New rig specs-feedback?

[jlambvo]

I will hopefully be putting together the following machine over the next month. Any feedback on my choices is greatly appreciated!

Asus A8N-Deluxe
Lian Li PC-V1000 Aluminum case http://www.silverpcs.com/product/CS_PCV1000B
ENERMAX Noisetaker AX ATX12V Ver 2.0 485W Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-103-458&depa=0
Athlon 64 3200+
512MBx2 Mushkin PC3200 2.5-3-3
74GB Raptor
Geforce 6800GT PCIE
Audigy 2 ZS Gamer
Pioneer DVR-108
Some floppy drive

Looks like this will be in the neighborhood of $1700, give or take a c-note with price flux and rebates.

I'm still up in the air on the Audigy 2 Value vs. ZS Gamer, but that's more a question of luxery than anything. I'm also wondering if it's justifiable to go to a 3500+ (the 3800 is just too much). It sounds like it isn't worthwhile to up the RAM in speed. Also not too sure on the DVDRW.

Thanks!

 

[tbates757]

For the DVD-RW get the NEC ND-3500A BK (black bezel). Are you planning on overclocking? Might want to look at RAM with more o/c headroom like OCZ.

 

[jlambvo]

Thanks, I'll check into the NEC drive. I remember getting a recommendation from someone before and I think that was it.

I planned on playing with oc'ing my current machine and never really got around to it. It's not a priority for me, so it's hard to justify the cost jump in faster RAM. I had Mushkin referred to me, I was also looking at some CAS2.5 Corsair sticks for a similar price.

 

[Corporate Thug]

i wouldnt change anything...

 

[jlambvo]

Looking into things a bit more, it sounds like the Athlon 64's are quite overclockable. Concerning the RAM, is there any reason to not just get something like PC4000 memory to provide the headroom (instead of really spendy PC3200)? It would by default only run at PC3200 speed and function fine, correct?

Anyone know if the clock ratio settings for the PCI/peripherals would support raising the HTT a bit on the A8N? Dunno how flexible that is on boards today, the 5:2:1 ratio didn't seem common when I got this AT7.

 

[w00t]

personaly would change ram get ocz el plat., hd seagate 7,200.7 or maxtor 3 16mb cache, and dvd drive iono see what you like i think i might get samsung. by the way nice case i like how everything fits in that case. 3200 good oc but if no oc might wanna get 3500 but i would say oc have fun and save some money.

 

[jlambvo]

Updated selections:

Asus A8N-Deluxe SLI
Black Lian Li PC-V1000 case
*Antec NeoPower 480W ATX2.0 Modular PSU*
Athlon 64 3200+
*ThermalRight XP-90 or XP-120*
*512MBx2 PQI DDR500*
74GB Raptor
Geforce 6800GT PCIE
*Audigy 2 ZS Platinum*
Pioneer DVR-108
Some floppy drive

The entry DDR500 memory looks similar in price to really good DDR400 memory. For the sake of overclocking, I don't see any reason not to just get the RAM rated for a 250FSB. Also going for the Neopower for the modular cable design, since i found some good deals on it. Also found some Platinums for not that much more than the gamer edition, and since my computer doubles as an entertainment system the remote control would be really nice.

I want to get a good cooling unit for the CPU as well to safely max out its clock speed. I was wondering about a ThermalRight XP-120, any clue as to how this would fit on the A8N motherboard (sounds like the caps have to be bent on some mobos)? It would be nice to have all 120mm fans in this to keep it nice and quiet. What is the performance/noise difference with the XP-90?

 

[ssvegeta1010]

that looks good, although id go with the NEC DVDRW drive