My custom computer...

[LordDraconus777]

Basically, the people at gamefaqs weren't of very much help, and were all rather rude, so I hope you guys can help me with my new computer. I've only purchased the monitor today, the rest is still waiting to be ordered.

-POWERCOLOR ATI RADEON 9800 Video Card, 256MB DDR, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "R98E-PD3" -RETAIL - $177+$5
-15'' LCD flat screen monitor - $180
-ATX Computer case (Liquid) - $64 w/ two 80 mm clear fans - $6 w/ 12'' Mini cathode lights - $9

-AMD Athlon 64 3400+, 512k L2 Cache, The Only 64-bit Windows Compatible Processor - Retail - $222
-MSI "K8T NEO2-F" VIA K8T800 Pro Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL - $100+$3

-Geil Ultra Series Value Dual Channel 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 w/ Blue Heatspreader - Retail - $166+$5

- Seagate 120GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model ST3120026A - $100

-Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 Pre-Amp PCI Sound Card, Model "3000473000003" - $20+$6

-Wireless keyboard and mouse combo - $20+$5

-Windows XP Home Edition - $100+$1

-Lite-On Black 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive, Model SOHC-5235K BLACK, Retail - $41+$3

-16x DVD +/- rw burner - $56+$5

-Belkin surge protector - $16

Hardware total = $1277

Grand total after taxes/shipping = $1354 + $38 = $1392

I want to keep the cost well under $1500 including taxes and shipping. I'm ordering the rest of my parts at newegg.com and the case at colorcases.com. Basically, I want some advice, like is my video card any good considering it isn't a pro, and by any good, I mean is it really worth $60 more than the fastest 9600pro, because I was also thinking of getting the SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600PRO Video Card, 256MB DDR, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "100562L" for $120. Also to, is everything compatible with eachother, cause I'm sort of clueless as of right now on whether my ram, cpu, mobo, and video card (either one) will work with eachother. Any other suggestions you guys have I will be grateful for, and thanks in advance.

 

[nick1985]

whatever you do, DO NOT get a 128bit 9800.

 

[thecrecarc]

thats a nice comp.... other than the 9800. get a 6600gt

 

[Kishan]

Originally posted by: LordDraconus777
Basically, the people at gamefaqs weren't of very much help, and were all rather rude, so I hope you guys can help me with my new computer. I've only purchased the monitor today, the rest is still waiting to be ordered.

-POWERCOLOR ATI RADEON 9800 Video Card, 256MB DDR, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "R98E-PD3" -RETAIL - $177+$5
-15'' LCD flat screen monitor - $180
-ATX Computer case (Liquid) - $64 w/ two 80 mm clear fans - $6 w/ 12'' Mini cathode lights - $9

-AMD Athlon 64 3400+, 512k L2 Cache, The Only 64-bit Windows Compatible Processor - Retail - $222
-MSI "K8T NEO2-F" VIA K8T800 Pro Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL - $100+$3

-Geil Ultra Series Value Dual Channel 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 w/ Blue Heatspreader - Retail - $166+$5

- Seagate 120GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model ST3120026A - $100

-Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 Pre-Amp PCI Sound Card, Model "3000473000003" - $20+$6

-Wireless keyboard and mouse combo - $20+$5

-Windows XP Home Edition - $100+$1

-Lite-On Black 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive, Model SOHC-5235K BLACK, Retail - $41+$3

-16x DVD +/- rw burner - $56+$5

-Belkin surge protector - $16

Hardware total = $1277

Grand total after taxes/shipping = $1354 + $38 = $1392

I want to keep the cost well under $1500 including taxes and shipping. I'm ordering the rest of my parts at newegg.com and the case at colorcases.com. Basically, I want some advice, like is my video card any good considering it isn't a pro, and by any good, I mean is it really worth $60 more than the fastest 9600pro, because I was also thinking of getting the SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600PRO Video Card, 256MB DDR, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "100562L" for $120. Also to, is everything compatible with eachother, cause I'm sort of clueless as of right now on whether my ram, cpu, mobo, and video card (either one) will work with eachother. Any other suggestions you guys have I will be grateful for, and thanks in advance.

Get this video card.

Wheres the power supply? Get a good quality ANTEC power supply since the one that will come with your case will probably suck. That sound card is junk! Use onboard, or get the Chaintech 7.1 AV310. What type of speakers? For a DVD burner, I reccomend the NEC-3500a.

 

[LordDraconus777]

http://www.colorcases.com/Cases/liquid.htm

That's the case I'm getting, and I figure I'd take the 580w ata led psu.

 

[Kishan]

Originally posted by: LordDraconus777
http://www.colorcases.com/Cases/liquid.htm

That's the case I'm getting, and I figure I'd take the 580w ata led psu.

With regards to power supplies, quality over quanitity is the rule of thumb. A good 380 watt would be fine for your system, but I would reccomend a 430 Watt TRUEPOWER Antec.

 

[villageidiot111]

Ive never heard of that psu company before. I would go with this one for about the same price. Remember watts aren't everything with power supplies.

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-103-920&depa=1

 

[ts3433]

That power suppy is probably generic = NO. Try an Antec, Enermax, or Fortron. (Or save a little money and just get an Antec Sonata from the get-go--includes a True380S PSU, and you can still use a cathode to shine through the Antec holes in the side panel if you want.)

Try to get a 6600 GT or vanilla 6800--downgrade your proc to a 3000+ or 3200+ Winchester if you have to (on a related note, what is it that distinguishes that S939 3400+ from the 3500+?), then get a cheaper NF3 mobo and OC a little.

You don't need the Sandblaster.

Save some money on the RAM by going with 2x512MB Corsair or Mushkin value RAM at PC3200 CL2.5.

Wireless input devices are advised against for gaming due to lag.

 

[LordDraconus777]

Are you guys suggesting to lower it a 3000+ because of cost issues or what?

 

[ts3433]

I suggested it just if you had to because of cost when you add a 6600 GT or 6800 (I think for the future you're a bit better off with one of these than a 9800 Pro). Of course, if you took out the sound card and saved a few bucks on the RAM, you'd be fine.

 

[UsandThem]

Don't get a 9800 Pro card. It is at the end of its life as a performance card. Get a 6600GT or 6800. Get a slightly slower CPU to help keep costs down.

The sound card you picked it horrible. Either use onboard sound or get an Audigy 2 for $49.99.

Get the Gigabyte GA-K8NS Ultra-939 motheboard for $115.00. Gigabyte has much more quality control than MSI does.

Get a SATA 120 Gb hard drive for $99.50 from Seagate.

Get the Mushkin 512 Mb PC-3200 ram for $67.53, unless you are planning on overclocking your ram (which is a waste IMO).

Also check out zipzoomfly.com for your parts. Newegg's indivdual shipping charges for each item will eat you alive.

 

[ts3433]

The Gigabyte mobo should be okay; I also suggest taking a look at other NF3 offerings (Epox has one around $100, MSI has one too, but for $150) and the K8T800 Pros out there (Asus A8V, Abit AV8, Soltek has one too).

 

[LordDraconus777]

I've decided to return my LCD monitor, it looks like complete ass with games. I'm gonna instead use the money on a flat 19'' CRT monitor. As for AMD Athlon 64 3200+, how easy is it to overclock?