Last Minute Changes?

[JuanT]

Alright, after almost a year's worth of procrastinating I've finally settled on a configuration for my Brand New PC (tm).

Case: Antec Sonata 480w 12v PSU
Mobo: ECS KN1 Extreme (Non-wifi)
RAM: OCZ Premier Dual Channel PC3200 512mb x 2
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 939 3200 (0.90 nm)
Vid Card: Sapphire X800 XL 256 MB PCI-E
HD: Samsung SATA-II 200 GB HD
Monitor: Samsung 793DF 17" 0.23 dpi
DVD: LG GSA-4163 DVD+- R/RW

As well as a host of smaller things, like a WiFi PCI Card, Wireless Router, and another 120mm fan for the Antec Sonata case.

There will be NO OVERCLOCKING. Of any sort.

What am I missing? What should I add?

What about another DVD reader? I don't want to put too much strain on one DVD, but these things are fairly tough right?

Also, is there a real difference between the Dual Channel OCZ versus the Value series? I mean more than just 1-3 fps for a game. The difference is less than 20 CDN bucks.

Is the jump from the A64 3000 to the 3200 really big? It's 50 bucks, and if the dual-cores can work on that ECS KN1 Extreme then dagnabbit I'll buy one in a year or two anyways.

Thank you for your help! A year's worth of scanning these forums has given me a jittery edge.

 

[overst33r]

I think you could just use the stock PSU from the Sonata for that rig, 480w is overkill. Also the air flow in the sonata is not very good so i guess every little fan helps. I think that you should change your RAM to corsair value and may I suggest the NEC 3520BK for a DVD burner. Personally i dont think the athlon 3200 is worth the extra cash for the minimal boost you get, especially if you are not overclocking. An average person wouldnt be able to tell the difference (not an insult)

 

[JuanT]

None taken, considering I'm on a P3 600 I probably wouldn't notice slightly faster from just faster.

And that's a typo, my bad. It's the 380w PSU, stock with the sexy case.

The NEC3520BK eh? I'll give it a google, thanks.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

I'd change the mobo to maybe ASUS A8N-E or Gigabyte GA-K8NXP-SLI (Even though you're not going for SLI, this board is like $150 or so and it comes with a wireless card). Change the ram to Corsair Value Select. Get the 3000+ like the 2nd poster said

 

[The Pentium Guy]

Why not wait for the Sonata II, nForce4 motherboards require an ATX 2 PSU, the Sonata (orignal) has an ATX PSU, not ATX 2.
Sonata II's coming really soon though

 

[theMan]

definately dont get that mobo. go with the a8n-e. value select is good. i would stay with a 3200 venice.

 

[JuanT]

Ahh, I see... Well darn. I could wait for the Sonata II, I suppose but how soon is 'soon'?

Why the A8N-E?

Also, will the OCZ Value line work just as well, there aren't any Corsair value select in the store where I'm buying this from. I could buy it separately but that's just a hassle.

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: JuanT
Ahh, I see... Well darn. I could wait for the Sonata II, I suppose but how soon is 'soon'?

Why the A8N-E?

Also, will the OCZ Value line work just as well, there aren't any Corsair value select in the store where I'm buying this from. I could buy it separately but that's just a hassle.

Sonata details and here
also the ECS has a review here

what kind of store doesnt sell corsair value?

 

[JuanT]

This is what they're selling: http://pccanada.com/inventory.asp?cat=MEMORY

I think the Sonata II's gonna have to be a special order so that'll raise the price right there. Might be worth it though.

 

[Muscles]

OCZ is just as reliable/good as Corsair if not better.... I prefer OCZ myself over any other manufacturer, I would stick with them.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

OR, you COULD get the SLK-3000B and get an Antec SmartPower 400W

 

[JuanT]

The Antec Smartpower 400W I take it is ATX 2.0?

 

[The Pentium Guy]

SmartPower II, yeah.
Edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103935

 

[JuanT]

Well, that's good to know.

Upon further review, I'm sticking with the LG DVD RW, there are less issues with it. I'm gonna go for the OCZ Value RAM.

Is there any reason not to use the Samsung SATA-2 HD?