Buying PC components now

[apopilot]

I am actually purchasing all of my new PC components now.

Currently I have the 3200+ VENICE core. I will overclock.
ASUS A8N-SLI
Corsair XPERT 1Gb memory
Thermaltake water cooling


What DVD-R burner should I go with. I have narrowed it down to the PLEXTOR, SONY, and PIONEER.

Please post your opinions.

Thanks

 

[i1o0i]

Try NEC ND-3540 DVD Burner.. I think its worth to have nice fast dvd burner that release recently.

 

[twitchee2]

or the 3520a thats a good one too

 

[Boa Constrictor]

I am having a lot of trouble with my NEC burner, so I would say Plextor. Never had a problem with them.

 

[apopilot]

I have noticed a premium price on the PLEXTOR. Why is that?

I am also looking at the PIONEER DVR-109 and the SONY 716 model? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Nick5324]

Not the Sony. I've heard the plextor is good, but it is crazy expensive. I have the NEC 3520, great drive, and the pioneer DVR-109 is based on the NEC chipset and also considered a great drive. So, based on your list, i'd get the pioneer.

 

[apopilot]

Are there any reviews on these drives anywhere?

 

[imported_Kensai]

If you're going to be overclocking, you'll want a DFI board and OCZ VX memory.

 

[imported_rod]

DVR-109 is a very nice burner. Fastest available (can go even faster with firmware update) and burns DVD-R DL.

That is a good motherboard, but you will want to replace the Chipset fan on it. It will run fine for a few months, but then it will start getting loud, and in the end it will more than likely fail. Trust me on this, Im actually buying the Zalman ZM-NB47J tomorrow to replace the chipset fan on my A8N-SLI deluxe, which is honestly the loudest component in my system at the moment. If your interested, there's a big thread (in motherboards i think) about the A8N-SLI chipset fan- but in the end the reccomendation is to go with the passive Zalman.

RoD

 

[apopilot]

You think if I go with the PLEXTOR I will be happy with it. I have read some great reviews on it.

 

[apopilot]

I also have two final very important questions.

Should I install MEDIA CENTER XP on this PC I am builing. I basically will be using it for gaming and surfing the web. I also would like to incorporate MEDIA CENTER or should I build a dedicated PC for that?

2nd, I have placed an order for a BFG tech NVIDIA PCI EXPRESS 256MB board. I ordered two of them. Did I do the right thing here by not spending more cash on the 6800's?

Thanks

 

[imported_Kensai]

You should've went with a single 6800GT instead.. Or an ultra if you got a good deal.

 

[i1o0i]

On the list you are looking at, I would recommend Plextor DVD Burner if you willing to spend 125 bucks for it

 

[i1o0i]

Well.. its up to you if you want to install MCE 2005 in your system...

 

[apopilot]

Ok Plextor it is. I also changed my order to one 6600GT 256 MB card.

Any idea when the new GEFORCE cards are going to be released?

 

[apopilot]

Ok one thing left!!! Should I put Media CENTER on this PC?

 

[vrbaba]

Originally posted by: apopilot
Ok one thing left!!! Should I put Media CENTER on this PC?

find out what media center really gives you...I think like less than 5% of ppl on AT actually have media center.
You can do all the media related things on your computer...I dunno why you would want another pc.
BUT if you really do...I say go to BestBuy or Costco or so...and look for a Sony media center desktop PC. Those are fully loaded with All kinds of memory slots (SD, CF, Stick). Also they come with a sound card and video card great enough to input/output video and sound. They have built in rca inputs, and all kindso f stuff. The case is custom built for it...and it looks really nice. Of course, they are optimized for media performance. I dont think you would wanna get one of those and overclock it. They have pentium 4, HT with up to 3.2 ghz cpu...and that should be great enough for all your media/video needs.

 

[apopilot]

Appreciate the input but I would never buy a pre-built PC from SONY. I would like to record all of my programs, photos, and videos on my PC and distribute them to 6 rooms with televisions via MEDIA EXTENDER devices.

Thank you,

 

[apopilot]

Just cancelled my order for the 6800 and replaced it with the 7800. Does anyone have this card yet?

 

[Mrvile]

Originally posted by: apopilot
Just cancelled my order for the 6800 and replaced it with the 7800. Does anyone have this card yet?

Well, I would NOT have gotten a 7800 now because it's a bit overpriced (I'd give it a few months, maybe even a few weeks). Probably would've gotten a 6800GT right now.