Buying an Athlon 64 system, need advice

[JustinTD79]

I'm having issues with my current computer and have decided to just scrap it all. I have a P4 2.8 Ghz with an Asus P4T533 mobo (with a noisy fan) and 512mb PC4200 rd-ram (one stick).
I can't seem to get an OS on this thing anymore, and im pretty sure the hardware is to blame.

Anyway, I'm going to order an Athlon 64, a mobo (PCI-e/SLI), and ram within a day or two. I'm not planning on overclocking anything, but i do want really good performance. What do you suggest? I'm thinking im going to just use my current 430w Antech PSU, Audigy 2, ATI Radeon 9700 Pro (for now), and Antech server case w/ 3 case fans. Will that PSU be enough? And can i use my current ATA drives with an nForce4 mobo, or do i need to get SATA drives?

If possible, please advise me of where to go for the best prices. Thanks a lot.

 

[wisdomtooth]

You won't be able to use your current ATI Radeon 9700Pro with a PCIe-SLI motherboard-- Those mobos won't take AGP cards.

HTH.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Your 9700Pro is not compatible with an SLI board. It's AGP, thus it ain't gonna fit in a PCI-E slot. The 430W will server you well for now. ATA drives are fine.

Maybe a Venice 3000+ and an MSI K8N Neo4 SLI, possibly an OCZ 1GB kit of Value VX.

 

[bocamojo]

If you're not going to overclock, and you're looking for a decent socket 754 board for that Athlon 64, you could go with an ECS 755-A2. They are not very overclockable, but are very stable and run great at stock speeds. I bought my ECS and Athlon 64 3000+ from SMK Superstore for about 180 shipped, but that was a few months ago, so I would imagine the prices are different now. If you go with a setup like this, you will be able to use your Radeon 9700, since this board is AGP 8X (I have an ATI AIW 9800 Pro in mine). The board also supports both ATA and S-ATA drives, so you won't have any problems carrying over your existing hardware. As for good prices, I always start with pricewatch.com, then go from there. I prefer newegg, mwave and monarch, but a lot of others in here recommend places like zipzoomfly and chiefvalue. I don't have any experience with them, so I can't really say if they are good or not, but I can say newegg and mwave are my primary places to buy online from. I've never had any problems from them with buying and receiving my hardware in good condition, at a fair price.

 

[imported_rod]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Your 9700Pro is not compatible with an SLI board. It's AGP, thus it ain't gonna fit in a PCI-E slot.

It is possible to get an AGP card into a PCI-E slot. All you need is a large enough hammer and a sturdy workbench.

RoD

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: rod

Originally posted by: Kensai
Your 9700Pro is not compatible with an SLI board. It's AGP, thus it ain't gonna fit in a PCI-E slot.

It is possible to get an AGP card into a PCI-E slot. All you need is a large enough hammer and a sturdy workbench.

RoD

I guess, I was deemed wrong. If it works is another story.