Low end gaming build

[Cruise51]

This is what I'm planning on buying...
A64 3000 venice
ASRock Dual939-SATA2
2x512mb OCZ EL
200gb diamondmax
eVGA 6600GT

I want to do some mild overclocking (2.2ghz goal). What would you change?

 

[GamerExpress]

Not bad, I wouldn't go with that motherboard.

I would change that to an Epox 9npa+ Ultra, it's a great board for a low price. If you are going to overclock like you said, you can get some great results with this board. I also don't think you need to go with that OCZ memory, it's great memory but you should do fine with some Corsair Value Select.

 

[Interitus]

I agree with GE. RAM timings aren't as important as they used to be with the A64. I'd get in on some Corsair Value Select for RAM and then use that money elsewhere. While the 6600GT is a good budget performance card, you could use the little bit of extra money on a better graphics card or use it to get a little better board. I have heard good things about the ASRock board, but i personally would go with the Epox he mentioned or something else.

For graphics the X800GTO2 comes to mind. Search the forums about it. It's basically an X850 core and you're pretty much guaranteed to unlock it to 16 pipes which = X800XL.

 

[Cruise51]

Thanks guys, I'll switch to the value select. The problem with the Epox board is the place I'm buying my stuff at doesn't have it. Is there any alternatives to it? The x800GTO2 looks very interesting, but when will it be coming out? Most places don't have it listed, and the ones that do are out of stock. I'll wait if it isn't too long.

 

[stlcardinals]

I would change the hard drive to the Western Digital 250GB with 16MB cache.

 

[Cruise51]

Originally posted by: stlcardinals
I would change the hard drive to the Western Digital 250GB with 16MB cache.

Would I see much of a performance increase or just have more space? I was actually thinking of downgrading to a 160gb drive to save $20. Bad Idea?

 

[raildogg]

X800GT for $150 or X800GTO2 for $200. much better than the 6600GT for a not much more or even the same price in some cases

what case and power supply?

the Antec Sonata 2 is excellent, but not as quiet as some people think it is, but quietness may not be a great factor to you since you chose a Maxtor. it is a great deal and comes with a great power supply.

 

[Gadzookie]

the gto 2 is out already is ee it on newegg and its moddable to a x850 pe right ?

 

[stlcardinals]

I noticed a nice increase in speed when I upgraded to the drives with 16MB of cache, plus if you are going to get a motherboard with SATA2, the drive is SATA2.

 

[Cruise51]

Originally posted by: raildogg
X800GT for $150 or X800GTO2 for $200. much better than the 6600GT for a not much more or even the same price in some cases

what case and power supply?

the Antec Sonata 2 is excellent, but not as quiet as some people think it is, but quietness may not be a great factor to you since you chose a Maxtor. it is a great deal and comes with a great power supply.

I bought one of those chenming knock off cases (cheiftec) from tiger direct and a blue storm 500w from monarch. Is maxtor that loud? I've never had one so I would'nt know.
Also, what is there a difference between the x800GTO and x800GTO2? Monarch has a x800GTO for $185, should I get it?

 

[Cruise51]

Originally posted by: stlcardinals
I noticed a nice increase in speed when I upgraded to the drives with 16MB of cache, plus if you are going to get a motherboard with SATA2, the drive is SATA2.

Thanks for the info. I'll definitly be getting a drive with a 16mb cache.
So now I have:
A64 3000 venice
ASRock Dual939-SATA2 / Epox 9npa+ Ultra (Epox if the site gets one in stock)
2x512mb Corsair value select
200gb 16mb (western digital?)
connect 3d x800GTO

 

[stlcardinals]

Here is the exact model, Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS, and it is 250GB.

 

[Interitus]

The X800GTO2 is the one you want for the unlocked pipes. While the GTO may not be bad, the GTO2 is the one that you can get 16pp and OC it like mad to XT PE speeds with a decent cooler. But even if you don't OC it, just modding the bios will get you to X800XL performance.

 

[Lyfer]

Definitely spend the extra $$$ and get a GT02, unbelievable performance for the $$$. You can get the venice cpu's from ewiz for dirt cheap prices, OEM 3000 is $128 and the 3200 is $138. BTW I would ditch the OCZ stuff and get some Patriot 3200LL stuff which is only $125 which is known to pass 230MHZ easily (with loose timings, tight timings you want TCCD). ANd since your OCing make the thermalright SP90 from svc.com your top choice for HSF.


You should be able to easily do past 2.4ghz+ with that setup. GOODLUCK.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Save some money on the RAM by getting value RAM. If you can't get the EPoX, the MSI Neo4-F is pretty good too.