Recommendations for new pc

[am108]

Hi all

I'm going to be purchasing parts to build a new PC, for use on multiple OS's (Linux, Windows 2k/XP pro/ Server 2003 etc) and playing games. Im having problems deciding on what to get, here is what i have narrowed it down to for the moment:

Processor: Intel Pentium 4 540 LGA775 3.2Ghz = £140
Motherboard: Asus P5GD2 Deluxe = £100
Graphics Card: Xfx GeForce 6600GT PCI-E 128MB DDR3 TV+Dual DVI = £130

Would it be possible to build an AMD 64 system for around the same price range and with better performance. The only thing im worried about is the incompatability issues with operating system when using AMD 64 (if there are any).

Suggestions on alternatives would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[NoMoreFakeNews]

Originally posted by: am108
Would it be possible to build an AMD 64 system for around the same price range and with better performance.

yes.

The only thing im worried about is the incompatibility issues with operating system when using AMD 64 (if there are any).

issues should be fixed by now, at a year ago xp sp had problems with x64, so update.

i've been an AMD fan boy sense anand's k6-3 article, but i think it's for a good reason

 

[am108]

If i was to build an AMD 64 system, what processor and motherboard combo will give me the best performance for my price range of about $430 or should i stick with the P4

 

[Quasmo]

No issues with operating sytems when using the Athlon 64, and you'll definately get better performance on gaming with an Athlon as well. I'd suggest looking at a DFI motherboard $89 and the Athlon 3500(939) ($267) Sorry prices are not in pounds.

 

[am108]

I've decided to get the following

Processor: AMD (Venice) Athlon 64 3500+ 939pin 512Kb L2 Cache = £180
Motherboard: DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D = £102
Graphics Card: Xfx GeForce 6600GT PCI-E 128MB DDR3 TV+Dual DVI = £130

Any recommedation on memory, psu (wattage required), and a cheap case (for the moment)

 

[fishstickz]

Make sure your PSU has plenty of Amps on the +12V rail. At least 20, more if possible. AMD 64's are heavy on the 12V amp requirement. Wattage should be 400+. Look for a quality PSU manufacturer (antec, PC power). This link should give you the information you need.

 

[am108]

Well after some research and everyones help, i have come up with my final specification:

Processor: AMD (Venice) Athlon 64 3500+ 939pin 512Kb L2 Cache = £180
Motherboard: DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D = £102
Graphics Card: Xfx GeForce 6600GT PCI-E 128MB DDR3 TV+Dual DVI = £130
PSU: Enermax Noisetaker 485W EG495AX-VE(G) SFMA ATX2.0 = £70
Memory: Corsair 512MB DDR Value Select PC3200 CAS2.5 = £35
HDD: Seagate ST3120026A 120GB 7200rpm 8mb Cache Barracuda 7200.7 Plus = £50

Obviously the memory and hdd are fairly cheap options which will be changed later on, looking at the spec does anyone think that i could have problems or does it seem okay.

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: am108
Well after some research and everyones help, i have come up with my final specification:

Processor: AMD (Venice) Athlon 64 3500+ 939pin 512Kb L2 Cache = £180
Motherboard: DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D = £102
Graphics Card: Xfx GeForce 6600GT PCI-E 128MB DDR3 TV+Dual DVI = £130
PSU: Enermax Noisetaker 485W EG495AX-VE(G) SFMA ATX2.0 = £70
Memory: Corsair 512MB DDR Value Select PC3200 CAS2.5 = £35
HDD: Seagate ST3120026A 120GB 7200rpm 8mb Cache Barracuda 7200.7 Plus = £50

Obviously the memory and hdd are fairly cheap options which will be changed later on, looking at the spec does anyone think that i could have problems or does it seem okay.

nice.

 

[furballi]

Note that the 3000 to 3500 AMD CPUs will overclock up to about 2.8GHz (luck of the draw). You'll get at least 2.3GHz, though. That's faster than the stock 3500. Save your $ and go with the 3000.

 

[am108]

Hey Furballi thanks for the tip man, so if i overclock the processor what heatsink/fan is the best for the 3000+(Venice) and i've also read that the choice of memory also has effect on overclocking potential (not sure?) with the DFI board. Anyone have suggestions?