My final selection of all hardware for new build

[Boyo]

First timer. Picking out hardware didn't quite go as fast as I thought it would. Not to mention I kept changing things up almost everyday. But this is the final list. Next up, order and build.......

Raidmax Sagitta ATX Mid Tower
Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe
AMD X2 4400+
2x 1GB Corsair XMS 3200C2PRO
2x eVGA Geforce 7900GT 256MB 500MHz
1 WD Raptor 150GB
1 Mitsumi FDD/USB 7-in-1 media card reader
Lite-On DVD/CD burner with Lightscribe
Silverstone ST60F 600w PSU

 

[sygyzy]

The Mitsumi device is both a floppy AND a 7-in-1 reader?

Why did you choose that power supply?

You might be able to get PC4000 for roughly the same price, lots of sales/rebates right now.

Good choice on video.

 

[Boyo]

That's why I chose the Mitsumi. It is both a 1.44MB Floppy and USB powered 7-in-1 card reader. And it was only 20 bucks.....

I went through PSU hell before I settled on the Silverstone ST60F. I looked into it after seeing it on the nVIDIA SLI certified PSU's. It is a really well balanced PSU. It has quad 12v rails for a combined 42a/504w output. The 3.3v and 5v are 170w. It has fully sleeved, modular cabling. It allows you to use only the cables needed to run your rig, and store the one's you don't need. It also got great reviews at a number of websites, but it was the review at SystemCooling.com that sold me. I really respect that site and their reviews.

I'll take a look into the PC4000. I just assumed it was out of my league..Thanks for the tip......

 

[1N0V471V]

it looks really good, but im having trouble understanding the case selection. high end hardware deserves a high end case.

dont let anybody talk you into getting a crappy fortron, thats a good psu.

 

[sygyzy]

If it's USB powered, can it be used on startup? Say you needed to load RAID drivers into Windows setup.

 

[Boyo]

Originally posted by: 1N0V471V
it looks really good, but im having trouble understanding the case selection. high end hardware deserves a high end case.

dont let anybody talk you into getting a crappy fortron, thats a good psu.

I understand what you are saying. The Raidmax is only $78.00, but I just like the modded out look of it. It has a huge window, blue LED and a no tool interior...I am open to suggestions if you have another Case in mind.

 

[Boyo]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
If it's USB powered, can it be used on startup? Say you needed to load RAID drivers into Windows setup.

Yeah, if I've read everything correctly, it's all set to go on startup. It would be the same as an external USB HDD. YOu should look into it. I like it because it is an internal drive. You hook the USb to your motherboard...

 

[sygyzy]

Very interesting. I will look into it. Thanks. And yes, get a different case man.

 

[Boyo]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
Very interesting. I will look into it. Thanks. And yes, get a different case man.

LOL...Okay. I will take a look at some other cases since no one seems overly impressed with my Raidmax....

Anyone have their opinions of a good case with a side window they would like to tell me??

 

[clarkjd]

I have the Mitsumi FDD/card reader. It does NOT use the USB connection for the FDD, it uses a standard floppy cable and power connector. the card reader part is all that uses the USB connection. As far as the system is concerned, it is a standard 1.44MB floppy, does not require any special drivers for FDD use, and you can use it to load RAID drivers during Windows installation with no problems.

 

[Tsuwamono]

looks good man. I personally prefer the X1900 XTX but thats a nice setup. However it will spank my system. I gotta get a new CPU since its bottlenecking my system. Nice though man

 

[KoolDrew]

The case is ugly, but that's all personal preference. As long as you like it and are not using the crappy PSU that comes with it I guess theres nothing really wrong with the choice.

I wouldn't buy a 4400+. They are about $100 more then the 4200+ last time I checked and all it has is some extra cache (both are at the same clock speed). If you are overclocking I would even suggest just getting an Opteron 165.

Replace the Corsair XMS with Corsair Value Select. If you are not overclocking it does you no good at all as there would be no difference in terms of real-world performance. Even if you are overclocking you can always use a divider.

 

[Boyo]

Originally posted by: clarkjd
I have the Mitsumi FDD/card reader. It does NOT use the USB connection for the FDD, it uses a standard floppy cable and power connector. the card reader part is all that uses the USB connection. As far as the system is concerned, it is a standard 1.44MB floppy, does not require any special drivers for FDD use, and you can use it to load RAID drivers during Windows installation with no problems.

I know that the USB connection is only for the media card reader, and that the FDD requires it's own cable. I know all the rest of the info in your post. Was I misleading in my posts about the Mitsumi??? Maybe I wasn't being clear enough about what each function (FDD/Card Reader) required. Sorry, but thanks for your post which accurately describes the Mitsumi and what you need to run it........Mitsumi really has come up with a great idea of their hardware combination. And it is only $20 at Newegg. I would recommend it to others.......

 

[Boyo]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
The case is ugly, but that's all personal preference. As long as you like it and are not using the crappy PSU that comes with it I guess theres nothing really wrong with the choice.

I wouldn't buy a 4400+. They are about $100 more then the 4200+ last time I checked and all it has is some extra cache (both are at the same clock speed). If you are overclocking I would even suggest just getting an Opteron 165.

Replace the Corsair XMS with Corsair Value Select. If you are not overclocking it does you no good at all as there would be no difference in terms of real-world performance. Even if you are overclocking you can always use a divider.

Just yesterday I was reading some benchmarks of the AMD X2 series, and you are right. The 4200+ was almost even on each test. That suprised me because I thought the 4400+ would be closer to the 4600+. But that's not the case, so I am going to do some further reading....

I'm not sure what a divider is. Can someone explain that to me????

Oh, and don't worry, every person who I have told or shown the Raidmax hates it. I'm back to the drawing board for a new case. Of course my purchase date gets pushed out yet again.

 

[alimoalem]

very nice rig. i'm sure it burned a huge hole in your pocket