is this a good build?

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mastrduke

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
298
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here is the build...i would like any feedback you have...im trying to keep under 1000...its around 1002 with all these parts from newegg right now


CASE
Aspire X-Dreamer II(Black) ATX Mid-Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, With Window, Model "ATXB4KLW-BK/350"
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

DRIVES
Lite-On Black 8X DVD+/-RW Drive, Model SOHW-812S, Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-106-935&depa=0

Lite-On Black 16X DVD-ROM, Model SOHD-167T, OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

NEC 1.44MB Black Internal Floppy Drive, OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

HARD DRIVE
Seagate 160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model ST3160023AS, OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

RAM
Kingston ValueRAM Dual Kits 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-3200
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE
(not sure about ram)

VIDEO CARD
ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Video Card, 256MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

MOTHERBOARD
ASUS "K8V SE Deluxe" K8T800 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 754 CPU -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

PROCESSOR
AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache 64-bit Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

im not sure if i want this processor or if a pentium 4 of same price would be better(which would be a pentium 4 3.0 ghz obviously with a different motherboard)im trying to keep this comp below 1000 dollars if i can. anyone have any suggestoins...i figure this comp will be around longer than pentiom 4 3.0 will and from what ive read and heard for gaming the athlon 64's really outperform the intel p4's

if i alrdy have a copy of xp pro upgrade cds i can just get another key for them right?...which would be cheaper...i just have to find a windows to upgrade from...correct?
 
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mastrduke

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
298
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this may sound really dumb but what is video encoding?...im pretty sure im not doing at as i dont know what it is...but im trying to find everything i can out...well important things...this sounds important to me...lol

thx for ur help guys
 
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mAsTAd

Member
May 29, 2004
196
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Video encoding is the encoding of video. (lol)

Jk, its when u change the type of video as in changing from Mpeg-1 to mpeg -2. But an A64 is better at all the regular stuff such as gaming, web surfing, and everything else.

And also I don't think a 256mb radeon 9800 is that great. I heard it actually runs slower than the 128mb version.
 
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mastrduke

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
298
0
0
thx for telling me about encoding...as for the radeon 9800 pro card...did u really hear 128 is better?...wouldnt 256 be much better...because isnt ddr the important one...or is bit the important one...im just really starting to learn about comps...i think im doing pretty well for how long ive been trying to learn and put together a good system to order and for the first time build a comp!
 
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RobCur

Banned
Oct 4, 2002
3,076
0
0
u sure have money to burn, you dont need the latest hardware to enjoy computing thought :-\
 
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mastrduke

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
298
0
0
not really money to burn...just im building a comp that i want to last me about 5 years....which i no isnt going to happen...but i dont upgrade like others...i keep and get new every 3-5 years...so ill spend around 1000 now and have for a long time...i think im gonna change the video card down to the 128 and anyone have any opinions on the ram for this system?

also is this a good case for a begginer to work with...does it have the features that make things easier?...im not really sure what these are...i just know that some cases are harder to work with than others...and do i need a different psu or is the one with the case good enough?
 
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Bovinicus

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2001
3,145
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0
The 256MB version of the card will only in the newest of the new games at super high resolutions and all kinds of eye candy turned on. Even then, the benefit is questionable/marginal. I would save you money and go with the 128MB version. I just don't think it is worth the added cost.
 
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duragezic

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
11,234
4
81
Originally posted by: mastrduke
thx for telling me about encoding...as for the radeon 9800 pro card...did u really hear 128 is better?...wouldnt 256 be much better...because isnt ddr the important one...or is bit the important one...im just really starting to learn about comps...i think im doing pretty well for how long ive been trying to learn and put together a good system to order and for the first time build a comp!
Click to expand...
No DDR isn't the important one. Bit is, as you know. Some of the newer 9800 Pro's like Sapphire's Atlantis model are 128mb/128-bit. AVOID THESE. 128mb is fine, just make sure it's 256-bit.
The 128mb isn't really better (maybe by 1 fps in some cases) than the 256mb, but it is a way better value. Granted a 256mb version w/ the right core can be flashed to a 9800XT, but a 128mb one can still be overclocked. There isn't really any games showing a need for 256mb of vram right now. Just get the 128mb one.
 
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RaNDoMMAI

Senior member
Dec 30, 2003
771
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The PSU that comes with that case suck big time. I got two friend with that case and both PSU died. One of them died in a month and half!!!

Get a forton or sparkle, they are not expensive and very stable.

also, i personally like samsung HDD more then seagates, they are quieter and run cooler. is a review seagate vs samsung
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article152-page1.html

~RaNDoM
 
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mastrduke

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
298
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thx for all the help...i will change graphics card and ill chane hard drive to a samsung after reading that article...

any more recommendations on a psu?
is this ram ok and if i want to upgrade my ram to 1 gig later will it be easy to math well with sumthing and work well at 1 gig?

thx for all the help guys...keep it coming
 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
7,608
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0
I would only suggest one change, and that is your memory. In my experience, 512MB isn't really enough to run the newest games like Far Cry to their fullest. I would get the 128MB version of the Radeon, and take that money you are saving and put it towards two sticks of Corsair 512MB PC3200 sticks ($82 each @ newegg). Matched pairs don't do any good with an A64 as it doesn't support dual channel. Just a thought.
-doug
 
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mastrduke

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
298
0
0
im gonna post the changes to the original system here...these are now the parts i have picked out

VIDEO CARD
ATI RADEON 9800PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -RETAIL http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-286&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

HARD DRIVE
SAMSUNG 160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model SP1614C, OEM Drive Only
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=22-152-015&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

RAM
Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - OEMhttp://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-479&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

my current system is $935 im trying to keep as low as possable...i think im gonna upgrade to my second stick of 512 ram after doom3 and hl2 come out and ill have a lil more money then...any more suggestions on psu's?...i dont need silent things but id like my comp to be quiet...do i need a heatsink? i dont want to do any overclocking...so if i need more cooling plz recomd the things i need...thx for all ur help guys
 
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Bovinicus

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2001
3,145
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Originally posted by: mastrduke
any more suggestions on psu's?...i dont need silent things but id like my comp to be quiet...do i need a heatsink? i dont want to do any overclocking...so if i need more cooling plz recomd the things i need...thx for all ur help guys
Click to expand...

I would suggest you go with the Antec SLK3700AMB case. It comes with a 350W Antec PSU, which is definitely quality. As well, it is cooled with a 120mm fan and an available space for a second 120mm fan; this will help keep things quiet. If you can spare the extra cash, then the Antec Sonata case is also excellent. It comes with an Antec Tru380 PSU which should last you through several upgrades.

You don't need to buy another heatsink if you don't plan on overclocking. However, if you want to spend a little extra money to help keep noise levels low, then that would be understandable. The Thermaltake Silent Boost is an excellent HSF. I have much experience with it. It cools very well and very quietly.
 
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mastrduke

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
298
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0
the only thing about that case is that i really want a black case with a side window so i can have leds on it and it will light up in the dark...which is why i really like the aspire case...it also has removable mobo tray which is supposed to make installing mobo much easier correct...(remember this is my first time building and i really want a case that is easy to work with)

if this is a bad case than plz tell me...but i like the looks and features of it...just need a diff psu
 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
7,608
0
0
Shouldn't be a bad case...but the Antec ones are some of the best. Check out the lanboy, i think it has a window. Also, mobo trays aren't as great as they sound. As long as you arent terribly clumsey you will be fine.

As for PSUs. Any of the following brands would do fine.
Antec, Enermax, Sparkle, Thermaltake, Vantec.

They arent in any sort of order, except your best bet is probably an Antec, very quality.

Yes, you need a heatsink, all modern CPUs need a heat sink. But since you are buying retail it will come with a heatsink and it is more than sufficient.

-doug
 
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RaNDoMMAI

Senior member
Dec 30, 2003
771
0
0
Since you havent purchase anything yet, why not make it quiet right off the bat?

get a nexus or seasonic(i love this PSU and if you do get it, make sure it is rev3) PSU
get the samsung HDD and suspend or decouple it
get a good case like the Antec 3700AMB or BQE, but since you want a window i guess the lanboy would be next up
Get a good heatsink like the zalman 7000aAL-CL or thermalright SP-97(make sure it fits your mobo)
Get the artic VGA silcencer for the 9800 pro
and finally get good quiet fans, Nexus, globe 120mm, panaflo 80mm. ascoutica 80mm and 92mm

www.silentpcreview.com is the place for great reviews and info on everything you really need.

~RaNDoM
 
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mastrduke

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
298
0
0
rad...that stuff sounds great but how much is it....do i really need it...and why do people always talk about quiet systems...ive never built one before but my hp i consider fairly quiet and i havent done anything to it since i bought it...ill have to look into those things

thx for help
 
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RaNDoMMAI

Senior member
Dec 30, 2003
771
0
0
Well i got into quiet pc because i moved into a apartment for college and the pc was right next to my bed and i could not sleep at all with it on. I thought my PC was fairly quiet before too. but at night with everything off, it was buzzing and the fans making whirl noises. it sucks.

If you do decide you want quiet pcing, then i suggest buying all the good parts now because if you decide after, you are gonna end up spending alot more on upgrades, also if you buy parts that you "think" are good, and are really not, then you are just gonna spend even more money.

A good example is the thermaltake silent boost, it advertises silent and the reviews on newegg all say it is a great HSF that is only 25 bucks. when i got it, it was loud and not silent and when i undervolted the fan it was still loud and clicking. i learned that even tho it has a panaflo fan on top, it is an older model which was never a good model to begin with.

anyway, here is the cheap route i usually go for my poor friends who only need around a 25-28db system

antec 3700 AMB($65) or BQE($85)
mod the PSU(included) that comes with the case with a panaflo M1A(depends what store, 3-12 bucks) at 7v

zalman 7000a(a stands for athlon socket a system) ALCU($30)(the Al/Cu hybrid is just as good as the all copper one and is about 12 bucks cheaper)

Samsung HDD suspended using magic stretch( a uber tough elastic used for jewery beads for kids)(only need to suspend in the BQE)

globe 120mm fans which are 7 bucks a piece and are thermally controlled(they are the same model as 120 ascoutica fans but 16 bucks cheaper!)

AVGA silenecer is 10 bucks with coupon code REV3 at SVC right now. The AVGA cooler is also alot better then the stock HSF and you can even use it to OC your vid card if you are into that.

It really isnt that much more.


btw, i second the NEC over the lite on any day, i have both and the lite on gives me more coaster then the NEC does, also, the NEC is mad quiet even when burning at max speed, this so much better then the lite ons jet engine sound

~RaNDoM
 
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