New Computer

[Golden Leg]

This is my first attempt at building a computer. I'm a very anxious buyer, particularly with these kind of things. I've spent the last month revising what I plan on purchasing in a week (my AP tests are done and over with).

This is what I have now. You all are the experts, so please disect what I have and criticize all you want.

 

[Harvey]

Welcome to the forums. Bad link.

 

[Golden Leg]

Fix'd.

 

[Cabages]

Likin the video card.

 

[Golden Leg]

Yeah, I was looking at the 7900GT, but it runs just about the same as the 7900GT for a lot less. That, and it would be wise not to get a current-gen card when so much change is around the corner (DX10 and all that).

 

[pkme2]

Nice.

 

[Golden Leg]

I've been kind of worried. Do I need to wait for the new MBs to come out. Is it wise to go with 939 if it's going to be killed in a few weeks? I'm the kind of guy that upgrades every two-three years or so, and so I'm not really a monthly upgrader.

 

[bamacre]

Looks like the X2 3800 didn't fit your budget.

Just a suggestion (some changes)....

COOLER MASTER Ammo 533 RC-533-SWN1 Black/Silver Computer Case
$69.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811119098

Antec SP-500 500W 24/20/6pin 4-SATA ATX12V v2.0 Power Supply
$64.68
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-ANSP500&c=pw

ABIT NI8 SLI NVIDIA nForce4 Socket 775 ATX Motherboard
$69.99
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...etails.asp?EdpNo=1490501&sku=A458-1122

Intel® Pentium® D Processor 940 3.2GHz, 800MHz FSB, Socket 775, 2x2MB Cache, Dual Core Retail
$255.20
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80852

Corsair VS2GBKIT667D2 2GB Kit DDR2-667 PC2-5300 Value Select Memory Retail
$144.50
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85016-47

Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3250824AS 250GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer
$93.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101541

BenQ 16x DVD+R DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology Black
$39.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827101642

MSI RX1800XT-VT2D512E LITE Radeon X1800XT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
$316.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814127180

City of Villains Online Game Card PC Game NCSOFT - Retail
$24.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16832197114

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion DVD-ROM DVD Edition PC Game 2K Games - Retail
$42.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16832205901

Total Price $1,122.32

About $50 cheaper, and you get a dual core cpu and DDR2 memory. The 940 is about the same as an X2 3800 in performance.

 

[Golden Leg]

How much better are the changes that you made from what I had originally?

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Golden Leg
How much better are the changes that you made from what I had originally?

As for multitasking, it'll blow it away. Same goes for multi-threaded apps. It won't be too much longer until we see games coded for multiple cpu's, and then when that happens, a dual core cpu will blow away any single core cpu's.

For now, gaming will be slighly slower with a Pentium 940 rather than an AMD 3700+, because games aren't coded to make use of both cores. Like I said, that will change. However, the video card is really where the power of gaming comes alive. Personally, I'd go with the Pent 940 system, because with a dual core, your system should last you longer as far as performance. You may also want to consider waiting until July for Intel's new cpu to hit the market. It will be significantly faster than anything on the market now, and priced very competitively.

 

[Golden Leg]

This computer is going to be built for 90% gaming and 10% internet browsing. That's all. That's why I feel inclined to go with a single-core AMD. However, I'll took a good look at what you mentioned.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Golden Leg
This computer is going to be built for 90% gaming and 10% internet browsing. That's all. That's why I feel inclined to go with a single-core AMD. However, I'll took a good look at what you mentioned.

That's really your preference. I just find it hard to buy a single core cpu for >$200 when you can get a good dual core for a few bucks more.

 

[twitchee2]

if its 90% gaming go AMD go that intel route for multitasking though. I have the same cpu and im happy with it.

 

[raildogg]

The Athlon 3700 San Diego is a pretty fast CPU. It is not a great multi-tasker like some Intel CPUs are, but it is very fast. It is good at multitasking.

 

[imported_fx]

AMD Athlon 3700+ San Diego
Asus A8N-E Motherboard
7900GT
Forton 500watts PSU
OCZ Platinum 2GB RAM
Benq DW1655 DVD Burner
Western Digital 250GB w/ 16mb cache

These parts are cheaper and better than your wish list, Golden Leg.

 

[Golden Leg]

Would it be wise to go with a different socket motherboard since 939 is going to fade out? How would that affect me as far as upgrading is concerned?

Also, what's the advantage of going with DDR2 RAM, and what does unbuffered or registered RAM mean?

 

[Bobthelost]

DDR2 might be useable in your future system (depends how long you wait to upgrade, could well be too slow when you do decide to upgrade to keep). That's about it.

Registered RAM = more expensive. You don't want it.

Motherboard? If you're going for a single core CPU now then you can always upgrade to a dual core one down the line if nessisary.

 

[currybreakfast]

If u plan on overclocking and cant wait for the Conroe, go for an AMD opteron, they oerclock heaps and are cheap. Id go for an XFX 7900GT (520Mhz). Id go with a western digital HDD with the extra cache (not sure what it is woth speed/dollar). Everything else seems like a good idea. I am a relative noob to system designing, especially in the realms of the newer technologies but I am designing a system atm and have spent heaps of time (about 1 month) researching but I hope this is of help

 

[kalrith]

If you're not going to upgrade this system for 2-3 years, then socket 939 should be fine (unless you're willing to wait for Conroe). You can get the Opteron 144 for $122 shipped. At stock it will be slower than the 3700. However, you should be able to overclock it to 2.4-2.8GHz, and then it will definitely be faster. You'll have to buy an aftermarket heatsink since it doesn't come with one. The TT Big Typhoon is one of the best air coolers, and it comes with its own fan, so that saves you a few bucks. If overclocking, the opteron with the Big Typhoon will cost about $50 less and perform better than the 3700, so that gets my recommendation. Also, why not save some money and get this RAM for $129 after rebate. Otherwise I think you have a great system.

Good luck!

 

[Golden Leg]

About that Patriot RAM, I heard it "didn't offer as many FSB speed options" than the OCZ RAM that mentioned. How does that affect me?

 

[Golden Leg]

What kind of motherboard should I go with? I will probably overclock in a year or so; so I looked at the DFI Lanparty. I hear it's pretty cumbersome, though. What is the best motherboard I can get for around 100 dollars. I do not want an SLI or Crossfire board.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

DFI LanParty Ultra-D is goood. Trust me. It's GOOOOOOOoooood.

Ok, here's the thing. There are a lot of people in this world that will tell you it sucks, but it really does not. IT takes some tweaking. My first system I built, I booted up fine. No problems. This board? It took me at least 10 - 20 presses on the power button before it boot up and I got a regular screen.

You have to work with it. It will work though. Looking at your parts, you have all compatible stuff. I think the Ultra-D wasn't as bad of a pain to me as it was to some other people. It's a rock solid board, and you're going to LOVE IT.

I vote against the 3700+ SD. Try for the Opteron 165. Monarch has some deals.

As for the RAM? Doesn't Monarch have the 2x1gb PC-4000 OCZ Platinum sticks for $165? OR look for a deal on those. Those are hte best sticks of RAM ever. It's basically the sticks you have in there, except they're rated for DDR500 3-3-2-8 =)

I recommend a better power supply. Seasonic!

 

[BucsMAN3K]

Ah yes AP tests, those were fun.

I just did the same thing, getting a build for college. All I can say is good luck, your build seems solid. The only thing I would suggest is making sure your case gets enough ventillation, as the one you had chosen only had one fan. I have heard Asus is a good board, don't know how it does with Ocing.

 

[Golden Leg]

How about the following motherboard?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131569

What is it's overclockability?

Also, this is what I've got now.