Building a new PC...again :)

[Anaxibius]

I built a new PC last year and it works like a dream. I am going to be building another PC soon and it seems like the technology has changed completely since I last did this. I am going to go the AMD route this time...partly based on what I am reading here and partly out of curiosity. I am not going to go top of the line, but just under to get the deals. From what I know the XP3200 looks like the processor for me. I need recommendations for Mobo (DFI or Epox), memory, Vid card, case etc.

Again....I am not looking top of the line. Given some bargain shopping, I want the total for the PC to be below $1300. I may overclock, but that is not hugely important to me. Primary for me is 2gb of memory, PCIe video card and cool case (both temp and looks).

Thanks

EDIT: Also what do I need to know about AMD that doesn't apply to intel? Memory issues, types of memory, is the X2 worth it? Stuff like that.

 

[w00t]

wait your budget is a 1,300 and you want a xp3200.... wow.

 

[CreativeTom]

The X2 is worth it....yes

I would at least go with a 3000+ Venice Socket 939 rather then the XP3200, doesn't make much sense to go with an XP processor right now, especially with a $1300 budget.

I would go with a X2 3800+ with the Epox MOBO and 2GB of Corsair Value Select.


Then I would go with the 7800GT for video, and work out the rest of what you want, it will probably be your personal opinion with what case to get since you want something that looks cool. I would personally think about a P180 or maybe a lesser Antec case and nice Antec or Fortron PSU.

Good luck.

 

[Anaxibius]

My bad. Meant Athlon 64 3200. I have been reading way too many terms I am not familiar with in the last few days.

 

[Anaxibius]

Originally posted by: CreativeTom

I would go with a X2 3800+ with the Epox MOBO and 2GB of Corsair Value Select.

I would personally think about a P180 or maybe a lesser Antec case and nice Antec or Fortron PSU.

Will the Scythe Ninja cooler work on this processor without a fan and will it fit inside this case? The cooler looks huge, but I want one!

 

[theMan]

athlon 64 X2 3800+ - $380
Epox 9npa+ ultra - $100
Corsair Value select 2x512mb - $85
eVGA 7800 gt - $415
antec p180 - $130
fortron 500w blue storm - $85
seagate 7200.8 (200-400gb) - $100-$265
NEC 3540a burner - $45

Total is $1340 if you get the 200gb drive.

Then get a thermalright xp90 and fan for like $30

 

[Anaxibius]

What coler is the Antec P180 behind the front cover?

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: Anaxibius
What coler is the Antec P180 behind the front cover?

Black.

 

[Bona Fide]

Black. And yes the Scythe Ninja will work beautifully without a fan. Especially inside the P180.

 

[Topweasel]

Black

 

[Anaxibius]

This is what I have so far:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800BVBOX - Retail $380

Case: Antec P180 $133

PSU: Blue Fortron 500W Storm Power Supply, 24/20PIN, 12CM FAN, Remote ON/OFF Control, Model: AX500-A, Retail box $84

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 SATA NCQ ST3120827AS 120GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM $88 (Don't need a huge drive)

Memory: 2x1gb Corsair Value Select $206

Mobo: Epox 9npa+ ultra - $105

The only thing I am waffling on (well not the only thing, but the big thing) is the video card.


That comes in at $996 without the video card and CPU fan.

I am leaning towards the Ninja, but may wait until the new CNPS9500 hits the shelves. What is the best Sub $300 video card I can buy?

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: Anaxibius
This is what I have so far:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800BVBOX - Retail $380

Case: Antec P180 $133

PSU: Blue Fortron 500W Storm Power Supply, 24/20PIN, 12CM FAN, Remote ON/OFF Control, Model: AX500-A, Retail box $84

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 SATA NCQ ST3120827AS 120GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM $88 (Don't need a huge drive)

Memory: 2x1gb Corsair Value Select $206

Mobo: Epox 9npa+ ultra - $105

The only thing I am waffling on (well not the only thing, but the big thing) is the video card.


That comes in at $996 without the video card and CPU fan.

I am leaning towards the Ninja, but may wait until the new CNPS9500 hits the shelves. What is the best Sub $300 video card I can buy?

You should be able to nail a 6800GT or an x850XT (PE).
Get the Ninja.. Looking at the preliminary results of the 9500, it's underperforming.

 

[CreativeTom]

Well are you sure you can't squeeze another $100 for a video card???

The 7800GT is really nice for about $400
if not how about another $50 extra for a card with the x850xt

If you you really can't go another $50-100 more for a video card, I would say go with a x800xl for the money it can't be beat, and you can get one for about $245 now I think.

 

[theMan]

i dont know if you will be able to run 2x1gb of that because it wont come in a set. i dont think it costs $206 does it?

 

[Anaxibius]

Originally posted by: theman
i dont know if you will be able to run 2x1gb of that because it wont come in a set. i dont think it costs $206 does it?

Forgive my ignorance, but what does this mean? I assumed you could buy two 3200 chips and use them. Am I wrong? On my 1 year old rig I used 2 512's that were not a set to my knowledge and they worked fine.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

very nice choice of case man, i have the P160, and was very very tempted to jump up to the P180 its stunning and very very well designed

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: Anaxibius

Originally posted by: theman
i dont know if you will be able to run 2x1gb of that because it wont come in a set. i dont think it costs $206 does it?

Forgive my ignorance, but what does this mean? I assumed you could buy two 3200 chips and use them. Am I wrong? On my 1 year old rig I used 2 512's that were not a set to my knowledge and they worked fine.

with the latest AMD boards and CPU's (which is what your getting here)

you should be able to run 2x1Gb sticks just fine, so long as they are rated at the same speeds and timings (well they just need to be capable of the same speeds and timings) then your fine

AMD have even fixed it now so that you can run 4x512 sticks at the full PC3200 without issue

 

[Anaxibius]

I want to thank all of you guys for your responses. I have been diligantly researching all of your suggections and I already feel like I am getting a grip on what's going on.

Thanks again.

 

[Anaxibius]

Ok...I have been looking at the 7800GT. Is there a huge difference between say a AOpen http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814135184 vs. a eVGA http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130239 ?

Seems to me outside of BF2 (which I don't need) that they are the same other than price. $20 may seem like a little bit, but every dollar counts in my book.

EDIT: Ahhh...nm...memory speed.

 

[Anaxibius]

I hate to keep bumping this post, but I keep seeing new info as I am reading about what you guys have showed me so far.

What about the XFX, Leadtech or PNY versions of these cards? Same specs...lower price than eVGA. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[theMan]

xfx and pny are not very good, i have had experience with both. xfx has no tech support at all, and they're cooler for my 6600gt sucks, and they're owners manual just says, "take the card out of the box and put it in the agp slot. the end" leadtek is a very good company, but i think you should go with eVGA. they have a really good warrantee and its quality stuff.

 

[Crescent13]

You should get an EVGA or BFG Graphic card. DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER GETTING AN XFX OR PNY CARD. They are the two worst companies in the industry. here is how it goes,

EVGA = BFG > Leadtek >>>>>>>>>>> XFX = PNY.

The XFX and PNY cards are poorly manufactured, and they have absolutly terrible warrantys. EVGA and BFG use japaneese transistors, and therefore are more reliable and stable (i think, correct me if i'm wrong). Also EVGA and BFG have lifetime warrantys.

Since you don't need alot of space, I would get a small (80-160GB) SATAII samsung hard drive. Very quiet, reliable, and fast because of SATAII + NCQ + fluid bearings. Everything else looks good.

 

[Dan121]

^i can back that up about the samsung sata hard drive, ive hda one for a while and can only hear the thing during big installations like windows my tv thats about 8 feet away at volume 8 or 7 puts out more soud then my computer

 

[Anaxibius]

Originally posted by: Crescent13
Since you don't need alot of space, I would get a small (80-160GB) SATAII samsung hard drive. Very quiet, reliable, and fast because of SATAII + NCQ + fluid bearings. Everything else looks good.

How do I tell if it is SATAII? If it says 3gb/sec is it SATAII? Is this what you are talking about? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822152020