Please check my specs: Athlon 64 2800 system

[kcbaltz]

I'm trying to build a mid- to upper-range PC. I've decided that I'd like to have the 64-bit capabilities of the Athlon64, but don't need much more, so 2800 it is. I'm mainly interested in having the case, memory, and video reviewed, but all advice is of course welcome. BTW, this is not an over-clocking system.

• AMD Athlon 64 2800+, 512KB L2 Cache, 64-bit - Retail box

• CHAINTECH "VNF3-250" nForce3 250 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 754 CPU

• ANTEC "SLK3700AMB" case with 350W Power Supply

• GIGABYTE ATI RADEON 9600XT Video Card Model "GV-R96X128D" -RETAIL

• 2 x Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-3200 - OEM

I know the memory on the 64's isn't dual channel, so I don't need two sticks of RAM. Is one 512MB stick better? The Mobo has 3 slots, so I'm not too worried about running out yet. Then again, if I put in two 256s, would I be later stuck in terms of what I could put in the third slot?

On the case, if you have other suggestions, I have a few criteria that a case should meet. I'd like some sort of cover for the power/reset switches (to keep little hands off) and I'd like front-panel USB and possibly audio.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Markfw]

Yes, get 1 stick, so if you need more later, you can. Other than that, I would say get the 3000+ if it is close in price.

 

[kcbaltz]

bump to get one more set of eyes.

 

[jerome12345]

for $93 more, you can have a 3200+
for $29 less, you can have the Coolermaster Centurion 2, but without PSU
much better looking case
the 9800pro isnt much more money, it think

 

[DaveSimmons]

The SLK3700 is a very nice case and power supply on a budget, I use one for my 5-HD music server. A Sonata would be nicer and quieter of course, but more expensive.

9800 Pro (not the Sapphire 128-bit sleaze card) would be a great step up for gaming.

 

[dennisjai215]

9600xt price is expensive and not best bang for buck 😱 doesnt perform all that great compared to 9800pro which could be had for a little more.. also get 1 stick of ram because the socket 754 doesnt support dual channel ram.. so when u want to get mroe in future just buy another stick =D

 

[50]

Listen to everyone else and get the 9800pro. I would also second the sonata case (I am going to get one for my next comp, excellent case altogether)