New a64 rig

[You call THAT a pineapple]

Hi all!

I'm finally in a position where I can afford to build my own rig, and I'm pretty much going all out! Although I would love to get an athlon board that has SLI i really can't wait any longer (HL2 out next month :0 ), so I've bitten the bullet and started buying

Here's what I'm looking at getting:

Thermaltake Tsunami Dream Case + 400w PSU
Socket 939 Athlon 64 3500+ CPU
ASUS A8V Deluxe/WIFI-G K8T800 Pro mobo
MSI 256mb 6800GT GPU
1 gig dual channel OCZ 3200 Platinum Rev 2 RAM (if i can find some)
200 gig Seagate Barracude HDD
DVD burner
Floppy
Either 19" CRT or 17" LCD monitor
Decent keyboard and mouse
Logitech X-620 6 speaker system

Now this is my first home built system, and will primarily be used for games. In the lead up to designing this system I have become very interested in overclocking (something i've never tried) so i will probably give that a shot too. Any suggestions/comments would be muchly appreciated.

Also, a few questions:
1. I hear that the OCZ RAM I have selected is awesome to overclock (but oh so very expensive). Price is still an important factor for me, so if anyone can think of a cheaper solution that would still give an alright overclock i'd love to hear it.
2. The main reason I'm getting the MSI card is because of the price and bundled games. Has anyone seen a review of this card? I've had no luck finding one at all.
3. If i were to overclock my CPU I assume that i'd need to change the heatsink/fan. Any suggestions folks?
4. 90nm or 130nm: which is preferred?
5. Are cordless mice/keyboards any good for games?
6. How noticeable is 'ghosting' with 16ms LCD's? Should I stick to CRT?
7. Is the included 400w Thermaltake psu any good, or will i need to upgrade?

I know that's a lot of questions guys, sorry. I have looked into it in depth but thought i'd just ask your knowledable selves before I take the plunge. Thanks for your (anticipated help!

Daniel

(Ps - I've already bought the case and mobo, so there's no changing those!)

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

1. I hear that the OCZ RAM I have selected is awesome to overclock (but oh so very expensive). Price is still an important factor for me, so if anyone can think of a cheaper solution that would still give an alright overclock i'd love to hear it.

Yeah, check HD forum. If you have two billing address at your disposal, you can get 2x512 HyperX for $160 AR.

3. If i were to overclock my CPU I assume that i'd need to change the heatsink/fan. Any suggestions folks?

Thermalright XP-120. Just be VERY careful when removing it (make sure to break the seal between it and the CPU before lifting or it will rip the CPU out of the socket).

4. 90nm or 130nm: which is preferred?

Arbitrary really at this point.

5. Are cordless mice/keyboards any good for games?

Yes. Check out the Logitech Wireless MX DUO.

6. How noticeable is 'ghosting' with 16ms LCD's? Should I stick to CRT?

It's noticeable if you're looking for it. If you're actually playing the game, you won't see it.

7. Is the included 400w Thermaltake psu any good, or will i need to upgrade?

Probably fine.....but I wouldn't take any chances. Get a high end Antec, Seasonic, or OCZ.

(Ps - I've already bought the case and mobo, so there's no changing those!)

Bummer. I was going to suggest a 2800+ 754 and the Lanparty MB.

 

[kamranziadar]

You can have 19LCD for $299 from Tigerdirect, its today sale.

 

[You call THAT a pineapple]

Cheers for that HeroOfPellinor! :thumbsup:

$160 for RAM! Sure wish I could get those prices over here in Australia

That logitech combo certainly looks nice. Though the lack of Numlock/Capslock/Scroll lock LEDs would piss me off. I think you've sold me on the idea though, not that cables really annoyed me in the first place, so long as it's rechargeable.

$120 (AU) For a heatsink!? I never knew a lump of metal could cost that much. What about the Thermaltake Venus 12? I can get that for a much more reasonable $55

Thanks mate,
Dan.

 

[Markfw]

90nm processor for sure, way less heat, and better OC 'ability

 

[You call THAT a pineapple]

Thanks man, but just for the record, I'm in Australia (and yeah, i have a pet kangaroo ). Damn I wish pc parts were as cheap over here as they are in the US

 

[You call THAT a pineapple]

Thanks Markfw900, 90nm it is. I see one of your rigs runs a Thermaltake SilentBoost K8? Is it any good? Does it handle the overclocking alright?

Dan.

 

[Comparisonman]

Answers to Questions:

1) Stick with the good OCZ RAM, don't ever skimp on RAM when overclocking
2) Go with the MSI card, most cards using nVidia chipsets have about the same performance and the biggest difference is just the software bundle
3) Zalman 7000-CU
4) 90nm because it is newer, runs cooler, and better for overclocking
5) Stay away from Cordless Mice and Keyboards unless you have an MX700 mouse and some rechargeable keyboard. The worst thing that can happen is running out of batteries while fragging.
6) I've played games on quick refresh LCDs and have had no problems, however, I haven't tested all LCDs so you should check out the monitor's performance in games before buying, otherwise stick to a good ol' CRT
7) Thermaltake PSUs are good power supplies, you should be good with that, but if you do plan on upgrading go with an Antec or a Fortron

 

[Markfw]

Yes, I love the Thermaltake Silen Boost K8 I OC my Athlon64 3000+ to 2.2 (restricted by no AGP lock) and it never gets over 45c. Antec true 380 or 430 would be good PSU's.