Virgin Computer Builder

[yarharplunder]

Hey dudes, I read this website regularly, and I thought I'd ask the experts for some advice. I've picked out my parts, mostly based on the most recent "budget gaming guide" from Anandtech, and I'm wondering if this will be all I need. http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishR.asp?ID=1037259
I do have a mouse, keyboard, monitor etc that I can use, but, hardware-wise, is this looking okay? Is thermal paste covered with the retail AMD box?

I REALLY appreciate any input. Thanks in advance!

 

[ts3433]

Yes, the retail box includes the stock cooler and its TIM.

I would suggest the following:

Just get a regular IDE hard drive--SATA is not worth it right now.
Get PC3200 RAM--that's a must to get the most performance out of that A64. It's only a buck more per stick. (Two 512MB sticks are preferable.)
Change your case to an SLK3700AMB--I have it and it is very nice, and IIRC it was around the same price as the one you list. If it must be black, get the BQE variant.
If you're into overclocking it is worth mentioning that MSI's 9800 Pro is confirmed to have the R360 core and it has a slightly oversized heatsink.

 

[yarharplunder]

Excellent. Thank you very much. I'll be a lot more confident in going through with the order now! :thumbsup: