Ultra sleek, Ultra Fast gaming rig + questions critique

[Bulldog13]

Hello,

I am building an ultra-portable, small, ultra fast high end gaming rig for a friend. Please critique the parts I have listed.

Shuttle Barebones XPC Model SN45G NVIDIA nForce2 Ultra400 ATX - Retail
$279.00

POWERCOLOR ATI RADEON 9800 PRO 256MB DDR DVI+CRT+TV 8X AGP RETAIL
$528.00

AMD ATHLON XP 3000 "Barton" 400MHz FSB PROCESSOR CPU- OEM
$275.00

CRUCIAL MICRON 512MB 64x64 PC 3200 DDR RAM - OEM
$91.99 X 2 = $183.98

Floppy
$7

WD WESTERN DIGITAL "SPECIAL EDITION" 120GB 7200RPM EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # WD1200JB - OEM, DRIVE ONLY
$109

Microsoft 114 keys (10 internet Hot Keys) Internet Keyboard PS/2 - BLACK
$20

HITACHI CML174SXWB 17" Black LCD MONITOR - RETAIL
$454

Logitech MX500 Optical Mouse -USB/PS2 RETAIL
$46.00

Plextor DVD+R/RW IDE Drive Model PX-504A-SW Retail
$217.00

Total = $2,118.98

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are my questions. First off, I need a sound system for it. A 2.0 one, what are some recommendations?

Do I need a heatsink and fan or does the Shuttle case come with its own lil proprietory system for it, I can't find a straight answer.

Will the RAM or the Videocard have problems with the mobo, I have been reading about random incompatibilities?

Does the mobo comes with good onboard audio or audio at all? The shuttle website says this mobo does, but newegg doesn't list it.

I just picked a random LCD using neweggs search utility 17" and like 15 ms response time, can anyone recommend a better 17" for cheaper or same price?

Am I missing anything else?

Also, how can I get this build + a good 2.0 sound system for under $2k.

Work your magic 🙂

 

[gaidin123]

You do not need a separate heatsink/fan as the Shuttles all come with a proprietary heatpipe/heatsink/fan assembly. The board comes with onboard audio but I don't know if it uses the nforce APU or not. It should if it doesn't. The specs list the Realtek ACL650 six channel audio so I guess no nforce audio? Check out the sudhian forums...They should have a lot of posts on any specific incompatibilities.

As for sound, I don't really know. I'd pick a good cambridge soundworks 2 sat/1 sub system...But for portable use I'd rather take a nice pair of Sony V600,v700, or v900 heaphones. 🙂

Oh, as for critiquing the parts I think things look great though I would get the MS Internet keyboard Pro which has both PS2 and USB connections along with a 2 port USB hub on it for your mouse (and other peripherals). You save yourself one USB port on the Shuttle (not like it doesn't have enough) but that's one less cable that has to route back to the computer...

To lower the price get the 9800 Pro 128MB. That will save you ~$170. Don't forget the shipping costs and possibly tax...

Gaidin

 

[ethebubbeth]

i've heard that crucial ram can have some weird incompatibilities with some nforce2 boards, although the prices on those crucial sticks you have listed are excellent.

 

[Jeff7181]

Get the 128 MB version of the 9800 Pro... and I'd go with an XP2500 and overclock it to XP3200 speeds. (2.2 Ghz)

 

[Ardan]

The incompatibilities aren't as bad as you think. I heard there were compatibility issues with Corsair memory, HyperX memory, Crucial memory. There are always bad apples for manufacturers. I just got my NF7-S (Rev 2), 2500+, and my 512Mb (2x256Mb of course) of PC2700 from Crucial that I bought in January works great. I'm able to set the timings fairly aggressive and effortlessly overclocked the system to 2.1Ghz without issue.

 

[Jeff7181]

LOL... they locked your thread in the General Forum =)

 

[Ionizer86]

Pick up a Maxtor for sale. Check Hot Deals, as there are Maxtor 120's going for $60 and Maxtor 160's going for $80.
I second getting a Barton 2500+ cuz it's a lot cheaper, and I also second taking a look at less expensive vid cards.

 

[Bulldog13]

I downgraded the VC to the 128 meg version and switched to a different RAM type.

Bah, buncho o fascists running the General Hardware forum. Every other twink can post "Critique my build mommy bought me", except me cause I am using a smaller case.

BAH.

:disgust:

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I have the SN45G and it has soundstorm which works quite excellent and has extremely low CPU utilization. All the ports are there so you can use S/PDIF in or out and hook up a full 5.1 speaker set to the regular ports and still have your mic and input ports free. I'd suggest getting the 2500+ and overclocking it as the system and CPU will do it no problemo especially if just shooting for 3000+ speed. That way You can run 400DDR synch mode easily with a 2500+ and have an awesome gamer. Hopefully you will get the ACHME PSU like myself since it's better than the enlight some shipped with. I'm using the WD 120gb SE in mine and it's working perfect so no worries there.

I wouldn't buy a LCD from Newegg because it's a crap shoot and if you get one with a few dead pixels you're stuck with it. Buy from Dell using hot deals, apply stackable coupons, any other perks like free shipping and you can get some awesome deals on LCDs there. Most importantly Dell gives a 30 day satisfaction guarantee so you can ship it back for a replacement if it has dead pixels (worth paying even slightly more for IMO )

For a 2.1 speaker set to compliment the aluminum case of the Shuttle you could take some of the cash you save on the Barton and get the JBL creature speakers that look sweet and sound sweet too pic

Finally, I think you are wise to scratch the 256mb version since there is no compelling reason now or in the near future for that kinda frame buffer from what I've read so I'd get the SAPPHIRE RADEON 9800 PRO 128MB DVI/TV 8X AGP RETAIL $372 That will bring you in well under 2000$ even if you don't buy the LCD somewhere else and go with the rest of your parts list.