Well, here it is finally

[BigCoolJesus]

Well, after 2 months of saving money and spending countless nights figuring out what i wanted, here are the final specs to my PC.

-If you do make reccomendations, have the new item be within $20 of the items i list, thanks


AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz FSB 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor

EPoX EP-9NPA+ SLi Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard

Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) System Memory

Leadtek PX6800GT TDH Geforce 6800GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

BlueGears/HDA Digital X-Mystique 7.1 Gold 8 (7.1) Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card

HITACHI Deskstar T7K250 0A31636 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA II Hard Drive

LITE-ON Black 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model SOHD-16P9SBLK

LITE-ON Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 4X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE DVD Burner

Samsung Floppy drive

Power Supply - PENDING (either going to be a Enermax, Seasonic or PC Power and Cooling *if i have the money*)

KWORLD VS-L883D PCI Interface DVD Maker Card

Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case


If you know of any better prices for any of the components i listed, let me know (paypal accepted websites are preferred, and rebates dont count)

thanks all

 

[Matt2]

Overclocking or no?

 

[Matt2]

Also:

OCZ Value Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail

I would look for some 2.5 CAS memory for a little bit more money myself. CL3 is pretty low-end.

The above OCZ is CL3, but it's cheaper and I'd rather go with the name.

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: Matt2
Also:

OCZ Value Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail

I would look for some 2.5 CAS memory for a little bit more money myself. CL3 is pretty low-end.

The above OCZ is CL3, but it's cheaper and I'd rather go with the name.

yea, but the kingston i have listed i know can go at least 245MHz FSB


and yes, i am overclocking

 

[vijay333]

LOL...that list is almost identical to my own recent upgrade:

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 1GHz FSB 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe Motherboard (great motherboard and BIOS, would recommend this instead)
eVGA 256-P2-N376-AX Geforce 6800GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
ENERMAX Whisper II EG565P-VE FMA2.0 ATX12V 535W Power Supply
Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

I also ordered an Thermalright XP-90 with fan for added cooling. My only slight regret is with the case - turned out to be smaller than my existing case and what I had expected. Also, those plastic braces for the PCI slots are just a total waste, as they simply cannot hold up any cards (esp the 6800GT). I ended up just removing the unit and using the standard screws. Apart from the slightly cramped interior, its a decent case and looks quite nice with the blue LED lighting.

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: vijay333
LOL...that list is almost identical to my own recent upgrade:

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 1GHz FSB 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe Motherboard (great motherboard and BIOS, would recommend this instead)
eVGA 256-P2-N376-AX Geforce 6800GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
ENERMAX Whisper II EG565P-VE FMA2.0 ATX12V 535W Power Supply
Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

I also ordered an Thermalright XP-90 with fan for added cooling. My only slight regret is with the case - turned out to be smaller than my existing case and what I had expected. Also, those plastic braces for the PCI slots are just a total waste, as they simply cannot hold up any cards (esp the 6800GT). I ended up just removing the unit and using the standard screws. Apart from the slightly cramped interior, its a decent case and looks quite nice with the blue LED lighting.

yea, but i know its bigger the my case (1 inch taller, 2 inches deeper)

and i had no intention of using the PCI brackets (already read a review that said to take them off)

the only thing im worried about is how im going to mount my fan controllers in the tool less drive bays.


O and about your Asus reccomendation, believe me, the A8N was my very first choice (as i currently have an K8V and i love the bios and stability) but im going the Epox route as its a little cheaper, and i know it will overclock better, plus its about as stable as the A8N

 

[Matt2]

If you're gonna OC why not go with a 3000+/3200+ Venice??

Check my sig, 2.6GHZ for $146, can't beat that.

real world difference between 512k vs 1MB L2 cache is zip, zilch, nada.

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: Matt2
If you're gonna OC why not go with a 3000+/3200+ Venice??

Check my sig, 2.6GHZ for $146, can't beat that.

real world difference between 512k vs 1MB L2 cache is zip, zilch, nada.

Just want to get something a little higher up (i know a 3700 can reach around 2.7GHz on air without breaking a sweat)
not bad for $260 (check hot deals page, $299 - $39 at monarch)

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Also, for the graphics card

i can get a Leadtek for $299, which is an awesome deal, but i just wanted to know if the Leadtek is as reliable as the eVGA (because i know the eVGA 6800GT's are very stable)??

and can i fit a Zalman VF700-CU on the leadtek (does it have the same kind of mounting holes)?

 

[vijay333]

Yeah, my main reason for choosing for A8N mobo was because its been around the longest and is generally considered very stable. Another note about the case: even though it is somewhat cramped, the design is quite well done so there are definitely no problems with cooling. Currently have 4 HDs, 2 DVD/CD drives, 1 floppy, 2 PCI cards and the 6800GT in the system - mobo runs at about 40F and the CPU ranges from 42-47 (idle-full load). I expect the CPU temps to drop a bit more after the arctic silver burn-in period.

In case you're not following the hot deals forum, this should save you quite a bit:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1650706&enterthread=y

"Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego OEM for $260 including shipping @ Monarchcomputer"

I bought almost all my parts from Monarch and did not have any problems or delays.

Update: About the eVGA card: it runs great and they also have a step-up program.
http://evga.com/stepup/
So, in case the 7x00 series comes out pretty soon at an affordable price or if this in turn causes the 6800Ultra prices to drop, it should be pretty easy (and cheap) to upgrade the eVGA card.

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: vijay333
Yeah, my main reason for choosing for A8N mobo was becuase its been around the longest and is generally considered very stable. Another note about the case: even though it is somewhat cramped, the design is quite well done so there are definitely no problems with cooling. Currently have 4 HDs, 2 DVD/CD drives, 1 floppy, 2 PCI cards and the 6800GT in the system - mobo runs at about 40F and the CPU ranges from 42-47 (idle-full load). I expect the CPU temps to drop a bit more after the arctic silver burn-in period.

In case you're not following the hot deals forum, this should save you quite a bit:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1650706&enterthread=y

"Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego OEM for $260 including shipping @ Monarchcomputer"

I bought almost all my parts from Monarch and did not have any problems or delays.

yea, i found that deal, definatly gonna use it

but can you answer my question about the drive bays i posted above (its in the post where i qouted you)

thanks


yea, i love eVGA, but if the Leadtek is just as reliable, ill have to go with the cheaper

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: BigCoolJesus

Originally posted by: Matt2
If you're gonna OC why not go with a 3000+/3200+ Venice??

Check my sig, 2.6GHZ for $146, can't beat that.

real world difference between 512k vs 1MB L2 cache is zip, zilch, nada.

Just want to get something a little higher up (i know a 3700 can reach around 2.7GHz on air without breaking a sweat)
not bad for $260 (check hot deals page, $299 - $39 at monarch)

Just remember you are paying $115 more for 100mhz.

You could use that $115 for some b1tchin RAM or look into a ATI X850XT or 6800Ultra.

But don't mind me, jsut throwing out all possibilities.

Leadtek is a good brand, I don't know about the heatsink fitting, although I don't see why not, both are derived from reference boards.

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: Matt2

Originally posted by: BigCoolJesus

Originally posted by: Matt2
If you're gonna OC why not go with a 3000+/3200+ Venice??

Check my sig, 2.6GHZ for $146, can't beat that.

real world difference between 512k vs 1MB L2 cache is zip, zilch, nada.

Just want to get something a little higher up (i know a 3700 can reach around 2.7GHz on air without breaking a sweat)
not bad for $260 (check hot deals page, $299 - $39 at monarch)

Just remember you are paying $115 more for 100mhz.

You could use that $115 for some b1tchin RAM or look into a ATI X850XT or 6800Ultra.

But don't mind me, jsut throwing out all possibilities.

Leadtek is a good brand, I don't know about the heatsink fitting, although I don't see why not, both are derived from reference boards.

Ill look into the processor a little more, but the only graphics card upgrade ill make is to a 7800GTX
(o and no ATI cards, as there not SLI compatible, plus i love Nvidia)


Well, Leadtek it is (saved $45, yay)

 

[vijay333]

Originally posted by: BigCoolJesus

Originally posted by: vijay333
Yeah, my main reason for choosing for A8N mobo was becuase its been around the longest and is generally considered very stable. Another note about the case: even though it is somewhat cramped, the design is quite well done so there are definitely no problems with cooling. Currently have 4 HDs, 2 DVD/CD drives, 1 floppy, 2 PCI cards and the 6800GT in the system - mobo runs at about 40F and the CPU ranges from 42-47 (idle-full load). I expect the CPU temps to drop a bit more after the arctic silver burn-in period.

In case you're not following the hot deals forum, this should save you quite a bit:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1650706&enterthread=y

"Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego OEM for $260 including shipping @ Monarchcomputer"

I bought almost all my parts from Monarch and did not have any problems or delays.

yea, i found that deal, definatly gonna use it

but can you answer my question about the drive bays i posted above (its in the post where i qouted you)

thanks


yea, i love eVGA, but if the Leadtek is just as reliable, ill have to go with the cheaper

Don't have any fan controllers in my system, so not sure how the drive bays will affect that. The internal bay can hold 4 HDs using thumbscrews and there is a decent amount of space between the drives in this configuration. However, note that it was very difficult to achieve this (holding all four drives) as the 6800GT card is quite long and gets very close to the drive cage (in either of the two PCIe slots). Another reason why I thought the case was kind of cramped...

 

[Matt2]

I feel you, I love Nvidia too, but the last 2 upgrades I've made (9700, X800XL) ATI has been the company to give me the performance I want in my price range.

I'd love to take a 6800GT for a spin.

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: Matt2
I feel you, I love Nvidia too, but the last 2 upgrades I've made (9700, X800XL) ATI has been the company to give me the performance I want in my price range.

I'd love to take a 6800GT for a spin.

I love the 6800GT

i went from a 9800Pro to a 6800GT, and to relate it, the 6800GT is the 9800Pro of the new series of cards (if that makes any sense)

but i just want to stick to an SLI path, that way if i ever want to, i have the option to use SLI




O and vijay333, is there any way to use screws in the drive bays, or is it 100% tool less?

i guess if i had to i could use zip ties

 

[vijay333]

Originally posted by: Matt2
I feel you, I love Nvidia too, but the last 2 upgrades I've made (9700, X800XL) ATI has been the company to give me the performance I want in my price range.

I'd love to take a 6800GT for a spin.

Not a dedicated buyer of any one brand - my previous cards were an ATI Radeon 9600 Pro and a Matrox G200 The 6800GT is really quite good though and I have no problems playing BF2 in high quality settings.

 

[johnnqq]

320 for a 6800 or
250 for an xl...why a 6800?

 

[vijay333]

Originally posted by: BigCoolJesus

Originally posted by: Matt2
I feel you, I love Nvidia too, but the last 2 upgrades I've made (9700, X800XL) ATI has been the company to give me the performance I want in my price range.

I'd love to take a 6800GT for a spin.

I love the 6800GT

i went from a 9800Pro to a 6800GT, and to relate it, the 6800GT is the 9800Pro of the new series of cards (if that makes any sense)

but i just want to stick to an SLI path, that way if i ever want to, i have the option to use SLI




O and vijay333, is there any way to use screws in the drive bays, or is it 100% tool less?

i guess if i had to i could use zip ties

Not on my home PC right now, but as far as I can remember, I don't think it is possible to use regular screws on the drives. This is mainly due to the larger holes needed to hold the dampening pads that the thumbscrews go into. However, the pads can be removed very easily, so you can try and fabricate some other possible way (zip ties or otherwise) to hold the drives.

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: johnnqq
320 for a 6800 or
250 for an xl...why a 6800?

why did you have to ask that.....

already stated that im going the SLI ROUTE, and i already stated im stick with Nvidia

plus its $299 for a 6800GT

there, the specs are final (again)

the only thing i might think of changing (depending on if my computer sells for more on ebay) is either

a) a little better RAM (cas latency 2.5 at the most)
b) a 7800GTX (thats if my computer REALLY sells)

 

[vijay333]

Originally posted by: johnnqq
320 for a 6800 or
250 for an xl...why a 6800?

heh...going with the xl would nullify the SLI motherboard configuration completely
My own grand scheme is to buy another 6800GT later when they drop in price...

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: vijay333

Originally posted by: johnnqq
320 for a 6800 or
250 for an xl...why a 6800?

heh...going with the xl would nullify the SLI motherboard configuration completely
My own grand scheme is to buy another 6800GT later when they drop in price...

exactly

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Ok, i changed up the processor, just so it frees up a little money to go towards a 7800GTX

 

[The Pentium Guy]

My own grand scheme is to buy another 6800GT later when they drop in price...

SLI is useless. Check out how 2x6800Ultras are DESTROYED by the monster 7800GTX. Seriously you'll be better off getting a next gen card (when you decide to upgrade in <X> years) instead of the identical card which you purchased <X> years ago.

I'd get a 7800GTX, BCJ, just as you said. 3700+ SD isn't really all that useful unless you need the extra cache. Just grab a 3000+ Venice.

-TPG

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: The Pentium Guy

My own grand scheme is to buy another 6800GT later when they drop in price...

SLI is useless. Check out how 2x6800Ultras are DESTROYED by the monster 7800GTX. Seriously you'll be better off getting a next gen card (when you decide to upgrade in <X> years) instead of the identical card which you purchased <X> years ago.

I'd get a 7800GTX, BCJ, just as you said. 3700+ SD isn't really all that useful unless you need the extra cache. Just grab a 3000+ Venice.

-TPG

well im gonna get the 3200+ just for good measure

but whats the harm in getting the Epox SLI?
even if i dont ever use SLI, its there if i need it, plus the SLI board overclocks better then the Ultra board (the ultra has 3 phase voltage, the SLI has 4)