New System Critique

[amheck]

Asus A8N-E MB (AMD Tech Tour Bundle)
AMD 3200+ Venice (AMD Tech tour Bundle)
ATI x800XL PCI-E (just bought today)
Corsair XMS 2x512meg TWINX1024-3200C2 (still deciding)
Seasonic S12-500W (buying later today)
Antec 3700 AMB case (already have)
Seagate 120gig EIDE HDD (already have)
Lite-On DL DVD burner (already have)

Everything look ok? I'd like to get a 74gig Raptor, but that might have to be purchased in a month or two.

Thanks!
Aaron

 

[imported_Kensai]

:thumbsup:

 

[Rike]

It looks like a solid rig. If you're gaming, save the money you might spend on the raptor for a better vid card.

 

[Sqube]

Originally posted by: Kensai
:thumbsup:

Co-sign

 

[rise]

so is that amd tour bundle definitely venices? i'm getting mine in july.

 

[amheck]

Thanks for the thumbs-up guys. I'm an occasional gamer. I do like to play UT2004, HL2 and stuff like that. Not real serious, though. I always though I'd get the 6600GT, but I was just able to pick up the x800XL for $250 plus tax, so I figured that'd probably buy me more time (not having to upgrade) over the 6600GT.

I also wanted to ask. Do you guys have any recommendations for some nice case fans? I was planning on replacing the NF4 shipset cooler with the Zalman passive heatsink. So I want to be sure I have enough airflow in my case. I am now just using the 1 stock Antec fan (120mm?) but I'd like to replace that and add another fan to the front of the case, since there's a spot for it. What's the best bang for the buck (cfm & noise) fan that people are getting these days?

Aaron

 

[amheck]

Originally posted by: rise4310
so is that amd tour bundle definitely venices? i'm getting mine in july.

Yep, confirmed by an ATI rep and from those who have already gotten the bundle. I get to pick up my system next Friday.

I also opted to open up a buy.com credit account to get $30 off the Seasonic S12. I don't normally do that, but my credit is real good, so this one more account shouldn't hurt too bad. Besides, the $89.99 shipped price was just too good to pass up.

 

[Rike]

Nice deal on the x800XL. On your RAM, if you don't plan to OC your system, you could go with less expensive RAM. The tighter timings will make only a very small difference.
Edit: Different Corsair RAM possibility.

 

[amheck]

I would like to OC just a little. I don't necessarily need a massive OC, but I would like to try it out and see what its all about.

And I almost hate to say this, but I've always had mediocre systems with value ram. I kinda want some RAM with heatspreaders, as I've never had them before. So I figured the extra $20-$30 won't kill me on the RAM to maybe get something a little nicer with the heatspreaders.

 

[Rike]

I understand. My only warning is that OCing can be very addictive. The only thing that keeps my from trying to go farther is that I have no money for new equipment. You should be able to take your 3200+ Venice to 2.4 Ghz without to much trouble.

When you do start to OC your system, make sure to check out Zebo's OC guide. It sure helped me get to a good OC in a fairly short time.

 

[amheck]

Thanks for the reminder with the link. I know there's also a guide over on HardForum. I'll definitely have to check both of them out. All of this CAS timing, HTT, mem dividors, etc is all brand new to me.

 

[amheck]

Also guys, if I'm going to be messing around with the OC'ing, would you suggest an aftermarket CPU cooler? Or just stick with stock for now. I've heard good things about the Zalman 7000/7700 and the XP-90.

 

[Rike]

The stock heatsink should be fine for mild OCs (10-15%). If you want to push harder, a good after-market HS can help give you some piece of mind.

I use an XP-90 and a low speed Panaflo 92mm fan running a minimum on my fan bus so that I can OC with low noise. It has worked well for me. I too have heard good things about the Zalman CPU coolers, but I have no direct experience.

 

[imported_Kensai]

If you're going to get a Zalman cooler, go 7700Cu.

 

[theMan]

get a the xp-90, or for less $10 more you can get an xp-120 (it says on their website that if fits your board). they are better than the zalmans no question. as for the ram, you want to find out what chips are in the sticks you buy. i have the same ram, and i bought it just before they changed to nice BH-5 chips.