Best board.... ?

[DenaroZC]

Ok, well I've read some posts and they still aren't telling me what I should get... I'm building a new system from the ground up, Not much one for OC'n (mostly cuz I don't like the risks involved.. LOL) So I've got about $800 to get the mobo/cpu/ram/case/video. Was looking at the MSI Neo2 Platinum w/ AMD 64 3500+ and maybe if I got enough left the EVGA GeforceFX 6800 Ultra 256mb, then of course there's the memory and who can forget that? Looking to get 1Gb maybe Corsair? And any ole case will do *providing it's got the power* Any sugestions? Feel free to flame too, I know you wanna 😉

Thanks Denaro

 

[Rugger]

Do you plan on upgrading the system (CPU or video card) within the next 18-24 months?

With more of the nF4 boards hitting the street, the prices for s939 systems are dropping - especially if you go for a 3000+ CPU. The new ECS nF4 board is getting some really good reviews and is feature rich for $119.99 Pat posted a link in a recent thread. The s939 gives SOME future-proofing.

That being said, if you're not going to upgrade the CPU/vid card then the best route is s754. For s754, I would recommend something like:
1. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-190&depa=0" target="_new">Abit NF8</A> for $88
2. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-486&depa=0" target="_new">A64 3000+</A> Newcastle core for $146
3. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-299&depa=1" target="_new">Mushkin dual pack</A> 1GB PC3200 for $134.25
4. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-934&depa=1" target="_new">Fortron Blue Storm 500W</A> for $89.
5. Any case for around $50 - recommend getting one with 120mm fans for quiet case.
6. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-127-149&depa=1" target="_new">MSI NX6800</A> for $329.
Total = $836.25

You could probably get under the $800 budget by getting a case with a PSU already in it, but I don't have a good recommendation for one...

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[DenaroZC]

That sounds pretty good.. but would it be better to spend more on the mobo/cpu than on the video card? 3-6mo the prices will have fallen and so will your investment.. ?

And about the RAM, is there really any big differences between them? If you buy PC3200 (400), what's the difference between the $130(512mb) and the $219(512mb)? It's been such a long time since I've built a computer (couple of yrs) so I'm really out of the loop.

Here's what I was think'n:

MSI Neo2 Platinum w/ 3500+ AMD 64
1GB (2x512) Corsair RAM CAS2.5
MSI Geforce FX5700LE

would that be a decent "all around" computer? I do a little of everything and want something that will do video editing, gaming, rendering, ect.

Thanks again!

Denaro

 

[Cybercraig]

MSI Geforce FX5700LE
***********************************************************


You're going to hate that card! 6600GT much better!

Abit IS7 - 3.0C @ 3.6ghz - Mushkin PC4000 (2 X 512) - Sapphire 9800Pro - TT 420 watt Pure Power
Samsung 120gb ATA-100 - Maxtor 40gb ATA - 100
Sony DRU-510A - Yellowtail Merlot

 

[Rugger]

You mentioned the 6800 Ultra, so I got a 6800 into your budget....Without a list of what you will use the system for I had to assume the 6800 indicated a serious gaming machine. The best price/perf cards right now would be either the 9800Pro or the 6600GT. Depending on res/af/anis settings either will get the job done on modern games and will be able to serve you well for a lot longer than the 5700. You can get a 9800Pro for about $200, 6600GT for about $187.

The system listed would be a great all-around performer. The Abit NF8 is a rock-solid, dependable board. The s754 3000+ is 2Ghz - is it really worth the extra $50-60 for the extra 200Mhz of the 3200+? You have to answer that one for yourself, but it's not worth it to me. Unless you're going to OC, you don't have to have the high-end RAM. One of the value level RAMs would be good for your purposes. I may OC my next system some, so I'm probably going to go with some good Patriot RAM. What is the model # for the RAM you listed - can you put in a link?

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:tongue: <font color=red>Have you read the FAQ? Searched for other posts on this topic?</font color=red><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Rugger on 02/12/05 09:22 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[dhlucke]

I'd avoid the 5xxxFX series.

</font color=red><i><font color=red>GOD</font color=red> <font color=blue>BLESS </font color=blue><font color=red>AMERICA

 

[DenaroZC]

Well I haven't figured out how to do links in this forum... so the web address will have to do:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80098-21

So The 66-6800 cards are much better than the 57's? Sounds like a winner then. You guys rock thanks for the advice.

Denaro

 

[DenaroZC]

I almost forgot if I get the MSI NX6800, It's a PCIE card... the NF8 will take that? didn't see it on the list of specs.... thanks

 

[pat]

No, it wont.. you need the AGP version of this card.

-Always put the blame on you first, then on the hardware !!!

 

[Rugger]

Read the <A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=faq" target="_new">Forum FAQ</A> for how to insert links.

Pat is right - you will need to get an AGP card. You're right about the 6800 price. I don't think spending that much money on a vid card is worth the return to me. I don't play the newest games at the highest resolutions so I don't need that much card! Personally, I'd go with the 9800Pro or the 6600GT.

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[DenaroZC]

Ok, Well so far I've decided to go with:

1.<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-117-035&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE" target="_new">Simple Case</A>
2.<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE" target="_new">Corsair Value Select (Dual Pack)</A>
3.<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-934&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE" target="_new">Fortron Blue Storm 500W</A>
4.<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-486&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE" target="_new">AMD 3000+ CPU</A>
5.<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-127-150&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE" target="_new">MSI 6600GT</A>

But I was wondering if there were any benifits of maybe going with <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-136-147&depa=1" target="_new">DFI Lanparty UT NF3</A> above the <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-190&depa=0" target="_new">Abit NF8</A>

Thanks Again



<font color=red>Very funny Scotty, now beam down my clothes</font color=red> -Kirk

 

[endyen]

Only if you want the extra Sata.