ok..its my turn.. New Build time!

[raystorm]

yep..another new build thread but my 3 year old pc is really getting long on the tooth so its time for an upgrade!

So far this is what I came out with:

CPU: AMD Opteron 165 .... $309 - (purchased)
MOBO: ASUS A8N-E .... $112 - Zipzoomfly
RAM: Corsair XMS 1GB .... $100 - Newegg
CASE: Thermaltake Tsunami .... $109 ($20 rebate - $88.99) - newegg
PSU: Seasonic s12-500 .... $125 ($25 rebate - $99.99) - newegg
GPU: eVGA e-Geforce 6800 GS .... $195.99 - Zipzoomfly
DVD: NEC ND-3550 Black .... $39.90 ($10 discount - $29.90) - Mwave
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 (250gig) .... $104.50 ($10 rebate - $94.50) - newegg


Total cost = $1095.39 Cost - Rebates = $1030.39


The Opteron was already purchased..the rest are up for grabs. I would like to reduce the total cost without reducing quality so I'm open to all suggestions.

I've thought about the DFI Lanparty mobo but I read its picky when it comes to ram and psu's. I also read that its not exactly "overclocker noob" friendly. I've also thought about the EPoX 9NPA+ Ultra but here at this forum there are lots of folks having major USB 2.0 problems.

What about the case and psu choices? Thoughts on something like the Centurion 5, Coolermaster Cavalier?? I know most will say get a better videocard (as I'm a gamer) but I think the 6800GS is a great "bang for your buck" card and should last me for at least a bit over a year until Nvidia/ATI comes out with some new next gen card in 2007. I also won't go SLI. I don't feel like its worth it.

I may keep my NEC 2500A to save cash and I will continue to use my old Turtle Beach Santa Cruz to save money as well.

I know this is a bit long winded and I'm sure most are sick of new build threads but its 2AM and I'm a bit tired 🙂. Any suggestions/recommendations are truly appreciated! I apologize for the god awful formatting too...<sigh>.. time to sleep.

 

[Some1ne]

Looks pretty good. If you want something that's good for the "overclocker noob", consider an MSI Neo4 Platinum. It's pretty easy to use and has a very handy CMOS reset button, and the manual has descriptions of all the important BIOS settings and what they do. Also, the D-LED thing is handy too. It's a bit more expensive than your Asus board:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130484

Case and PSU seem fine, although if you wanted to save some cash you could find cheaper options for both.

 

[Azndude2190]

Originally posted by: raystorm
yep..another new build thread but my 3 year old pc is really getting long on the tooth so its time for an upgrade!

So far this is what I came out with:

CPU: AMD Opteron 165 .... $309 - (purchased)
MOBO: ASUS A8N-E .... $112 - Zipzoomfly
RAM: Corsair XMS 1GB .... $100 - Newegg
CASE: Thermaltake Tsunami .... $109 ($20 rebate - $88.99) - newegg
PSU: Seasonic s12-500 .... $125 ($25 rebate - $99.99) - newegg
GPU: eVGA e-Geforce 6800 GS .... $195.99 - Zipzoomfly
DVD: NEC ND-3550 Black .... $39.90 ($10 discount - $29.90) - Mwave
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 .... $104.50 ($10 rebate - $94.50) - newegg


Total cost = $1095.39 Cost - Rebates = $1030.39


The Opteron was already purchased..the rest are up for grabs. I would like to reduce the total cost without reducing quality so I'm open to all suggestions.

I've thought about the DFI Lanparty mobo but I read its picky when it comes to ram and psu's. I also read that its not exactly "overclocker noob" friendly. I've also thought about the EPoX 9NPA+ Ultra but here at this forum there are lots of folks having major USB 2.0 problems.

What about the case and psu choices? Thoughts on something like the Centurion 5, Coolermaster Cavalier??

I may keep my NEC 2500A to save cash and I will continue to use my old Turtle Beach Santa Cruz to save money as well.

I know this is a bit long winded and I'm sure most are sick of new build threads but its 2AM and I'm a bit tired 🙂. Any suggestions/recommendations are truly appreciated! I apologize for the god awful formatting too...<sigh>.. time to sleep.

You've seem to done alot of research into it.The parts are fine.Keep your current optical drive.And maybe by one down the road.

 

[snizzle]

where did you get the 165 from?

 

[raystorm]

Originally posted by: snizzle
where did you get the 165 from?

I bought it at Mwave. They have it for $309 + shipping, but I had a $10 coupon which pretty much took care of 3 day shipping.

Opteron 165

I'll keep thinking of ways to lower cost but its no big deal..my 1000 limit was breached but not by much so its all doable. Thanks to those checked out my list. I guess unless there are any major changes this will be my new pc and I'll order most of the parts to today and some on monday.

 

[imported_rod]

Maybe get 2GB of RAM. Especially with newer games (eg. BF2/FEAR) benefitting from it.


RoD

 

[raystorm]

Originally posted by: rod
Maybe get 2GB of RAM. Especially with newer games (eg. BF2/FEAR) benefitting from it.


RoD

oh..I certainly will down the road. No doubt about that. What I'll do is replace the 2x512mb sticks with 2x1gb sticks around summer and sell the smaller sticks to a friend (or maybe even here at the For Sale/Trade section).

 

[Malladine]

Why get a new case?

 

[raystorm]

Originally posted by: Malladine
Why get a new case?

I intend on giving the current pc I've been using for 3 years to my brother so he can do some light pc gaming. He currently uses an nasty old celeron based dell with integrated video..my current pc should be a nice improvement for him.

 

[theMan]

switch the motherboard to an epox 9npa+ ultra - better overclocking. also, you dont need that big of a power supply.

 

[raystorm]

Originally posted by: theman
switch the motherboard to an epox 9npa+ ultra - better overclocking. also, you dont need that big of a power supply.

I've thought about that but I've been reading about all the USB2.0 problems dual core users seem to be dealing with. As for the power supply what not get the 500W Seasonic? What would you get? I figure that psu will keep things in check if I decide to add another HDD or something down the road.