New PC for a newbie...

[sciwizam]

I've been looking for building a PC for a long time and I think I've done enough reading. I want to keep costs within $700-$900 range. I won't be overclocking or would I be interested in bad@ss graphics as I'm not that much of a gamer. Also I won't be upgrading for 2-3 years, so just a solid system.

For specs,

CPU: A64 3200+ $193 or 3400+ $223

A 200 Mhz increase for $30 looks tempting.

Motherboard: Soltek K8AN2E-GR $89.50

I read the review of this board here and I think it pretty much covers everything I need i.e sound and LAN.

Memory: 1GB Mushkin DDR PC3200 $136.27
Could settle for 512MB, if cost goes overboard..

HDD: Looking for a retail version of 160 GB 8 MB Cache 7200 RPM HDD.....Seagate or Maxtor. Maxtor $111 , here looks good to me. I couldn't find deals on retail HDD, any help here would be much appreciated.

Video: As I'm a casual gamer and I currently own a laptop with Nvidia 32MB GeForece Go 5200, any improvement is better than nothing. I'm thinking of getting a 256MB Nvidia Geforce 5500 $83.50 .I know about the 256Mb/128 Mb advertising plot, but an extra 128 mb for $9 can't be too bad.

Monitor: Due to budgetary constraints, I'm looking for a CRT somewhere around $ 100. Found a KDS 17" for $113. The reviews were decent. Any help here would also be appreciated.

Optical Storage: I'm intersted in a retail black NEC ND -3500A...all I can find were OEM versions for around $65.

Case: I'm completely clue less about cases.....Can guys specify a good case in the range of $30-50.

Am I missing anything here?If not, I think that's about it. I'll be reusing a keyboard, mouse and speakers.



Sorry for this lengthy post and thanks in advance.

 

[dc5]

i would spend a little extra for the ati 9600 pro

for the case, i woud choose this antec in your price range.

 

[TheGeek]

Originally posted by: dc5
i would get a 9600 pro instead for the same price.

the 9600 pro was my old card. it worked great. also decent overclocking capibilities

 

[laurenlex]

I have this case and love it. Big, quiet, nicely made. Antec SLK 3700amb The color doesent match anything, but beige drives look fine, and I think black drives would work too. Plus it's got a door.

I think that there is no such thing as a retail nec3500a. They are only OEM.

You can save some cash and get the A64 3000+.

 

[sciwizam]

I'm thinking of downgrading the RAM to 512 MB...figured I could always add the RAM later.

Also thinking about having a ATA HD instead of SATA, as I was able to find a 160GB Maxtor for $65. Tell me that's a decent deal....

That 9600 Pro looks really interesting. Maybe I could squeeze it in there.

Which case companies are good? Maybe this is asking for too much, but a case with a window would be really nice ....And will a 350W PSU be adequate?

 

[Rike]

This thread is a great resource for the types of questions you're asking.

On video, don't touch the Nvidia 5 series AT ALL. They are not good products for the money.

 

[nick1985]

for the love of god, dont get the 5500. at least get the 9600pro

 

[blinky8225]

Originally posted by: sciwizam
Monitor: Due to budgetary constraints, I'm looking for a CRT somewhere around $ 100. Found a KDS 17" for $113. The reviews were decent. Any help here would also be appreciated.

I have this monitor. Its pretty good for the money. I normally prefer having something bigger, though.

 

[sciwizam]

I was able to get that Maxtor HD for $50...

About the video card, I'm thinking about the ATI's trade-up program....could get a old useless card from a friend and get the 9600XT for around $85.

A revision in the motherboard category...how about a Asus K8N-E Deluxe? A friend of mine got this MB, and it has been really good for him.

As for a case, I'm thinking of getting an Antec True430, even if the case comes with a PSU. Now I have to find a decent case with front audio, usb and firewire with an optional window. Any suggestions?

 

[dc5]

why don't you move to a socket 939 instead and buy this chaintech motherboard.

 

[ts3433]

The K8N-E Deluxe is a bit pricey (you pay for the Asus name); stick with the Soltek you chose already, it's an excellent board.

 

[sciwizam]

Originally posted by: dc5
why don't you move to a socket 939 instead and buy this chaintech motherboard.

To me, skt 939 seems to be the future-proofing path. I won't be making any upgrades after I get this one done. And by the time the need for a better PC arises who knows what's gonna be on the market. (3-4 yrs)

Originally posted by: ts3433
The K8N-E Deluxe is a bit pricey (you pay for the Asus name); stick with the Soltek you chose already, it's an excellent board.

I did notice the price difference, but the Asus board has firewire (I do have a use for it..) and better audio (?).

 

[ts3433]

The Asus has support for 7.1 versus 5.1 on the Soltek, but the quality will be no different. For your 1394 needs, you could consider the Asus or go for the MSI K8N Neo Platinum, which has come down to $103.