New Build/Upgrade - Need Help Deciding!

MedioCore

Junior Member
Jul 6, 2005
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I've been reading through this forum a lot recently, and I decided to bite the bullet and register/post. So here goes nothing!

Anyway, the primary purpose of this build is gaming (i.e., WoW and Sports Games), although I do some graphic design and other random tasks. I'd like to keep my budget from getting too far out of hand (<$600-$800) but am open to suggestions that might bring me slightly over that goal. I also want something that has a decent amount of longevity.

Here's what I have in mind based on research/etc. from these forums:

CPU - AMD 3000+ Venice
MoBo - MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX ***OR*** DFI LanParty UT nF4 Ultra-D Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX
RAM - CORSAIR VS 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR 400 SDRAM (For MSI MoBo) ***OR*** OCZ Gold Series 1GB (2x512MB) (For DFI MoBo)
GPU - MSI NX6600GT-TD128E Geforce 6600GT 128MB (I'm open to a different brand if needed)

This is my current PSU that I plan on migrating to the new system - ASPIRE ATX-AS500-BK ATX12V 500W Power Supply 115/230 V (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817148007)

I'm not too big into OC'ing or anything as of right now, so if something isn't "the best" for OC'ing, I can cope.

I also plan on moving my current 120GB HDD and Opticals to the new rig, as well as reusing my case.

What I'm mainly looking for is some help deciding on a MoBo and Video Card, as well as a suggestion for a new HDD that will house the OS and Programs (again, my current 120GB HDD will be used for storage).

Looking through NewEgg, the aforementioned CPU/MoBo/RAM/GPU will run approx. $600, give or take.

Thanks!
 

MedioCore

Junior Member
Jul 6, 2005
16
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Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Looks good! If not into overclocking go with the MSI and the corsair mem.

Thanks for the input!

Anyone have any advice as far as a Video Card goes?
And a new HDD? (i.e., Raptor or Barracuda?)
 

xTYBALTx

Senior member
May 10, 2005
394
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Raptor's have no place in a "moderate" priced PC. Get a 7200.7 or 7200.8 'Cuda.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
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Check the MSI and DFI sites for BIOS updates for the boards. They may explain what each version is an update / fix for. Although they used to be impossible to find at their site. But in reality, it's been a long time since I looked.

When you talk of longevity, with RAM prices as low as they are, it's a great time to double to 2GB. Just something to consider.

Edit: I wasn't thinking clearly. A newer board as these are, with very recent BIOS revisions. They'll support a Venice for sure.