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Trying to build for ~1500 - Suggestions

B

bink472

Member
Hello All,

First, hopefully this is the proper forum. Second, I'm currently trying to build my first computer for roughly 1500 (without monitor). I have come up with two different options, but as you can tell I have yet to decide on a case. I'm having problems here because the selection is so huge. I just want a good, sturdy case that has some room left and looks halfway decent. Anyway, here are my two options. Please feel free to provide suggestions, comments and recommendations. If I can save a few bucks, fantastic! My goal is to build a good gaming machine that I can continue to upgrade easily.

Option 1:

Case
Chip Intel P4 2.8ghz, 800mhz FSB, Socket 478 267.00
Fan Vantec Aeroflow VP4-C7040 Socket 478 Cooler 29.00
Mobo Abit IC7-G i875P P4 (800FSB) Skt478 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, Gigabit LAN, RAID/Serial ATA Retail 186.50
Memory (2) Kingston HyperX KHX3500/512 512MB DDR433 PC3500 276.00
HD WD1200JB 120GB EIDE ATA 7200RPM, 8MB Buffer 111.00
Video PowerColor Radeon 9800 AGP 8X 128MB DDR Video Card w/TV-Out, DVI & CRT Retail Powered by ATI 305.00
Sound Creative Labs Audigy 2 6.1 115.00
Power Antec TruePower True480 480W Power Supply 87.49
DVD Sony DDU1612/DDU1621 16X IDE DVD w/Power DVD 4.0 Software (Black) 41.99
Speaker Logitech Z-560 Speakers 150.00
Keyboard/Mouse Logitech Cordless MX Duo Elite Keyboard w/MX700 Optical Mouse Combo Retail 83.00

Total: 1,651.98



Option 2:

Case
Chip Intel P4 2.8ghz, 800mhz FSB, Socket 478 267.00
Fan Vantec Aeroflow VP4-C7040 Socket 478 Cooler 29.00
Mobo Asus P4P800 Deluxe i865PE P4 (800FSB) Skt478 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, LAN, RAID/Serial ATA Retail 139.99
Memory (2) Kingston HyperX KHX3500/512 512MB DDR433 PC3500 276.00
HD WD1200JB 120GB EIDE ATA 7200RPM, 8MB Buffer 111.00
Video PowerColor Radeon 9800 AGP 8X 128MB DDR Video Card w/TV-Out, DVI & CRT Retail Powered by ATI 305.00
Sound Creative Labs Audigy 2 6.1 115.00
Power Antec TruePower True480 480W Power Supply 87.49
CD Plextor PlexWriter 48/24/48A (PX-W4824TA/SW) E-IDE/ATAPI Internal CD-RW Drive Retail 86.99
Speaker Logitech Z-560 Speakers 150.00
Keyboard/Mouse Logitech Cordless MX Duo Elite Keyboard w/MX700 Optical Mouse Combo Retail 83.00

Total: 1,650.47

Thanks in advance for any help/advice. If you notice any incompatibilities, please let me know.

-Scott
 
Currently all prices are from googlegear. I've used them in the past and trust them. Happen to have any case suggestions?

Thanks, Scott
 
If it were me, i would cut back from a gig of ram and to 512 dual channel. Also, if you dont need top of the line, try teh IS7-g, it is about 40 or 50 bucks less for very similar performance/features to the IC7-g. Also if you won't be overclocking you might try a lower Wattage P/S to save money like say a 350 or so, but stick with the true-power line, they are awesome 🙂 hope this helps
 
Will you be overclocking?

If you won't be, just get the retail 2.8C cpu which comes with a fan and heatsink. Since you won 't be overclocking, get some Corsair XMS PC3200 RAM instead of that Kingston. For the video card, don't get the powercolor version, they usually put cheaper parts. Get a Sapphire card or just go to a local Best Buy and get it since they're almost the same price. For the case, get an Antec Sonata, it has a nice black automotive finish to it so you can see your reflections. It comes with a 380W PSU which is more than enough for your system. If you follow the things I just mentioned, you should also be able to get a CDRW in that price.

One tip, if you get the Sonata case, get your CDRW and DVD drive with the black bezels. (bezel = front cover)
 
Thanks for all the great advice. I was looking at changing option 2 as follows.

On option 2, I'm thinking of going with an Antec Performance Plus Series Plus1080AMG Soho File Server Case (Metallic Gray) Retail w/430W Power Supply (TruePower) for $118.99. This would eliminate the need for the TruePower480w and should still supply me with enough power. Thus bringing my overall cost for Option 2 to $1681.97.

Also, I don't plan on overclocking. I am buying the retail Pentium 4 that states it comes with a heatsink and fan, so should I forgo the Vantec cooler for $29?

Is the memory your suggesting this?:
Corsair CMX512-3200C2PT 512MB DDR400 PC3200 XMS Memory w/Silver Heat Spreader Retail $104 (2 sticks = 208)

If so, if I drop the cooler and the ps and switch to the Antec Plus 1080AMG and the Corsair sticks my total becomes: $1584.97. Which seems like a great price. I looked at the SOHO but I'm worried if it would have enough cooling (comes with 1 fan), the 1080AMG comes with 3.

Also, I will definitely take your advice on the video card. I was reading that even a ATI Radeon 9500 would be enough for what's out and coming out in gaming, which could save me more money.

What do you guys think?

Thanks, Scott.
 
P4 systems dont need a lot of cooling. Just use the retail stock HSF, and dont worry about case cooling since you dont have too many devices (1HDD, 1CDROM). Do you need 1GB of RAM? I'm only asking because RAM is expensive, and 512 is enough RAM for probably 90% of end users out there. Try a couple sticks of 256MB corsair xms3200, and run it dual channel. The SOHOs are great cases by the way, i've worked with a couple, and they make installing and removing components a BREEEEEZE
 
No, no real reason for 1gig of memory. I just like being able to say I have it and with the changes you suggested I dropped closer to my 1500 budget. So here is the new configuration, I think I'm going to do. Remembering that I will not get the listed video card, I'm just leaving it there for the price.

Case - Antec Performance Plus Series Plus1080AMG Soho File Server Case (Metallic Gray) Retail w/430W Power Supply
(TruePower) 118.99
Chip - Intel P4 2.8ghz, 800mhz FSB, Socket 478 267.00
Fan - Using heatsink/fan with chip 0.00
Mobo - Asus P4P800 Deluxe i865PE P4 (800FSB) Skt478 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, LAN, RAID/Serial ATA Retail 139.99
Memory - (2) Corsair CMX512-3200C2PT 512MB DDR400 PC3200 XMS Memory w/Silver Heat Spreader Retail 208.00
HD - WD1200JB 120GB EIDE ATA 7200RPM, 8MB Buffer 111.00
Video - PowerColor Radeon 9800 AGP 8X 128MB DDR Video Card w/TV-Out, DVI & CRT Retail Powered by ATI 305.00
Sound - Creative Labs Audigy 2 6.1 115.00
Power - Included with case. 0.00
CD - Plextor PlexWriter 48/24/48A (PX-W4824TA/SW) E-IDE/ATAPI Internal CD-RW Drive Retail 86.99
Speaker - Logitech Z-560 Speakers 150.00
Keyboard/Mouse - Logitech Cordless MX Duo Elite Keyboard w/MX700 Optical Mouse Combo Retail 83.00

Total Price: 1,584.97

Hopefully I chose the memory you were speaking of, if you think this looks good. I think I start purchasing. 🙂

Thanks for your advice! -Scott
 
i wouldnt go with the plextor burner personally. Get a liteon for 30-40 bucks less. They too have buffer underrun prevention, and plextors have TERRIBLE seek times. thats my opinion, ive used a 48x plextor and a 48 (or52?)x liteon on friends computers and liked the liteon much better. You might also consider a 16X DVD/48x CDR/RW combo drive for around 65 or 70 from liteon
 
Thanks for the advice on the drive! Is this the one you are talking about: Liteon LTC48161H DVD-ROM 16X + CD-RW 48x24x48 Combo Drive Retail for 65.50?

One more question, if you don't mind. Would you stick with the WD1200JB drive or would you switch to the Seagate Barracude 7200.7 ST380013AS 80GB Serial ATA 7200rpm w/8mb buffer? They are both the same price.

Thanks!
 
stick with the 120, unless the seagate has a longer than 1yr warranty. I have the WD1200JB and i love it. got my sister the 60gig version for her computer and it works great too. seagate is by no means a bad drive though, they are a bit quieter. So if noise is a factor you might want to consider it
 
Thanks. Sorry but one more question, I guess we just missed (ie my edit happened after you posted).

Thanks for the advice on the drive! Is this the one you are talking about: Liteon LTC48161H DVD-ROM 16X + CD-RW 48x24x48 Combo Drive Retail for 65.50?

-Scott
 
Originally posted by: bink472
No, no real reason for 1gig of memory. I just like being able to say I have it and with the changes you suggested I dropped closer to my 1500 budget. So here is the new configuration, I think I'm going to do. Remembering that I will not get the listed video card, I'm just leaving it there for the price.

Case - Antec Performance Plus Series Plus1080AMG Soho File Server Case (Metallic Gray) Retail w/430W Power Supply
(TruePower) 118.99
Chip - Intel P4 2.8ghz, 800mhz FSB, Socket 478 267.00
Fan - Using heatsink/fan with chip 0.00
Mobo - Asus P4P800 Deluxe i865PE P4 (800FSB) Skt478 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, LAN, RAID/Serial ATA Retail 139.99
Memory - (2) Corsair CMX512-3200C2PT 512MB DDR400 PC3200 XMS Memory w/Silver Heat Spreader Retail 208.00
HD - WD1200JB 120GB EIDE ATA 7200RPM, 8MB Buffer 111.00
Video - PowerColor Radeon 9800 AGP 8X 128MB DDR Video Card w/TV-Out, DVI & CRT Retail Powered by ATI 305.00
Sound - Creative Labs Audigy 2 6.1 115.00
Power - Included with case. 0.00
CD - Plextor PlexWriter 48/24/48A (PX-W4824TA/SW) E-IDE/ATAPI Internal CD-RW Drive Retail 86.99
Speaker - Logitech Z-560 Speakers 150.00
Keyboard/Mouse - Logitech Cordless MX Duo Elite Keyboard w/MX700 Optical Mouse Combo Retail 83.00

Total Price: 1,584.97

Hopefully I chose the memory you were speaking of, if you think this looks good. I think I start purchasing. 🙂

Thanks for your advice! -Scott
Click to expand...

In that case, are you buying it for the looks or because it comes with an Antec PSU? You'll be fine even with an Antec 300W PSU, you don't 400W of power. You should look at the Antec Sonata case. It has one fan, but its a larger fan and it will adjust fan speed based on temperatures. I have a very similar setup to what you will get, but less RAM.

I have:
Antec Sonata w/ 380W PSU
P4 2.8C Retail
P4P800 Deluxe
2x 256MB Corsair XMS

Unless you work with a ton of audio, get the OEM version of the Audigy 2, the only difference is the gold plated connectors the Retail one has, and there is probably a $40 difference between the two at newegg.com

As for the video card, I'm sure after spending this much money you plan on being able to play Doom 3 and Half Life 2 when they're out, so I'd stick with a 9800.

Also, with the P4P800 Deluxe motherboard, do you plan on using Firewire? If you don't, just get the non Deluxe version since that is the only difference. If you decide to use it later on, you can get a firewire PCI card.
 
You'll also need to figure in shipping costs because not everything is shipped free at newegg.com. I'm guessing you should add atleast $50 more for shipping.
 
Originally posted by: AgaBooga
You'll also need to figure in shipping costs because not everything is shipped free at newegg.com. I'm guessing you should add atleast $50 more for shipping.
Click to expand...

thats a good point
 
I realize shipping will be extra, my goal was just to get the hardward costs as close to $1500 as possible. Yes, Doom III is a game I'm looking forward to playing and if you guys really think 512mb of ram is all I need...I may even drop it down to that.

If you think the Sonata will allow for an additional optical and hd drive in the future (meaning it has the room, good airflow and 380w will be plenty of power), then I'll probably switch to it. It's a very nice looking case.

Thanks for the advice guys and waiting for your latest input. Now, here's hoping I can find that Liteon drive with a black front. 🙂

- Scott
 
Originally posted by: bink472
I realize shipping will be extra, my goal was just to get the hardward costs as close to $1500 as possible. Yes, Doom III is a game I'm looking forward to playing and if you guys really think 512mb of ram is all I need...I may even drop it down to that.

If you think the Sonata will allow for an additional optical and hd drive in the future (meaning it has the room, good airflow and 380w will be plenty of power), then I'll probably switch to it. It's a very nice looking case.

Thanks for the advice guys and waiting for your latest input. Now, here's hoping I can find that Liteon drive with a black front. 🙂

- Scott
Click to expand...

I just got the liteon drive at newegg for my sister comp with a black bezel. put it in an aluminum shuttle mini PC and it looked badass. try newegg, i know they have it, but it may be on back order
 
Originally posted by: bink472
I realize shipping will be extra, my goal was just to get the hardward costs as close to $1500 as possible. Yes, Doom III is a game I'm looking forward to playing and if you guys really think 512mb of ram is all I need...I may even drop it down to that.

If you think the Sonata will allow for an additional optical and hd drive in the future (meaning it has the room, good airflow and 380w will be plenty of power), then I'll probably switch to it. It's a very nice looking case.

Thanks for the advice guys and waiting for your latest input. Now, here's hoping I can find that Liteon drive with a black front. 🙂

- Scott
Click to expand...

Yeah, dropping it to 512MB of RAM is a good choice UNLESS you plan on doing video editing or something memory intensive. No doubt you will see an improvement from 1GB of RAM, but I don't think its worth it, not yet atleast.

The Sonata case will be something you will be very happy with choosing, it has tons of room, 3 slots for optical drives and 2x 3.5" bays. It also has nice Blue LEDS on the front as well as many ports on the front. It has 2x USB, 2x Audio In/Out and 1 Firewire port.
 
Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Originally posted by: bink472
I realize shipping will be extra, my goal was just to get the hardward costs as close to $1500 as possible. Yes, Doom III is a game I'm looking forward to playing and if you guys really think 512mb of ram is all I need...I may even drop it down to that.

If you think the Sonata will allow for an additional optical and hd drive in the future (meaning it has the room, good airflow and 380w will be plenty of power), then I'll probably switch to it. It's a very nice looking case.

Thanks for the advice guys and waiting for your latest input. Now, here's hoping I can find that Liteon drive with a black front. 🙂

- Scott
Click to expand...

Yeah, dropping it to 512MB of RAM is a good choice UNLESS you plan on doing video editing or something memory intensive. No doubt you will see an improvement from 1GB of RAM, but I don't think its worth it, not yet atleast.

The Sonata case will be something you will be very happy with choosing, it has tons of room, 3 slots for optical drives and 2x 3.5" bays. It also has nice Blue LEDS on the front as well as many ports on the front. It has 2x USB, 2x Audio In/Out and 1 Firewire port.
Click to expand...

1gig of ram is also helpful when playing shadowbane, if you play that. I k now when i play on 512, i have anywhere from 100 to as low as 30MB of free ram, and that messes with my performance a bit when it gets that low. but it is not enought to warrant me spending a ton of money to buy more, nice ram is too expensive
 
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