My new build

vephs

Weaksauce
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Messages
81
Hello guys, I'm thinking of building a system with the following specs. I have never done this before, so if im making some obvious mistake then please tell me... :p

CHAINTECH VNF4/Ultra Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Processor (Venice) Socket 939 Retail
Memory- Open for suggestions (2 x 512)
Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro PCI Express 256MB DDR3 Video Card w/TV-Out, DVI & Video-In
Western Digital WD Caviar WD800JD 80GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer
Antec SONATA 0.8mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 380W Power Supply - Retail

As you can see, I need to choose the memory that will go with my system. Im hoping these memory will be under $100 total and allow me to oc my CPU to about 2.5ish (should I just oc my ram or change FSB:RAM ratio too?). And also, would the 380watt PSU be enough for my system or do I need something more?

If theres anything else I need to watch out for, please let me know. Thanks for the help.
 
Save all your money until you can build a better system.

No less than AMD 64 400 Dual core or AMD FX 55.

If you dont want to do that then...

Just change that harddrive to a WD raptor 74gb Serial ATA.
 
That sounds good, except that i only have around $1200 dollars to spend (just got it as a gift for getting in college), and I dont think ill be able save up much money anytime soon :( Besides, I dont want to be stuck with my XP 1900+ :eek:

If I get the raptor, would I be able to see noticeable differences in either gaming or everyday work?
 
I'd skip the Raptor since you're on a budget and the Raptor will cost 2X as much. (maybe 3X) For a budget setup, that's not bad. For memory, I'd get Kingston Value RAM or Mushkin value RAM. You can spend more for the same amount of memory, but you'll have to skimp elsewhere. A Gig of RAM should only run you <$100. The power supply should be adequate for your needs.
 
Skip the Raptor, and get a Samsung HD instead of Caviar.

380W might handle that system as long as it's ATX12V 2.0 and has a strong +12V rail.
 
That looks like ATX12V 1.x, which isn't good enough. But even still, the 12V is weak (not bad for a 380W, I guess, but not good for an A64)
 
dude i highly recommend jsut saving. Im using a XP 2000+ and ive got to save to build a whole new system after i sell this one. But yes you will see an increase ni game load times, and OS loadtimes with the raptor.
 
Get the Antec Solution SLK3800B that comes with a nice 400w PSU. For memory just get some Crucial Value RAM or somthing. There is no reason to spend anymore on 1GB of RAM.

I would also get an X800XL.
 
dandragonrage said:
Why are you recommending cases with 350W ATX12V 1.x PSUs for an Athlon64? And weak ones at that. Did you read what I said above?

A quality 350w PSU would be more then sufficient.
 
NEVER EVER GET A Sure POWER!


With my below system plus 2 120mm fans and 1 80mm fan my 350 watt smart power is GAY!
I have to overvolt my atlon 3200+ barton to 1.725 and my ram to 2.8 just to keep it form BSODing. Bastards. If it was a true power I wouldnt have this problem....

BTW it's no longer overclocked.

I had it aat like freakin 1.85 volts for that small OC :rolleyes:
 
dandragonrage said:
Why are you recommending cases with 350W ATX12V 1.x PSUs for an Athlon64? And weak ones at that. Did you read what I said above?

If you actually look at the components the OP listed, and their prices, it seems that budget is a concern. All are modestly priced. My recommedation was based mainly on that consideration. I also have a SmartPower that has never given me any problems.

For every person that says those power supplies suck, there'll be someone that has had great luck in a variety of systems.
 
KoolDrew said:
Synthetic benchmarks mean nothing.

So how would you recommend I test it? It seems fast in real world applications to me and reviews of it place it as the fastest 7200 and have it approach Raptor territory.
 
NewGuy said:
If you actually look at the components the OP listed, and their prices, it seems that budget is a concern. All are modestly priced. My recommedation was based mainly on that consideration.

And they're still not ATX12V 2.0
 
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