Comment on my planned upgrade please

[disc13]

Hi, due to fans on my motherboard and video card failing, and hard drive simply crapping over, I've decided it was time for an upgrade.

I am thinking of:
Intel Pentium 4 3.0E GHz 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache
Antec TruePower True430 Power Supply
GA-8IPE1000Pro
Kingston HyperX 184-pin 1GB Kit DDR400 (PC3200) RAM
Western Digital Raptor 36GB Hard Drive
Chaintech nVIDIA GeForce FX5700LE Video Card

Salvaging from current comp:
M-Audio Revolution 7.1 Sound Card
Western Digital 40GB hard drive (that i just got after RMAing the old one) for storage
DVD and CD-RW drives

I am going to be doing some 3D modelling/animation/rendering, listening to music, will not be doing too much gaming, and will not be overclocking at all. Some questions:

1. Is that power supply enough to run all my components efficiently?
2. Is there another video card for around $100 that you would take over the Chaintech?
3. Is there another Gigabyte board you would take over the one I have? (I like Gigabyte)
4. Would you suggest a 3rd party heatsink/fan, like a Zalman? If so, which one?
I would like to keep this PC as quiet as possible - any suggestions?

Thanks very much in advance!

 

[UltimaParadox]

1. Is that power supply enough to run all my components efficiently?
Most Definetly

2. Is there another video card for around $100 that you would take over the Chaintech?
Depends, if you are wanting to buy used or now. For new I would possibly look at a 9600 Pro which is probablly 110 bucks, but nowadays you can find older 9700 Pros and even 9800 pros for around 100 if your lucky.

3. Is there another Gigabyte board you would take over the one I have? (I like Gigabyte)
Looks fine, I had a friend who had that board that had tons of trouble, until he updated the BIOs, which you should do anyways. If you are not o/cing Intel boards are also something you might want to look at since everyone who seems to have one swears by their stability. IMO a reputable Intel based board like Gigabyte though should be just fine

4. Would you suggest a 3rd party heatsink/fan, like a Zalman? If so, which one?
I would like to keep this PC as quiet as possible - any suggestions?
For cooling means the Intel stock heatsink should be sufficent enough for heat dissapation with no o/cing. Making a silent PC really depends more on your case fans and the sound dampening effects of your case

Thanks very much in advance!

There we go

 

[mr.dearthian]

You might consider uprading the Raptor from the 36GB version to the 72GB version. 72GB version is 2nd generation and, from what I keep reading on the forums, is definitely quieter than the 32GB version (faster and cooler temps also).

I second UltimateParadox. Intel HSF cools decently and is fairly quiet. I have the Zalman and it rocks. It is also very quiet and cools better than Intel Stock. If you want a little better cooling with less noise, go Zalman. If you go Intel, you'll be fine regardless. Just make sure to use some Arctic Silver (whatever is latest and greatest) instead of the black thermal pad thingy that is on the heatsink (this is at least what I'd do).

I have a Gigabyte 8KNXP (i875 Chipset) that is very good. The only thing I had to do was not use the secondary power card (check out Gigabyte pictures and you'll understand what I'm talking about). It blew heat right across my CPU heatsink/fan. Raised my temps 15C. Works just fine without it. Otherwise a very decent board (no problems).

Otherwise, looks cool! Have a ball!!

Mr.Dearthian

 

[The Bryophyte]

For your purposes I would suggest and intel-branded motherboard. They are THE easiest to find drivers for and their stability is always rock-solid. The only thing they lack is the tweakability that one might desire for serious gaming or ocing.

Other than that, I think Ultima's advice is right on.