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System suggestions

B

bxp24

Junior Member
Hey guys,

I want to build my brother a new computer and just would like your opinions on which route to go. My bro is pretty much a standard user so there won't be any overclocking going on. But, my budget is pretty flexible (within reason) so while he may not need all the bells and whistles and enthusiast might crave, I want to build him a solid, high-end system that is capable (should his usage change) and that won't be obsolete anytime soon. Here's what I'm considering right now:

Abit AV8 (Socket 939)
AMD Athlon 64 3800+
1GB RAM
~200GB HD

I haven't really decided on a video card yet, but will probably choose something along the lines of a GeForce 6800 or Radeon 9800Pro.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

--Brad
 
Originally posted by: bxp24
Hey guys,

I want to build my brother a new computer and just would like your opinions on which route to go. My bro is pretty much a standard user so there won't be any overclocking going on. But, my budget is pretty flexible (within reason) so while he may not need all the bells and whistles and enthusiast might crave, I want to build him a solid, high-end system that is capable (should his usage change) and that won't be obsolete anytime soon. Here's what I'm considering right now:

Abit AV8 (Socket 939)
AMD Athlon 64 3800+
1GB RAM
~200GB HD

I haven't really decided on a video card yet, but will probably choose something along the lines of a GeForce 6800 or Radeon 9800Pro.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

--Brad
Click to expand...

no problem


Edit : jk...I would go with the 3000+ and Radeon 9800 pro and save the money for upgrades
 
dont go cheap on the power supply. thats one thing you should spend some cash on. get a nice beefEEE power supply! Also whatever case your getting, ensure it will allow heat dissapation. if you want the rig to last a while, cooling is one issue to keep in mind. you dont have to go muts and get him a liquid cooling kit, just make sure you look into it.
 
the 3800+ is a huge waste of money. If you wanna spend that much on a CPU, get the FX-53 for a bit more.. it has an unlocked multiplier. Personally, I'd get either a 754 3200+ or a 3500+ if you want 939.

EDIT: Welcome to AT!
 
Thanks for the input. As I don't think my bro needs to be on the bleeding edge with the FX-53, I'll probably take your advice and go with the 3500+. As for the Abit mobo, you guys think that's a good choice? Is the 939 the route to go, or should I be considering the 754? I was going for the 939 since that's the route AMD is going.

As for power supply, I'm open to recommendations. Maybe something like the PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 510? The case I'm going to get from coolcases.com. The guy who owns it is pretty cool, provides great support and will customize it based on your needs. I'll probably something like the modified Antec case I got from there, with a couple of intake fans and an exhaust fan or two. What do you think?
 
I don't think 939 is worth the premium right now. AMD is moving that way true, but 754 will remain on the map for some time. I recently built a 3000+ system and I love it. My take is by the time you're looking to upgrade a 754 class processor, you'd probably want a new board anyway. Keep in mind you can go as high as 3700+ on a 754 and dual channel doesn't help the A64 much at all.
 
hey there,

on the power supply suggestion: all i can say is if your on a budget and really dont want to fork out the cash for a name brand power supply, rely on weight. I've herad/read that the heavier the power supply is the tougher it is. I remember reading an article in Maximum PC that also said thoes same words.

the name brands (or antec, turbo cool, enermax, and sometimes thermal take) are the best to go with. simply because they've been around for a while and more user prefer them over the STOCK!

To help you out with your decision, search into it and learn it. then I think you'll be able to make a better decision. if you really want further info on that wieght thing, I can flip through my mags and quote max pc. here's some links that may help:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=40&threadid=1358097&highlight_key=y&keyword1=power%20supply

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=37&threadid=1361415&highlight_key=y&keyword1=power%20supply

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=27&threadid=1361329&highlight_key=y&keyword1=power%20supply

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=27&threadid=1361102&highlight_key=y&keyword1=power%20supply
 
Antec Sonata is a good case and you could use its excellent 380 watt PS.

6800 GT for video in case he gets Doom 3 fever, a much better place to spend extra money than on the 3800+ you were considering.

If you don't think he'll upgrade the CPU, the 754 + 3200+ (or 3400+) suggestion is a good one.
 
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