Need opinions on this computer setup

[lowfatbaconboy]

im having trouble with CS:Source on 800x600 and low everything...so i think it might be time to upgrade computers (my current one is about 2-3 years old)

I need opinions:
ST20G5 - AMD 64 PCI-E socket 939 $356.00
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AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2ghz 939 - 128kb l1, 512kb l2 - $267.00
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Kingston DDR 400 1GB(2x512) - $90.00
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Seagate SATA 7,200rpm 250gb - $130
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SAPPHIRE 100107 Radeon X800 256MB PCI-E $239
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then i was thinking either throw in a dvd-rom($30) or dvd-burner(sony- $50)

total:
$1,132




and just a note: i like to buy name brand stuff so i don't get screwed and i would like to buy it from reliable sources even if its a little bit more expensive so if you guys know some cheaper places that are reliable (in terms of shipping, paying, customer service if something is screwed)

 

[Jassi]

My reccomendations (providing your budget agrees)

X800XL

A64 3200+ Venice

A64 3500 Venice

- I think the Venice will be cooler.

Cheap RAM.

Edit - Monarch, ZipZoomFly, NewEgg and Chiefvalue are equally reliable IMHO.

Edit #2 - You might also have to look into bios compatibility if you go with a Venice core chip.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Yes, definitely get a Venice chip. No point in buying old technology.

Both of you are slightly off on the RAM. If you want a true budget machine, either of those are good. STAY AWAY FROM CL3 RAM

A64's thrive on low-latency RAM. I would get this stuff

Otherwise you're good to go.
How do the regular X800's compare to the GeForce6800's? The regular vanilla 12-pipe 6800's can be had for ~$200-$250 usually, sometimes you can get a 6800GT for ~$250. Check the video forum and ask those guys, I'm not sure how X800 compares to 6800.

 

[Jassi]

Or this stuff

 

[imported_Kensai]

If you can afford a few dollars more, get an x800XL. *Way* better.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Kensai
If you can afford a few dollars more, get an x800XL. *Way* better.

Not compared to a 6800GT on sale, they go for close to $300 on sale

 

[IEC]

The other thing you gotta worry about is heat... you sure your Shuttle will take all that?

 

[Jassi]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: Kensai
If you can afford a few dollars more, get an x800XL. *Way* better.

Not compared to a 6800GT on sale, they go for close to $300 on sale

Those are AGP models 99% of the time.

 

[WooDaddy]

lowfat, I'm doing the same thing.. I have a thread, not quite a repost, but I'm compiling a list of places to buy SFFs.

For your ST20G5, you might want to consider www.zipzoomfly.com. It's going for $355 with free 2-day ship.

I also second to purchase the Venice core A64. Consider the Kingston Value Ram - it's going for $75.
Personally, I'm not going to buy a video card yet, but I'm not doing much gaming.

Also, don't get a sony burner. Go for the Nec nd-3520a. It's cheaper, faster, and just better all around. I think it's going for $47 on newegg.com today.

 

[WooDaddy]

Jassi, I read over at sfftech.com that they support the Venice core already. So does the SN25P

 

[Jassi]

Originally posted by: WooDaddy
Jassi, I read over at sfftech.com that they support the Venice core already. So does the SN25P

Cool, then there is not reason to buy a Newcastle over a Venice (other than $).

 

[ND40oz]

If you're using a video card, I recommend the SN25P, unless you prefer the G5 case over the bigger P series. Now that it has the nforce4 ultra, it's superior in almost every aspect to the ST20G5. Just doesn't have integrated video, but has better cooling and can take 3 harddrives.

 

[Jassi]

OP - any updates?

 

[paulip88]

Just make sure your video card fits in the Shuttle.

 

[Megamixman]

X800XL can be had for less then $300. It will fit in the ST20G5. The Sn25P is bigger, but runs cooler. It also has more space, so you could add an extra hard drive if you wanted later on. I am happy with mine. I am not certain if the G chassis will be able to handle the heat from dual cores, but the SN25P should. It gets temps close to that of decent ATX rigs.

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: Jassi
My reccomendations (providing your budget agrees)

X800XL

A64 3200+ Venice

A64 3500 Venice

- I think the Venice will be cooler.

Cheap RAM.

Edit - Monarch, ZipZoomFly, NewEgg and Chiefvalue are equally reliable IMHO.

Edit #2 - You might also have to look into bios compatibility if you go with a Venice core chip.

i would get 3200+ and yes x800xl forget that x800.
EDIT: corsair value ram 1gig is best.