Upgrade Comfirmation

[honeyshot]

Just wanted to let you gusy know what I'm getting for my upgrade, so you can critique it:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 939 pin Winchester
MOBO: ASUS A8V Deluxe
RAM: Kingston DDR NON-ECC KVR400X64C3AK2/1G CL3 PC3200 KIT RAM (512MBx2)
DVD-RW: NEC 3520A 16x16 Dual Layer
HDD: Western Digital 200GB Caviar 7200rpm Serial ATA 8MB Cache (WD2000JB)
Case/PSU: Unkown

As far as the mobo goes, I just wanted a good cheap one with AGP since I would like to continue using my AGP Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB until it becomes obsolete. For the RAM, I wasn't sure whether to get a kit of dual channel (512MBx2) or a single channel (1024MBx1), but the dual was cheaper ($130 vs. $170 CDN) and from what I understand, dual channel is faster.

I'm undecided for the case/PSU. I'm looking for a quality case that is practical (no LED lights or flashy designs) with ample cooling and ventilation, and has a decent PSU (preferably 400W, or is a 350W sufficient?) I've heard mention of the Antec and Lian Li cases, but in the "Best Case Ever Made" thread, I think everybody listed something different. Also, I'd prefer a quality PSU to come with the case, but if need be, I can switch it with the Enermax 350W PSU in my old PC.

Also, I plan to do some overclocking. So, should I invest in a new CPU fan and some extra chassis fans? Should all of my hardware be able to handle some overclocking?

 

[Melchior]

I'd disagree on everything... except maybe the DVDRW.

Not sure what you want to do with the computer though...

 

[saltedeggman]

if you do plan on overclocking, ditch the winny, and go with venice (they can do 2.8 on air). Also, get the DFI Lanparty board for the best overclocking resutls. I am sure the ram is ok, since you can change the divider.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

One thing I'd check on is if you can get CL2 ram for a few dollars more. I just upgraded from pc3200 cl3-5-5 to pc3200 cl2-3-3 and there's a noticeable difference in real-world apps. For the case you describe, check out the Antec Sonata. Its ventilation can be greatly improved with a few very simple mods (and it is really quiet). It comes with an Antec 380W psu which will be more than sufficient for your rig.
And pardon the shameless self-promotion, but if you want an A8V, I have one for sale here. Have fun!

 

[anarchyreigns]

Originally posted by: saltedeggman
if you do plan on overclocking, ditch the winny, and go with venice (they can do 2.8 on air). Also, get the DFI Lanparty board for the best overclocking resutls. I am sure the ram is ok, since you can change the divider.

He won't be able to use his 9800 Pro with the Lanparty board.

 

[honeyshot]

Originally posted by: Melchior
I'd disagree on everything... except maybe the DVDRW.

Not sure what you want to do with the computer though...

That was my intention with this thread, but your input doesn't help me. Could you possibly make some suggestions other than telling me you disagree with my choices? I will be using this computer solely for gaming. I know it's not high end, but I have a budget, and as I said, I'll be upgrading my mobo/GPU later once my GPU is obsolete.

Originally posted by: saltedeggman
if you do plan on overclocking, ditch the winny, and go with venice (they can do 2.8 on air). Also, get the DFI Lanparty board for the best overclocking resutls. I am sure the ram is ok, since you can change the divider.

Well, I'll go with the venice core if it's available in my area, but as far as I know, the only difference between the venice and the winchester core is that the venice runs slightly cooler and uses slightly less voltage and power. It doesn't seem to be nearly as substantial of a difference as that between the winchester and the newcastle, and both the winchester and venice are 90nm.

Also, what do you mean about the divider (See concluding paragraph)?

Originally posted by: Gigantopithecus
One thing I'd check on is if you can get CL2 ram for a few dollars more. I just upgraded from pc3200 cl3-5-5 to pc3200 cl2-3-3 and there's a noticeable difference in real-world apps. For the case you describe, check out the Antec Sonata. Its ventilation can be greatly improved with a few very simple mods (and it is really quiet). It comes with an Antec 380W psu which will be more than sufficient for your rig.
And pardon the shameless self-promotion, but if you want an A8V, I have one for sale here. Have fun!

Thanks for the case suggestion, I'll definitely check it out.

Would this be a better choice for memory?

RAM: Kingston DDR NON-ECC PC3200 CL2.5 KVR400X64C3A/1G 1024MB MEMORY 400MHZ

I'll admit, I'm lost when it comes to RAM. I'm only buying locally, so here are the websites of some local computer stores if one of you guys could point out some decent RAM that is compatible with my mobo and at a decent price (hopefully below $200.)

www.a-computers.ca
www.bcom.ab.ca
www.satacomputer.com
www.memoryexpress.com

 

[Trippytiger]

Hey, judging from your list of local stores, you're buying in the Edmonton area?

 

[honeyshot]

Originally posted by: Trippytiger
Hey, judging from your list of local stores, you're buying in the Edmonton area?

Yep. Hoping to buy my hardware while I'm still there since I don't pay PST.

 

[l Xes l]

i'd go w/ DFI board and OCZ value ram..

 

[imported_michaelpatrick33]

I would definitely get a Venice over a Winchester at this point.
Otherwise, I think you are basically fine. LOL. You have my official Geek Provisional Silicon Seal of Approval