Will This PC Work?

[BJanak]

Sorry to add another one of these to the board but I just wanted to have a few people check my work and be sure this would all work and I'm not making unneccessary purchases:


Cooler Master Cavalier 1 Silver/Blue ATX Mid Tower Case With analog dial & 350W Power Supply, Model "CAV-T01-WWA" -RETAIL (~100)

ASUS "A8N-SLI Deluxe" nForce4 SLI Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL (~$180)

AMD Athlon 64 3500+, 512K, L2 Cache, Socket 939 Windows Compatible 64-bit Processor - Retail (~$270)

Mushkin Blue Dual Pack 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail (~$180)

BFG Technologies GEFORCE 6600GT OC 128MB DDR3 RETAIL (~$240)

Western Digital 160GB WD1600JDRTL Serial ATA (SATA/150) 8MB - Retail Hard Drive Kit (~$70)

NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Black, Model ND-3520A BK, OEM (~$60)

[SB Audigy X-Gamer] (stripped from current system)


That's the basics. I want to have a solid gaming computer (CS:Source, etc) as well as a good graphics station (3D Studio Max, Compositing, etc). I realize I've geared this toward gaming, couldn't help it. I'm trying to keep the prices bearable, and I like the option that in a few years if when the graphics card listed above drops in price, I can throw another in my PC and boost its power (Am I right on this?). I don't plan to OC as I'm not expereinced in it, hence the Graphics Card Manufacturer and RAM choices. Do I need to invest in a substantially better Power Supply to run this or is the 350w with the case gonig to cut it. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and patience.

-Bret

 

[sangyup81]

You'll probably have problems with that PSU if you stick in a 2nd 6600 GT.

 

[BJanak]

Understandable, when that occurs (most likely a year or two from now), I'd upgrade the PS as well. Should I just take that step now and spend an extra $100 for a reliable top notch PS?

 

[ohnnyj]

Going w/that PSU is probably not such a wise decision. If you happen to browse through these and many other forums you will notice that many causes of instability with this particular motherboard stem from an inadequate PSU. Get a quality 400W+ from Antec, Enermax, OCZ, or my favorite PCP&C. If you spend extra on a really high-end PSU now you can use it in further upgrades down the future. Using a cheap one now will most likely give you problems and a limited/no upgrade path for the future. Also you may want to keep your eyes peeled at the Hot Deals forum as I have seen the X800XL going for $270 which is not much more for a much better card that will perform great in Source games such as CS:S.

 

[Twsmit]

Why not use some corsair value ram? Saves $50+ Also why not get a NF4 Ultra board and go with a 6800GT. Wouldnt hurt to drop down to a A64 3200+ and OC it if you need more speed.

With the savings you could fit in the 6800GT and still have a very respectable rig.

 

[shoRunner]

you could spend less on the hard drive and memory

cheaper hard drive and 2X as big:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-148-018&depa=1

and buy 2 of these and save some on the memory:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-164&depa=1

 

[BJanak]

Changed the Hard Drive, and will be looknig into better PS's tomorrow. I was going for better RAM as I have no background in OC'ing, and until this system is in need of it, I won't be diving in head first. The Ram I choose was not the best quality, but a nice mid-range choice, I think .
I choose the motherboard for the stability, future options, and SLI for future upgrades. Thanks for the suggestions/recomendations and help.

 

[BJanak]

Ok, looking at 3 Mid to High Lvl Power Supplies, Opinions which would be based based on system and possible future addition of another duplicate graphics card?

OCZ PowerStream 420W Power Supply With Adjustable Power Rails With LED Indicators, SATA Connector, Model "OCZ420ADJ" -RETAIL ($101.50)

or..

E-POWER "Tagan" Series 480W Power Supply, Model "TG-480" -RETAIL ($78.99)

 

[BJanak]

or..

Cooler Master Real Power 120mm fan 450W Power Supply With Active PFC, Model "RS-450-ACLY" -RETAIL ($80)

I'm guessing that they're all nice and it's probably gonig to come down to a personal choice, am I right?

 

[Sqube]

Well, you've got a window in your case; if you're looking for some flash, that OCZ couldn't hurt. I've heard a lot of good things about Tagan as well.

I think you'd be alright with either one, personally.

 

[ribbon13]

$76 Seasonic ST400 w/ a beefy 22A 12v rail.

Don't get that CM psu no matter what... low amp dual rails are a BIG no-no.

2x$58 Corsair VS512MB400
With the free shipping and is the reliable brand.

 

[BJanak]

Hm, will either/both the OCZ PowerStream 420W or the Tagan 480w be usable for the future upgrade to SLI (2Xgeforce 6600gt, will currently only run 1) ??