What do you think of this computer?

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cchase88

Member
Feb 12, 2007
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Hi, I'm going to be building a system using the mATX form factor.
Please let me know what you think.

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811154061
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811154062
I still can't decide between the two even though I'm leaning towards the first one.

Motherboard:
BIOSTAR TForce 6100 AM2
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813138027

Video Card:
SAPPHIRE Radeon X1600PRO (Low Profile Video Card)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814102032

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2.0GHz Socket AM2
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103735

RAM:
CORSAIR XMS2 1GB DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145566

Hard Drive:
Western Digital 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136036

CD/DVD:
LITE-ON 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write

VGA Fan:
ZALMAN VF900 (This should be able to fit on a low profile video card from what I'm getting under the specs page)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835118001

Heat Sink:
ZALMAN CNPS7000B-ALCU
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835118112

So far I think its a pretty good computer. The only thing I'm having trouble with is deciding what size PSU I should get. Both of the cases that I listed above have a 275W psu, should I invest in a more powerful one? Is there anyway to calculate what size psu I would be needing for this computer?
Thanks!
 
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Smartazz

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2005
6,128
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I'd recommend a dual core cpu, other than that you're fine, you can use a single core if you want to though.
 
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cchase88

Member
Feb 12, 2007
51
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Yeah, I decided to go with a single core for now only because I'm on a budget. I made sure as to use a Mobo that was AM2 and supports Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64 X2/Athlon 64, this will enable me to upgrade later on correct? Oh yeah, I almost forgot, do you think that the psu thats comes with the case is enough to power everything. Does anyone know how to do some rough calculations to figure this out?

Sorry about that, I got a link mixed up, I fixed it.
What case do you like better?
 
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cchase88

Member
Feb 12, 2007
51
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Ok, I was only joking about that cpu.. I'm on a strict budget. The only thing that bothered me about that 119 dollar one was the L2 cache of only 512kb, is that ok?

Ok, Im stupid. The one I had before had a 512kb cache also haha.

I also took off both heatsinks, saving me 80 dollars.
 
Zap

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
AFAIK you won't be able to replace the PSU in the case becasue it is proprietary. The "wattage" is enough for your system if not overclocked, but the "amperage" on the +12v may or may not be enough. None of the specs state the amperage (and I even checked the manufacturer's site). I'd say that you would need probably around 12A to be able to run those components unoverclocked. If overclocking, I'd feel better with at least 15A.

BTW, you overclocking? That's the second best mATX socket AM2 overclocker board I've encountered.

What is your intended use for the computer? That card can play games, but is considered mid to lower end as a gaming card. It has HDMI, so are you using it for an HTPC? Do you intend to run dual monitors? If no on gaming, dual monitor and HTPC, then why not just use integrated graphics? You can also go in-between by getting a motherboard (such as Abit NF-M2 nView) that uses the Geforce 6150 chipset, which has faster integrated video than the Geforce 6100 chipset.

For CPU, I'd suggest this one. It is an x2 3800+ just like the one you listed and it costs exactly the same. What's the difference then? Well, it is the 65W chip instead of 89W. It defaults to a lower vcore and (theoretically) may overclock higher. Unoverclocked, it draws less power and produces less heat. Less heat = potentially quieter computer.

You can also go slower on the RAM and double it for around $30-40 more for a 2GB DDR2 667 kit. I'd think that the double RAM would provide a better computing experience than the faster RAM. That extra cost can be nullified by not getting the two Zalman heatsinks.

BTW, how quiet do you want the system, or do you care as long as it isn't noisy?
 
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cchase88

Member
Feb 12, 2007
51
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Yeah, I didn't check to make sure that I could change the PSU. I really like the case so I tihnk I'll write them an email asking about it.

I don't plan on overclocking, but then again, I may try it.

My intended use is mostly watching movies, listening to music, web, programming, and some gaming. The only reason I picked the x1600 was because it was the best card that was low profile. I do not intend to run dual monitors, or HDMI as far as I know.

Thanks for pointing out that CPU, I'll make sure I change mine to that one.

I only picked the DDR2 800 because I'm not planning on building another computer anytime soon, so I just would like to be using the most popular RAM for a couple years to come.

As for the noise.. I'm not really picky just as long as it's not too loud.

Thanks for your reply.
 
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alimoalem

Diamond Member
Sep 22, 2005
4,025
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what's your budget?

G.SKILL DDR2-800
OCZ DDR2-800

i would go with these two ram kits

you may also want to consider the graphic card on the left: link. the one you selected is the one on the right.

it seems like you're skimping a bit in some places so i'm guessing you're tight on the budget. waht do you plan on doing with this?
 
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cchase88

Member
Feb 12, 2007
51
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0
Well I wanted to build a SFF computer, but it seems to be causing more problems than anything. Maybe I'll just go with a regular Mid-Tower ATX case instead. I don't game much, but when I do I like to play HL2, COD2, and maybe some newer games. I may be able to spend a little more but would like to keep it around the same price ($600).
 
Zap

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
I think your list will for the most part meet your stated goals. As suggested, get the lower wattage CPU and forget about aftermarket cooling (can always add later if you change your mind).

If you change your mind about the case, then choose one that doesn't use half height cards - that will open up your choices significantly. In the $130 price range of that ATI card, IMO the Nvidia Geforce 7600GT will be a better performer, or the x1650xt. Also, besides ATX power supplies, some cases (though not the one you choose) use a format called SFX which is actually a standard and you can purchase some decent aftermarket units in that format. Athenatech makes some cases which can be used either as a tower or as a desktop, and (as a tower) is under 6" wide, under 14" tall and under 15" deep. There are also some other brands with similar cases. Here's one that is similar, with a good PSU.
 
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Smartazz

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2005
6,128
0
76
Originally posted by: Zap
I think your list will for the most part meet your stated goals. As suggested, get the lower wattage CPU and forget about aftermarket cooling (can always add later if you change your mind).

If you change your mind about the case, then choose one that doesn't use half height cards - that will open up your choices significantly. In the $130 price range of that ATI card, IMO the Nvidia Geforce 7600GT will be a better performer, or the x1650xt. Also, besides ATX power supplies, some cases (though not the one you choose) use a format called SFX which is actually a standard and you can purchase some decent aftermarket units in that format. Athenatech makes some cases which can be used either as a tower or as a desktop, and (as a tower) is under 6" wide, under 14" tall and under 15" deep. There are also some other brands with similar cases. Here's one that is similar, with a good PSU.
Click to expand...

IDK how loud the X1650XT might be, but the cheaper Nvidia heatsinks are very loud, just something to consider when buying a card.
 
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cchase88

Member
Feb 12, 2007
51
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0
Ok, so lets say I change the case to a micro ATX mini tower instead of a slim one. What is the best possible card I can get for under $200 dollars? The last card I had was a ATI x700. It ran half life 2 fine on my system along with COD2. What would be my best bet for a card today that will be able to play some games further into the future?
 
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cchase88

Member
Feb 12, 2007
51
0
0
Ok, so I've started a new computer. One more quick question: If a motherboard supports DDR2 800 then DDR2 667 will work on it correct since it is still DDR2? Should I get more 667 or even 533?
 
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Smartazz

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2005
6,128
0
76
Originally posted by: cchase88
Ok, so I've started a new computer. One more quick question: If a motherboard supports DDR2 800 then DDR2 667 will work on it correct since it is still DDR2? Should I get more 667 or even 533?
Click to expand...

Yeah, DDR2 667MHZ RAM will work, but I would not recommend getting 533MHZ, if you're planning to overclock I'd suggest getting faster RAM, the faster the better.
 
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cchase88

Member
Feb 12, 2007
51
0
0
Ok, so I guess the SFF comp is a no go. I guess that's why it's called a wish list. Anyways, I'll post my new comp in the general hardware section.
 
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