Critique My New System Please

V

verdad

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 28, 2003
Messages
360
I've finally given in to the idea of spending some money to put together a decent gaming machine (My iMac just isn't cutting it in WoW :)) I've finalized a system which will fit my needs, but I still want to make sure it passes the [H] test. I've also got a few questions to throw in the mix. Here she goes:

ASUS A8N-SLI Premium ATX AMD Motherboard
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it is FINE to run only 1 video card on an SLI board, right?

AMD Athlon 64 4000+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor

THERMALRIGHT XP-90C Heatsink
I've read good things about this HS, anyone else using one? If so, can you suggest a fan & size to mount and has anyone had troubles mounting it to the board w/ its weight?

OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Platinum System Memory

Western Digital Raptor 74GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
Primary Boot Disk. This will be my first build using SATA, how does it compare to PATA, not so much as in speeds but in configuring?

Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Secondary Storage Drive.

BFG Tech Geforce 7800GTX BFGR78256GTXOC Video Card

Antec NeoPower 480W Power Supply
I'm open to suggestions on this one. I've had Antec in the past and haven't had problems, and I really like the idea of being able to disconnect lines that aren't in use. Do you think 480w will be enough to push this?

Thanks in advance guys. Please supply any questions/comments/concern/wth are you thinkings.

Curt
 
I envy your new system, you can run 1 one card on an SLI board, and that power supply should be more than enough, even if you go SLI.

Have fun.
 
I'd say that's a really nice system if you're not going to do any overclocking.

Here's my thought's / suggestions:

1) If you're not overclocking, don't bother with the XP-90, just use the stock heatsink.

If you want the XP-90 anyway, I recommend any of the Panaflo 92mm series. They've got a low speed, medium, high, and ultra fans. I went with the medium speed M1A. Good mix of noise vs airflow. Also, while the XP-90 "C" is nice, the whole point of that heatsink design was that it didn't need to be copper to work its magic. So, don't feel obligated to buy the copper model even if you do intend to overclock.

2) The 4000+ is a nice processor... definately. But, if you're planning to overclock, you should go with a lesser model and save some money. I run my 3200+ at the same 2.4GHz that the 4000+ runs at, albeit my CPU only has 512kb of cache RAM. It's all about bang for the buck, so it's up to you on that. The 4000+ probably won't overclock all that much.

3) I have that RAM and it's really nice. It's easy to setup and isn't picky about motherboards. At stock or near stock speeds, you simply cannot beat its tight CAS timings and ease of setup. Keep in mind the Platinums tops out at about 220-230MHz (mine tops out at 220MHz) and no pushing will get it higher. So, if you overclock then you will need to use a RAM divider to keep it within it's limits. The OCZ 4000EB is a better option if you want to run high bus speeds (anything reliably over 220MHz) so you can keep the CPU and RAM in a 1:1 ratio instead of using dividers.

4) Nice drives.

5) Nice video card. :)

6) Power supply. I have this same PS. I like it. Like you said, you can connect only the cables you need. The new version they sell now comes sleeved as well, which is a nice bonus. However, if you have intentions to run 2 video cards in the future, I would probably recommend a slightly more powerful PS, like the Antec TruePower II 550 or the PC Power & Cooling 510. That's the only case where I would recommend a more powerful supply, otherwise, you'll be perfectly happy with the NeoPower and it will run this system you've spec'ed out just fine.

7) Yes, you can run 1 video card just fine in an SLI motherboard.

8) What case are you using?
 
1) Thermalright XP-90C is an awesome cooler. Keeps my San Diego 3700, even @ 2.75GHz, under 40C full load. Idles in the low 30s. Didn't have to do anything fnacy like lap to get these temps, just put on some AS5.

2) Upgrade your storage drive to the WD2500KS. Only a few bucks more, and the 16MB buffer is a massive performance boost.

3) You can indeed run a single video card on an SLI board. You can choose whether you want 1 X16 PCI-E slot and an X2 slot, or two X8 slots for SLI mode. You change a selector card on the mobo to switch between the two configuration. It ships in X16+X2 mode.
 
verdad said:
I've finally given in to the idea of spending some money to put together a decent gaming machine (My iMac just isn't cutting it in WoW :)) I've finalized a system which will fit my needs, but I still want to make sure it passes the [H] test. I've also got a few questions to throw in the mix. Here she goes:

ASUS A8N-SLI Premium ATX AMD Motherboard
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it is FINE to run only 1 video card on an SLI board, right?

AMD Athlon 64 4000+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor

THERMALRIGHT XP-90C Heatsink
I've read good things about this HS, anyone else using one? If so, can you suggest a fan & size to mount and has anyone had troubles mounting it to the board w/ its weight?

OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Platinum System Memory

Western Digital Raptor 74GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
Primary Boot Disk. This will be my first build using SATA, how does it compare to PATA, not so much as in speeds but in configuring?

Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Secondary Storage Drive.

BFG Tech Geforce 7800GTX BFGR78256GTXOC Video Card

Antec NeoPower 480W Power Supply
I'm open to suggestions on this one. I've had Antec in the past and haven't had problems, and I really like the idea of being able to disconnect lines that aren't in use. Do you think 480w will be enough to push this?

Thanks in advance guys. Please supply any questions/comments/concern/wth are you thinkings.

Curt
Click to expand...


I think overall the choices you have made are great.
1. No change i think this is a great MB
2.Rather than the 4000+ get an X2 3800+
3.Great HSF, but you have many options
4. I have this RAM and i love it.
5.Great hard drives, but perhaps you might just get two drives with the 16mb cache?
6.Rather than the 7800gtx perhaps buy two 7800gt's. either way it is an awesome choice.
7. I have this power supply and it works great.

You never listed a case. I'll throw in a vote for the p180.

Whatever your final choices this will be one smoking system!
 
dtess17 said:
I think overall the choices you have made are great.
1. No change i think this is a great MB
2.Rather than the 4000+ get an X2 3800+
3.Great HSF, but you have many options
4. I have this RAM and i love it.
5.Great hard drives, but perhaps you might just get two drives with the 16mb cache?
6.Rather than the 7800gtx perhaps buy two 7800gt's. either way it is an awesome choice.
7. I have this power supply and it works great.

You never listed a case. I'll throw in a vote for the p180.

Whatever your final choices this will be one smoking system!
Click to expand...


Uh oh, X2 3800+ you say ey? No lies, that was my first choice, but ended up talking myself out of it. Do you see any real benefits w/ that dual-core for gaming? Why would you go DC? As for the case, I'm w/o a doubt going Lian-Li, and kind of had my mind set on Lian Li PC-61 Black.
 
I also suggest the X2. In addition to the obvious multi-tasking benefits, nVidia will be releasing multi-threaded drivers shortly that will give a substantial performance increase.

On a side note, why does your link to the 4000+ send me to www.microsoft.com? :eek:
 
verdad said:
Uh oh, X2 3800+ you say ey? No lies, that was my first choice, but ended up talking myself out of it. Do you see any real benefits w/ that dual-core for gaming? Why would you go DC? As for the case, I'm w/o a doubt going Lian-Li, and kind of had my mind set on Lian Li PC-61 Black.
Click to expand...

If you had your system tomorrow, you might not see a huge increase from buying the X2 3800+ over the 4000+. In a few months once more drivers are out with support for multi core procs i think the difference will be substantial. Also the games coming out in the next few months will also be tweaked for dual core.
Also it seems everyone agree's that multi core is the future of procs. I can not see buying single core if they will be phased out in a year or so.
It is your money and you should do whatever you see best. But i think dual core is where it WILL be at.

Lian Li cases are sweet. I just like P180 case with all the 120mm fans. i think they do a much better job than 80mm fans.


:)
 
Change BFG into EVGA, since its cheaper, better warranty and more quiet fan.
Get a Ninja Scythe and a Nexus Real Silent Fan.
 
Nexus Real Silent fans are awesome. I will more than likely put them in my new case.

I'd say the Hyper 6 + is another good choice for a HSF.

I also think that the new Vapochill shows alot of promise.

The thing about getting a HSF is there are so many options for what you want. Some people want ultra quiet operation and are willing to give up some performace, while others could care less about sound, and just want the coolest processor possible.

For me i need a mix between the two.
I need awesome cooling, but i don;t want to go deaf either.
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=929824 this thread has some great ideas for a variety of different HSF...
 
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