advice on build...Wait?

[jp550]

hi, i am building a new computer and want it for video editing and some games. i want it to last a while though, and be able to upgrade it nicely.
However, im worried about its upgradeability because of the new stuff like am2 coming out soon.

here is the current hardware that im thinking about ordering

CPU: (939-pin) AMD Athlon™64 X2 4200+ Dual-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology
MOTHERBOARD: (Sckt939)EVGA nForce4 SLI Chipset SATA RAID Dual PCI-E Mainboard w/GbLAN, USB2.0, &7.1Audio
MEMORY: 2048 MB (1GBx2) PC3200 400MHz Dual Channel DDR MEMORY (Corsair Value Select)
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA Geforce 7900 GT 256MB 16X PCI Express Video Card
HARD DRIVE: 250GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8M Cache 7200RPM Hard Driv
Optical Drive: LiteOn SHM-165H6S 16X Double Layer DVD+-RW Super Allwrite + Lightscribe Technology (Black Color)



If i want this computer to last a long time and be able to upgrade, its probably worth it to wait right?

my whole computer right now with everything costs about $1200. if i wait for am2 could i get a computer of equal quality to the one im building right now for the same price?

would you wait or go for it right now?

thanks alot

 

[MadModMike]

hi, i am building a new computer and want it for video editing and some games. i want it to last a while though, and be able to upgrade it nicely.
However, im worried about its upgradeability because of the new stuff like am2 coming out soon.

here is the current hardware that im thinking about ordering

CPU: (939-pin) AMD Athlon™64 X2 4200+ Dual-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology
MOTHERBOARD: (Sckt939)EVGA nForce4 SLI Chipset SATA RAID Dual PCI-E Mainboard w/GbLAN, USB2.0, &7.1Audio
MEMORY: 2048 MB (1GBx2) PC3200 400MHz Dual Channel DDR MEMORY (Corsair Value Select)
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA Geforce 7900 GT 256MB 16X PCI Express Video Card
HARD DRIVE: 250GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8M Cache 7200RPM Hard Driv
Optical Drive: LiteOn SHM-165H6S 16X Double Layer DVD+-RW Super Allwrite + Lightscribe Technology (Black Color)



If i want this computer to last a long time and be able to upgrade, its probably worth it to wait right?

my whole computer right now with everything costs about $1200. if i wait for am2 could i get a computer of equal quality to the one im building right now for the same price?

would you wait or go for it right now?

thanks alot

Don't wait, unless you want to pay more for the next-gen stuff. Socket 939 stuff should drop when AM2 comes out, so it's a matter of if you can't wait for a new PC or if you have patience.

~~Mad Mod Mike, fixin' the world 1 rig at a time

 

[ProdigyMS]

my whole computer right now with everything costs about $1200. if i wait for am2 could i get a computer of equal quality to the one im building right now for the same price?

I kinda doubt it, with AM2 you will need to use DDR2 memory, which costs more, and usually when a new socket is released, they cost quite a bit. It usually takes awhile for the prices to drop. I would build it now, if you keep waiting for new technology, you will always be waiting forever. Once AM2 is released, I'm sure that AMD will be talking about a new upcoming core for it, then you will be waiting for that. Just build it now.

 

[jp550]

how long do you think it will last? will it still be able to upgrade in a few years?

 

[ProdigyMS]

The CPU probably won't be upgradeable, as far as I know they will only be making new CPU's for the AM2 interface. But you will beable to upgrade to the higher end S939 at a cheaper prices probably, as well as getting more memory. No other platforms will be utilizing DDR as far as I know. The videocard should be upgradeable, unless they release PCI-E2 or something crazy like that lol. But once you want to move to AM2, that means new motherboard, processor, and RAM. I guess it really depends on how long you can wait.

 

[jp550]

thanks for the replys 8)

how long do you think it will last though, before i have to completely buy a new setup?

im building from cyberpower this is what i have configured

Gamer Ultra SLI Pro (NO MONITOR)


*BASE_PRICE: [+1745]
CAS: Hot New! X-Cruiser Mid-Tower 420W Case W/ WINDOW, MultiMeter Display & Control [-74] (Silver Color)
CASUPGRADE: NONE
CPU: (939-pin) AMD Athlon™64 X2 4200+ Dual-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology [+54]
CD: NONE [-14]
CD2: LiteOn SHM-165H6S 16X Double Layer DVD+-RW Super Allwrite + Lightscribe Technology [+17] (Black Color)
CABLE: None
FLASHMEDIA: None
FLOPPY: 1.44 MB FLOPPY DRIVE (BEIGE COLOR)
FAN: AMD ATHLON64 CERTIFIED CPU FAN & HEATSINK + 3 EXTRA CASE FANS [-50]
HDD: 250GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8M Cache 7200RPM Hard Drive
HDD2: NONE
IEEE_CARD: NONE
KEYBOARD: Logitech Deluxe 104 PS/2 Keyboard (Black Color)
MOUSE: PS2 INTERNET MOUSE W/ WHEEL [-16] (Special!!! BEIGE COLOR MICROSOFT USB INTELLIMOUSE)
MONITOR: NONE
MOTHERBOARD: (Sckt939)EVGA nForce4 SLI Chipset SATA RAID Dual PCI-E Mainboard w/GbLAN,USB2.0,&7.1Audio
MEMORY: 2048 MB (1GBx2) PC3200 400MHz Dual Channel DDR MEMORY (Corsair Value Select)
MODEM: NONE
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/1000 NETWORK CARD
OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 2 [-15]
PRINTER: None
PRINTER_CABLE: None
PRO_WIRING: None
POWERSUPPLY: Antec TPII-550 550Watt ATX 12V Power Supply [+45]
RAID: NONE
RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
SOFT: Microsoft® Works v8.0
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY PLUS ONE-YEAR ONSITE SERVICE
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: Logitech S100 2.0 Stereo Speaker Set [-90] (BLACK COLOR)
TEMP: NONE (AS SHOWN)
TVRC: None
UPS: None
USB: Build-in USB 2.0 Ports
USBHD: NONE
VIDEOCAMERA: NONE
VIDEO: NEW !!! NVIDIA Geforce 7900 GT 256MB 16X PCI Express Video Card
VIDEO2: NONE [-290]
WNC: PCI Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Network Interface Card
WAP: NONE
ZIP: NONE
_PRICE: (+1312)



ps: do you think that this is the best deal i can get for the money right now? from new egg its more money than this

pss: i would like a new comp now, but i can wait untill summer if you were in my shoes would it be worth the wait?

thanks

 

[ThunderGodThor]

Get an opty 165 for 327 or a 170 for 400. You can get the 165 up too an fx-60 and the 170 goes even higher. Some thing like this or what you are getting should last a very long time. My old system even tho i upgreaded it form a 1800Xp to a 2500xp Barton lasted for 4 years or so. And that wasnt a high end like the one i have now or the close to the one your making.

 

[angry_ducky]

Buy the stuff off of newegg and build it yourself. Then overclock it. The end.

 

[shadowduck]

thanks for the replys 8)

how long do you think it will last though, before i have to completely buy a new setup?

im building from cyberpower this is what i have configured

Gamer Ultra SLI Pro (NO MONITOR)


*BASE_PRICE: [+1745]
CAS: Hot New! X-Cruiser Mid-Tower 420W Case W/ WINDOW, MultiMeter Display & Control [-74] (Silver Color)
CASUPGRADE: NONE
CPU: (939-pin) AMD Athlon™64 X2 4200+ Dual-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology [+54]
CD: NONE [-14]
CD2: LiteOn SHM-165H6S 16X Double Layer DVD+-RW Super Allwrite + Lightscribe Technology [+17] (Black Color)
CABLE: None
FLASHMEDIA: None
FLOPPY: 1.44 MB FLOPPY DRIVE (BEIGE COLOR)
FAN: AMD ATHLON64 CERTIFIED CPU FAN & HEATSINK + 3 EXTRA CASE FANS [-50]
HDD: 250GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8M Cache 7200RPM Hard Drive
HDD2: NONE
IEEE_CARD: NONE
KEYBOARD: Logitech Deluxe 104 PS/2 Keyboard (Black Color)
MOUSE: PS2 INTERNET MOUSE W/ WHEEL [-16] (Special!!! BEIGE COLOR MICROSOFT USB INTELLIMOUSE)
MONITOR: NONE
MOTHERBOARD: (Sckt939)EVGA nForce4 SLI Chipset SATA RAID Dual PCI-E Mainboard w/GbLAN,USB2.0,&7.1Audio
MEMORY: 2048 MB (1GBx2) PC3200 400MHz Dual Channel DDR MEMORY (Corsair Value Select)
MODEM: NONE
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/1000 NETWORK CARD
OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 2 [-15]
PRINTER: None
PRINTER_CABLE: None
PRO_WIRING: None
POWERSUPPLY: Antec TPII-550 550Watt ATX 12V Power Supply [+45]
RAID: NONE
RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
SOFT: Microsoft® Works v8.0
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY PLUS ONE-YEAR ONSITE SERVICE
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: Logitech S100 2.0 Stereo Speaker Set [-90] (BLACK COLOR)
TEMP: NONE (AS SHOWN)
TVRC: None
UPS: None
USB: Build-in USB 2.0 Ports
USBHD: NONE
VIDEOCAMERA: NONE
VIDEO: NEW !!! NVIDIA Geforce 7900 GT 256MB 16X PCI Express Video Card
VIDEO2: NONE [-290]
WNC: PCI Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Network Interface Card
WAP: NONE
ZIP: NONE
_PRICE: (+1312)



ps: do you think that this is the best deal i can get for the money right now? from new egg its more money than this

pss: i would like a new comp now, but i can wait untill summer if you were in my shoes would it be worth the wait?

thanks

Don't wait unless you want to go with Conroe in September. AM2 is meh and won't really anything except raise the cost of systems due to DDR-2. Now of course S939 will come down when AM2 comes out, but probably not by that much. You could always buy one of the AsROCK boards that say they can be upgraded to AM2. Will be amusing to see how they handle DDR-2 RAM since it has more pins.

Anyway.. as for your system listed... lets see here:

Case- keep it - $69 at Newegg - same case just no PSU- why buy 2?
CPU: Optern 165 - $327 better overclocker, and full 1MB cache per core
Lite-On DVD-burner with LS- $45.99
Black Floppy Drive- $7.99
Seagate 300GB SATA II HD 16MB cache- $135.00
Basic Logitech Keyboard- $10
Logitech G5 Gaming Mouse (I have one- it amazing)- $46.89
DFI Lanparty Ultra D motherboard- $122
Corsair XMS 2GB RAM (2 cls)
Antec Truepower II 550W (now the case comes with a PSU too- so i guess you can sell it?) $99.00
Logitech S100 speakers $7.00
Geforce 7900GT video card XFX-$319.00
XP Home - $90

Yep, you are right.. the Cyberpower system is a good deal! However, my system does have several advantages:

1) Opteron 165- better CPU/better OC
2) Probably a better motherboard, certainly for O/Cing
3) MUCH better RAM
4) The G5 is cool
5) My system only comes with 1 PSU- the case has no PSU in it..
6) Bah its $1463.00 🙁

 

[jp550]

hey thanks for that list, its awesome and i wish i could get that lol. unfortounatly i don't have that kind of money rite now and with shipping and taxes its over my budget.

what do you think i should knock off that or change to lower it down abit to around 1300? is the xms alot better than the value select? and would i need better cooling for that if i was to overclock it?

thanks alot

 

[bluntside]

you can still get a well performing system for $1300 😀
Just all matters if you shop smart and if you know what parts to get/
Other than that looks good.
Good Luck- :twisted:

 

[shadowduck]

hey thanks for that list, its awesome and i wish i could get that lol. unfortounatly i don't have that kind of money rite now and with shipping and taxes its over my budget.

what do you think i should knock off that or change to lower it down abit to around 1300? is the xms alot better than the value select? and would i need better cooling for that if i was to overclock it?

thanks alot

Well XMS overclocks much better then ValueRAM and is only $40 more expensive. THe timings are also much lower. The biggest way to lower the cost would be to pick up something like a 7600GT video card, and then upgrade to a DX10 card once Vista comes out. The 7600 can handle most of today's games with ease.

Edit: something like this.. its $209 before a $10 MIR :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130284

 

[gambit6259]

This seems to be a popular theme in this forum build or wait? Hmmm...

 

[spooky84]

I would say not too get the memory from cyberpower and get it from newegg. It will save you 100+ and get better memory. Just to let you know i am getting almost the same system and I too am waiting for the AM2 platform to come out to get better prices on the current stuff now. This is my setup from cyberpower:

CAS: X-BLADE Mid-Tower 450W W/ WINDOW & LCD Temperature Display + FAN CONTROL [+5] (SILVER COLOR)
CPU: (939-pin) AMD Athlon™64 X2 4200+ Dual-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology [+73]
CD: (Special Price) LG GWA-4161 16X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)
CABLE: None
FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (BLACK COLOR)
FLOPPY: NONE
FAN: CoolerMaster Liquid CPU Cooling Fan System Kit + 2 EXTRA CASE FANS [+59]
HDD: 200GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8M Cache 7200RPM Hard Drive -- Recommended [+31]
HDD2: NONE
IEEE_CARD: NONE
KEYBOARD: PS2 MULTIMEDIA INTERNET CONTROL KEYBOARD (BEIGE COLOR)
MOUSE: PS2 INTERNET MOUSE W/ WHEEL (Special!!! BEIGE COLOR MICROSOFT USB INTELLIMOUSE)
MONITOR: NONE
MOTHERBOARD: (Sckt939)Asus A8N-E nForce4 Chipset SATA133 RAID PCI-E w/GbLAN,USB2.0,&7.1Audio [+36]
MEMORY: 256 MB PC3200 400MHz DDR MEMORY [-20] (Corsair Value Select)
MODEM: NONE
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
OS: NONE - FORMAT HARD DRIVE ONLY
PRINTER: None
PRINTER_CABLE: None
PRO_WIRING: Professional Wiring for All WIRINGs Inside The System Chasis with High Performance Thermal Compound on CPU [+19]
POWERSUPPLY: STANDARD CASE POWER SUPPLY
RAID: NONE
RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: NONE [-5]
TEMP: NONE (AS SHOWN)
TVRC: None
UPS: None
USB: Build-in USB 2.0 Ports
USBHD: NONE
VIDEOCAMERA: NONE
VIDEO: NEW !!! NVIDIA Geforce 7900 GT 256MB 16X PCI Express Video Card [+308]
VIDEO2: NONE
WNC: NONE
WAP: NONE
ZIP: NONE
_PRICE: (+1205)

Also, with the memory i would go with 4x 512 sticks for better performance. Look at the reviews that test the 2x 1Gb sticks and will see that the 512 will get better scores.

Are you looking to overclock your entire system or, just the cpu?

 

[shadowduck]

When AM2 comes out, prices will not fall that much. Prebuilt joints will stop offering S939 soultions and ONLY sell AM2 gear. You might save 5-10% but are going to not have a better PC until July or so.

Edit: They might not stop selling them completely, but S939 will end up in the "value" system with nice onboard video, cheaper motherboard, etc.

 

[jp550]

how much better is the opteron 165 than the 4200?

does the cyberpower system seem like a really good deal? or should i build it myself from newegg or some place?

 

[shadowduck]

how much better is the opteron 165 than the 4200?

does the cyberpower system seem like a really good deal? or should i build it myself from newegg or some place?

Stock Opteron 165 is slower than a 4200+ except it has twice the cache. However the Opteron is so easy to overclock, that it more than makes up for it.

 

[jp550]

so, after overclockiing, the opteron has a good deal of difference over the 4200?

would u recommend staying with cyberpower or building one from scratch?

ps: how about downgrading the ram to one gig and keeping the 7900? then i could upgrade the extra gig when i have the money?


thanks

edit: ive never overclocked before...how hard is it u think to overclock the opteron i don't want to mess it up.

 

[shadowduck]

so, after overclockiing, the opteron has a good deal of difference over the 4200?

would u recommend staying with cyberpower or building one from scratch?

ps: how about downgrading the ram to one gig and keeping the 7900? then i could upgrade the extra gig when i have the money?


thanks

edit: ive never overclocked before...how hard is it u think to overclock the opteron i don't want to mess it up.

Building is always better than buying.

PS: That would be ok...

Edit: There are several good guides on Toms and the Internet, if you are careful and go a little bit at a time, its not hard. You have only a small risk of blowing something up unless try to clock it by 300MHz in one shot.

 

[sandmannight]

buy it now so you can have fun next week. you wont regret

 

[jp550]

hey, could you take a look at this list of stuff? i changed a few things and downgraded the gfx card to stay with in my budget. here are the specs



LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner W/ LightScribe
$45.95


ASPIRE X-CRUISE -BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -
$69.00

SAMSUNG Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Windows 98SE/
$6.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 ST3250823AS 250GB 7200 RPM Serial
$86.00

DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 SLI-DR Expert Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4
$178.00

eVGA 256-P2-N386-AX Geforce 6800GS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express
$179.00

Antec TruePower 2.0 TRUECONTROL II-550 ATX12V 550W Power
$99.99

Logitech Internet Pro 967450-0403 Black PS/2 Wired Standard
$9.98

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
$5.99

CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC
$189.00

AMD Opteron 170 Denmark 1GHz HT Socket 939 Dual Core Processor
$400.00

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2 - OEM


total after rebates shipping, taxes = 1450...(little over budget but idk, i may bite the bullet. i upgraded the processor and the motherboard is this necessary?

what other changes ect. should i do to this?

thanks

 

[ak47is1337]

Ahem, I hate to push Intel in AMD crowd, but for upgradability, Intel owns all now. Conroe will obviously kill the ARRIVING K8 AM2's, and until AMD gets K10 on AM2, it shouldn't be competitive at all. Let's not turn this into a Conroe vs AM2 argument, but lets face it: Conroe will work on any Intel board that supports Intel's current dual-core processors. That's a wide range of boards open for the next big thing. It might be worth your time getting a cheap Celeron, overclocking to 4ghz and waiting anxiously for Conroe. In the meantime, you can keep DDR2 and your current motherboard. Intel 955's and 975's are a good choice IMO.
If you have to get now, 939 wins. Also, keep in mind DDR2 is DIRT CHEAP for now so your investment will be well-put if you switch to AM2 or buy a Conroe.

 

[pat]

It will last as long as you'll be fine with its performances. Newer parts don't necessary mean that the older will quit working right when the new will be available..

Once you'll be tired to crank down the details in games, then it will be time to get a new 9900GTX nvidia or xx1900xtx ATI..

 

[jp550]

for the intel one, what kind of rig do you suggest?

does anyone else agree that it would be wise to get an intel and wait for the newer intel processors?

thank you for yoour help and patience

 

[pat]

for the intel one, what kind of rig do you suggest?

does anyone else agree that it would be wise to get an intel and wait for the newer intel processors?

thank you for yoour help and patience

I never advise on Intel because I'm the one that would be flamed because of overheating or performance loss..

I, for now, always use AMD in every computer I built and sell since Prescott make its first showup.. 2-3 years of trouble free computer that allow me to sleep better.

Sorry for not being that helpful