Help Building Nice, Stable Setup

[Shorty28]

I've basically been out of computer trends loop since I built my last computer (P3 550 Cumine), and was hoping for some help setting up a new box. I don't play too many games anymore, but I am looking for something that fly through common applications and photoshop. I'm looking to stay pretty cheap, but will be buying parts along the way, and can splurge on a few items if necessary. From reading around here the past few days, I've come to the conclusion that I would be cool with a Athlon XP 1600(seems to have the right balance between performance and price). The main things I'm wondering about are: what steps should I take to keep the processor cooled well (I will not be overclocking at all)? what is a good, stable motherboard? what kind of case/PS should I get? and what's the best value for a video card right now? Thanks for any input on this...

 

[Thor86]

From what your needs are:

1) Get the fastest processor you can afford.

2) Get at least 256 megs of ram.

3) Get a video card with at least 32 megs of ram. I would suggest an ATI if you are not into games much, but mostly for application usage.

4) Win2k Professional for your OS.

Anything else?

 

[teddymines]

Suggestions:

1. Read the forums and put together what you feel is a good list of components balanced against your budget.
2. Post your choices and let the community give you feedback.

Don't ask what is a good case or hsf, because you will start a feud. Some people pay a lot of money for their HSF or case, then defend it as the best.

It took me 4 months of research to find exactly what I wanted in a system. It may not take you that long, but I learned a lot.

 

[NelsonMuntz]

<< From reading around here the past few days, I've come to the conclusion that I would be cool with a Athlon XP 1600(seems to have the right balance between performance and price). >>


I personall would make the jump to the 1700+ because it doesn't cost that much more and gets more performance. The 1800+ and 1900+ are still priced a bit high, IMO.


<< The main things I'm wondering about are: what steps should I take to keep the processor cooled well (I will not be overclocking at all)? >>


If you will not be overclocking at all, then get a retail boxed processor that comes with a fan and thermal tape already applied. You just have to install the processor and HSF on the motherboard and you are ready to go.


<< what is a good, stable motherboard? >>


I think the SiS 735 chipset on the ECS K7S5A is good or the VIA KT266A on the Shuttle AK31A (and many others) is good as well. These are basic boards at good prices, there are many other options out there, so you'll need to look around.


<< what kind of case/PS should I get? >>


I like the Enlight 7237 series and the basic 300W PSU that comes with the normal one should be okay for most things, but if you want a little extra power, pay the extra $20 or so and get the one with the 340W PSU.


<< and what's the best value for a video card right now? >>


Since you don't do a lot of gaming, then consider the Radeon or Radeon VE from ATI which is in the $50-60 range and has really good 2D for your office apps and such. If you like NVIDIA and want to keep the costs down, the MX200 is available for a little less, but the 2D is not quite as good in some cases. If you are willing to spend more, there are lots of options out there above this range, so you'll need to look around.

 

[MrHelpful]

From Newegg.com

AMD Athlon XP 1600+ retail - $155
ECS K7S5A - $57
(2) Crucial 256MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM - $118
Maxtor D740X 40GB #6L040J2 - $87
Lite-On 24x10x40 CD-RW - $80
Matrox G450 32MB DDR - $79
SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 - $32
Chenbro ROC PC2011 /w 300W AMD PSU - $47

Logitech Z-340 spks - $36
Microsoft Internet Keyboard- $17
Microsoft Intellimouse Optical - $24

Total - $732 without monitor or floppy drive (can be scavenged)

 

[MrHelpful]

If you need a monitor, might I suggest the Hitachi CM721F from Newegg. Flat 19" with great quality (paired with the G450). It's also inexpensive, but be sure to buy it all together because shipping monitors costs a lot.

 

[Athlon4all]

That system by MrHelpful looks great, I would though recommend going with Shuttle Ak31A (or better yet, wait for AK35 GTR) over K7S5A. K7S5A is an ok board, but I think from what I've read that you need to be an experienced builder to build using it.

 

[Shorty28]

Thanks for all the help guys...This gives me a good starting point

 

[Zugzwang152]

who needs DDR??????!!!!!!!

*uses SDRAM and damn proud of it*.....wait....never mind....*runs off shamefully and hides*