My New Build

[imported_Nimitz]

thanks for all the posts i've read so far on here, they've been really helpful. I've been a reader for many years but only recently registered.

I'm deciding on components to buy to build a new system at home. What do you guys think about this for a gaming rig and OC potential?

AMD A64 3000+ (939) Winchester
Reason: Picked the socket 939 because I wanted to have a cpu i can upgrade later too. Also its only a 3000+ instead of 3200+ because from what I've seen, they both top off around 2.6ghz anyways so I can save $30 to spend elsewhere.

DFI nF4 Ultra-D
Reason: Heard this is one of the best boards to overclock with and its not too expensive.

Corsair Value RAM 1g (2x512)
Reason: I read on here that theres not much difference between the really expensive ram and the cheap value ram when it comes to the A64 chips so might as well save money here too.

Nvidia 6600GT PCI/e or 6800NU
Reason: Not quite sure which one to get right now. Also I'm undecided on brands. Might go w/ a Leadtek for both. Any differences?

OCZ Modstream 450W
Reason: Overclocking needs a good power supply so I felt the money i saved from the cpu could be spent here.

Rosewill ATX TU-155 case
Reason: Nice looking case, not too many leds to light up the room at night, low $$$

Cooling: Zalman 7000AlCu (maybe)
Reason: I've heard that A64 overclock really well on just the stock heatsink and fan so theres really no need to upgrade at all. Will I need this if I'm probably only planning on going up to 2.4ghz or 2.5ghz w/ my processor?

okay, well thats it. Any advice, good deals, or alternative suggestions will be appreciated. The rest of the gear such as hard drive, dvd player, etc I already have from my old system. So far it'll come out to around $750 or so and I'm hoping to keep costs less than $800 total but will probably be more if I go w/ 6800NU.

 

[ts3433]

I'd take an X800XL for the video card, and also change the RAM to some G.skill 2-3-3-6--while CL2 isn't necessary, this popped up recently on Newegg for just $110 (2x512MB), so you might as well have fun with it. (I'm considering getting some myself, even though I really don't need 1GB of RAM.)

Make sure that case has good airflow, using 120mm fans if possible.

The stock HSF should do well; you can always swap it later if you feel you need something that cools etter or is quieter.

Rest of that looks good.

 

[CheesePoofs]

I've heard there are issues with corsair value ram and the ultra-d. Might want to switch that to something else.

 

[imported_Nimitz]

whats the difference between OCZ Powerstream and Modstream? the difference in price is 20 bucks.

why an ATI x800XL instead of a 6800NU? they're around the same price and isn't the 6800 easily overclockable to GT speeds? Also, i'm debating to double the amount of money on just the video card since the 6600GT is half the price of the other two and is overclockable too.

o yea, that g.skill ram looks good but i've never heard of it. good quality?

edit: haha i meant GT not ultra speeds

 

[ts3433]

The Modstream is a modular PSU, so you can remove extra cables that you don't need. If you decide you don't need a modular, I'd recommend a Seasonic S12 series or an XClio around 350-400W--probably a bit cheaper than the Powerstream, which is OEMed by Topower.

The 6800 has less pipelines than a 6800GT, so just to get it to a bit below 6800GT levels you have to try your luck with unlocking pipelines, and then overclock it. The X800XL is really close to 6800GT performance out of the box.

G.skill makes great RAM.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Unless you have a 21" monitor or bigger, you should save your money and get the 6600gt. I have one and it is a fantastic card, and runs all the top games(Doom3,HL2,etc..) at highest settings @ 1280x1024 res(17" 12ms LCD) smooth as butter.

Besides the GPU is the component most likely to be upgraded in a year or two anyway, by then you can probabally pick up a 6800U on the cheap, because the next generation cards will be out by then.

 

[imported_Nimitz]

how safe is it to go w/ a refurbished 6600gt from Newegg? I heard the Leadtek one was one of the best and I can't find it anywhere else. Leadtek PX6600 GT not A6600 GT.

 

[imported_Kensai]

I'd go 6800NU and softmod it, if you're daring enough.

 

[imported_Nimitz]

sorry i'm not quite sure what softmodding it means. Is it just overclocking through software? And does the performance make up for the price difference?

 

[Frown66]

I've heard there are issues with corsair value ram and the ultra-d. Might want to switch that to something else.

Really? What kind of value ram which you recommend with the dfi ultra d? Reason why I ask is because that was my plan, dfi ultra d + corsair vaule...

 

[frank84]

hahaha

very nice, something i just did.

i have a set of Corasir Value Ram
about 2 weeks old

i am planning on selling those

 

[blinky8225]

Get a pair of this memory:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-218-062&depa=1

Supposedly they have a fairly good chance of being the same memory used in OCZ's VX memory which is almost twice as expensive.

 

[andy nowotny]

How about this memory?

Link

 

[jose]

check my sig. My second system is built w/ the 1st batch of Ultra-D mobo's. Zero problems close to 4 weeks..

Regards,
Jose

 

[gobucks]

there's really no reason to go 6800NU, unless you find a great deal (sub-$225). A 6600GT is great for $180 - at 1280x1024, it's perfectly fine for all current games, and keeps up with the 6800NU at most resolutions. For a bit more ($300), an X800XL will mop the floor with a 6800NU, and keeps up pretty well with the 6800GT for $100 less. Even if you can softmod a 6800NU to a 16 pipe monster AND overclock it to GT speeds, you still have slow, crappy DDR700, and only 128MB of it. This makes it slower in eye candy modes and in future games that need a 256MB buffer. The 6800NU pretty much has lost its market slot, unless they either ramp up the speed or drop the price significantly.

As for the cooler, you should be fine with stock cooling if you're gonna top out at 2.4-2.5GHz. Mine's at stock cooling at 2.55GHz, and it's nice and stable. I'd say buy the retail kit, OC it, and if you hit problems, then buy an aftermarket cooler (zalman's a great choice, BTW). Retail kits are usually less than $5 more than OEM, and $5 is a great deal for even a spare CPU cooler, much less a nice one like the A64s come with. Besides, you get a case badge and a warranty, too.

 

[imported_Nimitz]

the 6800NU i saw were going for $244... so thats a $70 increase from a 6600GT. I'm wondering if thats worth it or just hold off a while before i buy and maybe get something better

 

[Appledrop]