First Build, comments please

R

runbird05

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 29, 2005
Messages
207
I'm a newb when it comes to PC's, but I've ignored that fact and decided to build the computer I'll be taking to school this fall. After a little bit of looking around, I've come up with the parts that I think I'll use, but I thought I'd expose it to some more knowledgeable people before I go and order it. Just incase you want to know, I plan to use this for the general things like homework, internet browsing, music, ect., but also some gaming and a bit of movie watching. I don't plan to overclock at the moment, so I'm looking to build a system that's solid at stock settings while still leaving the door open if I change my mind down the road and want some extra kick. Also, I'm trying to stick within the price range of $1700-$1900 for everything (monitor, printer, etc.). Anyways, here's what I'm looking at right now:

MSI K8N Neo4-F

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice
OCZ Value 2x512 DDR400
Powercolor Radeon x800xl
WD Caviar 200GB SATA150
Antec Smartpower2.0 400W
Audigy2 ZS
Thermaltake Tsunami Case
LG1980U (already purchased w/$150 rebates)
Logitech Z-3e 40W
Logitech MX1000

After adding all of this up with other misc. things like optical drives, printer, and shipping, my current total is $1848. Any suggestions on compatibility or quality of parts, or any ways to cut the cost without sacrificing much or any performance would be awesome. Thanks!
 
That looks very nice! The 400 wat PSU will probably be enough, but it wouldn't hurt to throw in another $20 and get the 500 watt version
Since you plan to watch some movies, you might think about getting at least a 5.1 speaker system and put your nice sound card to work. The Logitech X530's are great budget speakers and are the same price as the 2.1's on your list.

Just some thoughts... :)
 
Im not to keen on that LCD you picked......with the rebates even......id eaither get a 2005fp or the LD90+ 2005 owns for websurfing/movies tho........id send lcd back :p the rest looks nice, and i agree with above poster, change the psu out...... eaither spend 100ish on the Neopower (cause it will also look nice in comp) or the 500watt verison the above poster talked about


soulsaver_8229
 
my preference..

Spend less on the case...
get a dfi mobo, even the cheaper one is better imo (never mind, no oc, but id get dfi anyway)
200gb hd, i think an 80 will work, unless you have like 25000 songs on your computer...
get a better card to suit your speakers (your card is 7.1, the speakers are 2.1)


o yea, id get a 6600gt instead for a card.. just me though
 
You can get cheaper RAM from Corsair or Crucial. Also I think Monarch Computers has a X800XL for $250.

I also think that TT case is really ugly.
 
KoolDrew said:
You can get cheaper RAM from Corsair or Crucial. Also I think Monarch Computers has a X800XL for $250.

I also think that TT case is really ugly.
Click to expand...


he was asking abou the parts, not your taste in cases........


on the other hand id not get the sound card, use the money saved on that, do what the other poster said, get a DFI lanboy 939 mobo, use the onboard sound.......or just get a hella cheap sound card.... the case is fine, as long as thats what you want, my gf's brother has the silver, its pretty awesome, the door is so thick and heavy feeling, its cool

soulsaver_8229
 
he was asking abou the parts, not your taste in cases........
Click to expand...


He posted this topic asking for opinions about the parts he chose and I gave him my opinion. TT makes poor cases. There are much better options.
 
Suggesting a cheaper case is a rather poor suggestion. The TT Tsunami is a nice case if that's what your into. Silverstone, CoolerMaster, Lian-Li, may have better built cases... but you don't necessarily need that. From experience, I sure do.. but everyone has to learn some way. The TT Tsunami case is a great choice if you don't want to spend a ton and like the looks.

If you are into music, I'd get the card. There is a noticable difference between it and onboard. Regarding the videocard, X800XL is the way to go (I noticed someone suggested 6600). It's probably a bit more, but you may want to look into a Maxtor DiamondMax 10 16mb cache, drive. They come in 200GB, 250GB, and 300GB and they are smoking fast.

As for ram, take a look at TwinMOS ram, it's reccomended alot for hitting low timings, and with A64 ram dividers you don't need anything too expensive. Finally, the DFI mobo is the best choice for overclocking... but if your just starting out you may want to go with something a bit less complex like Abit or Asus.
 
Thanks for the replies everybody. I looked at the Corsair ValueSelect RAM, and I think I'll go with it and shift the $20 saved over to the more powerful PSU. I also think I'll go with the 5.1 logitech speakers and keep the sound card. As for the DFI motherboard (assuming this is the one you're referring to), what kind of performance/features benefits are there over the one I listed to justify the extra $30? I see the extra PCIe slot, but I'm not sure I'll really be able to use it.

I was initially looking at the 6600gt for the great price to performance ratio, but after looking at some benchmarks around the net, I thought I'd go with the x800xl as it (from stuff I've read) clearly out performs a single 6600gt and is almost on the same level as a 6800gt for a considerably lower price.

As for my case stirring up controversy, I know it's probably not the most practical thing, but I figure I'll be looking at it for the next several years and it might as well please the eyes (my eyes, that is). I thought the same about the monitor; it's a solid performer, even if it isn't top of the line, mixed with the fact that it has, IMO, great aesthetics. I could probably be considered overly concerned with how my stuff looks, but that's just the way I am I guess.

But again, thanks for the input, and feel free to throw anything else my way, even if it's opinions on how it looks!
 
Yes, definately get the x800xl over the 6600gt if you can afford it. Maybe get a neopower, or ask around in the psu forum for the best one you can get for around 100$.
 
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