Building a new PC - Please help!

[poopspray]

Hi, I'm building a new system from scratch and I'd like some suggestions/opinions. Here's what I've come up with so far -- the components are followed by their prices (and shipping/tax are already accounted for):

Case - Antec P160WF
$120

PSU - Enermax Noisetaker EG425P-VE-SFM
$68

Mobo - ASUS A8V Deluxe
$100 (refurb)

CPU - Athlon64 3000+ 939pin (1.8 OCed to 2.6)
$155

Heatsink - Thermalright XP-120
$50

RAM - 2 X 512MB PC3200, unsure on specific brands, specs
$150-200

Sound - On-board
$0

Graphics - BFG nVidia GeForce 6800 GT
$330 (discounted)

Monitor - NEC/Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 930sb (W/O SV)
$300

DVD Burner - NEC ND-3500A
$70

HDs - WD740 (Partitioned)
$165 total

Mouse - Logitech MX1000
$70

Now, my budget is around $1500 (including all shipping, I've gotten free shipping for a lot, though), so I don't really want to spend more than that. There are a few sacrifices I've had to make. But I'd be very willing to reallocate funds between components. For example, spend less on the case and more on the CPU, or get an MX510 instead of MX1000. So what do you all think?

I'll be using Windows XP. Also, I'm using the system primarily for gaming, but I'll be programming/compiling, and also using 3D apps for MOD making. Thanks again.

Thank you very much.

 

[mechBgon]

Get a major-name, quality-brand power supply like Enermax, is my first reaction Hope that helps.

 

[coolred]

I agree on the power supply, always go brand name for something that important. Most people don't realize how important clean quality power is.



Poopspray, that just made me laugh a little. How did you come up with that name?

 

[poopspray]

Thanks guys.

Actually, I've read many good reviews about that particular PSU, but, as it turns out, it doesn't have an SATA power connector. I believe the WD Raptor hard drive is SATA. I don't know if I could use an adapter or something, but I may as well go with a well known brand with the SATA power supply.

So Enermax is good then? What about wattage? What do you all think is sufficient? Keep in mind the 6800 GT -- I hear it's a power hog.

Thanks again, and please make other suggestions if you see something I could switch around to get a better system (w/in the price range).


PS: The name poopspray was contrived about two or three years ago in a UK chatroom by my self. Don't ask me how, but I'm pretty sure extreme boredom played a role in its creation -- I was at school. I remember when I felt glee at the very utterance of the word. Now, I'm really use to it though.

 

[Mrvile]

Right, but a 6800GT should only require about 400w, 450 to be safe. Other good brands include OCZ, PCP&C, Tagan, Fortron, Antec (all suggested from fellow forumers). If your power supply doesn't include SATA, you can always get an adapter for a few bucks.

Everything else looks good, good luck with your system Don't forget a keyboard though

 

[Blackjack2000]

Yeah, Antec and Enermax are the ones that have the best reputation around here. Even considering the 6800 GT, 400 watt should be enough.

 

[poopspray]

Alright, I'm going for the Enermax Noisetaker EG425P-VE-SFM. It's 425w, looks like its got some nice features (dual fan, automatic/manual RPM adjustment, SATA connectors), and the price is right.

One final question I hope: what do you all think about the mobo? I've got the Abit AV8 (K8T800 Pro) listed, but I've been told that I should try the nForce3 boards, the Gigabyte GA-K8NS Ultra-939 (http://www.newegg.com/app/View...13-128-263&depa=0) I've been told is decent. The on-board sound on that one is better. But any general reason I should go for nForce3 over K8T800 Pro? What about overclocking? I don't plan to now, but perhaps in the future.

And if I should go nForce3, is the Gigabyte a good choice?

I'm full of questions. Thanks guys for your time.

 

[ts3433]

The onboard sound on an NF3 vs a K8T800 is no better. You may be confusing that with the Soundstorm on some NF2 boards (that feature is now dead). Many seem to recommend the Epox, MSI, and I think maybe Soltek NF3 boards on both S754 and S939 (because of the on-die RAM controller on the A64, these chipsets compete mainly on features, especially OC potential).

I have heard 36GB Raptors are quite a waste... if you go for one, get a 74GB; if that's too much (might be considering your budget), you should probably just go for a single 160GB drive, maybe another small one for OS if you want. That should be quieter, and not slow the system much at all (assuming they're 8MB buffer drives).

 

[poopspray]

Well, the Abit AV8 has AC97 6-Ch while the Gigabyte has ALC850 8-Ch. I got the impression that the ALC850 was built off the AC97 so I assumed it was just a better version. Regardless, that's not a huge issue, as long as I have front/rear/center and A3D and EAX.

Yeah, getting the WD360 over the WD740 was a budget problem. I'm not sure how to go about the hard drive issue. I figured I'd only be using the WD360 for the OS anyway so size wasn't a factor, but I do realize that the WD740 is much better for the price...

You said maybe just get a 160GB w/ 8MB buffer. What is a decent HD that size for under $165? Also, I'm not really concerned about the amount of HD space. So if I just go for a single drive...maybe I should consider a WD740?

I want to try to keep my OS running smoothly. I don't know how much partitioning does in practive, but does anyone know if WinXP automatically sets aside a HD partition for itself? I think I read it did, but I can't recall exactly where or if I'm just making things up.

 

[villageidiot111]

If you like that case, I would recommend spending another nine bucks and getting the P160-WF, http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=11-129-144&depa=1 . It comes with another case fan and an awesome window. However, if you don't want the window, then just get the P160. I actually own the P160-WF, and am quite happy with it. The only problem I have had with it is that the hdd activity light doesn't work, and after reading a few reviews, this seems to be pretty common. I would definately recommend it.

 

[poopspray]

May as well right? Nine bucks = extra fan + window. Thanks dude! Only problem I see is myself having an urge to go out and spend my moola on case modding junk. Oh well...such is life for us poor deprived computing folk.

 

[Zinn2b]

I NOT ABSOLUTLY POSITIVE but I believe the nvidia 6800 requirs a PSU of 480 watts thats no kidding

 

[Gamingphreek]

Originally posted by: Zinn2b
I NOT ABSOLUTLY POSITIVE but I believe the nvidia 6800 requirs a PSU of 480 watts thats no kidding

Peak power consumption for the 6800U is ~112Watts IIRC. People can run it fine on a quality 250watt (ie SFF users) and regular uses can run it on a 300watt quality.

*Sigh* Zinn you really dont get it do you, the world will be a much better place if you just stopped posting!

STFU TROLL

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

I have two p160-WF cases and they're schweet.
My HDD light doesn't work for me either, but it's really nice having two temperature probes. I have one on my CPU, the other on the hard drive.
If you'd like to see my latest system build, go here.
It's all high end stuff, but you'll get to see what your case looks like.
http://www.nogodforme.com/MyBabyTera.htm

 

[poopspray]

OK, guys. I've been doing a little reading and a bit of decision-making here. A couple changes have been made, but I'm pretty sure this is it. Here are the changes --

Case - Antec P160WF

Mobo - ASUS A8V Deluxe

HD - WD740 (Partitioned)

CPU - Athlon64 3000+ 939pin (1.8 OCed to 2.6)

Heatsink - Thermalright XP-120

RAM -- I'm not so sure anymore.

From what I've read here, the ASUS is a pretty good choice AND is compatible with the XP-120, which is great because I've opted for the slower Athlon64 3000+ (before I wanted a 3200+), but I'm gonna OC it.

The WD740 I think is a good choice because I don't need all that much space, and I can always buy a new drive. Plus, Newegg has a $25 MIR right now.

But I do have two questions before I commit. I've never OCed before. (1) Am I going to need a specific type of RAM to get the 3000+ to operate at 2.6GHz? I know next to nothing about OCing but I've heard RAM timings must be right in order to OC the CPU. (2) Will the stock fan that comes with the CPU work with the XP-120? And even if it does, is it a sufficient cooling solution in coordination with the heatsink?

Thanks guys, you've influenced my decisions greatly.