Will this computer be good for at least 2 years?

[Ike0069]

The 6800 GT is fine. OC's nicely too.
AS for the RAM, S754 doesn't support dual channel, but I don't understand why they want you to pay nearly double the price for a 1 GB stick vice 2x512. This makes no sense to me.

 

[Megatomic]

I am guessing here but maybe so he could expand his RAM to 2GB later on. I personally don't see this as necessary as I've been using 1GB of RAM for years now and it has been enough for all the things I do at home.

 

[JE78]

I was looking at that mobo/processor combo myself since i'm in the process up upgarading the 2. But after asking around i've decided to go with the 64 3200+ 939 socket and the MSI "K8N Neo2 Platinum" motherboard. Keeping the APG was important to me since I just got my ATI 9800 pro a few months ago but having the 939 socket will allow me to upgrade easier down the road.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-502&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-468&depa=0

 

[Amaroque]

Originally posted by: Ike0069
I don't understand why they want you to pay nearly double the price for a 1 GB stick vice 2x512. This makes no sense to me.

The point everyone is trying to make, is that with two sticks installed already, you'd need to drop down to DDR 333 if you ever put three sticks (added one more stick) in a 754 board.

But, you don't need a 1 GB stick on a 754 MB. I have 2x 512 MB sticks @ DDR 400 (actually CO'd to 220MHz) running on an ASUS K8N-E Deluxe with no problems whatsoever.

 

[Ausm]

I like your approach. Most people I build computers for want it to last for two years but want to buy the cheapest parts I can find well it doesn't work that way 😉

Good set up you have there.I love that Case very sharp looking and also the 90 degree bays for the hard drives is very desireable also.

Ausm

 

[Malak]

Originally posted by: jibraltor
Damn you guys have expensive advices! 🙂 Maybe I should have said that I have a budget which is around 1500$ US (1800$ CAN). Right now if I change the 2x512MB PC3200 for 1x1024MB of Corsair Value Select I will reach 1800$CAN. If I would change the 6800GT for a 6800U it would put me at least 150$CAN higher which is too much.

My alienware is a lot nice and was only $1800. I'm sure you can find a way to save $300 somewhere.

 

[piasabird]

Sounds like a bunch of hogwash. What is it with all of the end-of-the-line technology remarks. If it is a good processor and fast enough with a good video card it will run fine till you buy the next one. In two years anything you buy will be out of date. In two years time we may all be looking for the new 64 bit dual core processor motherboards and the new dual processor 64 bit operating system.

 

[jibraltor]

Again I have to thank you all for your advices.. they have been very useful.

Right now i'm pretty much confident about buying everything that is on my first post except for the ram and the case fan.

About the ram, I know it's hard to predict the future but do you guys think that 1gig will be enough in the next 2-3 years. If so I would buy 2x512mb since I would save 70$CAN. If not I will buy 1x1024mb but i'm not sure if I should go with Corsair value, Kingston value or OCZ value.

About the case fan, i'm thinking of getting this Antec 120mm instead of the Vantec Stealthfan because it has 79CFM instead of 53CFM with only 1.8dBA more.

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: malak

Originally posted by: jibraltor
Damn you guys have expensive advices! 🙂 Maybe I should have said that I have a budget which is around 1500$ US (1800$ CAN). Right now if I change the 2x512MB PC3200 for 1x1024MB of Corsair Value Select I will reach 1800$CAN. If I would change the 6800GT for a 6800U it would put me at least 150$CAN higher which is too much.

My alienware is a lot nice and was only $1800. I'm sure you can find a way to save $300 somewhere.

Alienware only 1800 bucks? Was that just the case 😉

Ausm

 

[Ike0069]

Well, the S754 is a good idea for you. It definitely gives more performance per $ than the S939. When you decide to upgrade, the S939 won't even be the latest and greatest anymore.
My thoughts about the RAM are this:
Get 2x512 now because it saves money and the 1 GB value sticks run at 3 CL vice 2.5.
If later on you decide you need more, sell one or both 512 sticks then buy the 1 GB sticks. The price will most likely have fallen to close or equal to what 2X512 is.

As for the case fan, I would go with the Antec for the extra air flow. The Sonata doesn't have the best airflow and with a 6800 GT you will want a little extra.

 

[CalvinHobbs]

pls people it's been said over and over again...skt939 will only require a bios upgrade to support dual core..

 

[JE78]

which is why i'm getting the 939 over the 754

 

[jibraltor]

Well there is clearly a division on the S754 vs S939 issue. I think each side have good arguments but all the advantages of the S939 seem to relate to upgradability and all the advantages of the S754 relate to the cost. Since I don't want to upgrade (I know i'm repeating myself!) I think S754 is a wiser choice since even those who are in favor of S939 admit that the performance difference is neglegible.

Apart from this debate my choice of components have not receive too much bad comments so I guess my hours of research were worth it. So tomorrow seems to be the big day... unless someone comes up with a very good reason to change something.

***UPDATE*** I just realised that some prices have drop for the components below and I have also decided to try to build this computer myself so in total I have 175$CAN (about 150$US) that I can use to make this pc better. Tell me what I should do and keep in mind that the main goal is durability not upgradability. Thanks!

 

[corkyg]

Go with what you have chosen. Upgrade paths in your case, are, by your own criteria, irrelevant.

Most any good system wiull be good for two years if you ignore all the technobabble and hype. 🙂