New build, first-timer

[Empyrean]

Well,

Rip my build apart or praise it, it is hopefully capable for my audio-producing needs while not causing me to go hungry because I can't buy food:

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice
Motherboard: DFI nF4-DAGF nForce4
RAM: 1 GB (2x 512) Patriot PSD1G400K
Video card: Leadtek Geforce 6600GT (PCI-express x16)
Sound card: E-MU 0404
Hard drive: WD 300GB SATA 7200RPM 8MB cache
DVD-ROM: NEC ND-3520A
PSU: ANTEC TruePower II 430 Watts

 

[InorganicMatter]

Looks good, but I work with video editing (not the same as audio I know) and it eats RAM for breakfast. I would consider getting 2, 3, or even 4GB if you are working with huge files.

 

[GooG]

you mean like dl music? intel with ht might be better.. amd is mainly gaming..

 

[KoolDrew]

For what your comnputer is going to be used for it probably would be best to go Intel.

 

[Epicenter]

For what your comnputer is going to be used for it probably would be best to go Intel.

you mean like dl music? intel with ht might be better.. amd is mainly gaming..

You have no idea what you are talking about. The Athlon 64 has the advantage in desktop applications, scientific apps, RAR file compression, video editing, audio editing, dynamic video/audio work, non-CS Photoshop and other image editing tools, some 3D rendering, and more. Intel's CPUs have the advantage in video/audio encoding, ZIP compression, and some other forms of 3D rendering. The list is quite a bit longer on AMD's side.

A64s are NOT 'Mostly for Gaming'.

Also, good luck finding any difference between a 400 MHz CPU and an Athlon 64 or P4 in DOWNLOADING music. In editing it, the Athlon 64 will be dramatically faster. In encoding it, the P4 will be faster. Given any real audio fanatic's time spent EDITING songs compared to rendering the final product and how relatively small the advantage in encoding is in the grander scheme of things, and the lack of multitasking focus on this machine ... it wouldn't make sense to go with a P4.

To the OP: I recommend you swap the RAM for Corsiar Value Select or Kingston ValueRAM for greater assurance of its reliability. You can also step down to a True380W supply, it is still more powerful than your system will require.

 

[Empyrean]

Just a clarification, this system is mainly for the production of music. While I may download music that is not the system's primary purpose. Anyway, I think the limiting factor there is the network connection/bandwidth, not CPU. Also, the music produced will be periodically encoded, but since I sleep and work a day-job, it really doesn't concern me if this takes a little longer. I leaned towards the AMD because it was a little less stressful on my wallet, and I read that they ran a little cooler than P4s.

To the OP: I recommend you swap the RAM for Corsiar Value Select or Kingston ValueRAM for greater assurance of its reliability. You can also step down to a True380W supply, it is still more powerful than your system will require.

Well, I may upgrade the RAM if I run into any problems and appreciate the recommendations. I'll have to play with the setup to see if if I need more than 1 GB.

I've already ordered the PSU, so if it is more than enough that's alright. Too much power won't hurt anything, I hope.