Tell me why I shouldn't get this:

[MAME]

A64 3000+ retail http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?DEPA=&sumit=Go&description=19%2D103%2D424&searchdepa=0
$233

MSI K8T Neo-FIS2R http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?DEPA=&sumit=Go&description=13%2D130%2D434&searchdepa=0
$128-$20 MIR

Kingston PC3700 512MB HyperX http://www.nutrend.com/app/search.asp?sp-q=20-144-132
$122


Total so far: $483 - $20 MIR = $463+tax.

I'm using the rest of the hardware from my current computer (hd's, cdrom, floppy...) I just want to keep the computer for about 3+ years before upgrading.

I need these questions answered you you guys would be so kind:
1) I've never put a computer together from scratch before. I'm not worried about anything much except seating the CPU correctly and setting up the mobo correctly. Does the manual do a good job of showing what goes where? I'd have no idea what to plug in otherwise.

2) What case/ps combo can I get for about $80 that will power this machine (assuming I get a 9700 pro with it)?

 

[JBT]

no reasons not to !!!.
For a video card for 150 I would pick up a new 9600 XT at newegg or whatever used card you can find like a 5900 or something like that.
If I were you I would try to save a couple more bucks for the video card and get a 9700 pro for about 200 or perhaps one of the cheaper 5900's for 180. I think it would be worth the money to get one of those as they are a bit faster then the 9600 XT I mentioned before.

 

[Tab]

Because the 939 isnt that far away. Thats why I am waiting

 

[MAME]

I was looking in to a 9700 pro actually. Is it possible to find one new or used for under $200?

Also, is that ram ok with my setup? I've heard so many bad things about compatability with ram and the mobo's for the A64's. Is PC 3700 a good speed?

 

[MAME]

Well 939 is fine and all but I don't plan to upgrade for 3+ years so I don't care if I need a new mobo when I finally do (that's the only reason to wait for 939, right?)

 

[Markfw]

Get PC3500 CAS2(Kingston Hyperx works great though). The Athlon64 will like that much better. For the Video card, All I could find on newegg was a 9700pro for $219, as you can see I love that card. On the case, make SURE you don't get a cheap power supply, or you WILL be sorry. Antec is great.

 

[MAME]

Mark, I was just about to PM you! Thanks for coming here though.

Ok, so can you give me a link to a cheap stick of 512 ram akin to what you suggested above? How can I tell if the power supply is cheap or not? Should I get 350W or more?

 

[someone16]

For a case you can always get a Raidmax Scorpio, comes with Raidmax 420W PSU. They don't look that bad either

 

[MAME]

http://www.outcastcomputers.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=3608

that case? Little expensive....~$100 after tax and shipping

 

[Markfw]

newegg.com Kingston PC3500 what I have

For the case, I only worry about function, so I am probably a bad source, but the Antec 1080 AWG is a great case with an Antec 430 watt true power that will handle anything you will throw at it. My case 1080 Antec $114

But almost any Antec case would be good. 330 watt PSU or more.

Edit: $75 and NO power supply, forget that case you linked to.

 

[MAME]

So the Kingston 3500 is better than the 3700?? I don't quite understand why that's true...??

 

[Markfw]

Unless yyou get AGP lock, and even if you do, you can only go to 216-230 when you OC. The lower CAS latency of the PC3500 I linked to will suit you better in the long run. PC3700 CAS2 would be find also, but not the CAS3 you linked to.

 

[MAME]

oh, I see. If I don't OC at all though, will the 3500 CAS2 be better (faster) ??

 

[Markfw]

yes

 

[JBT]

I belive mwave has 9700 pro's for 199 they are a pretty good sellertoo and its a little cheaper than neweggs price.

 

[MAME]

how much are people selling their 9700's used?



I also read on tomshardware that lots of ram didn't work with lots of types of mobo's. Is there a way I can find out if the 3500 hyperx ram works with the msi board?

 

[MAME]

Also, I've never put a computer together from scratch before. I'm not worried about anything much except seating the CPU correctly and setting up the mobo correctly. Does the manual do a good job of showing what goes where? I'd have no idea what to plug in otherwise.

 

[BatmanNate]

I got my 9700 Pro used for 200 in the fs/ft forum last spring.

Originally posted by: MAME
I was looking in to a 9700 pro actually. Is it possible to find one new or used for under $200?

Also, is that ram ok with my setup? I've heard so many bad things about compatability with ram and the mobo's for the A64's. Is PC 3700 a good speed?

 

[MAME]

so what's a good price for it now? $160?

 

[BatmanNate]

150-175 would be excellent I'd say, but 200 and below would be fair. (for the pro)

 

[MAME]

200 and below would be fair? Did you get a really good deal last spring or are the prices for the 9700 Pro's not moving?

 

[Sid59]

Originally posted by: MAME
200 and below would be fair? Did you get a really good deal last spring or are the prices for the 9700 Pro's not moving?

they are still around 200 bucks. i paid about 220 used in the FS/FT forum in september.

doubt you're gonna find them for 160.

 

[MAME]

Wow, pretty nice pieces of hardware then! Do you think they will last me 3+ years like my geforce 1 ddr card has (got it back in 1999)?