First time builder here, going to be using my PC for some gaming, math software (Maple, Mathematica), programming, and of course heavy schoolwork and Internet.
Please help me nitpick about a few choices (mainly CPU, memory):
Motherboard -- Asus A8N-SLI nForce4 (already in my possession, $184.07 shipped from Axent Micro)
Processor -- I do plan to OC at least some, but never done it before. Also as noted, I like to run a lot of large computations in Mathematica and Maple, and my own programs, so I'm leaning toward the 3500+ over the 3200+ for the maximum possible speed.
3500+ OEM, $298, Monarch (up from $285, previously up from $251 while I was still weighing purchase, GRRRR!)... Or...
3200+ OEM, $187, Monarch (not sure if this price is much higher than before... think it's same or similar)
Alternate: 3500+ Retail, $289, FuturePowerPC. Considerations: a) retail version is CHEAPER vs. Monarch OEM above, b) some have reported trouble with this vendor on this product.
Heatsink -- Thermalright XP-120, $48, BestByteInc
Heatsink Fan -- Panaflo 120x38mm Fan, FBA12G12H1A, 103.8 CFM, $13, BestByteInc
** Above HSF combo was recommended here.
Thermal Compound -- Arctic Silver 5 - 3.5g -- $5.99, Jab-Tech
Memory -- Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail, $141.98, Newegg. Question here: I have read Zebo's thread about memory performance, and am wondering if Value RAM would impact overclocking. That is, if I still want to OC my processor, will my RAM limit me a lot? If so, I could upgrade here...
PSU -- Vantec Stealth Aluminum 520W Power Supply Retail, $96, ZZF
** I definitely am looking at 24pin PSU's for full compliance with the A8N-SLI.
** Is THIS the same Vantec PSU for only $80 + S/H ($4 or $8), from ExcaliburPC?
Video -- EVGA 6600GT, $178.75 shipped from XtremeGear
** Possible that I will get another for SLI or upgrade to something else... this and OC'ing are why I want a solid PSU.
Storage -- Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160827AS 160GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer. $109.99 or $.6874375/GB from ZZF.
** I have read countless SATA vs. PATA threads on here, the vote seems to be almost split. I will probably add another large drive for music storage in the near future anyway, probably PATA.
Optical -- NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Sliver w/ Software Model ND-3520A, OEM. $66.99 + 4.00 S/H = $70.99, Newegg.
** How is the WinDVD Suite that comes with my A8N mobo? Perhaps I can buy the NEC w/o software for $5 less.
Floppy -- Samsung 3.5", $10.49, Newegg
Case -- Super Lanboy. But planning to purchase from local Fry's or CompUSA to avoid the big S/H charges.
Approximate total: $1223.26. Still need a monitor... probably going to get the ViewSonic VX910 for $370.. Final total = $1593.26. Well, still have to get new keyboard/mouse, maybe new power strip... bah!
Thanks much for any input. I'm soooo ready to order all this stuff, I'm getting antsy!
EDIT: Monarch Winchester 3500+ price explosion 🙁 / WinDVD software question / Floppy drive
Please help me nitpick about a few choices (mainly CPU, memory):
Motherboard -- Asus A8N-SLI nForce4 (already in my possession, $184.07 shipped from Axent Micro)
Processor -- I do plan to OC at least some, but never done it before. Also as noted, I like to run a lot of large computations in Mathematica and Maple, and my own programs, so I'm leaning toward the 3500+ over the 3200+ for the maximum possible speed.
3500+ OEM, $298, Monarch (up from $285, previously up from $251 while I was still weighing purchase, GRRRR!)... Or...
3200+ OEM, $187, Monarch (not sure if this price is much higher than before... think it's same or similar)
Alternate: 3500+ Retail, $289, FuturePowerPC. Considerations: a) retail version is CHEAPER vs. Monarch OEM above, b) some have reported trouble with this vendor on this product.
Heatsink -- Thermalright XP-120, $48, BestByteInc
Heatsink Fan -- Panaflo 120x38mm Fan, FBA12G12H1A, 103.8 CFM, $13, BestByteInc
** Above HSF combo was recommended here.
Thermal Compound -- Arctic Silver 5 - 3.5g -- $5.99, Jab-Tech
Memory -- Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail, $141.98, Newegg. Question here: I have read Zebo's thread about memory performance, and am wondering if Value RAM would impact overclocking. That is, if I still want to OC my processor, will my RAM limit me a lot? If so, I could upgrade here...
PSU -- Vantec Stealth Aluminum 520W Power Supply Retail, $96, ZZF
** I definitely am looking at 24pin PSU's for full compliance with the A8N-SLI.
** Is THIS the same Vantec PSU for only $80 + S/H ($4 or $8), from ExcaliburPC?
Video -- EVGA 6600GT, $178.75 shipped from XtremeGear
** Possible that I will get another for SLI or upgrade to something else... this and OC'ing are why I want a solid PSU.
Storage -- Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160827AS 160GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer. $109.99 or $.6874375/GB from ZZF.
** I have read countless SATA vs. PATA threads on here, the vote seems to be almost split. I will probably add another large drive for music storage in the near future anyway, probably PATA.
Optical -- NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Sliver w/ Software Model ND-3520A, OEM. $66.99 + 4.00 S/H = $70.99, Newegg.
** How is the WinDVD Suite that comes with my A8N mobo? Perhaps I can buy the NEC w/o software for $5 less.
Floppy -- Samsung 3.5", $10.49, Newegg
Case -- Super Lanboy. But planning to purchase from local Fry's or CompUSA to avoid the big S/H charges.
Approximate total: $1223.26. Still need a monitor... probably going to get the ViewSonic VX910 for $370.. Final total = $1593.26. Well, still have to get new keyboard/mouse, maybe new power strip... bah!
Thanks much for any input. I'm soooo ready to order all this stuff, I'm getting antsy!
EDIT: Monarch Winchester 3500+ price explosion 🙁 / WinDVD software question / Floppy drive
