Please Critique My Build

[DruidAllanon]

I am ready to build my next rig. I use it primarily for gaming FPS), Internet, routine word processing/excel/utility programs), so the only strenuous use is the gaming.

Here is what I have planned:

CPU - Athlon 64 3500+ Winchester $280
MB - MSI K8N Neo 4 Platinum $159
Video - MSI 6800 (256M) $329
HD - WD Raptor 74 $180
Ram - 1G Corsair PC Value Select 3200 Cas 2.5 (2x512) $125
DVD - NEC 3520A Double Layer DVD/CD Burner $61
Floppy - $10
Case - TBD $175 (Coolermaster Stacker or Silverstone T06 are high on my list)
PSU - OCZ Powerstream 420 $102

I have XP Pro, keyboard, mouse, monitor
$1420


Am I missing anything?

I will add a second HD for backup and excess data - probably a 150G Seagate. I will add another DVD/CD Rom drive later if I find a need.

What are your thoughts regarding improving the build?

Is the DFI Lanparty or another mb a better choice?
Is a 6800 GT video worth the $120 extra.
Is better ram warranted? Is it worth going to PC 4000 ram?

It seems I can boost the video and maybe ram substantially for $200. Is it worth it?

Also, how much of this should I buy from Newegg and what is better bought from Monarch or ZipZoomFly or someone else?

Thanks for your comments.

 

[iamskew]

1.Definitely get another HDD. Use the Raptor only for your important applications, i.e. win xp, games, office xp, photoshop.
2.From what I've read, the MSI is the right choice over the DFI. I've got the K8N Neo 3, and it's great, no problems at all. But if you feel like you need a DFI, you won't go wrong there either.
3. Yes, I believe the 6800GT is worth the money. If you get it, pick a better vid card brand than msi.
4. No, you don't need better RAM.
5. Buy each part from the store that it's cheapest at. Take into consideration shipping costs. The 3 companies you mention are all good, so don't worry about one taking forever to get you the parts you need.

 

[Waylay00]

Originally posted by: iamskew
2.From what I've read, the MSI is the right choice over the DFI.

The DFI board is better than the MSI hands down.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

he says 256mb 6800? is this one of those mix n match cards? 256mb of gddr3 and then a 12pipe 5vertex core? if it is i would stick with it, and then unlock it to a proper 6800gt

 

[BrokenVisage]

Originally posted by: Waylay00

Originally posted by: iamskew
2.From what I've read, the MSI is the right choice over the DFI.

The DFI board is better than the MSI hands down.

Elaborate please.. how is it "hands down" better? From what I read it has more POSTage problems then the US Mail, not to mention it looks like a toy. I think MSI is the better choice Druid, just my 2 easy peices.

 

[Bonesdad]

Both of the boards are well made and stable. Get what you want.

 

[DruidAllanon]

Thanks for your quick replies.

This is the 256M 6800 video card I was thinking of: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-127-149&depa=1 , although a couple of manufacturers put them out.

Based on what you say and I have read, I guess I really need to find the BFG or eVGA cards when I buy. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Gainward 6800 or 6800 GT? I have liked them in the past (current machine has a Gainward GF3, if I recall correctly).

I am still struggling with whether I should go with a X800Xl or XT instead. It is hard to know whether the good upcoming games will be based more on the HL2 or Doom3 engines (if either).

 

[DruidAllanon]

I too am curious whether someone sees a difference between the DFI and MSI mobos.

 

[iamskew]

http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NzE0 read it

 

[amol]

i have the K8N Neo4 Platinum, it's very nice

 

[DruidAllanon]

Harcocp sure liked the MSI board, no? It sure looks like a winner, and if you go with the non-SLI model (as I plan to do), their question about the second PCI-e slot probably is rendered pretty much moot.

 

[RussianSensation]

- Keep the value ram
- 6800Gt is not worth the exra $120 BUT X800XL is definately worth the extra $30. Also for the $$$, maybe a cheaper power supply. You could get Antec 550 True Control for close to $102. It's a good power supply but overrated. I have the 420 and 12V rail drops to 11.80 with 3.3 dropping to 3.25 on an average P4 2.6@ 3.2 and Radeon 8500 + 1 hard drive 2 cdroms.

 

[Bonesdad]

where did you find the Corsair memory for $125?

 

[DruidAllanon]

Which X800XL boards are the best? It seems like PowerColor (the best) and Sapphire are about the only choices. Am I missing others?

 

[ShadowBlade]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
- Keep the value ram
- 6800Gt is not worth the exra $120 BUT X800XL is definately worth the extra $30. Also for the $$$, maybe a cheaper power supply. You could get Antec 550 True Control for close to $102. It's a good power supply but overrated. I have the 420 and 12V rail drops to 11.80 with 3.3 dropping to 3.25 on an average P4 2.6@ 3.2 and Radeon 8500 + 1 hard drive 2 cdroms.

 

[mustap]

Which X800XL boards are the best? It seems like PowerColor (the best) and Sapphire are about the only choices. Am I missing others?
you miss the asus one-supposed to be the best so far but $$$er