My System Build

[Torsoboy]

Hi everybody!

First off, if you don't wish to hear all of my ramblings, just scroll down for the build list.

This is my second build I feel a lot more confident this time around building my PC online. I know what I need, what to look for, and a good sense of what goes together and prices. I feel this build has a lot less major mistakes than my first, and so I'll be looking for everyone's opinions and recommendations, both on price and performance aspects (or maybe remind me of a stupid mistake I made).

What I'm looking for: I'm off to college Aug. 17th, so if I manage to scrounge up the money for this rig, I will probably be ordering it next week. I plan on using it through all of college (4 years) with good performance in games for that duration. The reason I have everything SLI ready is to keep it open for upgrades should I need it anytime during then. I will just buy another nVidia 7800gtx. Please keep this in mind as you browse through .

For monitor, I decided to switch to LCD from CRT. I've seen nothing but good reviews from this monitor by gamers. The price is very good in my opinion, I remember when I built my last computer, 17" LCD's of much lesser quality (25ms+ with lower contrast) cost ~$500. Also, I am looking for something different that will bring out the high quality picture from my video card .

For sound, I am using the monitor's built in speakers in conjunction with the onboard sound of the motherboard. I'm not expecting anything great here, but it will save me money, and I am in an apartment where I can't have my huge subwolfer and 5.1 speaker system. If it is insuffient, I will look for some nice headphones.

And with no further delay, I present my system. Please be as critical as possible and look for ways to save money/gain performance .

Note: All items listed are from Newegg.

Combo 1:

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3700BNBOX - Retail : $299.00 - Link

Video Card: ASUS EN7800GTX/2DHTV/256 Geforce 7800GTX 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail : $525.00- Link

-$50.00 Combo

Combo 2:

Motherboard: ASUS A8N-SLI Premium Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail : $172.99- Link

Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar SE WD2000JS 200GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/l Hard Drive - OEM : $105.00- Link

-$5.00 Combo

CD/DVD Burner: BenQ Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE DVD Burner - OEM : $44.99 - Link

ATX Computer Case: Antec Performance I P180 Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail : $139.00- Link

Monitor - LCD: HYUNDAI L90D+ Silver 19" 8ms LCD Monitor - Retail : $345.99- Link

CD/DVD ROM Drives: SONY Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DDU1615/B2s - OEM : $24.99- Link

Power Supplies:Antec TruePower 2.0 TRUECONTROL II-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 115/230 V - Retail : $110.00- Link

Keyboard: ideazon Zboard Gaming PW1USE1-B3ZBD01 2-Tone USB Wired Standard Keyboard - Retail : $38.00- Link

Mouse: Logitech MX518 931352-0403 2-Tone 8 Buttons 1x Wheel USB + PS/2 Optical Mouse - Retail : $39.97- Link

Memory - System: OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Platinum System Memory : $259.95 - $27.00 Mail-in Rebate- Link

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP HOME Edition With Service Pack 2 - OEM : $87.95- Link


Total: $2,143.83


Thank you VERY much for reading!

EDIT: Updated components/price.

 

[JBDan]

Welcome to anand Tors! All looks very good to me with the exception of the video card. Dont get me wrong, that card is the fastest out at this moment, but to enjoy all the advantages of it IMO you really need a monitor that can display super high resolutions ie 1600x1200 and above (ie 20in CRT or 24in + LCD). The native res on that Hyundai panel is 1280x1024 (if I'm not mistaken). If I were you, and I'm not, but IMO, I would opt for the 6800GT ($345>save $180 here) and oc it, and with that savings get this panel -->http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116355 (only $34 more)and get this psu-->http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151024 (only $14 more). $132 less than your total and better IMHO equipment for your setup. G-Luck, that'll be a kickin system.

 

[Continuity28]

Yeah, with a video card like that it's best with a Dell 2405W or quality CRT.

 

[twitchee2]

for the monitor i STRONGLY sugest going to best buy or some place and accually looking at the monitors dont get my worng those are all great monitors but it makes all the difference to see them in person

 

[CrimsonCutie]

I'd recommend this Video card
XFX
it comes with faster memory/core settings.. even better than the BFG.... and it only 20 bucks more

 

[CrimsonCutie]

Also
the NEC is a GREAT Burner... but you might want to look at the BenQ it recieved the top rateing in the Anandtech Summer Roundup

Though in my new system.. i have the NEC and BenQ... since they each have different strengths

 

[Continuity28]

Originally posted by: CrimsonCutie
Also
the NEC is a GREAT Burner... but you might want to look at the BenQ it recieved the top rateing in the Anandtech Summer Roundup

Though in my new system.. i have the NEC and BenQ... since they each have different strengths

NEC can get a hacked firmware to unlock ripping speeds, that's the only real issue I think it has (but so do most dvd burners for that matter). Both great drives.

 

[JBDan]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
for the monitor i STRONGLY sugest going to best buy or some place and accually looking at the monitors dont get my worng those are all great monitors but it makes all the difference to see them in person

Very good point. They have that veiwsonic I linked in CompUSA if ya got one near ya OP.

 

[Torsoboy]

Wow, thank you everyone for all the replies overnight! Let me work down the list and respond to everyone:

Welcome to anand Tors! All looks very good to me with the exception of the video card. Dont get me wrong, that card is the fastest out at this moment, but to enjoy all the advantages of it IMO you really need a monitor that can display super high resolutions ie 1600x1200 and above (ie 20in CRT or 24in + LCD). The native res on that Hyundai panel is 1280x1024 (if I'm not mistaken). If I were you, and I'm not, but IMO, I would opt for the 6800GT ($345>save $180 here) and oc it, and with that savings get this panel -->http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116355 (only $34 more)and get this psu-->http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151024 (only $14 more). $132 less than your total and better IMHO equipment for your setup. G-Luck, that'll be a kickin system.

Hm, I always like to save money, but don't really want to downgrade my video card haha. I won't be able to take full advantage of the high resolutions, but I will still get the raw processing power of the card, and have nice frame rates, right? Also, the Viewsonic monitor has a native res of 1280x1024 too, but with the 6800GT it can't quite run the high resolutions so it would be more matched?

Oh, and that power supply looks nice. Even if it's not nVidia SLI approved, it will still run SLI just fine right?

Yeah, with a video card like that it's best with a Dell 2405W or quality CRT.

After a bit more research I found the cheapest 1600x1200: 2005FPW, for ~$550 at dell.com (25% off) and it has financing to do $16 a month. If I can find this kind of money, or knock off $200 from my PC, should I do it? I've read some review of the monitor and it seems like there is a ton of them with defective backlights, but you can keep sending them back until you get a good one.

for the monitor i STRONGLY sugest going to best buy or some place and accually looking at the monitors dont get my worng those are all great monitors but it makes all the difference to see them in person

This is good advice. I will make a trip up to Best Buy this weekend.

I'd recommend this Video card
XFX
it comes with faster memory/core settings.. even better than the BFG.... and it only 20 bucks more

Well, the cool thing about the Asus card I have is that it starts at $520 and has a -$50 combo deal, so it's actually quite nice for me, even if it's a tad slower I enjoy the price =).

Also
the NEC is a GREAT Burner... but you might want to look at the BenQ it recieved the top rateing in the Anandtech Summer Roundup

Though in my new system.. i have the NEC and BenQ... since they each have different strengths

Okay, I'll check the BenQ out, but since the NEC is still pretty nice, I may just stick with it.

NEC can get a hacked firmware to unlock ripping speeds, that's the only real issue I think it has (but so do most dvd burners for that matter). Both great drives.

Hacked firmware is only an issue if I download it though, right? =)

Thank you everyone for the replies!

Please, if you have anything else, I'd love to hear it!

 

[The Pentium Guy]

Wow. Extremely awesome choices. A few quirks:
-As people have said, you might need a better monitor such as http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116355
-Check out a different power supply: OCZ Powerstream 520W or that Seasonic 500W as people have said - might be better choices.
-Change the NEC to a BenQ

-The Pentium Guy

 

[Markfw]

Why an EPS PSU ? Normally those are for dual-socket motherboards (I have one)
I would get this Antec for $5 less

 

[Torsoboy]

Originally posted by: The Pentium Guy
Wow. Extremely awesome choices. A few quirks:
-As people have said, you might need a better monitor such as http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116355
-Check out a different power supply: OCZ Powerstream 520W or that Seasonic 500W as people have said - might be better choices.
-Change the NEC to a BenQ

-The Pentium Guy

Hi Pentium Guy, thanks for the reply!

I realize the OCZ and Seasonic power supplies are probably better overall, but there are two reasons why I went with the Antec:
1) I have a strange p180 case, in which the powersupply is in the bottom part, and the cables have to be pretty long. I read a review of an OCZ powersupply and it was great, but the cords had a stiff covering which made it hard to feed through my particular case. I figure if I get an Antec, and it does reach, I can contact Antec and ask for a replacement with longer cords much easier. (they make the case and powersupply)
2) It's recommended on the nVidia SLI page. I want to keep the option of going to SLI open.

Now, a quick question =): Do the two power supplies you listed support SLI rigs? I know a lot of PS's aren't officially endorsed, but work better for SLI than even the recommended ones. If the cords reach, and they support SLI I might go for one of those.

As for the monitor, what do you guys think about the Dell 2005FPW or the 2001FP 20" monitors? The Dell site has them for 25% off and I have a -$60 coupon too. With the monthly pricing that also puts it more into my price range. And the Viewsonic monitor, would it be better than the Hyundai or even the Dell's? The reason I like the Dell, as a few people have mentioned, is because the Hyundai is 1280x1024 native, and the Dells are 1600x1200.

NEC for BenQ, consider it done =).

Thank you for the help!

Edit: I forgot to comment on a few things!

 

[Torsoboy]

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Why an EPS PSU ? Normally those are for dual-socket motherboards (I have one)
I would get this Antec for $5 less

Actually, I wasn't sure what EPS meant so I just went for it =). I am definately editting my build for that PS as soon as I get back in a few hours. The only this is this one has little knobs on the front to control the voltage. It seems a little dangerous to me, but then again what do I know haha.

Thanks for the response.

 

[Topweasel]

Originally posted by: Torsoboy

Originally posted by: The Pentium Guy
Wow. Extremely awesome choices. A few quirks:
-As people have said, you might need a better monitor such as http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116355
-Check out a different power supply: OCZ Powerstream 520W or that Seasonic 500W as people have said - might be better choices.
-Change the NEC to a BenQ

-The Pentium Guy

I read a review of an OCZ powersupply and it was great, but the cords had a stiff covering which made it hard to feed through my particular case.

Edit: I forgot to comment on a few things!

Your Looking at the review of the ModStream which uses modular ccables and has a lower amps rating on the 12v line. The Power Stream 520 is possibly the best single rail powersupply and while has sleeved connectors they are not even close to the modstream in stiffness.

 

[Torsoboy]

Originally posted by: Topweasel
Your Looking at the review of the ModStream which uses modular ccables and has a lower amps rating on the 12v line. The Power Stream 520 is possibly the best single rail powersupply and while has sleeved connectors they are not even close to the modstream in stiffness.

Ah okay, so would it be a smart move to go to this? I'm also worried the cables might not be long enough. On my motherboard, the power connectors are near the top side, and I still have to feed them through the middle "door" in the bottom half. With this in mind, would the cables stretch far enough? One more thing, I do want to keep this capable of SLI, will the Power Stream 520 be able to provide enough juice for 2 7800gtxs?

Also, a friend of mine said if I wanted to save money without too much of a performance hit, I should go with two sets of CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB), taking up all my DIMM slots but costing 2 x $87.55 = $175.10, which is quite a bit better than $233 (after rebates). That's almost $50 more I have to spend on a 1600x1200 monitor. Do you guys think it is worth it to drop to 2.5 CAS timing?

 

[monster64]

It all depends whether you are going to OC or not. Yes, almost any psu with 30A+ on the 12v rail can handle an SLI system. As for the video card dont worry, you can OC it to much more than the stock OCed cards. Yes, you could get cheaper ram, but instead of doing 512x4 and taking the performance hit, get cheaper ram, but get:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820221133
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820223032
if you want cheaper ram. The cas 2.5 isn't what will hurt you, the 2T is.

 

[Torsoboy]

Originally posted by: monster64
It all depends whether you are going to OC or not. Yes, almost any psu with 30A+ on the 12v rail can handle an SLI system. As for the video card dont worry, you can OC it to much more than the stock OCed cards. Yes, you could get cheaper ram, but instead of doing 512x4 and taking the performance hit, get cheaper ram, but get:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820221133
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820223032
if you want cheaper ram. The cas 2.5 isn't what will hurt you, the 2T is.

Thanks for the insight. I plan to overclock as soon as I start to notice my performance go down. From the start I will probably only do minor overclocks. When I get a chance I'll check the prices on the mentioned power supplies, and compare them to my current one. If anything, I'll just go with the 5 dollar cheaper Antec without the EPS thing on it.

As for the RAM, if I will take a performance hit for going with cheaper RAM, I start to feel less comfortable. I got some very nice ram with my first system, and I think I'll just go with the nice RAM again. I'll check out your suggestions just to be sure though.

Thank you for the reply, every little bit of input helps!

(Also, at this point I have editted my original post to include the new part recommendations. Some things I will leave the same for now just to get more information on)

 

[numbers]

If you like screen real estate, get the 2005 fpw, because it is widescreen. I have a widescreen laptop @ WUXGA and love it. However, note that with games that don't support widescreen, you have to do slight mods to the startup so that they start up in widescreen, or play with black bars on the side. Personally, I just play it stretched out (ex: BF2 @ 1600x1200 even though my max res is 1920x1200) and it still looks fine to me.

 

[Torsoboy]

My friend tried to talk me out of the LCD route, but I have quite a bit of conifidence in it. Dell is having a great deal on the 2005FPW with 25% plus I have a $60 coupon which brings it to under $500 with tax and shipping. I'm still a bit scared of reviews I've read about the backlight being unaligned and setting off the colors in the corners. The good thing is, Dell replaces your monitor if you happen to have that problem, so I'm pretty happy.