New Rig....Suggestions? Worth it?

[Twistah]

Ok, ive been doing research for about two months, and here's what the wishlist looks like at this moment:

Case: Thermaltake Armor Case
PSU: OCZ Powerstream 520 Watt
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 4000+ (San Diego)
Video: Asus Extreme N7800GTX
Drives: NEC ND-3540A
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 250GB (2x)
Memory: GeIL DIMM 2 GB (Retail, GE2GB3200BDC, Dual Channel Kit)
MoBo: GigaByte K8NXP-9
Sound: Creative X-Fi Elite-Pro

So, any suggestions? Compatibility problems I might be running into? Better solutions for certain parts of hardware (Comp will be used for gaming, extensive photoshopping and music production). How would you rate this build? Thanks in advance for your comments

 

[enwar3]

its all compatible, if thats what ur looking for. in my mind though, you could use some upgrades...

for cheaper than the 4000+ (i think), you could get an X2, and in my mind that is way worth it, unless u game, game, game, and thats all u do. u say ur gonna do some photoshop and the like, so with that kind of multitasking, the X2 will perform better. also, i would get a different mobo - i dont have personal experience with the gigabyte, but most ppl on the boards, myself included, will recommend an Epox or DFI.

so if i were u, scrap the 4000 for an X2 3800+ or 4400, and get an epox or dfi.

 

[Twistah]

thnx for the comment.

Regarding the cpu: I was considering either a 4000+ or a 4400+. While I do use the system for more than just gaming (think hl2 and bf2), I'm not planning on multitasking (ie running filters through photoshop while playing hl2). As far as I have discerned, the main advantage of an x2 proc would be when heavy multitasking is involved. Considering games, it will be a couple more years before multi-threaded games are out as far as I can tell, and at that time I figure a new upgrade will be in place, but that's still a long ways off. Am I off in any of these considerations?

Concerning mobo: I definately wont be overclocking, and having read on more than one occasion that the DFI board is picky with certain hardware, I'm not really in for this board.

The ePox ive read mixed things about. A lot of people seem to like the board, but I've read some disturbing things about its life expectancy. Now I'm not taking that too seriously, but it's still something that kept nagging me when I decided for the mobo. The gigabyte board got some great reviews, and has all the functions I could wish for.


Can you name some pros of choosing your recommended hardware over the reasons ive stated for choosing the hardware in my initial setup? Im open-minded, and the system is still open for changes, so I really appreciate the input. Thanks

 

[kirbymixmasta]

The 3700+ San Diego probably oc's well enough to compete with a 4000+(correct me if im wrong). If you're not a heavy multi-tasker then an x2 is a bit of a waste. "it will be a couple more years before multi-threaded games are out as far as I can tell, and at that time I figure a new upgrade will be in place, but that's still a long ways off" So you could probably save some $ and just get a 3700+.

 

[Twistah]

Ive never OC-ed before, and if I can avoid it, I will, so if I'm going for single core, it'll be a 4000+

 

[biostud]

games that take advantage of dual cores are supposed to be launched during 2006.
do you need all the extra connections on the X-Fi Elite pro, otherwise go for the Fatal1ty

 

[Twistah]

ye, i was considering fatality as well, so still in doubt about that..........will multi-threaded games really be released as early as 2006? then it might be worth to consider the 4400 indeed.....anyone can confirm games lined up for 2006 supporting multi-threaded coding? (UT 2007 I figure, but is that the only one?)

 

[GamerExpress]

Originally posted by: biostud
games that take advantage of dual cores are supposed to be launched during 2006.
do you need all the extra connections on the X-Fi Elite pro, otherwise go for the Fatal1ty

Where is this info on new games???? Link please.

 

[mode101wpb]

Personally I would wait till the prices come down on the X2, you won't see any improvement unless you do tons of Photoshop, 3D Studio Max or Alias work. How many people have multiple apps open when playing games? I was going to go with the X2 4600+, but opted to go single with the 4000+ for now, I can always upgrade when the prices come down in 6-8 months if needed.

There is alot of hype over X-Fi now, I just think it's too expensive maybe worth it, but you will need to invest in some good speakers to go along with it to really notice a difference.

 

[drsafety]

Expensive, but good... are you planning to install any extra fans?

Also I would switch the x-fi card for something less expensive unless you absolutely need it for some reason. $400 for a sound card is ridiculous. If you do end up getting the x-fi you will need high quality speakers to take full advantge of the card.

 

[Twistah]

Well, I'm considering adding water cooling in a couple of months, but that's still undecided, so in the meantime I'll be installing a couple of extra fans to keep it all cool.

I will be doing some extensive music production, so I think I'll stick with either the Fatality of Elite pro. Ive got a kick ass music system, so that base is covered (Technics Receiver with Infinity speakers).

I think I concur with mode 101wpb on the gaming, unless there are a considerable amount of games in the pipeline that will utilise multithreaded gaming. If so, could someone provide me with a link?

Thanks for all the reactions.....any more suggestions? The psu is solid right?