LOOKING FOR NEW CASE AND IDEAS!

[intel61]

Hi, i'm building a new computer. Here are the components i was thinking about putting in it. Any recommendations would be greatful. Also if anyone knows a good review site, could you post it. Also i need a recommendation on the best case to use. I dont have one in mind yet. Thanx guys

Athlon XP 2100+ 1.73GHz 3D NOW
Asus A7V266-E Motherboard
512MB PC2100 DDR RAM DIMM
GEFORCE 4 TITANIUM TI 4200 (Any recommendations?)
Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum
I already have my network card, mouse, keyboard, cd-rw, hard drive, monitor, printer and speakers. Any help on the case and the items above?

 

[KouklatheCat]

If you dont mind spending a few bucks get a Lian-Li. Some say that the aluminum case helps cool your components, I have found this to be un-true. However, the case looks cool, it is unique, easy to put together and just plain rocks IMHO.

 

[intel61]

Any extra help on the video card would be helpful. Its down to teh 4200 128mb gainward geforce card or the xtasy 6964 ti500, which one is better?

 

[KouklatheCat]

I hear the Gainward Ti 4200 is a good card. I bought a Visiontek GF4 Ti4400 a couple of months ago and I love it. I am looking at getting a Gainward GF4 Ti4200 128mb for my lan rig. Sorry I can't offer any more advice other then what I have heard. Personally if there is not much price difference I would go for the GF 4 Ti4200.

 

[lRageATMl]

KouklatheCat,

How is the VisionTek in terms of overclocking? Have you tried yet? I know the Gainward is suppost to be one of the best when it comes to overclocking videocards, but there a bit more expensive. Granted I'm looking at the GeForce3 Ti200...but between the VisionTek and Gainward there's a 30 dollar difference and to me being a poor college student getting ready to pay off loans...30 bucks makes all the difference.

 

[Zukatah]

For the case, I have the Antec PP 880 and I LOVE it! The voltages take a while to be correct (they are somewhat low but now it's fine). It's a very good case, the power supply is really quiet and when I'll switch the two stock fans (on the back of the case) with quieter ones and buy a Seagate Barracuda so I'll have a nice and quiet system.

 

[MTDEW]

Cases are as much a matter of personal taste as anything.

I have a Koolance case that I modded with a window & neons, a Hydralic case (think the old alienware cases) & I just bought my wife THIS CASE

It has digital temp display & covers that cover your cdrw & whatever that are hinged to open when you open your cdrom tray, so theres no need to paint your drives to match.
I also got the blue tinted window for hers as well.
Its a pretty nice case. ( depending on your taste of course)

 

[herbage11]

I like my Chieftec case w/ 420 watt ps I bought for $79 from Newegg a few months ago.
As for the Ti4200 I also have that and it ROCKS !! Mine is the 64mb version Gainward and I really like it.
good luck

 

[MTDEW]

Those blue Chieftec cases are selling like mad at NewEgg.
I almost bought one myself.
Theyre great cases & have VERY GOOD airflow.

But my Koolance case is the same thing & Im looking for something "different" for my next build.

 

[KouklatheCat]

RageATM,

I easily OC'd my Visiontek to 305/610. No artifacts, no glitches no problems. Its running about 10600 ish now on 3dMark2001 SE.

Intel,

IMHO it would be worth the Ti4200 since you are looking at the XP 2100 +

 

[Ilmater]

The Gainward is the card to buy, assuming you have the money. Gainwards ARE more expensive, but they also ARE worth the extra. Telling you that the Ti4200's are the bets out in terms of price/performance is probably a waste of time, but just in case you didn't know, they are. I will give ATI lovers their due: the Radeon 8500's will be dropping in price next week to deliniate (sp?) between them and the new RV250, out July 17th. And, if you max out the right settings and play the right games (JK II for example), the Ti4200 actually is slower than the Ti4200. IMHO, I would recommend the Gainward because a) most games will be much faster with the Ti4200, b) they overclock better than any other NVIDIA-based card out there, no matter what line of card it is, and c) they look cool as hell.

Calm down ATI people, I gave the card its due. As for you, humble threader, look to http://www.amdmb.com for the best reviews. They have in-house revies, PLUS they find a lot of reviews from around the web. So, if you don't find the review you're looking for, use their search and go into their old "bits and pieces" sections for listings. Obviously, searching on Anandtech will help too. Happy hunting...

 

[TheWart]

Antec SX1030B.