New ~ $1500 P4 System Check - Suggestions Plz!

[dripgoss]

I'm building a new gaming/bedroom HTPC system (for around $1500 newegg) and just wanted to get some thoughts, suggestions or other recommendations. My choices are made mostly on research and past experience, but I'm open...

(OK, Edited the system a little given the feedback I've recieved)

Antec Sonata Case including Antec 380W TruePower PSU (Like the True380 included and 120mm fans)
Albatron PX865PE PRO II OEM (Had good luck with Albatron, but still on the fence 865PE vs. 875)
SAPPHIRE 9800 Pro 128MB OEM
Intel P4 2.8C Retail
Mushkin Level One Dual Pack (256MBx2) PC-3500 Retail (Anandtech Suggests?)
Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive (80GB 7200 WDSE's as alternative maybe?)
Logitech BLACK Optical Desktop PS2 104keys OEM
SCEPTRE X7SV-Naga 17" Wide screen LCD TV Monitor via DVI of course! Retail (*Need* 16:9!!)
Optorite DVD+/-RW Retail
Arctic Silver's AS5 (NEW Premium Silver Polysynthetic Thermal Compound)
COOLMAX Ultra ATA-133 IDE 12" Round Cable

Anyone see any potential pitfalls? I'm still not sure about the Raptor, DIMMs, the mobo and case/PSU, but I think I'm off to a good start with everything else. And at almost $1500 even shipped and taxed from Newegg, I'm within budget.

Q - Anyone have first hand experience with the RAM and mobo above? That Asus 875 board that Anandtechused in their recommendations looks promising, but I'm not sure what the considerations are between 865 and 875 boards...

 

[Gibson12345]

I'd get a non-refurbished video card and motherboard (especially). Also, I *think* that the 2.8ghz P4's are actually cheaper at Newegg. Lastly, if you want to overclock, you're going to need better/faster RAM. And ditch those heat spreaders. They don't do anything beyond look cool.

Added: 2.8's are not cheaper, my appologies. But $20 more for 400 more mhz. I'd spring for it.

 

[dripgoss]

Thx for the speedy response and suggestions Gibson!

I know what you mean about the refurbs. But I've purchased all kinds of refurb stuff from newegg and (knock wood) never had any problems. I think their refurbs are usually just functional returns... But I guess there is always the possibility for a lemon. I guess I have so much faith in NE's service that if I had to buy a lemon, I'd rather buy it from them cuz I know they'll take care of me..

I looked at the 2.8's but have been reading about the heat issues, performance and lack of OC with the Prescotts. I didn't see any 2.8 Northwoods on newegg, but I'll look some more...

I have 512 of PC3200LL XMS in another system so maybe I'll buy a 512 of the value and bench it up against the XMS. I probably won't go extreme with OCing, but I needed to cut a few corners to get under $1500 and unfortunately *need* 1GB of mem... I think for $70 more tho I could bump up to the XMS stuff so maybe that's not too bad...

Thx again!

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

I would drop the heat spreads. Get a regular 9800 pro and a seperate tuner card, and possibly look into getting the Antec SLK3700 BQE.

I assume you already have an operating system and software though.

 

[dripgoss]

Originally posted by: JustAnAverageGuy
I would drop the heat spreads. Get a regular 9800 pro and a seperate tuner card, and possibly look into getting the Antec SLK3700 BQE.

Thanks for the ideas!

I assume you already have an operating system and software though.

Yep, heat spreads are gone if they're not functional!!

Yeah, I saw the $210 Sapphire 9800 Pro, but figured for an extra $45, why not do the AIW? Then again, it is refurb and I'm starting to rethink that purchase... I think I even have a WinTV card around here somewhere...

And I did like that SLK3700 BQE case a lot, but was kinda iffy on the PSU. I'd like to stay with the True series whenever possible since that's what I've used with great success and that Sonata comes with a True380... But I dunno. My case choise will proly change a few times up until I actually pull the trigger...

And yep, got all the software I need!

 

[dripgoss]

Anyone have any thoughts on this setup?

Antec Sonata Case including Antec 380W TruePower PSU (Like the True380 included and 120mm fans)
Albatron PX865PE PRO II OEM (Had good luck with Albatron, but still on the fence 865PE vs. 875)
SAPPHIRE 9800 Pro 128MB OEM
Intel P4 2.8C Retail
Mushkin Level One Dual Pack (256MBx2) PC-3500 Retail (Anandtech Suggests?)
Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive (80GB 7200 WDSE's as alternative maybe?)
Logitech BLACK Optical Desktop PS2 104keys OEM
SCEPTRE X7SV-Naga 17" Wide screen LCD TV Monitor via DVI of course! Retail (*Need* 16:9!!)
Optorite DVD+/-RW Retail
Arctic Silver's AS5 (NEW Premium Silver Polysynthetic Thermal Compound)
COOLMAX Ultra ATA-133 IDE 12" Round Cable

Brings me in at $1520 shipped/taxed...

 

[Mloot]

Ditch the Raptor if you are building an HTPC. I assume that you will be recording TV programs like you would with a VCR or TIVO? If so, 36gb is not going to be nearly enough HDD space. Just recording at good quality can eat up 1-2gb of HDD space per hour. Throw in one or two newer pc games, and you'll fill up that HDD before you know it.

In this case, going for more (but slower) space like the WD SE 80gb you mentioned is definitely the way to go.


My 2 cents.

 

[HokieESM]

Originally posted by: dripgoss
And I did like that SLK3700 BQE case a lot, but was kinda iffy on the PSU. I'd like to stay with the True series whenever possible since that's what I've used with great success and that Sonata comes with a True380... But I dunno. My case choise will proly change a few times up until I actually pull the trigger...

If you like the BQE, you might want to try Directron. Note that you can "change" the power supply with the little box below--they'll even let you order one without a PSU!

I highly recommend this case. Nice to work with, lots of room, and 120mm fans.

 

[dripgoss]

Mloot - I should have mentioned I have an external 200GB Maxtor Onetouch USB2.0 for backup already, but you're right about space. I just wanted a primary HDD that smokes and then maybe get 2 of the 74GB Raptors down the road for either RAIDing or swap/data filing and then some cheaper 200GB IDE's for storage down the road... Most likely this will be a 90% gaming, 10% Bedroom HTPC for now at least.

Hokie - Thanks for the tip on Directron. I haven't bought from them in a while. Might be worth a lok, eh?

Thanks again guys! Awesome suggestions - keep em coming!!