beige plastic box. Blah. Two, it wouldn't have anything "cool," like a side window, hidden drive bays, or the unique design that inverts the motherboard and has the wind tunnel. Not to mention a sturdy metal exterior. I really like this case, and while the case/psu setup is costing more than I originally envisioned, everything I have learned is justifying the purchase.

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
You mean $57. That is decent, but you could save ~$20 by going for with a 350W model.

With PSUs, I'm in the dark about how much power is really needed, but I have seen it recommended many times to get at least 400w to go with a 7800GT. This is the model recommended earlier in the thread, and its $25 cheaper than the 550w Antec TruePower I had originally picked out.

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
With your budget, there's no reason you shouldn't get a dual-core CPU.

...

If you *really* want to spend $320 on a component meant only for playing video games, go right ahead. I suggest the minimum, here, though, which is a 6800XT for $140, saving $180.

Here I am purposely spending more on the video card than the processor, instead of the other way around. I am designing this PC to be bottlenecked at the CPU, which will be upgraded after the new M2 stuff starts coming out, hopefully pushing down the price of the FX processors before the 3200 falls too far behind.

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
Like everything else, you're probably forgetting shipping, which I imagine would raise the price to ~$11. I'd nix this unless you have convincing evidence it will help your overclock.

Here you have a good point. It doubles the price to order online. I'll nix it for now and check prices at some local shops. Also, it seems that it will be unnecessary anyway, since the included thermal pad will apparently be plenty.

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
$108, actually. Depending on the features you need, you could save $43 by going with a Biostar GeForce 6100-M9.

MicroATX? Screw that! I want a gigantic box wasting half the space on my desk 😉

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
You mean $115. You could save $17 by going with a Maxtor.

I see the Maxtor for $101, which is indeed a decent savings, but I've done a lot of thought and decided to go with the WD2500KS based on reviews and benchmarks froms Toms Hardware and Storage Review.

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
Even after rebate, you could save $42 by going with Mushkin.

The only Mushkin I see with comparable timings is $228 (from NewEgg). There is the value series, but it has 3-3-3-8 timings, vs the Corsair XMS's 2-3-3-6.

 

[firewolfsm]

my computer cost 1080 and included a monitor for 210, the only differences were 1GB of memory and the 160GB version of your same HDD

if had an opteron 144 from MWAVE, an xclio 450bl psu newegg, raidmax x1 newegg, gskill 1gb ddr500 newegg, epox 9npa ultra from mwave for 95, the 7800gt with the coppercooler but 445/1170 (just flash the other bios, the copper cooler can handle it) for 300 newegg

 

[Sean Maxwell]

Let's start out by suggesting that you do overclock. If you are uneasy about it, just do a small push. Nobody says you have to do anything extreme. And if you are investing this much, IMO its kind of silly not to go dual core. And with a dual core AMD system in your budget, you'll need to decide between an Opteron 165 and a 3800+ X2. With my experience and say, the Opteron 165 is a no brainer. Generally it overclocks higher, and its got twice the amount of cash for the same price. And I am assuming with this cart that the stuff from your friend is free. Note that all prices are w/ shipping included.

Case/PSU ($56 + $57)
Aspire Black ATX Case
Fortron 450w
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144150
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954

CPU ($316)
Operon 165 (dual core)
- http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDe...uctCode=80106-R&affiliate=pricegrabber

Motherboard ($98)
DFI nF4 Ultra-Infinity
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136163

Video Card ($305)
XFX Geforce 7800GT 256MB
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150124

Hard Drive ($115)
WD Caviar 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

Memory ($154)
Mushkin Green 1GBx2 (2GB)
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146366

Total: $1,101 Shipped

 

[Sean Maxwell]

OR

If you decide you don't care for dual core right now. You can go with a single core Opteron 146, which is also a GREAT overclocker from what I hear. Note this machine has a MSI 7800 GTX 🙂.

Case/PSU ($56 + $57)
Aspire Black ATX Case
Fortron 450w
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144150
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954

CPU ($181)
Operon 146
- http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?sku=6224603&SourceID=k15506

Motherboard ($98)
DFI nF4 Ultra-Infinity
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136163

Video Card ($445)
MSI 7800 GTX 256mb
- http://www.xpcgear.com/msi7800gtx256.html

Hard Drive ($115)
WD Caviar 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

Memory ($154)
Mushkin Green 1GBx2 (2GB)
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146366

Total: $1,106 Shipped

That is my suggestion for you 🙂 Don't know how the others feel about it, but I'm pretty sure both of mine will be more desirable on a performance standpoint.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: daweinah
Wow, didn't expect this, but thanks and let me get into it..

Let me preface by saying I intentionally didn't include shipping. It will add about $65 dollars to the total (I will be doing Next Day because I'm too excited to wait any longer than that 😛)

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
Make that $101. Considering you can get a cheap case for $27 (supergooddeal.com), or a nice one for ~$50, that is *way* too much.

Few things.. One, the case would be a beige plastic box. Blah. Two, it wouldn't have anything "cool," like a side window, hidden drive bays, or the unique design that inverts the motherboard and has the wind tunnel. Not to mention a sturdy metal exterior. I really like this case, and while the case/psu setup is costing more than I originally envisioned, everything I have learned is justifying the purchase.

That's true. However, I think of it in terms of "what could I get instead?" In other words, would you rather have a nice case and slow CPU, or a basic case and a fast CPU? If you *really* want a cool-looking exterior, go for it! But even so you could probably find something in the $50-$70 range, saving you a significant sum of cash.

With PSUs, I'm in the dark about how much power is really needed, but I have seen it recommended many times to get at least 400w to go with a 7800GT. This is the model recommended earlier in the thread, and its $25 cheaper than the 550w Antec TruePower I had originally picked out.

It's tough to say. My suggestion was based on a weaker GPU, but with a 7800GT you should probably stick to 400+ W.

Here I am purposely spending more on the video card than the processor, instead of the other way around. I am designing this PC to be bottlenecked at the CPU, which will be upgraded after the new M2 stuff starts coming out, hopefully pushing down the price of the FX processors before the 3200 falls too far behind.

Interesting plan. Keep in mind, though, you could still squeeze a dual core CPU into your budget just by easing up on the RAM and case. Also, nothing's stopping you from selling it off when you upgrade.

MicroATX? Screw that! I want a gigantic box wasting half the space on my desk 😉

The M9 is a rarely-suggested board, but by all accounts it performs just as well as anything else. With its $64 price tag (compared to the $100+ premium boards demand), it's something to seriously consider. The major drawback, of course, is its two PCI slots. If that's going to be a problem, you can't get the M9. Otherwise, I'd recommend it.

I see the Maxtor for $101, which is indeed a decent savings, but I've done a lot of thought and decided to go with the WD2500KS based on reviews and benchmarks froms Toms Hardware and Storage Review.

The SATA/150 drive is $98. Now, the WD2500KS might perform a bit better, but is it enough to justify the $17? Or would you rather get a better CPU, GPU, memory, etc.?

The only Mushkin I see with comparable timings is $228 (from NewEgg). There is the value series, but it has 3-3-3-8 timings, vs the Corsair XMS's 2-3-3-6.

Memory timings have very little impact on performance.

 

[daweinah]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
That's true. However, I think of it in terms of "what could I get instead?" In other words, would you rather have a nice case and slow CPU, or a basic case and a fast CPU? If you *really* want a cool-looking exterior, go for it! But even so you could probably find something in the $50-$70 range, saving you a significant sum of cash.

I'm pretty much sold on this case, I love how its different from the others. Its a worthy expense to me. This hasn't been said, but my budget isn't solid, so I can stretch to accomodate any upgrades I really want.

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
Interesting plan. Keep in mind, though, you could still squeeze a dual core CPU into your budget just by easing up on the RAM and case. Also, nothing's stopping you from selling it off when you upgrade.

A single gig stick of the same RAM I have chosen costs $120. With the $40MIR on the 2x1gb, its only $76 more for the second, matched, gig. I could shave $76 off my total now and add the other gig later, but it'd be a waste of $40, and the sticks wouldn't be identically matched.

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
The SATA/150 drive is $98. Now, the WD2500KS might perform a bit better, but is it enough to justify the $17? Or would you rather get a better CPU, GPU, memory, etc.?

$17 is worth it to me, even if just for the peace of mind of knowing its the one that looked the best in all the research I did.

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
Memory timings have very little impact on performance.

But I like it so 😛

Even though I don't think I took any of your suggestions, I appreciate all the effort you put into this thread. It means a lot because this is a huge investment and fulfillment of a long-time dream/goal and I want to be totally satisfied with every detail of my purchase.

Now... on to the Opteron debate.

Using all of my pieces, it is $860 before the processor.

The 3200+ and the Opteron 146 are practically identical in price.

(will edit after I do some research, but basically I have to decide on the 3200+ or the 146, or perhaps even a higher model CPU, if the cost is justified.)

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: Sean Maxwell
Let's start out by suggesting that you do overclock. If you are uneasy about it, just do a small push. Nobody says you have to do anything extreme. And if you are investing this much, IMO its kind of silly not to go dual core. And with a dual core AMD system in your budget, you'll need to decide between an Opteron 165 and a 3800+ X2. With my experience and say, the Opteron 165 is a no brainer. Generally it overclocks higher, and its got twice the amount of cash for the same price. And I am assuming with this cart that the stuff from your friend is free. Note that all prices are w/ shipping included.

Case/PSU ($56 + $57)
Aspire Black ATX Case
Fortron 450w
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144150
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954

CPU ($316)
Operon 165 (dual core)
- http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDe...uctCode=80106-R&affiliate=pricegrabber

Motherboard ($98)
DFI nF4 Ultra-Infinity
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136163

Video Card ($305)
XFX Geforce 7800GT 256MB
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150124

Hard Drive ($115)
WD Caviar 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

Memory ($154)
Mushkin Green 1GBx2 (2GB)
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146366

Total: $1,101 Shipped

I would recommend this setup! :thumbsup:

 

[Xyron]

You can try Zipzoomfly.com and get free 2 day shipping. It will save you some money that you can put into your system and you only have to wait one extra day.

 

[daweinah]

I'm still fighting. I don't need that big of a processor. I dont plan on a lot of multi tasking, so dual core isn't going to do that much for me.

I'm 99% certain I want what I have laid out in the first post, the extra costs (case + mobo + vid card + memory = ~$100 extra) I'm willing to bear, not to mention I save $135 on the CPU.

I also decided against the Opteron 146 and 165. OCing isn't a big deal for me, so no point in these.

HOWEVER, for $45 more I could get a 3700+ instead of the 3200+. I have a little thinking and research to do about this one, but I believe it is the final decision to be made, as I am too stubborn to accept any of your redesign suggestions!

 

[firewolfsm]

even if you don't want to OC, the 146 has the extra cache, and if you decide to OC, 2.4GHz is a 100% guarentee on stock voltage (just raise the fsb and lower the mem divider and HT mult

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

The RAM is seriously a waste of money here. Everything else is fine, but 2x1GB of Corsair ValueSelect costs about $50 less, and there's almost no difference between CAS 3 and CAS 2.5. Go for an Opteron 165. There's no reason not to overclock. It's basically free performance.

 

[shoRunner]

check your local adds for deals on HDs. best buy currently has a 160gb for $69 with no rebates. Most of the time you can get a 160gb for around $40 AR

 

[galbicake]

I agree that you can get 160gb HD for less than $50 after rebates & pricematching.

I built my own system and I am not computer savy like these people so I am not overclocking anything on my set up.

I have a MSI Neo 4 MoBo and used it's on board sound card. I have 5.1 speakers and sound came out so I was happy. However, I jumped on a deal for a Sound Blaster Audigy Zs 2 and it is so dramatic in difference. Different areas in games gives you a different sound effect and it increases the output significantly. Also, I have Logitech x530 speakers and the subwoofer on that thing kills at even the lowest setting. Sound blaster has software that helps you control the bass output and its volume threshold which helps out a lot!

Anyways, I bought mine after a rebate from buy.com I think for around $50 and is worth it if you want this to be a gaming computer.

 

[daweinah]

Originally posted by: firewolfsm
even if you don't want to OC, the 146 has the extra cache, and if you decide to OC, 2.4GHz is a 100% guarentee on stock voltage (just raise the fsb and lower the mem divider and HT mult

The 3700+ has a 1mb cache and stock 2.2GHz which I should be able to OC to 2.4GHz if I ever feel like it as well. But since I probably wont, the higher stock speeds are what I am looking at.

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb

The RAM is seriously a waste of money here. Everything else is fine, but 2x1GB of Corsair ValueSelect costs about $50 less, and there's almost no difference between CAS 3 and CAS 2.5. Go for an Opteron 165. There's no reason not to overclock. It's basically free performance.

I hear ya, but the $40 MIR cuts the difference to $30, which I'm willing to spend.

I don't need a dual core processor and I don't plan on doing any heavy OCing, so the Opterons are out. What I need is a decently fast, single core processor, and that is the 3700+.

160gb is yesterday, and its only twice as big as my current HD. I gotta have at least 3x to be happy with my storage situation!

 

[supastar1568]

I see you have the N517 7800gt.

Well I ordered the N516 7800gt from ZipZoomFly for 299 and I just installed it and it is clocked factory at 470/110 which is the same as the N517 for 15 bucks less

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Why no heavy overclocking? Too lazy? Don't feel like learning? It's really easy, and this way, you'll be able to get a dual core CPU.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb
Why no heavy overclocking? Too lazy? Don't feel like learning? It's really easy, and this way, you'll be able to get a dual core CPU.

trust me, o/cing the opterons is extremely easy. so easy it should be illegal 😀

i paid $150 for my opty144, and o/c to 2.5GHz on stock V, with multiplier and V set to auto. it is bascially equal to a either a diego 4150 or fx54 if they made such an animal. so for an $80 savings over a 3700 i am able to get another 300MHz.

again, ymmv with o/cing but 2.4 even on a 144 is pretty standard using stock V. i have never myself o/ced hard that is why i stayed at 2.5, the cpu would boot at 2.6 and 2.8 but i need to add a little more V, even then it was still very conservative. these optys o/c like mad....if nothing else even if you don't o/c it, i would say they will have a better resale value later because of their o/cing abilities. and they cost pretty close or cheaper than the 3700

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

The cheapest San Diego (3700+) is $210, but you can get a Venus for $201. Since the Venus will probably achieve the highest clock speed, I don't see much reason to get the San Diego. Unless you're building it for a friend, overclocking is a must.

 

[daweinah]

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb
Why no heavy overclocking? Too lazy? Don't feel like learning?

Yep 🙂 Hehe.

I can't really afford the Opty 165, but I could do the 146 (not the 148?).

hurts you said I could get a Venus for $201, where did that price come from and which CPU are you talking about?

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: daweinah

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb
Why no heavy overclocking? Too lazy? Don't feel like learning?

Yep 🙂 Hehe.

I can't really afford the Opty 165, but I could do the 146 (not the 148?).

hurts you said I could get a Venus for $201, where did that price come from and which CPU are you talking about?

remember venus = opteron
and venice = a64

i would do a 144 as it should have no problem doing 2.2GHz(3700 diego speed), but as always ymmv

 

[daweinah]

Finished and ordered! Original post is updated with what I bought.

I went with an Opteron 148 because it has the same stock speeds as the 3700+. That way if I don't, or before I do, any OCing, I'll have the same processor.