New Mid-range Gaming System & Price! v.2

[Aepheme]

Just a built a new system (to go with a recent 2007WFP acquisition)... Not sure why, I think I have a learning deficiency.

Parts listed in order of descending price (includes s/h & tax):

$380: ATI Radeon X1900 XTX 512mb PCIe
$235: AMD Athlon 3700+ San Diego
$127: 2x1GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (After $55 Rebate)
$ 99: Epox 9NPA+ Ultra (NF4U 939)
$ 88: WD 250GB 3.0GB/s 16mb 7200rpm
$ 58: Fortron 450W Power Supply
$ 49: SLK3000B Mid-Tower Case
====
$1036

It's interesting to compare it to the system I built last fall: here. The video card in this new build is significantly better... for essentially the same price. The SDRAM has dropped by almost $100. I spent an extra $100 on the processor, but at the same time cut out the aftermarket HSF. Motherboard is exactly the same for exactly the same price. Case and Powersupply are essentially the same price, too.

Comments, thoughts?

 

[LOUISSSSS]

1. weak mb shoulda gone with a more stable and reliable asus.
2. weak psu will struggle with x1900xtx

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
1. weak mb shoulda gone with a more stable and reliable asus.
2. weak psu will struggle with x1900xtx

1. Thats actualy a good motherboard, and considered good for overclocking.
2. The Fortron is plenty. I am running my 7800GT from a 450w Antec just fine, and the Fortron is actualy even better. For SLI or Crossfire it might be a problem, but it's plenty for what he has.

 

[Aepheme]

Yeah, I wasn't entirely sure about the 450W Fortron... But I don't plan on having multiple hard drives or DVD drives, so I'm hoping the load won't be too overwhelming.

As far as the motherboard is concerned... that was actually my "expensive, safe" choice! I was considering the Abit KN8 Ultra which is going for $85 AR. Think I should cancel and reorder?

 

[KayKay]

better CPU, Better video card, with money to spare! much better than your previously spec'd out system!

looks great

 

[theMan]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
1. weak mb shoulda gone with a more stable and reliable asus.
2. weak psu will struggle with x1900xtx

umm, those are some of the best two parts available at a realistic price. the epox is probably more stable than any asus i have used, since ive never used a stable asus, and the fortron is as high a quality as a $150 psu, but it only costs $50.

 

[Ultralight]

That is a good motherboard for overclocking and is rock stable at stock settings. Fortran makes some of the better PSUs. The only thing I would want to know is with the video card you purchsed will that particular model supply enough power.

Very nice rig. By the way, what memory brand are you using?

 

[Aepheme]

Originally posted by: Ultralight
That is a good motherboard for overclocking and is rock stable at stock settings. Fortran makes some of the better PSUs. The only thing I would want to know is with the video card you purchsed will that particular model supply enough power.

Very nice rig. By the way, what memory brand are you using?

Hrmmm... seems to be quite a bit of concern about that. Maybe I should bump it up to the 500 W.

I'm using "Patriot" brand... Specifically, from this link:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220040

 

[Shortass]

Have you built the computer yet? Pics? How's the monitor treating you? Banding ?

 

[InlineFour]

get the slk3000b from provantage.com for $31.

 

[imported_killuminati]

why not get a Dual Core X2 3800+ for a lite more ???

Peace & ciao !!!

 

[LOUISSSSS]

i'm not saying fortran is a bad psu brand as i own a fortron fx600-gln. and NO the fortron AX450 is not as good quality as fortran's fx series of psus. so your statement is wrong there.. and sure if u wanna get the absolute minimum that would power your x1900xtx with bare room to spare then get the fortran ax450. it IS your system u can get w/e u want. but imo if i had that system i would power it with something with a higher rating. and i'd get an asus over epox anyday for the same price. and plus. look at where the 24pin & 4 pin adapter is on that motherboard. how annoying would that be when trying to hide wires. and look at that weird placing of the floppy drive (if u intend to use one) thats work of a sloppy mb layout..

 

[Aepheme]

Originally posted by: killuminati
why not get a Dual Core X2 3800+ for a lite more ???

Peace & ciao !!!

I thought about that... I'm still in the middle of negotiating a better deal for the 3700.

I heard that it wouldn't improve my gaming performance all that much, and the dual cores might even cause problems with some games. I dunno though... Maybe I should go for it?

It would probably tax my already overburdened power supply too much (as LOUISSSS has pointed out). Think my system could handle it?

 

[Aepheme]

Originally posted by: InlineFour
get the slk3000b from provantage.com for $31.

Thanks! I did... it comes out to $49 with s/h. Not a bad deal! A case is something I almost feel I should buy at a B&M store... shipping is so expensive compared to most parts!

 

[Ike0069]

I really like the MB choice.

As for the PSU, it will be fine for now. I agree that it doesn't leave alot of upgrade room, but the x1900XTX should last you quite a while.

When you decide to upgrade to a next generation system, you'll most likely need a new PSU then.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

so whats your final parts list??

 

[dBTelos]

If you wanted this system to last you longer, you could of upgraded that PSU to a => 500W version and went for a 4000+ X2. For now, duel core isn't a must have and doesn't show a huge performance increase. But without a doubt, more and more games will take advantage of this new technology and you may wish that you would have bought a X2 while you had the chance.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

i agree with a 500+ watt psu from fsp or enermax or seasonic

 

[Aepheme]

Well, I called Newegg and they said the PS has already shipped.

If I'm at my house when they deliver, I'll reject the package. Otherwise, I'll just go ahead and live with it. Maybe it'll encourage me to cancel my Dell order, too... I don't really need a X1900XTX. ;-)

If I'm not able to reject this, I may downgrade the video card to be safe. Probably'd be good for my budget, too...

Thanks for the comments!