New PC *Opinions Please*

[src0010]

I'm pretty tech savy but haven't had to upgrade my PC in a couple of years and therefore haven't really paid much attention to the new stuff. My PC finely bit the dust so here I am. I'm curious what you guys think of my selections for my new system.

This system will basically be used to run apps. More specifically multi-tasking applications (Ex: MS Visual Studio, iTunes, Firefox, etc...). I'm not trying to build a gaming system. My main concerns are building a quit/cool system thats stable & runs smooth when multi-tasking several applications.

Case: Antec Sonata II
Questions: Friend has the Sonata I case & it really runs pretty quit and has USB ports up front. That just about covers what im looking for, but open to other recomeendations?

MB: BIOSTAR TForce6100-939
Questions: Any advantages/disadvantages to choosing a Socket 939 or Socket 754 MB/CPU Combo? While this isn't going to be used for gaming Im hoping the on board video should provide better graphics/video than the old GeForce 2 in my old system?

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+
Questions: See above (Socket 939 or Socket 754)

Memory: CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB
Questions: Any advantages/disadvantages to choosing (2 x 512MB) or (1 x 1GB) memory other than number of slots taken up & if a stick goes bad you either loose half or all your memory?

THANKS FOR THE HELP!!

 

[InlineFour]

definately go for socket 939. it's newer and better than socket 754.

you'll want 512mb x 2 for dual channel mode.

the only thing i'd change is the motherboard. i'd pick this asus instead. personally i prefer name brand motherboards for reliability and stability.

you'll also need a hard drive unless you're planning on using an old one.

and finally, to keep things real quiet, you'll want to get a zalman cpu cooler.

 

[src0010]

Thanks for the reply. I'll take a look at that ASUS. My PC that went out was running the ASUS CUSL2-CB "Black Pearl" MB and it ran really nice up until now. I was a little weary going with a lesser known (at least to me) MB brand. That ASUS seems to have all the same features, with higher on-board video, and in the same price range.

As for the HD's I got two 250gig Seagate ATA100's I'll throw into the new system...

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Thumbs up for the Sonata 2 case.

Definitely go with socket 939 for upgrade path and you want an s939 dual core if you will be multi-tasking with different apps.

The recommended Asus is a micro-ATX. I think you want a regular ATX Asus.

Dual-core opteron or athlon64 X2 should suit your needs.

With DDR 2GB dual-channel kits for $150 or less, I recommend it. But if you need to tighten the belt, 1GB dual-channel kits like corsair value can't be beat.

 

[InlineFour]

i agree that X2 will provide him greater multi-tasking abilities, but he didn't tell us his budget.

the micro-atx board was recomended because it has onboard video. he's not going to game so there's no point in going with a seperate video card. most motherboards that have onboard video are micro-atx format.

 

[Twsmit]

The initial build looks good, but i would change the following. Go with the Asus board that the other guy pointed out. Its a better brand, but more importantly it has a DVI output, very nice if you want to hook up an LCD down the line, or an HDTV. I would also bump up to 2GB of ram if your going to be using professional apps. Ram is pretty cheap and it wouldnt hurt to have more.

The only other suggestion would be going with an X2 dual core processor. But you didnt lay out a budget, and im not sure how much multitasking your going to do. The single core venice is a great CPU, but dual core will give you some benefits now and especially down the road if you plan on keeping this system around for a long time.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

i'd second another montherboard. never cheap out on the motherboard as it conencts everything in your system

 

[TankGuys]

If you can wait a couple days, I might know of a company that will be selling Opty 146's for $164.99 again