help with first build, me = noob

[bayvet]

I'm building a new computer mainly becuase I currently have

this

My original budget was $1000, but can't pass up a 7800 GT and a 10,000 RPM HD. $1000 is coming from the parents (I'm a senior with a full ride to college) and I will put down the remaining sum. I want a fast gaming machine. Is there anything that is not compatible or is a waste of money? Thnx for any/all replies.


Monitor:

ViewSonic VE710B Black 17" 8ms...itor - Retail - 239.99

Mouse:

Keeping my Microsoft intellimouse 3.0

Keyboard:

Keeping the old sh1tter

CD Drive:

Keeping the old one

Case:

I think I'm just going to buy a case at the local computer shop and thus save money on shipping.

Hard Drive:

I want blinding fast loading speeds and went for the 74 GB because it was only $50 more than the 37 GB. I also read that the 74 is faster than the 37, although I have had a 20 GB HD for 5 years and have never filled it.

Western Digital Raptor WD740GD...d Drive - OEM - 154.00

Video Card:

eVGA 256-P2-N516 Geforce 7800G...Card - Retail - 285.00

Power Supply:

ASPIRE ATX-CW500WP4 ATX 500W P...upply - Retail - 38.99

Memory:

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin ...GBNS - Retail - 145.99

Processor:

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego ...FBOX - Retail - 217.00

Motherboard:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813136159">DFI LanParty UT nF4-D Socket 9...- Retail - 115.99
</a>

Total (with shipping): $1,232.48

 

[mordantmonkey]

everything looks good, but i'd drop the 500W aspire in favor of a 450w Fortron. Numbers aren't everything. You'll find that the fortron actually puts out more juice where you need it than the aspire will.
Some will tell you to go Opteron instead of SanDiego, but unless you can get it for the same or less, stick with the SD(it's the same processor in reality).
The opty will probably overclock more, however, so it may be worth the cost premium depending.
Also, if you plan on overclocking you may want to get the DFI Ultra-D instead. It's only about $10 more but is supposedly a better overclocker.

 

[kenrippy]

get a dual core cpu, and ditch the crap power supply and get a good one. antec, enermax etc.

the sonata II would be enough and you won't have to worry about a case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129155

i like the hdd choice, you won't regret it. and yes, the 74gb is faster than the 36gb. imagine 2x in a raid 0 array.......

 

[terry107]

As the above people have said, that power supply is scary. The Fortron suggested above is a great choice. If you're planning to overclock, I'd look into getting a dual core Opteron, preferable the 165.

 

[drum]

i agree with mordantmonkey

 

[essasin]

Get an opteron 146(single) or 165(dual)
Enermax Liberty 500w or a compartible forton

 

[RibSpreader]

Can't bear to think of using that nice vid card on only a 17" screen. Jump on this right now and it's $5 cheaper, 19", free shipping, still 8ms. 1 day sale, though.

 

[mordantmonkey]

Originally posted by: kenrippy
get a dual core cpu, and ditch the crap power supply and get a good one. antec, enermax etc.

the sonata II would be enough and you won't have to worry about a case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129155

i like the hdd choice, you won't regret it. and yes, the 74gb is faster than the 36gb. imagine 2x in a raid 0 array.......

if he's wanting gaming, a raid array wouldn't be worth the cost. Also single cores are better bang for buck than dual cores right now. That will change in the future, but as to how soon is anybody's guess. I don't think it's worth the $110 difference for him to go dual core right now. however, the 146 opteron can be had cheaper than the San Diego, and while the base is 2.0GHz(instead of 2.2 on the SD) it will probably OC higher than the san diego.
My 146 is running @ 2.4 on 1.35v it can run at 2.7 on 1.45v but i'm gonna get a better board(DFI) before I do heavy OCing.

 

[d3lt4]

get the ultra -d version of that motherboard. I have the one you want to get. All I've had is problems. If I could have gone back I would have gotten the Ultra.

 

[m1ldslide1]

Listen to the good folks recommending the SONATA II. It's an awesome case, and has an excellent PSU all for around $100.

Otherwise, :thumbsup: looks good. The 3700+ sandy is a great chip -- I have mine OC'd to 2.8ghz and combined with my 7800GT I can play FEAR at maxed settings with good FPS. And I only have 2x512 RAM, so you'll be stoked I think.

 

[bayvet]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go with the Sonata II, the Ultra-D motherboard, and the 19" monitor that was brought up as well. Thanks for all the help.