Possible new computer specs?

[segal3]

So right now I'm running a 6yr old P3 500mhz with 384mb RAM ...it's not so fast anymore. Either way, put this together in a couple of hours tonight...

Possible specs for my next computer:
Motherboard: ASUS P4C800 Deluxe (875P) $145.00
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHZ $260.00
Memory: 2x 1gb PC3200 DDR400 184pin (total 2gb) $250.00
Hard Drive: Western Digital ATA100 200GB $110.00
Optical Drive: NuTech 8X DDW-082 $65.00
Graphics Card: Sapphire Radeon 9600XT 128MB $140.00
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS 7.1 $86.00
Monitor/LCD: Viewsonic P95f+B $275.00
Case: Antec SLK3700AMB $80.00
Keyboard/Mouse: WIRELESS OPTICAL DESKTOP PRO 2.0 $90.00


Total $1,501.00

Looks good or anything you might change?

~Matt Segal

 

[TechJunkie95242]

Yah don't get intel, get a a64 3000+ or 3200+ and a Kt800 mobo. 9600XT is worthless get a 6800GT, or X800pro. Or you could always use a 9800pro and flash to XT speeds.

 

[Fuchs]

that intel with the chipset rocks! I have a similar setup and it runs really smooth (See AUtobot rig below). I personally would buy a SATA drive since the Mobo has it native. You'd be surprised what a bit of speed and burst can do for performance/ You can get a WD SATA 200g drive for under $135 (newegg)

Im guessing he doesnt want to go from 140-400 for video techjunkie...so what would the best card for his price range be? I'm assuming 170 or less.

 

[Tostada]

You can get a much better AMD system much cheaper. Even if you want Intel, though, most people would tell you you're wasting money on that 875 board when the 865 version is almost identical.

It's totally unnecessary or you to get 2GB of RAM. It looks like a typo to me, though. I'd be very interested in where you're planning on getting two 1GB sticks for $250. Timings actually do matter a little, especially for Intel systems. If you want 2GB, you should get 4 x 512MB because it's cheaper and faster.

I would question getting a WD drive unless it's a Raptor 74. Seagate/Hitachi/Samsung all make drives which are slightly faster/quieter/cooler and are also available with a 3-year warranty. If you're going to get that WD drive, at least pay the extra $10 for the 3-year model with 8MB cache.

The NEC 2500A is a better burner for the same price.

 

[Tostada]

Originally posted by: Fuchs
that intel with the chipset rocks! I have a similar setup and it runs really smooth (See AUtobot rig below). I personally would buy a SATA drive since the Mobo has it native. You'd be surprised what a bit of speed and burst can do for performance/ You can get a WD SATA 200g drive for under $135 (newegg)

Im guessing he doesnt want to go from 140-400 for video techjunkie...so what would the best card for his price range be? I'm assuming 170 or less.

SATA drives are the same speed as their PATA counterparts. I'd be very interested in seeing any evidence of this speed boost you speak of.

 

[sisooktom]

Originally posted by: TechJunkie95242
9600XT is worthless get a 6800GT, or X800pro. Or you could always use a 9800pro and flash to XT speeds.

He didn't even say he's a gamer, so maybe you could explain why he should buy a freaking $400 video card. Even if he does game some, this attitude that "anything < 9800 Pro is crap" is BS. The 9600XT will serve all but hardcore gamers pretty darn well.

 

[renierh]

Originally posted by: TechJunkie95242
Yah don't get intel, get a a64 3000+ or 3200+ and a Kt800 mobo. 9600XT is worthless get a 6800GT, or X800pro. Or you could always use a 9800pro and flash to XT speeds.

You have no clue at all of what he wants to do with this system, yet you urge him to spend $ 400,- on a videocard?.. what are you thinking??

now, on topic:

if you want it to be a pure game machine: techjunkie is right, go with the AMD64 and the 9800pro. i would not flash it, simply because i think the relative small speed increase is not worth voiding your warranty.

if you want an alround system or a multimedia system, i think the p4 is a better idea. i simply prefer the chipsets for Intel. the asus mainboard is a good idea, keep it. the 875 makes for a blazing fast system.i'd go for 1 gb of ram instead of 2, you will not notice the difference in normal applications, even when running multiple at the same time.

i wouldn't take the WD hdd, they tend to be a little louder then maxtor or seagate discs.

the video card is great, nice midrange model. about the optical drive: NEC nd-2510a. double layer DVD-RW for 80 bucks, can;t beat that. the Antec case is a no brainer i have one too. it's cheap. sturdy, silent and excellent build quality with a very nice PSU included.

i think you were on the right path.. just look at these ideas, and see if ya like em!

have fun with it!

 

[Cerb]

A64 3200+ Newcastle retail: $282
Chaintech NF3-250 mobo: $88
2x Mushkin 512MB RAM: $158 (528)
HDD: fine (but loud)
Optical: fine
Video: fine
Sound: fine
Case: good choice
Monitor: fine

...$127 less, and better performance to boot.
It will be a good long while before you'll need 2GB RAM. But even with that, the A64 will be an overall faster gaming box, and CnQ should be enabled on the Chaintech mobo.

 

[segal3]

I do highly processor/memory intensive photo processing (Photoshop and the like)...I will be using the amount of RAM extensively...this is not a gaming system whatsoever...P4 has the graphics optimizations built-in over the AMD chips...

Repeat: NOT A GAMING BOX!

Now why urge 4 x 512mb vs the 2 x 1gb if I'm going to be upgrading the RAM in the future again (adding 2 more sticks to reach the max of 4gb the motherboard can handle)?

~Matt Segal

 

[Illissius]

In that case I'd say it's just about right. I'd reconsider the video card, though: you can get better value for $50-60 more with a 9800 Pro, or for $100 less if you're not gaming.