opinion please

[187]

This is the system i plan on building. Its for games, mp3s, internet, 3d design, office apps etc.. I'd like opinions and suggestions, maybe someone could come up with a cheaper but = performance system.


I already have these parts

Logitech z560 THX certified 4.1 surround sound system $110.00
Visiontek Xstacy GeForce 3 Ti / 200 XP, 4ns 64MB DDR Retail $100.00
NEC/Mitsubishi Accusync 95F 19" Flat Screen CRT .24mm dpi, 1600X1200 at 76Hz $227.00


Planning to buy these (most online)

Enlight Medium ATX Case EN-72370X3 300Watts P/S, 4 5.25" Bays and 2 3.5" Bays. $47.00
EPOX EP-8KHA+ VIA Apollo KT266A (VT8366A) 200/266 MHz - RETAIL $105.00
AMD Athlon XP 1600+, 1.4GHz, 266MHz FSB 462pin Socket A - OEM $114.00
Maxtor EIDE 40GB 7200RPM DiamondMax PS D740X Plus ATA133/100, 2MB Cache Buffer $87.00
LITE-ON LTR-24102B-01 24x10x40 CDRW - RETAIL $82.00
LITE-ON LTD-163 16X DVD ROM 48X CD-ROM - RETAIL $56.00
Logitech Deluxe Access 104 PS/2 Keyboard $14.00
Logitech Optical Mouse with Scroll Wheel. OEM $12.00
Creative Lab Sound Blaster Audigy w\ 1390 4 Firewire Port 24-bit, 96kHz, 100db - OEM $62.00
Thermalright SK-6, COPPER Heatsink w\ Delta 60X60X25 38CFM fan. $33.00
SONY 1.44MB 3.5 INCH INTERNAL FDD DRIVE $09.00
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Crucial
2x 256MB PC2100 DDR RAM, 184-pin DIMM. CL=2.5 Unbuffered Non-parity 2.5V $70.00
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Subtotal: $1128.00

This is without shipping costs which will probally run $50

I'd like a bigger hdd but cant afford it at the moment. I would OC but XPs look like too much trouble to go through. Will probally run Win XP or 2k on this box. Is this the best balance between performance and value?? Will it last me atleast 3 yrs?

thanks.

 

[Hender]

Not a bad system. Not top of the line, but then again, who's is? You could save some cash if you picked up a Shuttle AK31 v3.1 instead of an Epox 8KHA+, but that's up to you. I had an Epox board that refused to work at 133 Mhz bus speed, and I have the Shuttle board now that's performance-wise identical to the Epox but costs $20-$25 less. It doesn't have any extra stuff on the board, but it's cheaper. Of course, I also had a Shuttle board that didn't work for me earlier this year, but hey, who's splitting hairs?

Crucial memory is pretty expensive right now, so you'll be paying more than $70 for 2x256 modules. Even with the 15% Anandtech discount found here you'll still be paying about $90 or so. You may want to consider just picking up one and then geting another later when prices drop.

 

[Darkhawk28]

Hey there,

The only thing I would recommend would be to increase the size of your power supply to maybe 400 watts. Other than that, you're in great shape.

Good luck.

 

[starwarsdad]

I agree on the power supply. It is hard to say wether that box will be enough in 3 years. MY first thought is probably, but you never know. What is the latest and greatest today will be next quarters discount special. Looks good to me though!

 

[187]

thanks guys. at bestbuy they have crucial ram for 35$-10 rebate for 256mg pc2100. the shuttle is an option if my funds drop, but the 400w maybe something i cant do till later. i dont think i will have that much trouble with power, the enlight PS is pretty good.