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New system build - 1000 dollar speedster!

S

SPD2171

Member
I have sold my system here on Anandtech, so I finally have the cash for my new build. Most of the parts are ordered, I guess I am looking to see if you guys think I need to add anything, or see any glaring omissions?

Remember my budget is only 1000 dollars, so I had to make some minor sacrifices,

Case: X-Blade Silver with LCD temp and fan control - $75
PowerSupply: Enermax Whisper II 470 - $75
Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-K8NF-9 nForce4 Chipset MB w/ LAN, USB2.0, IEEE, & AUDIO $119
Processor - 3500+ Winchester .90 $265.00
Memory - Mushkin value ram (2x512 PC3200) - $130
HardDrive - Hitachi 160GB 7200RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache - $85
Optical Drive - NEC 3520 16X DVD+-RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER - $75
Card Reader - INTERNAL 6in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer -$15
FloppyDrive - $10 bucks
Video Card - eVga 6600GT Pci-Express - $146
Sound Card - Audigy 2 ZS Platinum - left over from other system

Totals out at 995 dollars. I just need to find a real nice CPU fan and heat sink, and then I'm off to OCing..lol.

Thanks for looking - post up any suggestions or tips!
 
Case: Meh. I don't like generic stuff myself, but get what you want for that. Just make sure you have decent airflow.

If you're going to OC anyway, get a 3200+. All three Winchesters top out at about the same clockspeeds. For HSFs, consider a Zalman 7000/7700 series (includes fan, can range from $30-50) or a Thermalright XP-90/XP-120 ($30-60) with your choice of fan (buy separately). If you get the 7700 or XP-120, make sure it will fit on your board.

Seek others' advice on that motherboard, such as how well it OCs, etc.
 
I'm pretty sure that the resisters on that board dont let the 7700 fit it. Not sure though, swear i saw a post here about it though. GL with that.
 
Thanks guys, I will look into those HS and fan options. This will be my first venture into the OCing world, so I assumed I would be better off getting the faster CPU to have a higher starting point? Hmm I better look quick on this one, I think the CPU is shipping out tomorrow.
 
Originally posted by: agentbad
won't do much ocing with cheap ram my friend
Click to expand...

Second that. That ram wont get you very far. Most people seem to be able to overclock decently with the retail coolers on the Athlon 64's. You might give it a try before shelling out for a new heatsink/fan. You might be pleasantly surprised at the performance of the stock cooler.
 
AgentBad,

It appears ram effects these A64s much less than other systems. When I was looking at the build, I was pointed to this thread http://forums.anandtech.com/me...5190&enterthread=y that shows some interesting results on OCing with various rams. Using Geil Value Ram which is rated at ? CAS 2.5 6-3-3 @ DDR400MHz PC3200 and accepts from 2.55v-2.85V seems like it should produce good results, saving me 100 dollars to invest in something else.

Heck I could be wrong and scouring the forums for $250 per gig ram in a month - but I gotta give it a shot and see how it works out.
 
Originally posted by: agentbad
won't do much ocing with cheap ram my friend
Click to expand...


Sure he will.

With A64s, as this thread in the CPU forum proved, running 1:1 is not at all necessary.

He can run a nice 5:4 divider or the like depending on what the mobo supports 🙂


Nice setup, SPD2171 😀

Edit: Nice, i see you & i think alike on the RAM thing 😀
 
Looks good.
I'd go with a 3000+ and save even more since your OC'ing anyway.

Would you mind posting what sites you used to get those items? You found excellent prices in some cases that I'm sure would benefit more than just me.



 
keep the 3500+ if you're going with that ram.

get a 3200+ (nice, even 10x multi) and the money you save from the cpu need to go for a better ram.

in the end, it evens out.
 
Where did you find a 3500+ winchester for $265?

You systems looks like what I want to build in the next few months.
 
I have the NEC dvd burner. It will only burn a cd-r at 8X. I updated its firmware but that did not fix it. I suppose there is a way to fix this but I prefer something that works as advertised straight out of the box.
 
Sorry bout the delayed response - working 12 hour shifts this week.

I got all my parts and prices via Froogle and pricewatch. The Winchester came from SMKSuperstore - it is now down to 261.
 
IceJunkie - In my froogle search I see 6600GTs from 139 on up. Here is a few of the vendors selling them for that price - I'm not sure if they are in stock or not currently (best bet is to call before ordering, and get an ETA).

$136 = http://www.axentmicro.com/huzr...s~af~gle~mp~PC6600.htm

$139 = http://www.techonweb.com/produ...x?id=B48718&src=FG

$146 = http://www.c-source.com/ttechn...t_no=1425802&src=F

$149 = http://www.directdial.com/us/shop/item/PC6600.html

$149 = http://www.ecost.com/ecost/sho...paign=email,ewbfroogle

Those were from a quick Froogle search on 6600GT, sorted by low price first. Also be sure and read the descriptions - wouldn't want to get a 6600 plain for 6600GT prices!

For me, I used the prices listed above to get a pricematch from a favorite vendor.
EDIT: As I look through there, most of the actual products appear to be plain 6600s listed as GTs. Please be sure of what you are buying, or better yet find a vendor you do business with alot and see if they will price match based on the 6600GT title/description.
 
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