New gaming computer

[jibraltor]

Hi! I've been wanting to build a new pc for two months and now that the venice are here I think it's time. This pc will be mainly for games and I don't plan on overclocking. I want it to be stable and not too noisy. Here's what i'm thinking of building:


MB : ASUS A8N-E : I don't need SLI and firewire and I will plug the chipset fan into my fan controller.

CPU : ATHLON 64 S939 VENICE 3500+ : As I said I don't want to overclock.

VC : ATI X800XL : I think i will buy the one built by ATI since I don't need VIVO and DualDVI.

HD : SEAGATE BARRACUDA 120GB 7200RPM SATA

PSU : OCZ MODSTREAM 450W : Will it leave me enough room for future upgrades?

RAM : CORSAIR VALUE SELECT PC3200 : Should I put 2x512MB or 1x1024MB for future upgrade. Do you guys think we will need more than 1024MB in the next 2 years?

CASE : ANTEC SLK3000B

FAN : ANTEC 120MM DBB ALL CLEAR PRO

FAN CONTROLLER : ZALMAN ZM-MFC1


Tell me what you think...

 

[Waylay00]

I guarantee you someone will recommend DFI. The main reason that people like DFI is because of the extreme overclocking capability. SO if you aren't OC'ing, get the A8N-E. It is nowhere near as picky with memory, and ASUS seems to be very reliable. That setup looks very good. I would go ahead and get the Modstream 520w. It's not that much more. that the 450w. Go with the 512MBx2, so you can run dual channel.

 

[imported_Kensai]

It's ok, but I don't think you'll need a fan controller. I wouldn't go with that PSU. Maybe an Antec NeoPower 480W?
2X 512MB will be enough for now, but in the future games will require 2+GB of ram to run smoothly.

 

[IceBreakerG]

I have not had very good luck with asus the last week. I've basically come to realize that they might possibly have the WORST customer service/tech support i've ever seen in my life. But, i think it might be doubtful that you'll "need" more than 1GB of ram in the next 2yrs unless you constantly have alot of applications running. But, you can always get 3 512MB sticks of ram and have 1.5GBs to be on the safe side. Overall it sounds like a nice setup. You may want to consider a larger hard drive though, unless you don't download alot of stuff. But hey, a 160GB drive isn't that much more than the 120GB. Also, as far as your power supply, i'd recommend at least a 500-550W power supply for future upgrades. Unless you just don't plan on running alot of stuff in your system, otherwise that'd be fine

 

[imported_brad]

damn. thats EXACTLY the core setup im about to get...minus the venice...clawhammer instead and xms instead of value.

 

[Gadzookie]

why are you ppl buying a SLI board when your not going to SLI , ATI Cards cannot be put into SLI mode just get a reguler nforce ultra 4 board !

 

[imported_brad]

the a8n-e only has one PCI-E x16.

 

[Gadzookie]

whoooooooooops ! sorry i read that wrong thought you were getting the asus sli board :-(
lol

 

[Rock Hydra]

Originally posted by: Gadzookie
whoooooooooops ! sorry i read that wrong thought you were getting the asus sli board :-(
lol

*points and laughs*

 

[imported_rod]

Originally posted by: jibraltor
MB : ASUS A8N-E : I don't need SLI and firewire and I will plug the chipset fan into my fan controller.

Nice board (If it's anything like my A8N-SLI). I wouldn't plug the Chipset cooler into a fan controller though.

Originally posted by: jibraltor
CPU : ATHLON 64 S939 VENICE 3500+ : As I said I don't want to overclock.

VERY NICE

Originally posted by: jibraltor
VC : ATI X800XL : I think i will buy the one built by ATI since I don't need VIVO and DualDVI.

The X850XT only costs a little more than the X800XT, but the extra performance it's huge either.

Originally posted by: jibraltor
HD : SEAGATE BARRACUDA 120GB 7200RPM SATA

A 160GB, or even a 200GB, doesn't cost much more.

Originally posted by: jibraltor
RAM : CORSAIR VALUE SELECT PC3200 : Should I put 2x512MB or 1x1024MB for future upgrade. Do you guys think we will need more than 1024MB in the next 2 years?

Getting CORSAIR TWINX might be better if you can afford it.

Few applications actually use 1024MB of RAM, and only new games use even 512MB. I dont think anything in the next 2 years will need 2GB, so get the RAM in dual channel (2x512MB).

RoD

 

[SVT Cobra]

Looks good to me, the ModStream looks good, youll be happy with it, id recomend it over an antec any day(both of which ive had).

With the HD's you just need to ask yourself how much space you really need. How much HD space do you fill now? thatll be your answer.

 

[shoRunner]

Originally posted by: brad
damn. thats EXACTLY the core setup im about to get...minus the venice...clawhammer instead and xms instead of value.

and you'll be wasting your money on memory

Originally posted by: rod

Originally posted by: jibraltor
RAM : CORSAIR VALUE SELECT PC3200 : Should I put 2x512MB or 1x1024MB for future upgrade. Do you guys think we will need more than 1024MB in the next 2 years?

Getting CORSAIR TWINX might be better if you can afford it.

RoD

there is not reason to spend money on "overclocking ram" when your not overclocking, or when you can get value ram that overclocks just as well. if you want the low lantencies go with G.skill, if you want overclocking ram then get some ocz value vx or twinmos. spending >150 on a gig or ram is stupid IMHO.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Actually, alot of games with maxed out settings can gobble up more than 1GB of ram. Even more so of your video ram.

 

[Fisher999]

Looks like a nice setup to me. I am considering the same Asus board for my new system I'm putting together but was concerned about its lack of firewire and the fact I'd have to eat up a PCI slot if I used an add-on PCI/Firewire card down the road.

I also agree that you might want to consider another P/S alternative not that there's really anything wrong with your choice.

The OCZ Modstream, although it is a "clean looking" P/S and has though pretty silver cable wraps (which I hear can be a pain to work with as they are as STIFF as he**) also has been getting some bad "raps" compared to the "Powerstream" series of OCZ power supplys because, among other things, the Modstreams offer higher currents on the +5V rail but lower on the +12V rail and lack the control over the output voltages. Here's xbitlabs take on the story written on the 25th of this Month in this P/S roundup !!

Have you considered the very highly thought of Seasonic S12-430 for a modest $82.50 ???

I too was recommended the Corsair ValueRam at my thread over here at Anantech (take a look please if you want to leave a mobo opinion). I think that 1GB will probably suffice your needs but then it couldn't hurt to go with the 1GB stick so that you could add another one down the road - that was recommended to me but I've gone with 1 GB (512 X 2). I don't think I'll need to bump up to 2 GB anytime soon.

Just because Waylay00 guaranteed you someone would recommend this to you have you considered replacing the Asus board with the venerable DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D for $137.99 delivered at NewEgg. Of course it is a great OC'ing board and a great gaming board althought the word is out that it is RAM finicky and a little testy to set-up out of the box. It's a great board though.

As much as I love Asus products (and have used them many times in the past and present) I share IcebreakerG's concern for their very poor customer service and technical support. :disgust:

Overall, it looks like you've picked out one heck of a rockin' rig there !

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Waylay00
... I would go ahead and get the Modstream 520w. It's not that much more. that the 450w. Go with the 512MBx2, so you can run dual channel.

If you consider the OCZ 520 please don't forget to read xbitlab's review of it in their April, 2005 P/S round-up over here !

 

[VERTIGGO]

To reiterate what was said about RAM, if you only play FPS games like HL2 and Doom 3 you'll be fine with 1GB. However realtime strategy games and even the Battlefield series games which handle numerous units and widespread AI may run into limitations with only 1GB.

Correct me if I'm misdirected, anyone. I'm referring to my old Athlon 3400+ system with 1024MB RAM.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: VERTIGGO
To reiterate what was said about RAM, if you only play FPS games like HL2 and Doom 3 you'll be fine with 1GB. However realtime strategy games and even the Battlefield series games which handle numerous units and widespread AI may run into limitations with only 1GB.

Correct me if I'm misdirected, anyone. I'm referring to my old Athlon 3400+ system with 1024MB RAM.

Really Vertiggo, (not being sarcastic), are some of the modern games really "sucking up" that much RAM (along with the rest of the system) that 2 GB is becoming essential ???

 

[Gerbil333]

Originally posted by: Fisher999

Originally posted by: VERTIGGO
To reiterate what was said about RAM, if you only play FPS games like HL2 and Doom 3 you'll be fine with 1GB. However realtime strategy games and even the Battlefield series games which handle numerous units and widespread AI may run into limitations with only 1GB.

Correct me if I'm misdirected, anyone. I'm referring to my old Athlon 3400+ system with 1024MB RAM.

Really Vertiggo, (not being sarcastic), are some of the modern games really "sucking up" that much RAM (along with the rest of the system) that 2 GB is becoming essential ???

Yes, HL2 will eat up 1GB. After a few maps in HL2 with 2x512mb installed, here's a a shot of Task Manager. I know that the Peak Commit Charge also includes virtual memory, however, when I tried 2x512 + 1x256 (1.25gb), the system peaked at about 1070 MBs! Not only can Windows utilize extra RAM, it takes about 10 seconds to exit HL2. Games have always done that when I've not had enough RAM, and they suddenly exit instantly when the system has enough memory.

2 GBs may be slightly overkill right now, but I'm sure that in under 12 months games will run best with more than 1gb.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Gerbil333
Yes, HL2 will eat up 1GB. After a few maps in HL2 with 2x512mb installed, here's a a shot of Task Manager. I know that the Peak Commit Charge also includes virtual memory, however, when I tried 2x512 + 1x256 (1.25gb), the system peaked at about 1070 MBs! Not only can Windows utilize extra RAM, it takes about 10 seconds to exit HL2. Games have always done that when I've not had enough RAM, and they suddenly exit instantly when the system has enough memory.

2 GBs may be slightly overkill right now, but I'm sure that in under 12 months games will run best with more than 1gb.

Wow Gerbil, how things become so complex so fast. To think that, for some people, 2GB of RAM may be essential would have been almost unthinkable just a few years ago. :roll:

 

[fierydemise]

I'd grap a FSP Blue Storm or Seasonic S12 for the PSU, also a Samsung spinpoint is a faster HD and its a ton quieter

 

[jibraltor]

Wow thanks for all the advices!

About the Asus A8N-E, i'm curious about the comment that I should not plug the chipset fan into a fan controller, could you explain why? The chipset fan is suppose to be very noisy and if I can't reduce the noise I will have to choose another MB.

About the Seagate, 120gb will be plenty for me since my current 40gb is not even full! I've read some comments on another forum that Seagate is excellent in IDE but that it's not too good in SATA and they recommended Hitachi instead. What do you guys think?

About the OCZ Modstream, do you think that the 450W model has the same problem the 520W have? I like this model because it's suppose to be quiet and there is no seasonic where I live (Quebec, Canada).

About the Corsair Value, i think i will go with 2x512MB for now. If later on I decide to put one more 512mb stick or one 1024mb stick how would it affect the performance? BTW I play games like Half Life 2, Riddick, Splinter Cell.

 

[imported_rod]

You can plug it into a fan controller, but I wouldn't. It's just that when you're using a fan controller, you need to keep an eye on temps, just to make sure nothing gets too hot because you set the fan too low. Im setting up a fan controller for my case fans, but my CPU and Chipset are both controlled by the motherboard. If you're really annoyed by the chipset fan, just get a better one. I've never used an after-market chipset fan, but I know companies do make them. Just dont change your MoBo choice over a $10 fan.

Also, ppl were commenting that HL2 runs better with 2GB of ram! On the box it says it will run with 256MB, but 512MB is reccomended. I'm sure that 1GB will be plenty.

Also, about adding more RAM later. With the current memory controlled on (winchester)A64's, the best performance is achieved by using 2 sticks of ram. Don't use 3, or it may not work at all. And if you use four, the speed may drop to DDR333. Dont ask me why, but that's how it works. The new Venice cores work a bit differently, but I think you still have to run the ram at 2T when using 4 sticks.

Hope thats helped.
RoD

 

[Umberger]

I really don't see why people say that the chipset fan is loud. I have an Asus A8N SLI deluxe, and I have never been able to hear the chipset fan any louder than the PSU fans or the case fans. It is all quite quiet.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Umberger
I really don't see why people say that the chipset fan is loud. I have an Asus A8N SLI deluxe, and I have never been able to hear the chipset fan any louder than the PSU fans or the case fans. It is all quite quiet.

Umberger:

You say in the "notes" section of the profile of your rig that "...Sounds like a tornado when everything is turned up..."

No wonder you don't hear the hsf on the Asus board.

All you hear is that sound of the TORNADO !!! :laugh:

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: jibraltor
Hi! I've been wanting to build a new pc for two months and now that the venice are here I think it's time. This pc will be mainly for games and I don't plan on overclocking. I want it to be stable and not too noisy. Here's what i'm thinking of building:


MB : ASUS A8N-E : I don't need SLI and firewire and I will plug the chipset fan into my fan controller.

CPU : ATHLON 64 S939 VENICE 3500+ : As I said I don't want to overclock.

VC : ATI X800XL : I think i will buy the one built by ATI since I don't need VIVO and DualDVI.

HD : SEAGATE BARRACUDA 120GB 7200RPM SATA

PSU : OCZ MODSTREAM 450W : Will it leave me enough room for future upgrades?

RAM : CORSAIR VALUE SELECT PC3200 : Should I put 2x512MB or 1x1024MB for future upgrade. Do you guys think we will need more than 1024MB in the next 2 years?

CASE : ANTEC SLK3000B

FAN : ANTEC 120MM DBB ALL CLEAR PRO

FAN CONTROLLER : ZALMAN ZM-MFC1


Tell me what you think...

You hit all the good stuff I like.

Asus Not really much needs to be said here. Best mobo maker for 15 yrs.

3500- decent bang for buck for non-overclocker 939, only better is 3000 and 3200 but may be too slow stock for you.

120GB disks- offer most GB/$ of any size

Seagate- quietest, longest warranty 5 year.

8MB cache- fast

800XL, best bang for buck video card period.

value ram- you becha