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Hey! Very nice and informative forums; I commend you. Suggestions, advice, proposals, recommendations, whatever, for anything are all greatly appreciated!
As the topic reads, I'm looking to upgrade soon and I have questions, oh horrid questions. I want to learn how to build my own systems and maintain them on my own (I'm not a TOTAL 'n00b', however). I'm aiming for a price range in the neighborhood around 2,500$ USD, but less than 3,000$ USD; anything less than 2,500$ USD and comparable in performance will do as well.
I do not plan on overclocking yet; instead I plan to learn as I go and try overclocking later on. Don't want to jump into the deep end of the pool too early....
Questions:
1. Case. I can't decide on a case. I've read that the Praetorian is pretty good. Lian Li cases are attractive, but I hear the Lian Li case I like doesn't have a reset button and it's expensive. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-112-051&depa=1 It supposedly runs quiet and keeps cool and that's what I need. From what I've gathered, the three heavyweights of the case industry are, in no particular order, Antec, Lian Li, and Cooler Master.
2. Motherboard. Should I go with a MSI Neo4 or something else other than the ABIT?
3. Graphics Card. What's the luxury of having dual DVI or whatever it is?
4. Power Supply. Is 520W enough for this system?
5. Processor. When will the Venice and San Diego cores be released? I see different dates all the time. If the Venice and San Diego cores will be released soon, then I might buy one. A 3500+ Winchester core keeps popping in mind, though I'd like a system that'll last long; thus my appeal to the FX-55. I hear the stock cooling for the FX-55 is sufficient, too.
6. Memory. I have no idea; I just picked anything.
7. Monitor. I have a monitor picked out and it seems great. Thing is, its depth is perfect for me; I can't deal with a monitor with greater depth than 17". Any other good 19" CRTs I'm unaware of?
8. Speakers. My room is about 9.5 x 12. Is 280W RMS overkill? If it is more than I need, I might just go with Logitech's X-530 set and save 100$.
9. Finally, how the hell am I going to keep all of this cool? I put my case in my desk's, from what it appears to be, computer case slot and it's like an oven, especially during the summer.
My Ideal Setup:
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-119-029&depa=0
Cooler Master Praetorian SILVER ALUMINUM MID-TOWER CASE, Model "PAC-T01-E1"
Specifications:
Case Type: ATX Mid-Tower Case
Material: All Aluminium Alloy
Driver Bays: 4x 5.25", 2x 3.5", 4x 3.5" (hidden)
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: USB 2.0 x 2; MIC x 1; Earphone jack x 1; IEEE 1394 x 1
Cooling System: 4 x 80mm fans
Motherboard Compatibility: ATX; 12" x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.5 cm)
Dimensions: L497 x W196 x H452 mm more info-> N82E16811119029
$108.00
Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-197&depa=0
Abit "AN8" NVIDIA nForce4 Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: AMD Athlon 64/64FX 939-pin K8 CPU
Chipset: NVIDIA NF4 single chip
FSB: 2000MHz
RAM: 4x 184-pin DIMM for Dual channel DDR 400/333/266 (Max. 4GB)
IDE: 2x Ultra ATA 133 up to 4 Devices
Slots: 1x PCI-E X16, 2x PCI-E X1, 3x PCI, 1x Abit Audio Slot
Ports: 2x PS/2, 1x IEEE1394a, SPDIF In/Out, 10x USB2.0(Rear 4), 1x LAN, Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: 6 Channel Audio
Onboard LAN: Gigabit Ethernet
Onboard 1394: 2x IEEE1394a(Rear 1)
Onboard SATA/RAID: 4x SATA150, RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Form Factor: ATX more info-> N82E16813127197
$144.00
Graphics Card:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-483&depa=0
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON X850 XT Video Card, 256MB GDDR3, 256-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model "100106" -OEM
Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: ATI Radeon X850 XT/520MHz
Pixel Pipeline: 16
Memory/Effective Speed: 256MB GDDR3/1080MHz
BUS: PCI-Express x16
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub) + TV-Out (S-Video/Composite Out) + DVI
Support 3D API: DirectX 9, OpenGL 2.0
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
OEM Bundle(See pics for details) more info-> N82E16814102483
$445.00
Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-152&depa=0
OCZ PowerStream 520W Power Supply With Adjustable Power Rails With LED Indicators, SATA Connector, Model "OCZ520ADJ" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 520W
Input Voltage: 100-120V AC/200-240V AC
Input Frequency Range: 60/50Hz
Input Current: 10/6A
Output: +3.3V@28A, +5V@40A, +12V@33A, -5V@0.5A, -12V@0.5A, +5VSB@2.0A
Approvals: TUV, UL, CSA, CE, CB, FCC
Features: OCZ PowerWhisper Technology, OCZ PowerFlex individually adjustable power rails with LED indicators. OCZ ConnectAll universal connector. (ATX, BTX, SATA, P4 and EPS12V), OCZ PowerShield power leads for VGA and HD. 5 year warranty backed by OCZ's exclusive PowerSwap replacement program. more info-> N82E16817104152
$140.00
CPU (retail):
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-496&depa=0
AMD Athlon 64 FX-55, 1MB L2 Cache, 64-bit Socket 939 Processor - Retail
Specifications:
Model: Athlon 64 FX-55
Core: ClawHammer
Operating Frequency: 2.6GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/1MB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 939
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNow!, 3DNow!+
Warranty: 3-Year Warranty
Packaging: Retail box(with Heatsink and Fan) more info-> N82E16819103496
$895.00
Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-227-204&depa=0
OCZ Gold Series Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 Gold VX, Model OCZ4001024ELDCGEVX-K - Retail
Specifications:
Manufacturer: OCZ Technology
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: CL 2-3-3-8 at 2.6V, CL 2-2-2-8 at 3.2V
Support Voltage: up to 3.2V
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Features: Support EVP, ULN2 Technology
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820227204
$232.50
Floppy (meh, it's a floppy):
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-303&depa=0
Alps Silver 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive, Model DF354H168F, OEM
Specifications:
Capacity: 1.44MB
Average Access Time: 3ms (track to track)
Interface: 34 Pin Standard Floppy Connector
Form: 3.5"
Media Type: All Standard 1.44MB & 720KB 3.5" Floppy Diskettes
Features: High reliability attained by the employment of a direct-drive motor
Packaging: OEM more info-> N82E16821103303
$9.00
Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-160&depa=0
Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD740GD, OEM Drive Only
Specifications:
Capacity: 74GB
Average Seek Time: 4.5 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 10000 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: High Performance SATA Interface
Packaging: OEM Drive Only
more info-> N82E16822144160
$176.25
Keyboard and Mouse:
http://www.newegg.com/app/SearchProductResult.asp?Description=23-109-142&DEPA=
Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader -RETAIL
Specifications:
Interface: 2x USB
Number Of Keys: 105 keys + 22 Function keys
Wireless Technology: RF(for mouse only)
Palm Rest: Detachable
Design Style: Standard
Mouse included: wireless optical mouse
Features: Fingerprint Reader simply log on with the touch of your finger, Tilt Wheel Technology, My Favorites keys, Multimedia Center more info-> N82E16823109142
$78.99
Monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=24-001-166&depa=0
SAMSUNG SyncMaster 997DF-T/T 19" DynaFlat CRT Monitor -RETAIL
Specifications:
CRT Type: DynaFlat CRT
Dot Pitch: 0.20mm (H)
Max / Optimal resolution: 1920x1440 @ 65 Hz / 1600x1200 @ 76 Hz
Frequency / Bandwidth: fh: 30~96kHz; fv: 50~160Hz / 250MHz
Features: DynaFlat, MagicTune, Natural Color Pro
Dimensions & Weight: 17.5" x 18.0" x 16.4" (WxHxD), 40.0 lbs
Manufacturer's Warranty / Phone No.: 3 year CRT, parts and labor / 800-726-7864 more info-> N82E16824001166
$199.99
DVD / RW:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-035&depa=0
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Black, Model ND-3520A BK, OEM
Specifications:
Write Speed: 16X DVD+R, 8X DVD+RW, 4X DVD+R DL, 16X DVD-R, 6X DVD-RW, 48X CD-R, 24X CD-RW
Read Speed: 48X CD-ROM, 16X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
Packaging: OEM (see pictures for details) more info-> N82E16827152035
$53.99
Sound Card:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-178&depa=0
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS PCI Sound Card, Model "SB0350" OEM
Specifications:
Channels: 7.1
Max Sampling Rate: 192kHz
Signal-Noise Ratio: 108dB(SNR)
Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital EX
Digital Audio: 24-bit
Hardware Polyphony: 64 Voices
PC Interface: PCI
Connectors: Line-out, Line-in, Mic-in, Digital Out(5.1), Firewire(IEEE1394), Analog/Digital CD Audio in, Telephone Answering Device in, GAME/MIDI port via extension header, Internal IEEE1394 header and AD_EXT extension header to Audigy 2 ZS Internal I/O Drive(See Details) more info-> N82E16829102178
$69.99
Speakers:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-121&depa=0
Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 THX Certified Speaker System -RETAIL
Specifications:
Configuration: 5.1
Power Output: 280 Watts RMS (2 x 35.25W front, 2 x 35.25W rear, 39W center, Subwoofer: 100 Watts RMS)
Frequency Response: 35Hz - 20kHz
Signal to noise ratio: >85 dB
Remote: Wired
Features: Polished aluminum phase plug satellites combine 2 drivers into one: the clarity of a tweeter with the richness & fullness of a separate mid-range, Use Matrix mode and source selector switch to create breathtaking 5.1 surround sound from stereo, 4 channel, or 5.1 sound sources, Pedestals rotate easily for wall mounting or desk placement more info-> N82E16836121121
$143.50
Total: $2,696.21
(This is merely an outline and not the final price. I will likely buy from other providers.)
As the topic reads, I'm looking to upgrade soon and I have questions, oh horrid questions. I want to learn how to build my own systems and maintain them on my own (I'm not a TOTAL 'n00b', however). I'm aiming for a price range in the neighborhood around 2,500$ USD, but less than 3,000$ USD; anything less than 2,500$ USD and comparable in performance will do as well.
I do not plan on overclocking yet; instead I plan to learn as I go and try overclocking later on. Don't want to jump into the deep end of the pool too early....
Questions:
1. Case. I can't decide on a case. I've read that the Praetorian is pretty good. Lian Li cases are attractive, but I hear the Lian Li case I like doesn't have a reset button and it's expensive. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-112-051&depa=1 It supposedly runs quiet and keeps cool and that's what I need. From what I've gathered, the three heavyweights of the case industry are, in no particular order, Antec, Lian Li, and Cooler Master.
2. Motherboard. Should I go with a MSI Neo4 or something else other than the ABIT?
3. Graphics Card. What's the luxury of having dual DVI or whatever it is?
4. Power Supply. Is 520W enough for this system?
5. Processor. When will the Venice and San Diego cores be released? I see different dates all the time. If the Venice and San Diego cores will be released soon, then I might buy one. A 3500+ Winchester core keeps popping in mind, though I'd like a system that'll last long; thus my appeal to the FX-55. I hear the stock cooling for the FX-55 is sufficient, too.
6. Memory. I have no idea; I just picked anything.
7. Monitor. I have a monitor picked out and it seems great. Thing is, its depth is perfect for me; I can't deal with a monitor with greater depth than 17". Any other good 19" CRTs I'm unaware of?
8. Speakers. My room is about 9.5 x 12. Is 280W RMS overkill? If it is more than I need, I might just go with Logitech's X-530 set and save 100$.
9. Finally, how the hell am I going to keep all of this cool? I put my case in my desk's, from what it appears to be, computer case slot and it's like an oven, especially during the summer.
My Ideal Setup:
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-119-029&depa=0
Cooler Master Praetorian SILVER ALUMINUM MID-TOWER CASE, Model "PAC-T01-E1"
Specifications:
Case Type: ATX Mid-Tower Case
Material: All Aluminium Alloy
Driver Bays: 4x 5.25", 2x 3.5", 4x 3.5" (hidden)
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: USB 2.0 x 2; MIC x 1; Earphone jack x 1; IEEE 1394 x 1
Cooling System: 4 x 80mm fans
Motherboard Compatibility: ATX; 12" x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.5 cm)
Dimensions: L497 x W196 x H452 mm more info-> N82E16811119029
$108.00
Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-197&depa=0
Abit "AN8" NVIDIA nForce4 Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: AMD Athlon 64/64FX 939-pin K8 CPU
Chipset: NVIDIA NF4 single chip
FSB: 2000MHz
RAM: 4x 184-pin DIMM for Dual channel DDR 400/333/266 (Max. 4GB)
IDE: 2x Ultra ATA 133 up to 4 Devices
Slots: 1x PCI-E X16, 2x PCI-E X1, 3x PCI, 1x Abit Audio Slot
Ports: 2x PS/2, 1x IEEE1394a, SPDIF In/Out, 10x USB2.0(Rear 4), 1x LAN, Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: 6 Channel Audio
Onboard LAN: Gigabit Ethernet
Onboard 1394: 2x IEEE1394a(Rear 1)
Onboard SATA/RAID: 4x SATA150, RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Form Factor: ATX more info-> N82E16813127197
$144.00
Graphics Card:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-483&depa=0
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON X850 XT Video Card, 256MB GDDR3, 256-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model "100106" -OEM
Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: ATI Radeon X850 XT/520MHz
Pixel Pipeline: 16
Memory/Effective Speed: 256MB GDDR3/1080MHz
BUS: PCI-Express x16
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub) + TV-Out (S-Video/Composite Out) + DVI
Support 3D API: DirectX 9, OpenGL 2.0
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
OEM Bundle(See pics for details) more info-> N82E16814102483
$445.00
Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-152&depa=0
OCZ PowerStream 520W Power Supply With Adjustable Power Rails With LED Indicators, SATA Connector, Model "OCZ520ADJ" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 520W
Input Voltage: 100-120V AC/200-240V AC
Input Frequency Range: 60/50Hz
Input Current: 10/6A
Output: +3.3V@28A, +5V@40A, +12V@33A, -5V@0.5A, -12V@0.5A, +5VSB@2.0A
Approvals: TUV, UL, CSA, CE, CB, FCC
Features: OCZ PowerWhisper Technology, OCZ PowerFlex individually adjustable power rails with LED indicators. OCZ ConnectAll universal connector. (ATX, BTX, SATA, P4 and EPS12V), OCZ PowerShield power leads for VGA and HD. 5 year warranty backed by OCZ's exclusive PowerSwap replacement program. more info-> N82E16817104152
$140.00
CPU (retail):
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-496&depa=0
AMD Athlon 64 FX-55, 1MB L2 Cache, 64-bit Socket 939 Processor - Retail
Specifications:
Model: Athlon 64 FX-55
Core: ClawHammer
Operating Frequency: 2.6GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/1MB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 939
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNow!, 3DNow!+
Warranty: 3-Year Warranty
Packaging: Retail box(with Heatsink and Fan) more info-> N82E16819103496
$895.00
Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-227-204&depa=0
OCZ Gold Series Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 Gold VX, Model OCZ4001024ELDCGEVX-K - Retail
Specifications:
Manufacturer: OCZ Technology
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: CL 2-3-3-8 at 2.6V, CL 2-2-2-8 at 3.2V
Support Voltage: up to 3.2V
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Features: Support EVP, ULN2 Technology
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820227204
$232.50
Floppy (meh, it's a floppy):
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-303&depa=0
Alps Silver 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive, Model DF354H168F, OEM
Specifications:
Capacity: 1.44MB
Average Access Time: 3ms (track to track)
Interface: 34 Pin Standard Floppy Connector
Form: 3.5"
Media Type: All Standard 1.44MB & 720KB 3.5" Floppy Diskettes
Features: High reliability attained by the employment of a direct-drive motor
Packaging: OEM more info-> N82E16821103303
$9.00
Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-160&depa=0
Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD740GD, OEM Drive Only
Specifications:
Capacity: 74GB
Average Seek Time: 4.5 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 10000 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: High Performance SATA Interface
Packaging: OEM Drive Only
more info-> N82E16822144160
$176.25
Keyboard and Mouse:
http://www.newegg.com/app/SearchProductResult.asp?Description=23-109-142&DEPA=
Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader -RETAIL
Specifications:
Interface: 2x USB
Number Of Keys: 105 keys + 22 Function keys
Wireless Technology: RF(for mouse only)
Palm Rest: Detachable
Design Style: Standard
Mouse included: wireless optical mouse
Features: Fingerprint Reader simply log on with the touch of your finger, Tilt Wheel Technology, My Favorites keys, Multimedia Center more info-> N82E16823109142
$78.99
Monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=24-001-166&depa=0
SAMSUNG SyncMaster 997DF-T/T 19" DynaFlat CRT Monitor -RETAIL
Specifications:
CRT Type: DynaFlat CRT
Dot Pitch: 0.20mm (H)
Max / Optimal resolution: 1920x1440 @ 65 Hz / 1600x1200 @ 76 Hz
Frequency / Bandwidth: fh: 30~96kHz; fv: 50~160Hz / 250MHz
Features: DynaFlat, MagicTune, Natural Color Pro
Dimensions & Weight: 17.5" x 18.0" x 16.4" (WxHxD), 40.0 lbs
Manufacturer's Warranty / Phone No.: 3 year CRT, parts and labor / 800-726-7864 more info-> N82E16824001166
$199.99
DVD / RW:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-035&depa=0
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Black, Model ND-3520A BK, OEM
Specifications:
Write Speed: 16X DVD+R, 8X DVD+RW, 4X DVD+R DL, 16X DVD-R, 6X DVD-RW, 48X CD-R, 24X CD-RW
Read Speed: 48X CD-ROM, 16X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
Packaging: OEM (see pictures for details) more info-> N82E16827152035
$53.99
Sound Card:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-178&depa=0
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS PCI Sound Card, Model "SB0350" OEM
Specifications:
Channels: 7.1
Max Sampling Rate: 192kHz
Signal-Noise Ratio: 108dB(SNR)
Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital EX
Digital Audio: 24-bit
Hardware Polyphony: 64 Voices
PC Interface: PCI
Connectors: Line-out, Line-in, Mic-in, Digital Out(5.1), Firewire(IEEE1394), Analog/Digital CD Audio in, Telephone Answering Device in, GAME/MIDI port via extension header, Internal IEEE1394 header and AD_EXT extension header to Audigy 2 ZS Internal I/O Drive(See Details) more info-> N82E16829102178
$69.99
Speakers:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-121&depa=0
Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 THX Certified Speaker System -RETAIL
Specifications:
Configuration: 5.1
Power Output: 280 Watts RMS (2 x 35.25W front, 2 x 35.25W rear, 39W center, Subwoofer: 100 Watts RMS)
Frequency Response: 35Hz - 20kHz
Signal to noise ratio: >85 dB
Remote: Wired
Features: Polished aluminum phase plug satellites combine 2 drivers into one: the clarity of a tweeter with the richness & fullness of a separate mid-range, Use Matrix mode and source selector switch to create breathtaking 5.1 surround sound from stereo, 4 channel, or 5.1 sound sources, Pedestals rotate easily for wall mounting or desk placement more info-> N82E16836121121
$143.50
Total: $2,696.21
(This is merely an outline and not the final price. I will likely buy from other providers.)