Input on new build

[ridire123]

Hey all!

The ridiculous noise coming from my old PC and my shift away from gaming has told me it's time to build a new PC. Thus, I come to you all for input on what I'm planning on putting together.

My goal here is to build a small, desktop-worthy computer with minimal noise, so please keep that in mind

The computer is primarily going to be used for programming, including some graphics programming, as well as watching movies. At some point I intend to put an HD DVD/Blu-ray drive in (or use my 360 one), so it must be HD worthy. There will be minimal gaming, but I'd like to keep my options open; at worst, it will be something like TF2 or CS:S.

As far as budget is concerned, I would really like to keep to under $600 (if shipping takes it a bit over, that's ok). This is excluding monitor, keyboard, mouse, DVD-Drive, and OS as I already have these items from my last computer. All purchases will be made in the US. I'm not really a fanboy of anything, I just want a worthy PC. Also, as far as I'm concerned, no overclocking will be done. I'm not very good at OCing and, again, quiet is key for me at this point.

So with all this in mind, this is what my roomy and I threw together as a quick idea. I'm a little worried about the AM2, but he insists it will be sufficient. Any input, however, is very much appreciated

Case/PSU: Antec New Solution NSK3480 -- $84.99
Mobo: ASUS M2A-VM AM2 MicroATX -- $62.99
Video Card: Gigabyte GV-RX26T256H HD2600XT 256MB w/Passive Cooling -- $102.99
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane Black Edition -- $129.99
Memory: Corsair XMS2 2GB DDR2800 (PC2 6400) -- $71.00
HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB -- $49.99

Total: $501.95

So that's what we have right now, but I am very open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance for any help, much appreciated!

 

[ridire123]

bump

 

[PurdueRy]

Go with a cheap intel Core2duo. It will be better for the price.

Your ram is much too expensive unless that's a before rebate price. Price should be <$50.

Hard drive is rather small. Go at least with a 320GB IMO.

MicroATX limits expandability. Go with a full size board and put it in a case with a few 120mm fans.

 

[ridire123]

Core2Duo is how I was really thinking about going as well, and still am... My roomy insists on AMD, but it is my PC I've been reading up on the E2160 being an easy overclock. Would it be possible to do so in a SFF case and still maintain decent temps w/low noise? If so, any MicroATX MB recommendations for that processor?

That RAM price is before rebate, it's around $40 AR. Regarding the HDD, it's rated as one of the quitest and, as I stated, this will be used mainly for programming, watching DVDs (not ripped), and perhaps limited gaming. Consequently, I don't really need a huge hard drive and if I decide I need more later, $50 certainly doesn't set me back much. I will, however, consider a larger HDD (perhaps a Samsung Spinpoint; HDD noise drives me nuts even moreso than fan noise).

As far as MicroATX goes, the reason is that I'd really like this to sit on my desk. I'm in a dorm and, in all honesty, it's about the only reasonable place. Consequently I'd like to keep the form factor small and the noise to a minimum.

Thanks for the input Really do appreciate it, hopefully people can help me get my decisions squared out here so I can have a new PC soon!

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: ridire123
Core2Duo is how I was really thinking about going as well, and still am... My roomy insists on AMD, but it is my PC I've been reading up on the E2160 being an easy overclock. Would it be possible to do so in a SFF case and still maintain decent temps w/low noise? If so, any MicroATX MB recommendations for that processor?

That RAM price is before rebate, it's around $40 AR. Regarding the HDD, it's rated as one of the quitest and, as I stated, this will be used mainly for programming, watching DVDs (not ripped), and perhaps limited gaming. Consequently, I don't really need a huge hard drive and if I decide I need more later, $50 certainly doesn't set me back much. I will, however, consider a larger HDD (perhaps a Samsung Spinpoint; HDD noise drives me nuts even moreso than fan noise).

As far as MicroATX goes, the reason is that I'd really like this to sit on my desk. I'm in a dorm and, in all honesty, it's about the only reasonable place. Consequently I'd like to keep the form factor small and the noise to a minimum.

Thanks for the input Really do appreciate it, hopefully people can help me get my decisions squared out here so I can have a new PC soon!

Yes go with the E2160 and maybe a large Zalman, Freezer 7 or thermalright HS

 

[bladder23]

yes, intel for sure

 

[BadRobot]

For the video card, I am afraid for you because the 2600 has a high chance of not living up to your expectations...

It might put you out of budget but reportedly the HD 3870 doesn't make much noise and would absolutely give you FAR FAR superior graphics...