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Suggestions on Components for a New Build

R

redbook

Junior Member
I just thought that I'd put out the request for suggestions on components for a new system build. I know that the possiblities are endless but some suggestions may point me in the right direction. I want to max out at around $1000. I do a lot of Photoshop work and just game a little.

The only thing that I'm sure of would be an AMD64 cpu (3000 or 3200?). I understand that the oem hs/fan might be good enough, right?

Leaning towards an Asus board though open to suggestions. I may want to o/c a little.

I'm thinking 1gig of ram. I understand that cheaper pc3200 works well with the 64.

I have no idea about the video card, suggestions? There's so damn many to choose from.

HD: I assume an sata around 160gig. I know that everyone has their preferrences. BTW, I heard that Windows XP Pro SP1 maxs out at 137 or 138gig and that I'd have to go to SP2 for any drive larger. True?

Sound card. Good sound but not necessarily great. I doubt that I need 5.1 surround.

I already have a good Plextor DVD burner.

I'm partial to a good, roomy case with a pw with decent headroom. Steel or aluminum? Fans? I'd like a little quieter system for a change.

I believe that Forums/Newsgroups are about the most useful parts of the net. So lay it on me.


Thanks,
Len
 
I'm no guru, but if you get XP with the SP1, wouldn't it automatically download the update for SP2? So that shouldn't really be an issue.
 
If you only game a little, you'd seem to be OK with keeping AGP for a while, and therefore Socket 754 is a fine option. The 3000+ runs you about $150 on either platform. For Socket 754, the Asus K8N-E is quite overpriced; try the DFI Lanparty if you're looking for lots of features, or the Chaintech VNF3-250 for a budget board. For S939, try one of the Epox boards or the MSI K8N Neo Platinum for AGP; get the Chaintech VNF4/Ultra for PCIe (no SLI).

If you'd like to game a little, consider a used 9500 Pro or 9700 Pro. If the card must be new, try a 9600 Pro.

As for RAM, I've heard you may want to consider 2GB for heavy Photoshopping, which would be best to do with two 1GB sticks (aside from not even being able to do that on S754, the JEDEC specification kicks you back to DDR333 if you use four memory modules).

Sufficient sound for cheaper speakers will be integrated into the motherboard. If you have more expensive speakers or need a small boost in quality over onboard, try a Chaintech AV710.

HD: I think it's XP without SP1 that maxes out at 137GB. Get a Seagate, WD, or Samsung.

Steel or aluminum doesn't matter unless you carry the thing around a lot. If you're looking for quietness, try and find something with 120mm fan mounts. The Antec Sonata is probably the best value on the market at the moment for a case + PSU. $100 gets you a well-built steel case with a True380S power supply. If you need something slightly larger than a mid-tower, you can try the Antec 1080AMG (I think this is the model), which has 80mm fan mounts and includes a True430.
 
VNF4/Ultra + S939 3000+ $280
Antec Sonata $100
6800 PCI $200
2X512 PC 3200 $140
160 GB HD $100

That's around $820. Onboard sound should be fine, and if needed, you could get an extra gig of RAM, and stay <$1000. I would only get 1 gig now, and then see if you need more.
 
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