New Rig

[wakkoguy]

I want to build a new rig for myself. This would be the first one I have every built and really need help onto what to buy. I've been reading the posts in this forum and have deducted this. I will be using the computer for games and web stuff (flash, photoshop, etc) and have a budget from $600 - $800

Processor:
Pentium 4 2.4 800 Mhz FSB = $176 (should i go ahead and get the 2.6 or 2.8. is it worth it or upgrade later?)
(is the 800 fsb good? a 2.66 533 fsb is $190)

Motherboard:
I have no clue! This is so confusing to me (around $100?)

Case:
ANTEC Performance PLUS Model PLUS1080AMG w/430w power supply = 120$
This is another area i am very confused on what to get. Which cases are good and i would love to get one (if possible) with usb on the front. What should you look for in a case?
also the psu, what is a good wattage to get?
is this case too much for me?
I would like to have a led lighted window that looks sweet and a black case if possible, this has neither
any suggestions?
do i also need any extra fans for cooling purposes?

RAM:
PC2700 512mb 333MHz (2 256mb sticks) = $80
Is this a good speed? i heard that two smaller sticks are better because it is more efficient. Or i could go 2 512mb sticks for $140

Graphics Card:
This is where I would spend $200 and was thinking of a radeon 9700 pro or even 9800 np what do u recommend?

CDRW:
Lite On 52x24x52 CDRW = $49
is this a good burner?

Extra cd drive:
what is a good cheap one?

Hard Drive:
WD WESTERN DIGITAL "SPECIAL EDITION" 80GB 7200RPM = $80

Floppy: $8

Nic: $5

Sound Card:
I have a 5.1 Cambridge Soundworks dtt2500 speakers. do i need a card or will my motherboard have onboard sound?
That comes to a total of $818 without a sound card
I wanted a new 19 in monitor but would rather have a good computer.
Any critical suggestions would be more than appreciated
Thanx in advance!!!

 

[Shimmishim]

the new C processors run on a 200 mhz fsb....

you need to get at least pc3200... or better yet the ocz pc3700 gold!!! (can do ddr500 at 1:1)

i'd get a 2.6C considering that you'll need a higher fsb to get higher speeds and it'll become a limiting factor as you hit around 3.6 ghz...

for your board, i'd get the abit is7 (non g) - very cheap and overclocks VERY well..

 

[Budmantom]

The 9700pro is $270+.

Your first build should be simple.
Go with something like a 845pe mb, not the 865/875 even though they are faster.
The "c" cpu does cost more and requires a better/more expensive ram, this will be a waste if you don't plan to oc.
Go with crucial ram 512 drr2700 just got some for $45.


my .02

 

[Budmantom]

For that budget you may want to look at Amd especially if you go with an xp2500.

 

[wakkoguy]

how much is the amd 2500 and is it better than a p4?

 

[Shimmishim]

the amd 2500+ is around... 90 dolllars these days and a nice nforce2 board will run you about... ~100 or even less...

they are great budget systems at the moment and can compete fairly well with the intel counterpart

but if you have to have the top of the line, then the 875/865 chipset is for you...

 

[wakkoguy]

how fast is the 2500 + compared to the p4?

 

[Shimmishim]

it's hard to compare an apple to an orange...

let's just say though that these new 800 fsb processors make the 333 fsb athlon look like... it's like comparing king kong to donkey kong..

a 2.4C 800 fsb p4 can beat a 2500+ barton at most aps and games...

but something to consider is the cost/performance ratio

if you decide to overclock, then the 2500+ becomes a bit more attractive for it's cost.

 

[Budmantom]

It's close to the p4 2.53ghz and it oc's well.
Great for a budget system.

NF2 + 2500+ + 256mb of ddr2700x2 + 9700np = $450

 

[wakkoguy]

so it is about $100 cheaper, OC's well and does not require a higher speed of ram?

 

[Shimmishim]

okay...

the barton is still hit or miss on o/cing

if you go to the overclockers.com cpu database, you'll see that the average overclock of the 2500+ is about 2.3 ghz

if you run 11.5 x 200 = 2300 mhz then it'll give you a nice performance boost of the default 11 x 166

one thing to be concerned about with amd systems is how hot these processors get

you will have to get pc3200 ram but they can be found for relatively cheap these days

and a nice socket A cooler like the slk800 and a fan like the ystech variable fan....

 

[bgeh]

Originally posted by: wakkoguy
so it is about $100 cheaper, OC's well and does not require a higher speed of ram?

yeah, that sums it all up. you can use the extra money to get other components