Case for 8rda+ & 2100+?

[trackxyj]

I have been reading anandtech for a pretty long time, though I never posted since I am no expert except, ehh, on D2X, CS & DAOC. Anyway, after I began to play Shrouded Isles, my computer became pretty slow now. Today I saw the post of 512MB PC2100 for $53, hmm, I want a new computer, and probably I won't OC.

I am using a Compaq P3 733 now. Everyone who owns the 5BW series shared my pain of no AGP slot, so this time I gonna do it myself. And the problem is: I have never made one from scratch since 486 DX100.

I play game a lot, i got a minidv, I use cable model, and i don't want to spend a lot. lol. So I'll stick with AMD, and here is what I am thinking now:

AMD 2100+ retail box @ newegg $102
Epox 8rda+ @ newegg $112
Raedon 8500LE @ newegg $72 (or should i buy the 128 version for $88? seems got a thread somewhere on it)
512mb PC2100 $54
Maxtor 120GB for $99? (not sure yet, but that is seems not too bad)

I got 32X 48X cdrom, 4X 8X 52X CDRW and dvd-R myself. And now comes the newbie question: what case & PSU should I use? What other stuff I may need? The retail box got heatsink and fan (although i dunno how to attach that on cpu yet. lol), anything else? thanks guys.

 

[godmare]

First off, the case: always good deals here. check it out, compare prices there with Newegg and Directron..
Next, CPU and motherboard look good- you'll be happy with an 8RDA+ check the refurbished section at newegg, though, they may have one there for a lot less. Newegg guarantees their refurbishd product -read their disclaimer for full details. I'd suggeest getting an OEM cpu. you'll lose the waranty, but Newegg offers a one year warranty on OEM cpu's. the reason you want to do that is because AMD's stock cooler sucks, so you save a few bucks on the processor and spend a few bucks on a heatsink/fan combo.
I prefer nVidia over ATI in anything less than the 9700 Pro (check best buy and compusa, etc. for deals on nVidia cards), especially for gaming, but if you're stuck on the 8500LE, spring for the 128MB.
Price on the Ram looks good and the hard drive price is excellent.

A couple of recommendations for Heatsinks:
GC69 at SVC,
SK-7 plus one of these fans at SVC:
Panaflo L1A
Thermaltake Smart Case Fan 2
Y.S. Tech Adjustable

 

[chizow]

Since you don't want to spend a lot, I'd go with an Antec 1080AMG (~$100-$125) for an excellent case and one of the best PSUs out there (430W TruePower). You can get a similar combo cheaper, but the PSU (and your need for one) is what makes this combo excellent for your needs. If you are looking for a case with all the bells and whistles (like a window, etc.) expect to pay more (probably better off buying the case and PSU seperately).

There are deals through Staples and Amazon w/ coupons. Try running a search in hot deals or go over to F@twallet.com to see if they have anything current on the 1080AMG. Otherwise, newegg.com always seems to have a reasonable price on it.
Chiz

 

[trackxyj]

How about this case? Antec SLK3700AMB 350W? It is $73 instead of $119 for 1080amg. I am just concerned that there may be some place incompatible with 8rda+.

Nice suggestion on the CPU. I have no idea AMD fan sux, I'll grab one from your list.

8500LE will be good enough for DAOC SI. I saw one version of Crucial 128mb 8500LE for $91 free fedex shipping. I'll grab it together with $53 Crucial 512 PC2100, or separately and try that 5% off coupon. :-D By the way, 8rda+ said support 2700, it means both 2100 and 2700, right? i thought no advantage to go up to 2700 since CPU is 266FSB?

Ye, I read fW, but fW (why FW is forbidden word here????!!!!!????) is not a place to ask these questions. To make things worse, I forgot my wallet at home today, so I could only sit here and hope crucial won't go oos till tomorrow.

 

[godmare]

Advantage of 2700 or 3200 over 2100 is simply easier overcloacking (which you said you don't want to do anyway) and possibly on less thing to upgrade in a year or whenever, as it will be that much faster.

 

[trackxyj]

Thx. . When I was thinking to buy one new computer last November. the headline on FW is "512MB PC2700 for $124.5!". Today's headline is "512MB PC2700 $53.5".

So, ehh, I'll take 2100 if it is much cheaper.

 

[BSEagle1]

I'd stick with newegg if I were you...buyextremegear has been known to be troublesome, especially with their customer support.
I would suggest, as a case, the aluminum Xaser III. Newegg recently stocked them With lots of room, 7 fans INCLUDED with it, all with filters, and firewire/usb 2.0 ports, not to mention all of the other juicy features that you can find at thermaltakes website, it's one sweet box. I'm getting one later this year