I am finally going to pull the trigger on building a new system, and I would like your input before I buy the stuff. The main purpose is gaming, but I'm also interested in video editing, etc. I will probably do a little overclocking (especially with the CPU), but I am new to all of this, so I'm not planning on going crazy with it. I'm aiming for $1200 (I already have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.), and while I'd like to keep it at or below that number, I could perhaps push it to $1500 or so. I really appreciate your input, especially since you all see these threads constantly. Thanks for your help.
Two versions below: short version with just a list, long version with links and rationale.
SHORT VERSION
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice
EPoX 9NPA+ Ultra
OCZ 1GB DDR Value (specific advice requested)
Antec Sonata II OR Antec P180 plus PSU to be decided (specific advice requested)
ATI X800XL
Seagate Barracuda 250 GB
NEC 3520A
Onboard sound OR Audigy 2 ZS Platinum ($100 after rebate)
Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 OR Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
LONG VERSION
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice
My understanding is that this will overclock fairly well on stock cooling, and this seems like a reasonable place for me to start my own OC'ing. While $190 is not cheap, the dual core processors are still a bit pricey for benefits I'm not sure I need, and if I'm wrong, in a year or two I could upgrade.
MoBo: EPoX 9NPA+ Ultra
It sounds like this is a good board for beginning overclockers, and a solid board regardless. The comments about the DFI LanParty board being for more experienced OC'ers scared me off.
Memory: OCZ Value Series 1GB DDR
Frankly, I was most at sea trying to figure this out. I'm pretty sure I want to keep it at 1GB, but sorting out which brand, etc. was a bit overwhelming. Would love advice on this. Please.
Case/PSU: I'd really like to get an Antec P180, but I could also be persuaded to get an Antec Sonata II.
While the P180 is rather attractive, I don't know that I can justify the extra $26 plus whatever I spend on a good PSU. I've heard good things about the Sonata and its PSU, so this might be the wise direction. If I were to go with the P180, I would really appreciate suggestions for PSUs (are cable lengths a major issue?).
VGA: X800XL
I'd love to get a 7800, but the extra money - yikes. I don't have a strong vendor preference, but I did see an ATI X800XL at a local retailer for $270. Any reason not to go for it?
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 250GB Serial ATA150
I've had good experiences with WD and Maxtor in the past, but the 5-year warranty is attractive. I might go bigger, too, if the price happens to be right.
DVD-R: NEC 3520A
I've been pleased with the 3520A in a different computer, and the results of the 3540 in the Anandtech review were disappointing. Might it be worth waiting for the BenQ DW1640?
Sound: My initial plan was to use onboard for a while, but I did see the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum at a local store today for $100 after rebate. The "gamer" version was $70 after rebate. Thoughts?
Speakers: Probably dependent on my sound choice, but should I go with Logitech Z-5300e or should I go with a simpler system like the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers?
I know all of the links are to NewEgg, but I'm not committed to buy only from them - using various retailers, it looks like I can go as low as about $1030 (with no sound card, Logitech speakers, Sonata II case), well within my budget with room to "maneuver."
THANK YOU very much for reading all of this and for your input.
Two versions below: short version with just a list, long version with links and rationale.
SHORT VERSION
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice
EPoX 9NPA+ Ultra
OCZ 1GB DDR Value (specific advice requested)
Antec Sonata II OR Antec P180 plus PSU to be decided (specific advice requested)
ATI X800XL
Seagate Barracuda 250 GB
NEC 3520A
Onboard sound OR Audigy 2 ZS Platinum ($100 after rebate)
Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 OR Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
LONG VERSION
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice
My understanding is that this will overclock fairly well on stock cooling, and this seems like a reasonable place for me to start my own OC'ing. While $190 is not cheap, the dual core processors are still a bit pricey for benefits I'm not sure I need, and if I'm wrong, in a year or two I could upgrade.
MoBo: EPoX 9NPA+ Ultra
It sounds like this is a good board for beginning overclockers, and a solid board regardless. The comments about the DFI LanParty board being for more experienced OC'ers scared me off.
Memory: OCZ Value Series 1GB DDR
Frankly, I was most at sea trying to figure this out. I'm pretty sure I want to keep it at 1GB, but sorting out which brand, etc. was a bit overwhelming. Would love advice on this. Please.
Case/PSU: I'd really like to get an Antec P180, but I could also be persuaded to get an Antec Sonata II.
While the P180 is rather attractive, I don't know that I can justify the extra $26 plus whatever I spend on a good PSU. I've heard good things about the Sonata and its PSU, so this might be the wise direction. If I were to go with the P180, I would really appreciate suggestions for PSUs (are cable lengths a major issue?).
VGA: X800XL
I'd love to get a 7800, but the extra money - yikes. I don't have a strong vendor preference, but I did see an ATI X800XL at a local retailer for $270. Any reason not to go for it?
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 250GB Serial ATA150
I've had good experiences with WD and Maxtor in the past, but the 5-year warranty is attractive. I might go bigger, too, if the price happens to be right.
DVD-R: NEC 3520A
I've been pleased with the 3520A in a different computer, and the results of the 3540 in the Anandtech review were disappointing. Might it be worth waiting for the BenQ DW1640?
Sound: My initial plan was to use onboard for a while, but I did see the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum at a local store today for $100 after rebate. The "gamer" version was $70 after rebate. Thoughts?
Speakers: Probably dependent on my sound choice, but should I go with Logitech Z-5300e or should I go with a simpler system like the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers?
I know all of the links are to NewEgg, but I'm not committed to buy only from them - using various retailers, it looks like I can go as low as about $1030 (with no sound card, Logitech speakers, Sonata II case), well within my budget with room to "maneuver."
THANK YOU very much for reading all of this and for your input.
