New computer tech help!

[CiDeR_OwNz]

You know that time, don't you?

It's when you realise there are WAY too many thing you need to upgrade on your rig.
It's when you see many of the things that make your pc on the company's "retired products" list.
It's when games start to stutter.

And that time has come for me- to buy a new PC! *dramatic music*


Now to a more seriouse tone-

I've decided it's time to get on the 64-bit train to goodness, but I'm having some issues choosing the CPU and the memory (Athlon64 is a bit picky when it comes to that, isn't it?).

Currently I'm debating between two possible rigs-


1)First has the better CPU and the faster Hard Disc, but the slower RAM:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ CPU BOX
Mobo: Asus KV8 Delux VIA K8T800
Memory: CORSAIR DDR-RAM TWINX 1024MB (2x512) 3200 PRO CAS2 Memory
Hard Disc: Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10000 rpm Serial ATA HDD
Case: Thermaltake Highest Xaser III V1000A Super Tower Case
Power Supplie: Antec TruePower 430W

2) Second has the slower CPU and the slower Hard Disc, but a much faster RAM:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3000+ CPU Tray + TT Venus 12 (bundled)
Mobo: Asus KV8 Delux VIA K8T800 Motherboard
Memory: CORSAIR DDR-RAM TWINX 1024MB (2x512) 4000 PRO Memory Kit
Hard Discs: Maxtor 80GB 7200rpm 8MB Buffer Serial ATA HDD
Cases: Thermaltake Highest Xaser III V1000A Super Tower Case
Power Supplies: Antec TruePower 430W


So here are my questions-

A) What is the difference between the AMD Athlon 3000 and the 3200? I learned it has a larger cache, but I don't know what is that, or how it effects performance .

B) Is the faster RAM worth the price (lesser CPU and lesser Hard Disc)?

C) I'm having doubts on the case- it's the Xaser or the Antec Performance Plus 1080 AMG. Xaser has better cooling so I took it, or maybe I should settle for an Antec and a few more fans? cooling and ariflow is very important to me.

D) Is the Raptor worth the price and the low storage? (not planning on getting two of those, WAY too expensive) I mostly use the computer for gaming (heavy gaming ) and I don't have that many games.


Or is there something else fundementally flawed with my to-be PC? do share! .

Thanks!

 

[Iconz]

a) the amount of cache on the die makes a big difference in performance, just look at the celeron vs. the P4

b) High-end RAM will be worth it for overclocking, but the A64's and overclocking aren't synonymous, so I'd get good memory, but maybe not the best, and get the 3200+.

c) I think you answered your own question when you said airflow is most important, and you feel the Xaser has better airflow. just don't get the one that looks like Chubby Checkers on crack.

d) I hear that Raptors are loud and hot, one more thing to notice and one more thing to cool. If your not going to get 2 of them for RAID, its probably not worth it.

 

[devo5676]

A) Processors are always overclockable

B)7200RPM hard drive will do the job quite well with gaming, i my self am a heavy gamer and my rig plays games like it was sleeping, get the better memory it will turn out benificial in the end

C) If cooling is a great issue, take this in consideration, i was reading some reviews that the Thermaltake cases use materials that arn't very heat friendly, meaning that the don't cool down quick like lets say aluminum, get an aluminum case and do some mooding

D)I really don't see the need for the raptors, get the bigger drive because games are beginning to need more and more space and 7200RPM is more than enough speed, get the bigger one you won't run out of space as quick


personally i love my P4 but if you like the 64bit(which isn't even goign to be using its full potential) then go for that, or wait for the prescott, those will be nice although i think the p4 3.0-3.2 are going to be better than the prescott initially

 

[CiDeR_OwNz]

Thanks for the comments guys, I really appreciate it.

Probaly going for the 3200PC, since I don't plan on any major overclocking and.... the PC4000 is COSTY! .

Case..... what abotu the Antec Performance Plus AMG 1080 Capital Letters And Hight Numbers 2650? It's from aluminium (pretty sure), and I could mod it.

I realise now I'm just being an ass and asking stupid it-depends-on-myself questions..... just ignore that last one, and tell me this- that case worth the price? it does come with an Antec PSU....

 

[devo5676]

its a nice case, i have the antec lan boy, tehy make very nice and managable cases, you will be happy with it, and nno one makes PSU's like antec so you will happy with that, i haev periphals gallor and my lil 350 is pumpin enough juice to handle it all, going to up to the 500True soon, just cuz im greedy, lol

 

[CiDeR_OwNz]

Bump!

OK, new question- should I go for the Athlon 64 3200+ but with two Vantec Stealth 80mm fans and a Thermalright SLK-947U (case is Antec Performance Plus 1080 AMG, so it has room for two extra fans) OR the Athlon 64 3400+, but with no extra fans (budjet problems)?

 

[theNoid]

That PERFORMANCE ONE case is crap.. do not buy it. The front bezel is cheap fake chrome plastic, and its flimsy as hell. I wanted it until I saw it in person. Get the Xaser