Suggestions/Opinions regarding new CPU Configuration please

[theLION]

I just need confirmation and possibly some suggestions regarding my new CPU configuration. I'd totally appreciate other people's opinions (especially for the case, the heatsink, the compatibility regarding the heatsink/case/motherboard) because i just want to make sure the CPU will fit, work, and perform. I do not plan on overclocking. My budget is $2,000 although i would like to try and not spend the entire amount. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or confirmations made =)
--the LION


HERE'S THE PARTS:

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (Winchester Core)
Motherboard: MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum
Heatsink/Fan: Zalman CNPS7000B-Cu
Memory: 1GB Corsair XMS PC-3200
Video Card: BFG Tech GeForce 6800 GT OC
Hard Drive: Dual Maxtor 160GB SATA (RAID 0)
Case: Silverstone SST-TJ06
PSU: Enermax 420W
Soundcard: Soundblaster Audigy2

 

[govtcheez75]

looks good to me...don't forget the "little" things, like Fans, and Thermal Paste. I know that I forgot these things when I built my first system, not too long ago. 🙂

 

[Id studios]

Nice system,

Have you considered Thermalright's XP-120 Cpu cooler.

I bought a similar setup, but rather Intel and Raedon.

 

[theLION]

Which and how much fans should i get? Any suggestions? Also, i was planning to get Arctic Silver 5.

 

[govtcheez75]

I would get at least two (one exhaust, and one intake). The intake fan is not absolutely necessary, but helps airflow quite a bit. Most newer nice cases also provide for a blowhole as well, which would require another fan. The silverstone you're looking to buy looks like it comes with 2 120mm fans...so you should be good to go. 🙂

 

[Id studios]

Is the memory 1x1gig stick or 2x512meg stick for dual setup? I heard its better to have dual 512s (if your mboard supports it)

 

[akira34]

Originally posted by: theLION
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (Winchester Core)
Motherboard: MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum

Good choices

Heatsink/Fan: Zalman CNPS7000B-Cu

I'd look at the XP-90 (the XP-120 isn't compatible)

Memory: 1GB Corsair XMS PC-3200
Video Card: BFG Tech GeForce 6800 GT OC

ok choices...

Hard Drive: Dual Maxtor 160GB SATA (RAID 0)

Look at either Seagate (5 year warranty) or Western Digital (3 year warranty) hard drives. If you do get the WD drives, make damned sure you DON'T get the ones with model numbers ending in RTL (1 year warranty, cheap plastic packaging).

Case: Silverstone SST-TJ06

One word... Lian-Li... 'nuf said

PSU: Enermax 420W

I prefer the Antec NeoPower 480W that's powering my rig... Quiet and plenty of juice.

Soundcard: Soundblaster Audigy2

Go for a 2ZS card if you're must get a PCI sound card... I hope you're aware that the mobo you've selected has 7.1 sound onboard. WITH digital (optical) out too. Before you drop $80+ on a sound card, give the onboard a shot... I'd be willing to bet it's a lot better than you think it is. I've been using it on my own MSI mobo for some months now with NO complaints (running a really great 2.1 setup). I'll be connecting it to my surround sound system over the weekend so that I can watch tv on from the computer and have the full surround sound effect. I'll be using the optical feed from the mobo then...

 

[theLION]

THANX Y'ALL....i'll highly consider your suggestions and opinions.

btw its 2x512 not 1gb stick

 

[LouPoir]

Looks good