Yet another system build thread!

[pigwalk]

Hey guys, I´m about to start putting the machine together this thursday (well, ordering at least..). Here´s what I´m looking at so far.

Gigabyte K8NSC939 NVIDIA nForce3 Ultra
Amd Athlon64 3200+ 939 -$260 (Pricewatch)

Patriot Signature Series Dual Channel Kit PC3200, Model PSD1G400KH
-$104.87

Seagate 200GB 7200RPM IDE Model ST3200822A
-$120.00

Lite-On 16X DVD Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive
- $61.99

Add to that my current 6600gt AGP and an HDA Mystique for sound when i can find one. Primarily a gaming machine, but I don´t want to spend buku bucks or lose my 6600gt by going PCI-E. Might decide to take the Baracuda SATA instead of EIDE, but I hear you NEED to have a floppy drive to install the drivers? Is that right? Also I hear there are some reliability issues with EMI and RF interference.

Not sure about the RAM either, was going to pick up G.Skill but it was out of stock. Decided on the Patriot because... Umm, don´t really know why, don´t know jack on RAM really.

The most I can hope of out of the Lite-On is a low noise level and little cpu utilization. My current drive, a Cyberdrive CDRW sounds like a lawnmower when reading discs, it´s pretty horrid....
Am willing to spend a little more, but not much hopefully. If i could pick up a cpu/mobo combo a little faster for under 300 I´d go for it as long as it´s AGP. What about the A64 Mobile DTRs? Hopefully I can have this all straightened out to get the best bang for my buck by the time I send the order out. Thanks guys!

-wil

 

[pigwalk]

-bump

any help would be REALLY appreciated.

-wil

 

[pigwalk]

last bump

 

[Epicenter]

Where did you find a 3200+ 939 A64 for $260? That's a horrible ripoff! NewEgg has them for under $200: http://www.newegg.com

Just so you know, always check out companies when you see them on Pricewatch on http://www.resellerratings.com -- almost every one I saw there was some kind of scam artist. They'd take your money and never ship your goods. This is why I exclusively shop at NewEgg now.

Anyway. Your parts selection is fine, but I'd really sell the 6600GT and get a PCIe version, and get an nForce 4 board like the DFI NF4 Ultra-D or Chaintech VNF4/Ultra. You'll then be able to upgrade your video card when the next generation rolls around; not have to replace your motherboard, too.

I'd also switch the RAM for 2 512 MB sticks of DDR400/PC3200 Corsair Value Select or Kingston ValueRAM. Not much more and a very good reputation fo reliable memory. Also, if you need a quiet drive, NEC's 350A series DVD burners on NewEgg are only about $52, but are very quiet when reading and burning discs, definitely worth a look. I like Lite-On drives but they aren't the quietest around from what I've seen.

Make sure to get a good power supply, e.g. an Antec True430 or Enermax Noisetaker 420. Enjoy the new machine.