Looking For Assistance in new Build

[BoobsMcGee]

Hello,
I am looking to build a new rig. I have read many posts in this forum trying to decide on what path to take. Currently it looks as though the A64(754) gives the most bang for the buck. This is where I need help from you all. I would like to use this system as a good gaming rig. I don't have high intentions of overclocking, but I would definately consider OC'ing if the hardware I purchase make it easy to do so. I need help choosing the best motherboard/CPU combo and memory for the system. Also if I don't plan on seriously OCing my rig what specs should I look for in a PSU.

Now I plan on using some parts from my current machine until I can get all the parts together.
1 512 stick pc2700 DDR (until I get 2X512 PC3200)
Radeon 9000 Pro 128mb (also until I can afford new vid card)
250 GB Maxtor Ultra Series 8mb cache ATA133.(considering Raptor as primary HDD)
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz Sound Card.

I realize that some of these parts may bottleneck a new rig, but they will be replaced in due time. Particularly the RAM and Video Card.

I guess the A64 looks to be the best for me right now, but I am willing to take any suggestions on other CPU sets. My ideal price for CPU/Mobo would be around $300-500 and still be able to use some of the above listed parts. I don't think that should be too much of a problem. If it is please tell me.

Thank you in advance to all who give me their time to post.

 

[Sonic587]

Athlon 64 3000+ and Epox NF3 250GB

Don't waste your money on the raptor, put that money towards something else. You have a great drivre already.

 

[jpeyton]

don't get a raptor. check my sig, but you can't beat a A64 2800+ and Chaintech VNF3-250; comes to under $225 for both, and people are overclocking those CPUs to 2.4-2.5GHz. Or get a A64 3000+ for $20 more. The Epox NF3 motherboard linked above is another excellent choice, and it comes with onboard gigabit lan and hardware firewall.

 

[BoobsMcGee]

Thanks for the replys. Ok seems the raptor isn't worth the trouble (or $). Now for the processor: I have been looking at newegg's A64s. Please explain to me the advantages/disadvantages of the newcastle/clawhammer cores. I see they have the cahce difference, but what does that mean to me performance wise? Would I be happy with the less expensive newcastle, or be better off going for the clawhammer?


Also what kind of timing should I be looking for memory wise? Since you guys pointed me to these products (at less than I though I would have to spend) I figured I will probably go ahead and get RAM now too.

 

[jpeyton]

Just get the CAS2.5 Corsair Value Select. A64 performance isn't dependent on memory timings as much as Athlon XP or Pentium 4.

The newer Newcastle cores reportedly overclock better, and are very close performance wise with clawhammer processors of the same rating. Clawhammer's offer double the L2 cache, but you'll be happy with the Newcastle.

 

[BoobsMcGee]

Ok, I like the Epox mobo that sonic587 recommended probably with the A64 3000+.
Now what about the PSU. Any good recommendations that won't break the bank? What kind of power should I go for (I am probably going to get a MSI 9800 pro also)?

And one more thing, I am open to suggestions on a case. I really have no idea who is a reputable manufacturer and who makes good quiet, cool cases.

Thanks so much for the help so far. Jpeyton and Sonic587 have given me a great starting point.

 

[BoobsMcGee]

Just a litlle Bump here.