Suggestions about new box

[jimmyl930]

This computer will be used for some gaming and general use (Internet, word processing, etc.).

Motherboard
- Epox EP-8RDA+ $83.00

CPU
- Athlon XP 1800+ $55.00
or
- Athlon XP 2000+ $65.00
or
- Athlon XP 2500+ Barton $90.00

RAM
- Corsair 512mb PC2700 or 2*256mb PC2700 ~70.00

Video
- Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb $110.00
or
- Radeon 8500LE 128mb $78.75

Hard Drive
- Maxtor 60gb 7200rpm $71.00

Optical
Lite-on 16x DVD-ROM $38.99
I have a spare CD-RW to use.

Modem
- Creative Labs v.92 Softmodem $19.00

Case
- Antec SLK1600 w/ 300w PS- 68.99


- Is the motherboard a dual channel one? If so, 2*256 would be better than 1*512 right?
- How much of a performance difference is there between the Geforce4 and the Radeon 8500LE? If it's not too big, I'll probably apply the savings to the Barton.
- The motherboard says: RAM: 3x DDR SDRAM PC3200, 3GB Max and FSB: 333MHz Max
PC3200 is DDR400, so shouldn't PC2700 (DDR333) be the fastest?
- BTW, is Geil ram any good?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[konichiwa]

The 8RDA+ is dual channel capable, however it seems like you won't see a very big performance gain. The dual channel really shines on boards with onboard video like the 8RGA+ from EPoX. Not to say you won't see some improvement, but whether it's worth the $10-$20 extra 2x256 costs over 1x512 is questionable.

The spec FSB on the 8RDA+ is 333MHz (PC2700), however it can easily go to 400MHz (PC3200) and above (PC3500, PC3700). If you plan on overclocking (which, in my opinion, would give you the best bang for your buck especially if you choose the Barton), you'll need some fast memory like PC3200 or PC3500. Most people recommend Kingston HyperX or Corsair XMS. Honestly I couldn't tell you whether Geil is good or not.

If I were you, I'd go for the Barton, get a nice HS/F and overclock it to 400 or above for nice 3000+ speed (or more) for under $100. If that $90 is out of your budget, forget all the rest of your choices and get a 1700+. It has, far and away, the best price/performance ratio assuming you'll be overclocking. I have one right now in one system and it can hit 2GHz. Excellent value.

Good luck!

 

[DaveSimmons]

>> Video
>> - Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb $110.00

Still a great card, best value in this price range. I'd choose a used ti4200 over a new 8500LE if you can't spend the $110.

>> Case
>> - Antec SLK1600 w/ 300w PS- 68.99

Newegg had the 3700AMB at a good price, it's a great case I'm using now for my music & development server and am thinking of choosing over the Sonata if I buid a P4 this summer.

 

[jimmyl930]

Thanks. I think I'll go with the Barton + Geforce4.

I don't plan on overclocking, so I'll stick with PC2700.

 

[jimmyl930]

btw, is a case fan necessary?

 

[jimmyl930]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
>> Video

Newegg had the 3700AMB at a good price, it's a great case I'm using now for my music & development server and am thinking of choosing over the Sonata if I buid a P4 this summer.

What's the benefit of the 3700AMB over the SLK1600?
Thanks.

 

[jimmyl930]

bump

Newegg had the 3700AMB at a good price, it's a great case I'm using now for my music & development server and am thinking of choosing over the Sonata if I buid a P4 this summer.

What's the benefit of the AMB case over the SLK1600?

Thanks.

 

[jacktesterson]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
>> Video
>> - Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb $110.00

Still a great card, best value in this price range. I'd choose a used ti4200 over a new 8500LE if you can't spend the $110.

>> Case
>> - Antec SLK1600 w/ 300w PS- 68.99

Newegg had the 3700AMB at a good price, it's a great case I'm using now for my music & development server and am thinking of choosing over the Sonata if I buid a P4 this summer.

Not me...I like the Radeon 9100 (new name for 8500LE)

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: jimmyl930
bump

Newegg had the 3700AMB at a good price, it's a great case I'm using now for my music & development server and am thinking of choosing over the Sonata if I buid a P4 this summer.

What's the benefit of the AMB case over the SLK1600?

Thanks.

120mm fan mount(s), hard drive grommets, and it isn't beige
Look around on SPCR forums.

 

[bigpow]

Here's what I'd recommend:
- Epox EP-8RDA+ (not sure, I actually have an Asus A7N8X Deluxe) = nforce2 = dual-channel DDR400

CPU
- Athlon XP 2500+ Barton $90.00 (unless you want to upgrade the CPU every 3 months)

RAM
- Corsair 512mb XMS PC3200C2 (unless you run memory intensive apps, if that's the case - go with 2x512MB)

Video
- Radeon 9500Pro 128mb (not much more than 8500LE on the $$$ but it kicks a#s)

Hard Drive
- Maxtor 60gb 7200rpm $71.00 (again, depend on your usage - I actually filled my 120GB in a year or so)

Optical
Lite-on 16x DVD-ROM $38.99
I have a spare CD-RW to use.

Modem
- Creative Labs v.92 Softmodem $19.00

Case
- Antec SLK1600 w/ 300w PS- 68.99




Have fun building your new system!