Building a new rig

[Slik]

This is what i'm gonna be building, If you know of a place selling these parts cheaper please let me know.
any comments are appreciated.

AMD FX-55 [$910] http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...sp?ProductCode=80723-R

Corsair TWINX2048-3200PRO 2048MB DDR400 XMS3200 ProSeries [$517] http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...p?ProductCode=80097-48

nVidia 6800 Ultra {eVGA, BFG ONLY} [$500-$600] Still can't find a store with them in stock. (yes, Circuit city is out of stock too)

MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum [$134] http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=241143

XP-120 [$50?] Would really like this heatsink, but the MSI K8N Neo2 dosen't support it, any suggestions?

Raptor 10,000RPM SATA [$170] http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...ProductCode=101222-RFB

Ultra X-Connect 500W PSU [$99] http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=273001

MSI XA52P DVD 16x + CD-RW 52x24x52x [$54] http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=174407



That should be everything,

3-3-3-8 latency settings were the best I found for the memory (1024x2).

Oh almost forgot, I was origionally waiting for Nforce4/SLI to come out, but now i'm hearing that it won't be out till December; Is this true?

 

[JenniAMDCHP]

I'm waiting on the XP -120 cooler to try in my FX-53. As far as mobo go - I don't know if the socket 939 Gigabyte K8NSNXP supports the FX-55 - prolly wouldn't be too hard to find out? I haven't had much trouble with mine, thus far. Also - something that might further make you think twice about buying MSI motherboard besides the heat sink thing --> http://forums.anandtech.com/me...7864&amp;enterthread=y <-- Someone found out that cpu multipliers aren't what they seem on the board - though this is only relevent if you plan to overclock. By the looks of what you're buying you either want top of the line or you plan on overclocking I guess?

I only have a Seagate 7200 rpm 120 gig sata hard drive in my system. I guess if I ever need more room, I can go from there - but you may want to get a larger-sized 7200 rpm hd to store general things/music or whatever isn't something that requires those lightning quick rpm's.

The FX-55 is essentially something that is very overclock friendly. IE if you don't plan to mess with overclocking at all, you may want to consider the athlon 4000 - which - correct me if I'm wrong guys - has the same or just about the same power as an FX-55 and is somewhat cheaper. It just has a locked multiplier. I'm not sure what else differentiates, but if you don't plan on doing hardcore overclocking you may want to save some dough.

I'm still using my crappy PNY GeForce 4 4000 / 64 DDR ram right now. Trying to find a Gainsward or Leadtek 6800 GT card - I really like the design on those brands.

What about the case? That's one of the most important things when building a new system, I think. Lots of variety - and the 'perfect' case out there depends on what you plan on using your system for. Anyhoo, good luck.
-Jen


http://forums.anandtech.com/me...7864&amp;enterthread=y

 

[oldman420]

Get the new Epox mb It beats the msi in game benches.
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2253
aside from that thumbs up.

 

[Nickel020]

The next best heatsink if you can't use the XP-120 is the Thermalright XP-90 which uses 92mm fans instead of 120mm. You may want to look at a motherboard that supports the XP-120 though, the recent Epox review here on Anandtech looks promising (link above).
Also, the 4000+ is the same as a FX-53 (not FX-55) with locked multipliers.

Also what do you need 2GB of RAM for? If you are a gamer you will be better of with 1GB of faster 2-2-2-5 RAM.

Edit: spelling

 

[effee]

Another $$ setup

 

[Mrvile]

If you're willing to put all you have into this comp, why don't you wait for SLI and slap two 6800GTs into it? If that's too much money you can pull back from an FX55 and use like a 51 or a 3800+

 

[Slik]

JenniAMDCHP - Going to be using my old case, Its an all clear acrylic case

oldman420 - Might get that Epox MB.. Theres also ASUS A8V or A8N..

Nickel020 - I understand where your coming from but I think 2GB RAM will be neccessary to run settings in certain games to the max, EQ2 is a good example.
Also someone recommended me the OC-Z Platnium Enhanced Low Latency Rev 2. RAM CL 2-2-2-10 CMD T1; Gonna go check thato out.

Mrvile - I would be more than happy to invest in at least one 6800Ultra PCIe with an SLI board so I can upgrade later when I have more money, BUT even if that was the case everyone is saying SLI won't be out till December; I can't wait that long, EQ2 Comes out November 8th.


All comments are appreciated, please keep them coming if possible

 

[masshass81]

I would consider getting a 90nm 3000+ for ~$600 cheaper that overclocks to FX-55 speeds

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: Slik
All comments are appreciated, please keep them coming if possible

Here's my comment. With the budget you're using to build one computer, I can build two identical computers that will provide >95% of the performance.

In other words, I can build the same computer for half the price.

But it's your money. If bragging about an FX55 makes your e-penis longer, go for it.

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

I would almost consider buying higher speed memory (PC4400) if you are going with relaxed timings.
Some can OC their PC3200 memory by 100mz. The most many would ever need is about 50mz.
In my case, the most I could OC my Corsair PC3200XLPro (2225) is 231mz FSB on the MB. That keeps me from reaching 2.8, and I hear the FX55 is a nice overclocker, so you'll need fast memory, even if it means relaxed timings.
I'm probably going to be sending mine back to Corsair for replacement as one stick is not running Prime95 at 2225 timings.
Lets say you buy PC3200 memory, and it only OCs by say 30mz, the highest you would hit would be 3.0 (230x13), and then you'd wonder why others are hitting 3.2 or 3.4. Not that you would leave it there, just that people want to know they can.

If you're spending that much money, you'll eventually want to get the Koolance Exos AL.
You can get the parts on Newegg. Main unit is $200, CPU block is $50, and then you need the FX53/55 adapter from the Koolance website for $7, or you bend the clips they give you. You can start out with the stock heat sink and fan to begin with, and then install the Koolance after you get your system up and running.

On the BFG Ultra OC, I got mine from www.outpost.com, but mine is the water block version, so they had it in stock. I built my system with an older Ti4400 just to get it running.

You can read about my system here if you haven't already seen my web site.
http://www.nogodforme.com/MyBabyTera.htm

 

[nick1985]

517 for RAM?!?!

you can spend 150 on a gig of basic 3200 and you will NEVER notice the difference. over $350 in savings and maybe a 1% performance hit...maybe.

 

[MatthewMaes]

I found this site from PriceWatch and they have very good prices. They are located near me even so I get my parts the next day.

Run Time Computers

seems decent to me, but that is alot of coin to spend.

Also, if they don't have what you are looking for, send them an email and they should price it out for you, as they can order anything.

 

[integramodder]

Originally posted by: Slik
MSI XA52P DVD 16x + CD-RW 52x24x52x [$54] http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=174407

How do you like this?

 

[slpaulson]

I'd definately spend an extra $10 and get an antec Neo power supply, if you're sticking with a modular power supply. Those Ultras aren't the highest of quality, or so I've been told.

 

[Ike0069]

Get a better PSU. Why spend almost $1500 on just your CPU and RAM, then cheap out on a $99 PS of questionable quality.

 

[integramodder]

Look at the post date guys, I brought this back asking him about the drive....