More questions from a possible first time builder

[killershroom]

K, Ive always been tempted to build my own system to save money and get a great system, but I've configured this set up at http://www.cyberpowersystem.com and it has me wondering....

Athlon 64 PCI-E Custom Build Configurator (NO MONITOR)

# TURBO X-INFINITY Case 420W W/ WINDOW & LCD Temperature Display(BLACK)
# (939-pin) AMD ATHLON64 3000+ CPU w/ Hyper Transport Technology
# (939-pin) Foxconn/WinFast NF4UK8AA-8EKRS nForce4 Chipset Mainboard
# 512MB (256MBx2) PC3200 DDR400 Dual Channel (Major_Brand)
# Seagate 80GB 7200RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache
# CD-RW 52X32X52 (BLACK)
# 1.44 MB FLOPPY DRIVE
# INTERNAL 6in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer
# HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
# 600WATT PMPO SUBWOOFER STEREO SPEAKERS
# PS2 MULTIMEDIA INTERNET CONTROL KEYBOARD
# PS2 INTERNET MOUSE W/ WHEEL
# STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# HALFLIFE2: Free "Half-Life 2 Bronze" Download Coupon

NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS

For $465(+$65 shipping) I wouldn't have to worry about installing anything except my graphics card(buying elsewhere - 6600gt).

Do you folks think I should just go with this set up? or can it be beat elsewhere? Or should I stick to building my own?

 

[MaverickBP]

ive heard some of the WORST stories from them. Check out their feedback and do a search on google. It'll save you a bit of money by building it yourself.

 

[killershroom]

Originally posted by: MaverickBP
ive heard some of the WORST stories from them. Check out their feedback and do a search on google. It'll save you a bit of money by building it yourself.

Well, I've ordered a system from them before with no problems(about 3 or so years ago). Have they really become that bad?

 

[mechBgon]

I would build it myself. If you need to scope out the procedure, there's a link in my signature with a photo guide aimed at first-timers. Don't get a low-quality or freebie power supply, is my #1 advice here.

 

[killershroom]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I would build it myself. If you need to scope out the procedure, there's a link in my signature with a photo guide aimed at first-timers. Don't get a low-quality or freebie power supply, is my #1 advice here.

Nice guide!

Anyone that has some time on their hands able to link me to some good priced parts to start me off beating all those features found in the above one?

 

[ts3433]

I'd build it too. Mech's guide is great.

If gaming, make sure to get a gig of RAM, too. I'd suggest something along these lines (prices are in estimated Newegg/MWave/ZZF/Monarch dollars):

Antec Sonata ($100)
Chaintech VNF4/Ultra (with a 6600GT, going PCIe is the same price or slightly lower than AGP, so why not?) ($130)
retail 3000 Winchester ($160)
2x512MB Corsair Value ($140)
Some CD-RW ($30)

That's around $560. The PSU in the Sonata is of better quality, you're getting sufficient RAM, and a better board for about $40 more.

 

[killershroom]

Originally posted by: ts3433
I'd build it too. Mech's guide is great.

If gaming, make sure to get a gig of RAM, too. I'd suggest something along these lines (prices are in estimated Newegg/MWave/ZZF/Monarch dollars):

Antec Sonata ($100)
Chaintech VNF4/Ultra (with a 6600GT, going PCIe is the same price or slightly lower than AGP, so why not?) ($130)
retail 3000 Winchester ($160)
2x512MB Corsair Value ($140)
Some CD-RW ($30)

That's around $560. The PSU in the Sonata is of better quality, you're getting sufficient RAM, and a better board for about $40 more.

Ah, theres a nice list :thumbsup:

 

[mechBgon]

If you're looking to play HL2, I can support the 1GB idea... my peak memory usage after a little 3-hour HL2 binge is up around 1GB. I got a 6600GT too, seems pretty good even at 1280 x 1024 with the in-game options maxed out (but I don't know the console command for FPS, anyone help me there?).

 

[killershroom]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
If you're looking to play HL2, I can support the 1GB idea... my peak memory usage after a little 3-hour HL2 binge is up around 1GB. I got a 6600GT too, seems pretty good even at 1280 x 1024 with the in-game options maxed out (but I don't know the console command for FPS, anyone help me there?).

Is there much performance loss when going 1x512 with that board? My budget may not allow 1 gig at the moment and I heard that its better to have 2xwhateversize memory because its dual channel.

 

[ts3433]

You'll lose about 5% of your performance by running single channel with a S939 processor (the board has nothing to do with it whatsoever; memory controller's on the CPU), and so the 3000 Winchester perform about on par with a S754 2800+ (still no slouch) for a while until you can get another stick of RAM.

 

[killershroom]

Ah, good. Not too bad for a few weeks or so :thumbsup: