Newbie needs help with Computer Build.

[wesoprock]

Ok, this is my second post and would greatly appreciate suggestions for my first computer build. I am getting a significant tax refund and would like to upgrade from my AMD 2400XP, 5200fx video card, 512 kingston value ram. I plan to use this new computer for gaming and web surfing. I don't plan on upgrading for another 2-3 years.

PCI-Express vs. AGP - mobo's
My first question is, PCI-Express or AGP? I have seen that prices for PCI-E graphic cards are ridciously expensive. So, for me, would it be safer to go with a Motherboard with AGP instead of PCI-Express? I need suggestions on motherboards. My friend says he personally likes Asus, but I've seen numerous posts of problems with Asus boards as of late. I was thinking about going with a DFI mobo

CPU
I am thinking of getting an amd64 +3500 winchester. Or should I just get a +3200 or +3

Ram
Does the type of ram I choose make a difference? Value Ram vs. Special Variants?

LCD
Any suggestions on a 17'' or 19'' with good response times? What generally is a good response time?

Thank you in advance for all the help. Hopefully I'll be able to put this bad-mama-jama together soon.

 

[Waylay00]

Mobo - Well for upgradability, I would go with PCI-e mobo, preferably the DFI NF4 Ultra-D.

CPU - If you don't want to overclock much, get the 3500+. If you are an avid OC'er, get the 3200+ or even the 3000+.

RAM - If overclocking, I recommend G.Skill PC4400 LE or OCZ VX Gold Series or any other OC'ing RAM. However, if you stay at stock speeds or just want a minor overclock (~215FSB), get the Value RAM, as "expensive RAM" shows no improvement over Value RAM at stock speeds..

LCD - Viewsonic 17" VP171B 8ms response time. Nuff' said.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[ts3433]

If you don't think you'll upgrade for a while, try a S754-based system. What's your budget for everything? Do you need a new case, PSU, etc.?

 

[MustISO]

What's your budget and what games do you like to play.

If you want to spend less for a high performance video card, AGP is cheaper. There are plenty of good AGP boards out there.

Something like an MSI NEO2, 3500+, 6800GT or X800Pro and 1GB of ram would be a nice setup.

Value ram is generally fine for AMD setups.

16ms or less is recommended for a gaming LCD. I personally like CRTs for my game machine.

 

[BlueKit]

First thing I guess is what is your budget? You say significant to me it may mean $500 to you it could be $2000.
Did you read this:
Buyers Guide - Mid Range
or this:
System Buyer's Guide
There are a lot of guides at ArandTech that can help narrow down your choices.

 

[wesoprock]

Thanks for the help all. I really appreciate it. I am willing to spend about $1,500 for a new system. I am going towards a Asus Deluxe SLi and Amd64 +3500 Winchester core. I have a question reguarding LCD's. For now, I'm thinking of getting a 17''. No, is DVI really that important on a 17''? I've seen several posts where it does, and where it doesn't. Can someone confirm?

 

[Waylay00]

Yes, DVI improves image quality alot. The best 17" LCD is the Viewsonic VP171B 8ms.

 

[TheDude20165]

Spend a little more than you think you can afford. You won't regret it.

 

[petben]

I was trying to make the same choice and eventually chose the PCI express set up on a MSI board. The deciding factor to me was if I was going to spend this much $$, why not get a system that I can continue to upgrade. The same 6600 GT graphics cards were cheaper in PCI express than AGP and eventually I can take them SLI if I choose.

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: wesoprock
Thanks for the help all. I really appreciate it. I am willing to spend about $1,500 for a new system. I am going towards a Asus Deluxe SLi and Amd64 +3500 Winchester core. I have a question reguarding LCD's. For now, I'm thinking of getting a 17''. No, is DVI really that important on a 17''? I've seen several posts where it does, and where it doesn't. Can someone confirm?

Take a look here.

This should help you get a good sytem that is within your budget.