Advice wanted on componets for upgrade

[55th_SYN]

Hello everyone, First time poster/long time lurker here. 8)

I am getting ready to upgrade my system and i'd love to get some feedback on the proposed componets I have listed below. The system will be used mainly for browsing and gaming but I don't want to have to upgrade again for a long while. If any has sugestions or recommendations on saving a bit here and there without losing reliability it would be greatly appreciated. All items are pasted from Newegg for informational purposes only.

Thanks again for your time,

Syn


2.0.12 Athlon64 (Winchester) $266.00

Known as: A64 "90nm"
PR Rating: 3500+ (2.2 GHz)
Platform: Socket 939
Manufacturing process: 0.09µ SOI
FSB: 1 GHz HT link, on-die dual channel DDR400 memory controller
Cache: 64k L1 instruction cache, 64k L1 data cache, 512k L2 cache
CPU Extensions: MMX, 3D Now!, 3D Now! Extension, SSE, SSE2, AMD64 (x86-64)
Model#: ADA3500DIK4BI
Item#: N82E16819103494

DFI "LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D" NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU $147.00

Model# LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultr
Item # N82E16813136152
Specifications:
Supported CPU: AMD Athlon 64 processor
Chipset: nForce4 ULTRA
RAM: 4x DIMM Supports DDR266/333/400 Max 4GB
Slots: 2x PCI-E x16, 1x PCI-E x1, 1x PCI-E x4, 2x PCI
Ports: 2x PS/2, 6x USB2.0, 1x RJ45, 2x 1394, Audio Ports
IDE/RAID: 2x ATA 133 up to 4 Devices; RAID 0,1
SATA/RAID: 4x SATA RAID with NVIDIA RAID 0,1
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC850(8-Ch)
Onboard LAN: Vitesse VSC8201 Gigabit Phy, Marvell 88E8001 Gigabit PCI
Form Factor: ATX

OCZ Performance Series 184-Pin 1GB DDR PC-3200 $195.00

Model# OCZ4001024PF
Item # N82E16820146969
Specifications:
Manufacturer: OCZ
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 3-3-3-8
Support Voltage: 2.6V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: 128M x 64-Bit
Warranty: Lifetime

ASUS nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model "EN6600GT/TD/128" $226.00

Chipset/Core Speed: nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT/500MHz
Memory/Effective Speed: 128MB GDDR3/1000MHz
BUS: PCI-Express x16
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub) + TV-Out (S-Video/Composite) + DVI
Support 3D API: DirectX 9(Shader Model 3.0), OpenGL 1.5
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
RAMDACs: 400MHz
Cable/Accessories: TV out Adapter, DVI to VGA Adapter, Manual, Driver CD
Retail Box (See pics for details)
Model#: EN6600GT/TD/128
Item#: N82E16814121178


Western Digital 120GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD1200JD, OEM Drive Only $87.00

Model# WD1200JD
Item # N82E16822144151
Specifications:
Capacity: 120GB
Average Seek Time: 8.9 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years
Packaging: OEM Drive Only

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 PCI Sound Card -RETAIL $27.99

Model# 70SB006003007
Item # N82E16829102173
Specifications:
Channels: 5.1
DSP: EMU10K1
Max Sampling Rate: 48kHz
Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital
Hardware Polyphony: 64 Voices
Digital Audio: 16-bit
PC Interface: PCI
Connectors: Analog/Digital Out (Analog Center & Subwoofer/6-channel S-PDIF Output),Line In,Microphone In,Line Level Out (front) / Headphone Out,Line Level Out (rear),MIDI / Joystick port,Telephone Answering Device In,MPC-3 Analog CD Audio In,Digital CD Audio In
Special Features: EAX, DirectSound 3D

 

[Rugger]

What case/PSU will you be using? Recommend getting a good PSU for any modern system - will save you a lot of heartburn in the end. Are you planning on OCing? The parts seem to suggest it.

Video card: You'd do better saving a little money on other components and getting the X800XL - it will go a lot farther in making it so you don't have to upgrade for a while. It has comparable performance to the 6800GT and is only $75 more (from ATI) than the 6600GT you listed. There is a special code that you can get in the vid card forum to get 10% off the listed $299 - an even better deal.

Memory: You need to get two sticks of RAM to take advantage of the s939's dual channel capability. It provides about a 3-5% performance increase. Some thing like this <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-006&depa=1" target="_new">Patriot PDC1G3200LLK</A> is $20 less than the stick you listed. If you're not doing any hardcore OCing, then you can use something like this <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-299&depa=1" target="_new">Mushkin Dual Pack PC3200 2x512MB model #991145</A> and save $70 from what you listed. The Mushkin will be good for some OC, but not as much as the Patriot.

Sound: The onboard sound is at least as good as the sound on the card you listed. Saves another $28 +S/H.

Power: Read up on <A HREF="http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20041223/index.html" target="_new">ATX12V v2.0</A> and take a look at Tom's recent <A HREF="http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20050228/index.html" target="_new">Power Supply Review</A>. I definitely recommend getting a v2.0 PSU and think the <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-934&depa=0" target="_new">Fortron Blue Storm 500W</A> is a great choice for price/performance.

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[55th_SYN]

Thanks for the reply Rugger,

I will be salvaging my old case (cant remember specifics) in order to use the money from there to get better gear. I would like to get a new case/psu later but I figured I could reuse what I have then later on it would'nt hurt too bad to get the better one. I was looking at the Coolermaster CM and not sure about the psu but I hear lots of good things about the one you sugested.

As far as the video card goes i will have a looksee at the X800XL, I did'nt have my heart set on the Asus but I knew they had good products/support from past experience.

For the memory I could swing a couple of more sticks down the road but I did want to max out the first slot from the git-go so when I did get more I would'nt have a stick laying around I could'nt use.

Sound, I have the Creative Inspire 5.1 speakers now and they sound just fine to me but I did want to be able to take advantage of the 5.1 setup. I'm not familiar with this new MB but would it take advantage of 5.1?

As far as OC'ing goes I won't be doing any until I get a new case and psu, (hopefully in a few months) but I will more than likely do some minor OC'ing after that. Nothing too radical but a little for sure.

Thanks again,

Syn

 

[55th_SYN]

Hello Wusy, (no offence meant 😉)

I believe I can handle the X800XL instead of the 6500GT. I'll have a look at the Crucial you suggest. If I get the discount on the card that would go a long way toward freeing up enough for a psu from the git-go. If I can cut back on what I spend on a few items I would'nt feel so bad about splurging all at once vs purchasing a few more items down the road.

Syn


edit: Wusy, do you have a link for the Crucial as I have'nt been able to find the PC3200 in 1G as a Ballistix model.<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by 55th_SYN on 03/05/05 09:42 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Rugger]

You're welcome! Always glad to help!

What PSU do you have right now? Is it a generic? How many watts? Do not underestimate the importance of having a good PSU.

I agree with Wusy that the Ballistix are great, but they are probably more than you really need... For minor OCing you'll be fine with the Mushkin Dual pack I linked earlier - it will cost $70 less. If you must go with a 1GB stick then this <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-144-321&depa=1" target="_new">Geil Ultra Series Value GE1GB3200BSC</A> for $140.25 will be good for minor OCing. It is still a $55 savings. Be forewarned that if you don't buy a matched pair now, there is no guarantee that you will be able to properly match this stick with one down the road.

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[Guest]

If you are serious about OC, make sure you get <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=20-146-845&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch&ATT=System+Memory" target="_new"> OCZ RAM </A> with that DFI board, they go great together. Ridiculous OC is possible with the pair . May be a lil more expensive that you want though :frown:

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[55th_SYN]

Hello Wraithfire, thats what I was originally thinking. As it stands now I may go with the 2x512 Mushkin from earlier to take advantage of the dual threading.

Here is the updated list. I checked ATI's site and the vid card is no longer listed. 8( Maybe they will relist it later on as it was up yesterday evening. If not then compusa has it for $299.00.

2.0.12 Athlon64 (Winchester) $266.00

DFI "LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D" NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU $147.00

Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail $129.00

ATI RADEON X800 XL 256MB PCI EXPRESS $270.00 after rebate

Western Digital 120GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD1200JD, OEM Drive Only $87.00

Fortron Blue Storm 500W ATX12V V2.0 Power Supply with 120mm Fan, P4 and AMD ready, Model "AX500-A" -RETAIL $89.00

As everyone can see I dropped and added/upgraded a few items. If later on I do decied to max out the memory I could always take some parts I have laying around here and make another setup. Thanks again for everyones input and if there are any other options please chime-in, I have'nt ordered yet but I would like to in the next couple of days if I can keep myself from it till then. lol

Syn


edit: GAH, just noticed the cpu will need something to keep it on the cool side. Ah the joys of fatherhood. Time for more research. 8)<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by 55th_SYN on 03/06/05 08:22 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Rugger]

Get the retail box - AMD has some great HSF that go with their CPUs.

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[55th_SYN]

Okie Dokie, retail it is although it is a bit more expensive it will keep me from having to get a different hs/fan.

I spent the night trying to sleep with all this running through my head and it seems a disgrace to put all this in an old tired/ugly/full tower/BEIGE monstrosity of a case I have.
Does anyone think there will be problems putting all this in the following?

Lian-Li Black ATX Mid Tower Case, Model "PC-V1000B"

Syn

 

[sh1ft3d]

Personally, I'd downgrade from a 3500+ to either a 3200+ or 3000+, and also scrap the sound card (onboard should suffice). I haven't owned a sound card in about 3 yrs as onboard sound is good enough for me and I'm a hardcore gamer that likes my sound. Use the money saved to get a X800 XL instead of the 6600GT.

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[Rugger]

Nice case - pricey for me, but nice.

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[pauldh]

I agree, for a gaming system, don't skimp on Video. The X800XL would be perfect. In the case of his motherboard, the Karajan does a good job of freeing up the cpu, but otherwise a dedicated sound card is always better for the hardcore gamer. But it's not worth buying say an audigy 2 ZS and skimp on system ram or the graphics card. PC Gamer magazine drives me nuts doing this. They put a 9600XT and a Audigy 2 ZS gamer in a $1250 rig...makes me want to slap them and say pull the ZS and get a real video card. Yet they always put the ZS in their value rig too. But Once the gaming rig has a X800XL/6800GT caliber card and 1GB ram, a good sound card is a nice next step, and IMO is well worth it.

Just saw he was spending $28 on an SB Live. I like those cards, But would agree go with the integrated 850/ Karajan on the DFI and put the $28 toward the X800XL. Or if it isn't going to be OC'ed like mad, buy the MSI which comes with SB live 24-bit hardware sound onboard.



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<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Pauldh on 03/06/05 05:18 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Guest]

Or if it isn't going to be OC'ed like mad, buy the MSI which comes with SB live 24-bit hardware sound onboard.

That seems like a good idea for him also

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