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New Rig need suggestions

A

Addikt

Senior member
Ok, well I have been looking at building a new computer and I am trying to get it under $1500 CDN, the one I was looking at before was about $2000. All the prices are based on CDN dollars.

Video Card -- nVidia GeForce 6800GT (NX6800GTX-T2D256E) -- $441
CPU -- ATHLON64 3400+ 512K Socket 754 BOX (Newcastle) -- $276
Mobo -- Asus K8N4-E Deluxe nForce4 -- $142
Memory -- OCZ 2 x 512MB PC-3200 EL Gold DDR400 SDRAM (2-2-2-5) -- $249
Case -- Antec Sonata Mid Tower Case (black) w/ 380W PSU -- $126

This system will not be overclocked I want to keep it stock for the time being. I can also pick up an OEM ATI X800 XL for around $400 so I think the extra $41 for a 6800GT is worth it. I heard that Athlon 64s like tight timings on RAM, but I am not sure if it's necessary that I spend so much on RAM. I acn get the 3200 EL non-gold for $200. Finally the big question is PSU, I don't know what PSU I should buy and I am thinking that the 380 that comes with the Sonata isn't gonna cut it.
 
I calculated power consumption and I think that a 450W PSU would be adequate. I will probably buy an Antec TruePower, and so far no one has anything to say... 🙁

As far as PCI-E goes do I need more power on the 12V pipe? And if so anyone know how much I need for the 6800GT?

Finally should I spend the extra coin on the RAM or not since this is eating up quite a bit of my budget. Using value RAM I could slash off $100 if not $150...
 
if you're not going to be overclocking, the ocz is a waste of money.. in everyday stock performance you will not notice a difference. i'd go with corsair value, geil, g.skill, or ocz value... the extra money for the 'high calibur' ram is mainly for overclockability.

http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440 <--- great price, can't go wrong here

everything else looks good 🙂.. although the price for the cpu is pretty high

http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103484

for the price you have listed you could almost get a
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103461

psu recommendations around same price as truepower

http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103445
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817101603

of course the antec will work great too, but these two have a little more amperage going through the 12v rail(s)
 
Going with socket 754 because it's cheaper and because 939 isn't worth the extra money in my mind.

For the prices Integra, they are CDN prices so that might be why they are higher than expected...

For the power supply do you think the 380W that comes with the Sonata could work? Or do you think I need something more?
 
My experience as a past Sonata owner is not positive...I personally would go with the Antec SLK300B or just about anything versus the Sonata...

I recommend Fortron or Antec power supply's...The new TruePowers and the Blue Storm Fortron's are great supply's at resonable prices.

 
Also with Socket 754 there is no point in going for a dual channel kit.

I know socket 939 will cost a bit more but it will be worth it in the long run.

I'd scale back and go for the X800XL, both this and the 6800GT crave a super fast CPU so spending too much will be a waste.

 
Don't go S754 why? I don't care about upgradablity I don't want to upgrade in the future and the 3000+ is clocked way lower than the3400+ with the NC core.

Charlie, sonata's aren't good? I thought people have been raving about them being the quietest best box around...then again you get the best information from the owners especially the ones who have had bad experiences.

EDIT: I looked at the X800 XL but it's OEM does this mean that there is no warranty offered by the manufacturer? If so it's not worth it and I will just stick to the 6800GT...
 
Even overclocking, spending that much on ram seems excessive.

I've heard very good things about TwinMOS if you get a motherboard that can give it enough voltage to make it shine.
 
Originally posted by: George Powell
Also with Socket 754 there is no point in going for a dual channel kit.

I know socket 939 will cost a bit more but it will be worth it in the long run.

I'd scale back and go for the X800XL, both this and the 6800GT crave a super fast CPU so spending too much will be a waste.
Click to expand...

I don't agree with this. Any A64 will be plenty to justify getting a 6800gt.

You might consider bumping down to a 3200+ though as you're likely to get similar final overclock results from what I understand.

Also, you'll get a little better performance from running dual channel with 939.

I'd only think you would really save money going 754 if you went with a cheaper motherboard. At least here in the states, the 754 and 939 processors are the same cost for the same speed. I only think 754 is a better option when you want to try to get away with a super cheap motherboard.
 
Jello what do you think about going socket 754 instead of 939, if upgradablity isn't an issue? I just want a system that I can use for 3 years or so...so this should do.
 
The mobo is relatively cheap, if I go with the 3200+ then I lose out on a lot of processing power since this 3400+ the newcastle core is clocked at 2.4 GHz and can outperform the 3500+ stock.

As far as overclocking goes I have never done it and I was thinking about trying to get a 3200+ to 2.4 without having to add in a bunch of stuff for cooling...but I don't know considering I have never OCed in my life.

Also what about the PSU is 380 enough? I got the power consumption down ot 320W so 380 in the sonata would be good if I can swing it...
 
Originally posted by: Addikt
Jello what do you think about going socket 754 instead of 939, if upgradablity isn't an issue? I just want a system that I can use for 3 years or so...so this should do.
Click to expand...

I just re-read you OP. I thought you said you were planning on overclocking for sure.

If you're not overclocking, get some budget ram. Here in the US, you can get a dual 512mb kit for around $85.

Actually if you're looking to keep this system for 3 years and you're thinking 754, you might want to just get a single 1 gig stick. You wont lose anything from not getting dual channel since 754 doesn't support it, and you'll be able to add another 1 gig stick down the road without any timing issues. I suspect that before 3 years is up 2 gigs will be very desireable.

If you're not overclocking, the 754 3400+ might be a good idea. Over here it has a very appealing price over the 3200+ 754 (only $30 more).

I think running stock on a 3400+ could be a very good option for you.
 
Originally posted by: Addikt
The mobo is relatively cheap, if I go with the 3200+ then I lose out on a lot of processing power since this 3400+ the newcastle core is clocked at 2.4 GHz and can outperform the 3500+ stock.

As far as overclocking goes I have never done it and I was thinking about trying to get a 3200+ to 2.4 without having to add in a bunch of stuff for cooling...but I don't know considering I have never OCed in my life.

Also what about the PSU is 380 enough? I got the power consumption down ot 320W so 380 in the sonata would be good if I can swing it...
Click to expand...

The 380 in the Sonata will be more than enough for you.
 
First off the Antec Sonata is quiet...But the thermal performance is poor at best...Even after cutting out the grills...Installing 2 of these Enermax adjustable 120's and adjusting them to balance with the power supply and heatsink fan cooling was pitiful.

The thing that just kill's me is the way the Sonata sucks dust into your optical drives literally filling them with dust in a very short period of time...Not good in my book.

Even after hours of taping the drives up to the best of my ability the dust problem was still out of control...The two lights up front are very distracting especially if they are at or near eye level...And the black "piano" finish just does not work well with other black computer related componets.

Let me give you a few reasons why I feel the SLK300B is a much better choice...First off and foremost of all is you have the ability to choose your own power supply...The TruePower 380 is a decent power supply...But really dated by todays standards.

The SLK3000B does not pull nearly as much air through the drive bays...Has the CPU duct...Side vent...The front 120m/m fan placement is far superior to the ill placed front fan on the Sonata...It does not have the glossy black finish and the odious lights.

The SLK3000B is in my humble opinion is one of the very best "bang for the buck" cases available today...Has all the whistles and bells like the 120m/m fans, rubber mounts for the hard drives...Rubber mounted rear fan...What most people consider "newer" features in case design.

I just could not wait to get my hands on the Sonata...Boy was I dissapointed...But hey...The guy I sold it to loves it...Loves the lights and the piano finish and I get to go over to his house once a month and clean it for him (at a price of course)

Just do yourself a favor and steer clear of the Sonata...
 
Thanks for the help charlie, unfortunately I can't find an SLK3000B only 3700s that come with power supplies. I will keep looking though. I was also looking at getting a more expensive Silverstone case but I am not sure if I'm gonna do that. Another option is the new Thermaltake line, the Tsunamis and the Viking those look pretty good but I don't know how they perform.
 
Actually I ended up finding out a SLK3000B at around $70 the other option is that I can get a Lanboy mini for around $100...what do you think?
 
Hang on...Let me find those flame resistant drawers...Okay here we go.

Well let me comment on the ThermalTake Tsunami...Just like the Sonata I could not wait to get my hands on one.

I live just around the corner from www.directron.com/ They have a ton of cases in their showroom on display.

My girl up there told me they had arrived...They pulled one out for me to inspect...Boy talk about having a flash back...Reminds me of the day I unfortunatley bought the Sontata and took it home.

I really like the Lian-Li PC-7B Plus from www.coolerguys.com/ Lian-Li build quality...2 120m/m fans...80m/m blow hole provision (fan not included)...Aluminum construction...Windowed...Nice case...Really nice considering what I paid for my first Lian-Li...Way over 200 duckies.

If you want a case that is pretty much right there with state of the art...Built like a tank...The Antec SLK3700B cant be beat with a bat.

My recommendation is this...The power supply is the heart of any system...In my opinion you would be better off with a top notch power supply and the Sonata and the LanBoy do not provide this...

The parts list you have up there aint cheap...

And believe me you will get around to overclocking it...Nothing like having a box that should overclock like a monster only to find out that your supply cant hang.









 
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