• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

Configuration Suggestions! (HELP)

O

OFFMason

n00b
Joined
May 25, 2005
Messages
11
Greetings everyone! Sorry if the following queries seem a bit noobish, but I have just realized that Small Form Factor systems are far more upgrade friendly than laptops and that is key to a gamer/student like me. I'm new to the concept so please help me out.

________________________________________________________________

PROGRESS/POSSIBILITIES FROM SUGGESTIONS:

CASE:
$100 ANTEC Aria

CPU:
$155 A64 3000+ Venice 939

MEMORY:
$105 x2 512 Twinmos SP PC3200

VIDEO CARD:
$200 6600 GT (PCI-E)
$300 6800 GT (AGP)

MOTHERBOARD:
?

________________________________________________________________

I HAVE:
Mouse, Keyboard, CRT Monitor (For Now), CD-RW, 100 GIG HD

MUST OBTAIN:
A SFF that can handle the most latest and upcoming gaming titles such as: Half Life 2, Battlefield 2, and Operation Flashpoint 2. I believe a system that can handle such games would also handle all other redundant tasks like word-processing and such (heh).

CAUGHT MY EYE:
The Antec Aria seems like a machine that allows for great customization and future upgrades. I have a laptop and I know how frustrating it is to be left in the dust 6 months after purchase by newer laptops and games that require more juice. Upgradeability is key.

LOOKING FOR:
I'm looking for a system that can handle my gaming without leaving a dent in my wallet! I want to be able to upgrade it in the future without having to start at the drawing board with a new motherboard, new case etc... I hope you all know what I mean! Please provide specifications and prices (where to buy at the cheapest prices) for any configuration you suggest.

Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions!
 
I would stick with Shuttle XPC's. Shuttles been in the SFF business the longest and IMO have the best SFF products.

If your a gamer, then theres no better value than the A64 939. Its up to you if you want to use AGP or PCI-E. if you get the XPC with PCI-E, you can upgrade later on. these are my recommendations:

$380 Shuttle SN25P (A64 939, NF4, PCI-E)
OR $290 Shuttle SN95G5V3 (A64 939, NF3, AGP)

$155 A64 3000+ Venice 939
$105 x2 512 Twinmos SP PC3200

$200 6600 GT (PCI-E)
$300 6800 GT (AGP)

just put in your HDD and optical drive, and your ready to go.
 
Thanks for your response. I'm sort of tight on money. I'm looking for a solution like the Aria where I can purchase a seperate mobo and save me a c-note.

The video card (6600 GT), memory and CPU suggestion is fine.

Can you point me to a Micro-ATX that supports the video card, CPU and memory you suggested and also fits inside a case like the Aria?

I'll edit the first post to include the progress we've made.
 
eh.... there arent alot good (overclocking wise) micro-ATX boards out there. the only decent one i know is the MSI one. either way, youll end up spending around $250-300 for the case/mobo/powersupply, so why not get the Shuttle?

i just built this system and i couldnt be happier with it. its faster than my 3.3ghz watercooled system.

Shuttle SN95G5V3 (939)
A64 3000+ (@ 3500+)
x2 512mb Twimos SP (2225 1T)
6800 GT (@ Ultra)
74gig Raptor
Audigy 2 ZS
NEC 3250a DVD Burner
 
Doesn't the Aria have the powersupply already?

I've never really had the need to over-clock.

I'd want to get a motherboard with PCI-Express.

Tried contacting you on AIM. Guess you aren't on.
 
get a fragbox 2 DIY you'll be much happier i have had a aria its in pices literly damn POS fragbox2 is sooo worth it
 
Fragbox 2 costs $300, thats WITHOUT mobo and psu....... if your going to spend that much, might as well get a Silverstone Temjin TJ03.....
 
I've taken a more in depth look into the cases avaliable and have found 14 'MicroATX Mini Tower' style cases from newegg. Overall, they are similar in dimensions to the Aria but they stand upright like a standard ATX desktop case. I like the AOpen H420B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811130166). It is about half the price of the Aria at the expense of some extra inches in its dimension size. What do you guys suggest? Any pros or cons as to swaying either way?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top