Recommendations for new PC--please...

[rtcpenguin]

I'm planning on building a pc (mostly for gaming) with the following components:

Lite On 52x24x52 Black CDRW Model LTR-52246 OEM
LITE-ON XJ-HD166/XJ-HD 165H 16X DVD ROM Drive BLACK- OEM48X
Vantec NXP-101 Nexus Multi-Function Panel
WD WESTERN DIGITAL "SPECIAL EDITION" 80GB 7200RPM EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # WD800JB - OEM, DRIVE ONLY
2 x CRUCIAL MICRON 256MB 32x64 PC 2700 DDR RAM - OEM (512mb Total)
Asus Motherboard for AMD Athlon/XP/Duron Processors, A7N8X Deluxe Retail
AMD ATHLON XP 2500 "Barton" 333 FSB PROCESSOR CPU- RETAIL
SAPPHIRE ATI OEM RADEON 9500 PRO 128MB DDR DVI BULK
Windows XP Pro

First of all, I'd appreciate any comments on the rig (especiallly in regards to RAM), and if you have suggestions, please post them.

More importantly, I want to know what type of cables I need to buy. I understand a number of ATA cables come with the MOBO/hard drive, but I'm interested in round cables. I'm also somewhat interested in cable management products, such as those little tubes that wrap around bundles of cables. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
rtc

 

[Goi]

If you're into rounded cables, you'll probably have to buy them yourselves. Only a handful of motherboard manufacturers package rounded cables with their products. The others use normal flat ribbon cables.

 

[WhiteKnight77]

You can go to an auto parts store (Auto Zone works here and the package is maybe $3 for like 10' IIRC) and get the split tubing or the wrap like I use for mine. Cable ties are only a couple of bucks for 100 also. Rounded cables can be bought either online or at a local PC parts store near you.

Pic of my wiring from the left side of the case and this pic is from the right side.

 

[teckmaster]

If your gonna be gaming, bump your memory up to at least 512 DDR. As for cables, I prefer buying the rounded cables cause I can get them in different colors.

 

[rtcpenguin]

What type of rounded cables should I buy? I've heard of some users experiencing problems with certain round cables. Also, what length and type would be appropriate for an SX1030 case with two ROM drives and one hard drive?

 

[jackschmittusa]

Buy 80 conductor cables. The ones with pull tabs for removing them are usually better quality. The length you need depends on where the drives are mounted and where the mobo connectors are. The ATA spec says cable length should be no longer than 18". I've used 24" cables with no problem a few times, but others have reported problems with them.

 

[rtcpenguin]

Thanks for the info...Do you know any good sites to buy cables from? Seems like newegg charges a lot for cables....

 

[MJ99]

I personally don't like Western Digital drives. They seem to fail quicker then Maxtors and have heard Quantums are also good.

 

[Goi]

You can't beat SVC's prices for cables and assorted knick knacks

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: MJ99
I personally don't like Western Digital drives. They seem to fail quicker then Maxtors

I've had 4 Maxtors fail miserably. I've had 2 Western Digital drives, one 3.1GB that lasted 6 years before it was dropped, and my 80GB that is about a year old now. I've only had one Maxtor for longer than 3 years.

 

[rtcpenguin]

Originally posted by: MJ99
I personally don't like Western Digital drives. They seem to fail quicker then Maxtors and have heard Quantums are also good.

I also have had friends that had problems with older WD drives, but I've heard very good things about this particular model...I've probably read 1,000 positive reviews, which is just ridiculous...

 

[Insidious]

I'm pretty sure the 512 Crucial PC2700 RAM is the one that won't work with NF2 boards. I see you are using 2@256 and assume that means you are OK, but better check around.

I think I like the $200 NVidia cards better than the $200 ATI cards

-Sid

PS: That's going to be a fun computer.

 

[Bonesdad]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: MJ99
I personally don't like Western Digital drives. They seem to fail quicker then Maxtors

I've had 4 Maxtors fail miserably. I've had 2 Western Digital drives, one 3.1GB that lasted 6 years before it was dropped, and my 80GB that is about a year old now. I've only had one Maxtor for longer than 3 years.

I have a 6.5 year old 1.2 GB Seagate, a 5 year old Quantum (before Maxtor bought them), a 2 year old Maxtor, and a 1 year old WD. My Maxtor is the only drive that is dying. I don't store anything on it that can't be replaced. Plus it is noisier than the WDs.