Need Advice Late June Early July Build (939 vs. AM2)

[maverick777]

AM2 vs 939 Build - Semi-Dream system with Midrange parts (some of them anyways)

Hi, this is my first custom build. I'm going to be building completely from scratch and I'm set to buy at the end of this month or early next month. July 15th at the latest. I'm going for a computer than can run Oblivion decently and will last at least a year. My budget is around $1800. No peripherials other than a keyboard. I'm debating between a 939 and AM2 build. I'm hesitant to go with AM2 because it is a new release that is still unproven, but has more future options.

Case: Cooler Master Stacker 830 - $250
PSU: Aerocool Zerodba 620 watt - $120
CPU: 939 AMD 3800+ X2 - $300
or AM2 AMD 4000+ X2 - $330
Heatsink: Zalman 9500 - $55
or Zalman 9500 AM2 Version - $70
Mobo: Asus A8N32-SLI deluxe - $185
or Asu M2N32-Sli - $240
Ram: 2gb (4x 512mb) Kingston HyperX DDR400 - $185
or 2gb OCZ Platinum DDR800 - $220
Video: 1x Evga 7900GT CO - $275 (will buy another for SLI in August)
Heatsink: Zalman VF-900 VGA Cooler - $40
HD: 1x 74gb Raptor - $155
HD: 1x 320gb WD Sata II w/ 16mb cache - $115
DVD: 2x Sony 16x DVD burner - $40 (regular drive costs almost as much so I'm going w/ 2 burners)
Keyboard: MS Natural 4000 or Logitech G11 if it comes out in time
Case Fans: 4x Scythe 1200rpm Silent 120mm fans - $15 each, $60 total
Thermal compound: AS5 - $10

Monitor: I have a 24" Ultrasharp
Mouse: I have a Razer Diamondback

Please let me know what you guys think of this build. I want to go with the AM2 build but at this point there are a few concerns. Several reviews pointed out that the board may be picky with the ram. Also, since the technology is still unproven, I'm a little hesitant since this is my first build and all. I really hope this build goes well

PS: most of the prices are from the egg, except for the AM2 version of the zalman and the AM2 Cpu.

 

[Abyss of Borg]

Well AM2 and 939 have similar chips right now. Most of the AM2 chips are just 939 chips for that socket with a DDR 2 controller. There isn't anything that amazing out on AM2. Conroe might be the way to go or maybe just get a lowend Sempron for AM2 and then when the Conroe competor comes out in November or so upgrade to that.

 

[maverick777]

Dang, I'm reading about Conroe more in depth as I write this. Man the numbers speak for themselves; Conroe obliterates all current 939 and AM2 CPU's. I really don't want to wait, but I guess I might have to.

Is Conroe going to come out in sufficient quantities with enough mobo support to actually buy one in July?

"Intel D975XBX (revision 304 and greater) motherboard with latest BIOS ("0618"/1009) supports Conroe"

I'm frantically searching forums to see if I can find such a mobo so I can just stick a cheap Pentium D on it until Conroe comes out.

 

[Eshelmen]

wow and i just read on tomshwardware

that the intel processor they were testing was NOT the high end one thats coming out

jesus i cant wait for this

www.tomshardware.com/

 

[454Casull]

Go for the X1800XT over the 7900GT. It's faster in Oblivion. If you do, get the Accelero X2 because it's cheaper, cooler, and quieter than the VF900.

2x1GB instead of 4x512MB

Scythe Mine instead of 9500 AM2, or Scythe Ninja Plus instead of 9500.

Yate Loon D12SL-12 fans are $4 at Jab-tech, $3.50 for 3 or more. They're basically the same as Nexus fans, but at a higher nominal speed. Get a fan controller if they're too loud.

Unless you need the "zerodba" function (which, btw, will decrease lifespan), get a Seasonic S12, since the Zerodba 620W only has 30A on the +12V rails. It's sufficient, but I'd rather not give money to a company who rates a 30A PSU as 620W.