Thinking about a new system

[Oddish]

I've only got a few of the components figured out, and I'd appreciate some opinions and guidelines since this is the first computer I'm going to build myself.

UPDATED

Chassi: Antec SLK3700AMB 350W ATX

Motherboard: Asus A7N8X NForce2 Deluxe

CPU: AMD Athlon XP3000+ Barton

Memory: I really need help with this one because I don't know anything about memory other than that I want DDR, right?

Also, I'm wondering if I will need to buy a CPU fan or if it comes with a fan built in. If not, I'd appreciate a recommendation on a good CPU fan at a reasonable price.

So there ya go, tear it apart!

 

[Malladine]

Welcome to the boards

Chassi (or cases as we like to call them ): Lian Li and Coolermaster are the top end cases at the moment. Antec/chieftec is a good mid-range option and IMO enlight is the budget choice. Go for aluminum if you're overclocking...although if this is your first build you may want to go all stock *shrug*

PSU: 350W should do ya for pretty much anything. I recommend Antec personally, but Enermax are also good.

Mobo: that Asus is currently the most popular top-end athlon board, so, good choice

CPU: uh, nice

CPU HSF (heatsink/fan): A few i'd recommend are Vantec's Aeroflow ($33 @ Newegg 5 star rating out of 70 reviews), Glacialtech's Igloo 2500 ($15 @ Newegg 5 star rating. Excellent price/performance). Alot depends on how much importance you place on noise levels. If you care about it, Thermaltake's volcano series should probably be avoided, otherwise they're a good choice (I own two). IMO, $33 isn't too much to ask for the best HSF available today
Avoid using the thermal pads some HSFs come with. Arctic Silver III thermal grease is the way to go (read their website for instructions on how best to use it).

As far as RAM goes, at the risk of stating the obvious i'll say the more the better! With that Nforce2 board, if you've got the cash go for Corsair's dual packages. Otherwise, DDR400 (PC3200) from crucial or kingston.

 

[cow123]

has anyone got any comparisons or experience with the heat dissipating abilities of an aluminum case compared to standard painted metal/plastic one?

tbh an aluminum case doesnt sound all that great if u just stick a few fans in the cheap one

 

[Maetryx]

If you're planning on 3D gaming (I hope so) don't go cheap on the video card. The CPU, RAM, and video card are each curcial elements in the 3D experience, and the video card is arguably the most critical. If you run short of money, get a slower CPU and put the money towards a better video card.

 

[Malladine]

If you run short of money, get a slower CPU and put the money towards a better video card.

I agree completely with that. And i'm sure you don't need help deciding on the VPU, what with all the chatter about them all over the net.

Cow: Simply put, steel's thermal conductivity is ¼ that of aluminum's. However this benefit only becomes apparent in systems which can get very warm. Another bonus of aluminum though is the smooth (sexy ) feel and the lightness if you carry your system around to LANs or whatever.

 

[Markfw]

I second the Vantec Aeroflow C7040. I have two of them, they are very quiet, and keep the cpu cool even OC'ed very high. (XP2700 at XP3500 levels according to Sandra.) I love the Antec awg1080 with the 430 psu and smart fans. Aluminum cases are only good for wieght savings, not cooling, and I would rather have strong, powerful and quiet. On the Video card best bang/buck high end right now is the Radeon 9700 pro.

 

[jspeicher]

i will third the Aeroflow

 

[Oddish]

Originally posted by: Maetryx
If you're planning on 3D gaming (I hope so) don't go cheap on the video card.

Actually, the video card is already on its way. I ordered a Sapphire ATI Radeon 9700Pro. Any other comments about the CPU? Is the AMD XP3000+ Barton a good choice?

Thanks for the pointers everyone!

 

[Malladine]

Any other comments about the CPU?

Seems like a lot of $ to me, but it's undoubtably fast (at 2.16ghz w/333mhz FSB one might even say super fast)
I haven't read about any stability issues whatsoever.

 

[Oddish]

By the way, will I need a chassi fan? And if so, what dimension and what brand? I want it to be fairly silent.

 

[Markfw]

Well, if you get the Antec I suggested. it has case fans, and they are quiet.

 

[Oddish]

Ok, that one's a little expensive but I found another Antec with PSU and fans built in. Do you think it'll cut the mustard?

Antec SLK3700AMB Super Midi Tower Metallic Bronze 350W ATX

 

[Malladine]

Yup.

 

[nan0bug]

i think unless you already have a really good monitor, you would be better served by getting a barton 2500+ and a good 19" monitor to go along with that radeon 9700pro. It will more than likely last longer than any other component in your computer, and if you're still on a 17" you'll be wishing you had a 19" after the novelty of the speed wears off.

You could probbably overclock the 2500+ barton to make up for any speed you miss, and all the other components you've chosen are top of the line gear -- they'll easily last through another cpu upgrade.

trust me on this one, the monitor is the part of your computer you will interact with most.

 

[Oddish]

Well, I'm using an LG Flatron 915FT Plus (19") and I'm pretty happy with it. I might buy a better monitor later when my bank account has filled back up a bit after buying this new system.

 

[Oddish]

Originally posted by: Malladine

Any other comments about the CPU?

Seems like a lot of $ to me, but it's undoubtably fast (at 2.16ghz w/333mhz FSB one might even say super fast)
I haven't read about any stability issues whatsoever.

Yep, it's a lot of $ indeed. I've been considering taking a step back to a 2800+ Barton instead. But I wonder, will it become a bottleneck in this system? And also I wish someone could clear something up for me. I've heard that the "Barton" is the new model from AMD, so I don't understand how the below prices (cheapest prices in Sweden at the moment) add upp.

Athlon XP 2800+ ~$459
Athlon XP 2800+ "Barton" ~$284

Shouldn't the XP 2800+ without the "Barton" at the end (whatever that means) be cheaper?