My First PC Build, please Critique

[GeezerMan]

Helped my sis build her PC, but this will be for me. I'm buying the remaining parts I need tomorrow. I'm a casual gamer, maybe more gaming when I get this built, multi tasking, video encoding, HDTV tuner card, web browsing, office applications. Probably won't overclock, but I might, if I feel comfortable doing it. Here's what I got:

Cooler Master Wavemaster TAC-T01
Asus A8N-E
Athlon 4200 X 2 dual core CPU with stock fan and heatsink
4 sticks of 512mb each Kingston Value Ram, already had 2 sticks, som I'm buying 2 more
Evga 6800 GS video card
Western Digital WD3200KS 320GB SATA drive
Use my old Western Digital 200GB 7200RPM IDE drive as a second drive
NEC ND-3550A dvd burner
ALPS floppy, just for looks.
ATI HDTV tuner PCI card
Chaintech AV-710 sound card. I already have this sound card.
Power supply: don't know yet, I'll decide tomorrow.

Thanks for your input

 

[Effect]

Great case IMO, been thinking of getting one myself
nice, reliable mobo
nice cpu, though not too much different to the X2 3800 (if o/cing, and you haven't bought the cpu yet, consider the X2 3800)
2x1gb sticks would be better, if possible (if you have money left, perhaps)
nice video card, should be plenty for a casual gamer
good hdd x 2
can't give much feedback on the rest of them, save maybe the PSU, remember not to skimp on PSU. I'd suggest the nice lil Fortron 450W.

 

[GeezerMan]

Thanks man. I like the case a lot, but would prefer it in all steel, but you won't get the nice front panel in steel, probably too complex of a shape to bend steel that way. I know most guys in here are gamers, and might want to carry the PC around, but I won't be carrying it around. It's side panels are a bit flimsy, really to be expected with aluminum, but the rest of it is really nicely made. I already had the 2 x 512mb ram, so I just ordered another 2 x 512mb. How much of a performance difference is there between having 2 x 1GB ram and 4 x 512mb ram?

 

[Bobthelost]

You're knocking off around 5% off the system performance by going for 4x512, but it does vary massivly between programs, some don't see any performance hit, some 10%.

PSU recomendations vary with what you want, an Enermax liberty 400W will power it all and it's a good brand and a nice model with modular cables. A cheaper alternative is the FSP 400 or 450W, if you want low noise then seasonic 430W would work nicely.

 

[GeezerMan]

My sister has the Antec P150 case, that came with the Antec Neopower 430 watt power supply. She had the common problem with it, and has sent it back for an exchange, she bought another power supply to use for her PC. since she did not want to wait . The factory replacement Antec 430 watt power supply won't arrive for 2 weeks or so, and she has offered it to me for around 40.00 when it comes in. I may take it, it's a good deal, but I'm a bit cautious about this power supply, and I kinda want to build my PC soon, just in case any of these parts I have already received are defective, which is probably not likely.

 

[Bobthelost]

If they are sending you a replacement it should be one of the newer models that's fixed the compatability issues, in which case it's a good choice.

But if you don't want to wait then *shrug*

 

[GeezerMan]

It's not that I'm impatient. I can just see building my PC in 2 weeks, and finding a defective motherboard, ram, whatever, and trying to get an easy exchange for new parts I have had for 3 weeks at that point, and then being told I waited too long, go see the manufacturer for a warranty claim.
Thanks for everyone's input on this.

 

[igr11]

You're on the right track. I have a few suggestios:
1. I would have gotten Athlon 3800 x2 chip instead of 4200. It's perfectly overclockable, so you can basically get 4200 performance for lower price - no need for extra cooling or voltage (I'm running Venice 3000+ chip as a 3800+ with absolutely no problems).

2. RAM - You spent all that money on the chip and cut corners on the RAM. Having 4x512 is not as bad as the fact that it is ValueRam (CAS 3). For a little more money, you could have gotten 2x1GB sticks of higher quality RAM (e.g. Corsair XMS, OCZ, Mushkin, etc.). However, in all fairness, you are not likely to notice a performance difference unless you decide to go the way of overclocking. Better RAM = more stable overclocking.

3. I also own the eVGA 6800 GS. I suspect we will have to upgrade when Windows Vista shows up. The 6800GS is already showing signs of age.

Happy building,
Igor

 

[GeezerMan]

I already have 2 x 512MB Kingston in my present PC, so that's why I was going to get the extra 2 x 512mb. The more I hang around here, the more you guys infect me with "get this it's better" illness. Fun illness though. How much better is the Corsiar
CORSAIR XMS 2GB ? Thanks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145574

 

[Bobthelost]

Christ, at that price it isn't.

If you're not overclocking then 2x1GB costs $150, even for overclocking the recomendation is to buy budget RAM (and use memory dividers, but that's a different matter).

 

[rivan]

Read this regarding RAM:

http://www.techspot.com/news/20471-cors...-vs-value-select-memory--techspot.html

 

[GeezerMan]

Thanks. According to that article, get the value select Corair ram if you don't plan to overclock. And I probably won't overclock.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80098-34

 

[GeezerMan]

or maybe this matched pair;

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80097-41

 

[chef24]

Nice build, I've got that case too and it tends to get hot in there.
Keep on eye on your temps and use the blowhole on the top for it's intended use (to blow hot air out of that thing).

I've modded my side window with a 120 mm case fan that blows right onto my Zalman cpu cooler as well. It's done the trick.

 

[GeezerMan]

Is it worth the extra 33.00 to get the matched pair on these 2 choices?

https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80097-41


https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80098-86

 

[chef24]

Worth is an objective term, but for the needs you described above in your OP, I'd say no. You'll see a +/- 5 to 10% delta in peformance?

 

[GeezerMan]

Well, Zipzoomfly has the Corsair TWINX2048-3200C2 2GB Kit DDR400 XMS3200 Memory w/Black Heat Spreader for 176.00 after rebate. And while it is probably more than I need at present, if I overclock, and I'm on the fence about that, it seems to be a better quality ram, and about 30.00 more than the valueselect ram



http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80097-54

 

[GeezerMan]

OK, here's the revised parts list. So, when I fire it up do I have to mess with any settings on the bios to get it to run the ram at its best? I don't mean overclocking, not yet anyway.

Cooler Master Wavemaster TAC-T01
Asus A8N-E
Athlon 4200 X 2 dual core CPU with stock fan and heatsink
2 GB of Corsair TWINX2048-3200C2
Evga 6800 GS video card
Western Digital WD3200KS 320GB SATA drive
Use my old Western Digital 200GB 7200RPM IDE drive as a second drive
NEC ND-3550A dvd burner
ALPS floppy, just for looks.
ATI HDTV tuner PCI card
Chaintech AV-710 sound card. I already have this sound card.
Antec Neo Power 430 Watt, new, from my sister for $35.00, thanks sis!

$1157.00 Total

 

[Bobthelost]

Should be fine. You'll have to install the drivers for the TV card and sound card etc. but nothing in the BIOS (other than maybe playing with the boot priority so the SATA is the primary drive)

Oh and if you save a bit of money going for the cheaper RAM and the 3800X2 you might be able to afford a 7800GT, which is much more powerful than the 4200X2 and 6800 for games. For other apps the performance will be slightly less, but it's a very small difference in comparison.

Is there still a deal at newegg on the eVGA 7800GT and motherboard?

 

[GeezerMan]

Too bad I already have the CPU, and video card. I'm waiting on the ram, drive, power supply, case ( I sent the first case back because of a really incredibly bad packing job by the seller, caused shipping damage)

This is the newegg deal you are probably talking about

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130277

 

[GeezerMan]

I forgot to ask about operating systems. I currently own Windows XP home version, that I can legally change to my new computer, or should I buy Windows XP Pro version? I'm not networking anything.

 

[Bobthelost]

Well technically speaking you're not allowed to transfer the liscense over even if you bought it seperatly. However if you're upgrading the machine that's ok.

If you do want to buy another copy then XP home is best, there are a few things extra with Pro, but it's not worth it 9 times out of 10.

 

[GeezerMan]

I thought a full retail version of Windows XP Home, that I bought, can be used over and over, as long as it is only on one PC at a time? I know with the OEM versions, it's supposed to stay with the original PC.
Thanks

 

[GeezerMan]

Maybe I'm reading this EULA for the retail version wrong?


1.1 Installation and use. You may install, use, access, display and run one copy of the Software on a single computer, such as a workstation, terminal or other device ("Workstation Computer"). The Software may not be used by more than one processor at any one time on any single Workstation Computer

 

[starwars7]

Originally posted by: igr11
3. I also own the eVGA 6800 GS. I suspect we will have to upgrade when Windows Vista shows up. The 6800GS is already showing signs of age.

isn't that the case for people that are buying 7800's or X1900's as well?