Hi again! I'm almost at a point where I can start placing orders for my new computer but there are still some critical components I haven't settled on yet.
So far here's what I'm looking at:
Already have:
Antec Super Lanboy case (got a great deal at CompUSA on it so I bought it.)
Seagate 160GB IDE HDD (wanted to go SATA this time but again, CompUSA. :thumbsup: )
Pretty much decided on:
Motherboard: DFI MB LanParty UT NF3 250GB S754
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3400+
DVD+/-RW: Sony Internal 16X DVD+R / Double Layer/DVD+RW Drive, Model DRU710A, Retail
DVD-ROM: Sony Black 16X DVD-ROM Drive, Model DDU1613/B2s, OEM
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS GAMER Limited Edition PCI Sound Card, Model "SB0350" -RETAIL
Still undecided:
Memory:
Is
Corsair VS512MB400 the Corsair value RAM you've spoken of previously as being a good bet? Would that be a good match for this machine? I was looking at the OCZ 3200 stuff for $219 but is there any point in blowing and extra $100 on the memory on this setup? I'm not sure about overclocking yet but no definitive plans to at this point.
Also, is it better to get a 1GB module or two 512 MB's?
PSU:
Seasonic 350W ATX12V Power Supply, Model "SUPER SILENCER-350W" -RETAIL -- Enough power and a good unit for this setup or would you suggest something else? I'm looking to minimize noise anywhere possible here without sacrificing performance.
Video Card:
GIGA-BYTE nVIDIA GeForce 6800 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-Bit, TV-Out/DVI, 8X AGP, Model "GV-N68128DH" -RETAIL
OR
Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6800 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "A400 TDH" -RETAIL
Not sure which would be better. I like the fanless design of the Giga-Byte but worry a bit about the cooling. Also thinking about the
Chaintech.
CPU HS/F:
This one's really throwing a wrench in things for me right now. Based on what I've been reading in the forum here I get the impression that the Thermaltake ones are perfectly good for cooling but not the quietest options. I've been looking at the Thermaltake A1838 which looked like the best bet of the few options offered by Monarch that they would ship actually installed on the motherboard. They charge more for the components by probably 40-50 bucks than new-egg but they have some game bundles and the option of warranty coverage which easily justify it in my mind, so that leaves me a bit confused since I want to keep the system quiet but also minimize the risks I'm taking with this system build.
Any thoughts?