Gaming rig

[Cheshirecat]

I'm new to Tom's but i've spent the last few days scanning thru these forums looking for the answers I need. I'm hoping that you guys can help me figure out the best setup for a gaming rig. The prices i've found are from pricewatch.com

I'm revamping my system (it's an amd 1.4)

Here is my idea

$183 - Athlon 64 3200 90nm 939pin

$145 - Dfi lanparty ut nf4 ultra-d

$232.20 - Patriot Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MB x 2) DDR PC-3200 w/ XBL

$89.00 = Fortron Blue Storm 500W

$369 - RADEON X800 XL 256MB PCI Express

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Cheshirecat on 02/21/05 02:40 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Cheshirecat]

This is a bare bones setup. I'll need some advice on cooling.

I'm also curious about OC'in. How difficult would it be for me to OC? Would risks be worth the gain? Keep in mind I've never even tried to OC before.

 

[Guest]

I'd recommend maybe going with a DFI lanparty UD Ultra-D mainboard instead of that ASUS. DFI is supposed to be better for OCn, and its only like 33 bucks more, plus its on the nforce4 chipset instead of the kia stuff. Also, I'd stay away from that corsair memory; it's overpriced for what you get. Either go with crucial ballistix DDR 512MB PC3200 model# BL6464Z402, or else pdp systems patriot pc 3200 PDC1G3200+XBLK which is also a twinpack. Either way, you'd only spend like 20 bucks more and get much better OC potential. Of course if you have the cash, you could get some of that new ocz stuff, very good for OCn. Also make sure you have a good enough power supply. Put it in a bowl, mix it all up, throw it in a pan to bake and voila! Enjoy.

<font color=green> Woohoo!! I am officially a <b> Newbie </b>!! </font color=green>

 

[Rugger]

CPU retail box fan should be good until OCing. Some good PSUs:
1. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-934&depa=0" target="_new">Fortron Blue Storm 500W</A>
2. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-459&depa=0" target="_new">Enermax Noisetaker 420W</A>

__________________________________________________
:tongue: <font color=red>Have you read the FAQ? Searched for other posts on this topic?</font color=red>

 

[Guest]

Personally I like that FS Blue Storm

<font color=green> Woohoo!! I am officially a <b> Newbie </b>!! </font color=green>

 

[Cheshirecat]

Agreed, I like the Blue Storm as well.

 

[Cheshirecat]

Wraithfire, I couldn't find a DFI lanparty <b>UD</b> Ultra-D anywhere. i searched Pricewatch, newegg, and monarch. I did find DFI "LANPARTY <b>UT</b> nF4 Ultra-D", is this what you meant?

 

[DrJeckyl]

Another raised hand for the bluestorm. I have one and like it...very solid!

-- the Doc

8PENXP(Rev.2)
P4 2.8C@3.4
512mb Mushkin 3500 Level II@472 (2-2-2)
R9800Pro@463/380
(grrrr.....I fried this one)
WD 80gb(SE)x2(RAID 0)

 

[Cheshirecat]

I like the patriot so i'll take a look around for prices.
Anyone have some model numbers or links to the OCZ stuff?

 

[Cheshirecat]

correct me if i'm wrong but the Winchester core is better for OC?

 

[endyen]

The 939 3000s and 3200s only come in winchester. It is 90 nano, so it should OC well.

 

[earthling]

go with these <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-033&depa=0" target="_new"> Patriots </A> n u'll never regret it. I like the blue storm too, looks powerful..and DFI lanparty ROCKS

 

[earthling]

like endyen said, the 90nm winchesters r awesome in oc'ing

 

[Guest]

I like the way you think earthling

<font color=green> Woohoo!! I am officially a <b> Newbie </b>!! </font color=green>

 

[Cheshirecat]

anyone know the difference between the
RADEON X800 XT 256mb PCI Express
and the
RADEON X800 XL 256MB PCI Express ?

is the extra $100 worth the price for the XT? or is the XL better for the price?

anyone know any pros/cons concerning these cards?

 

[endyen]

Check in the graphics forum. A lot of people there have the hots for the XL card.

 

[Cheshirecat]

thnx for the heads up.

 

[earthling]

I like the way you think earthling

anytime Wraithfire

 

[earthling]

as wusy said, performance/dollar i'd go with the X800XL, for its somehow better than 6800GT and compete with the XT, but they're not good with overclocking. with a retail price less than the 6800GT, i'd choose X800XL right away.
you can still check in the graphics forum anyway

 

[Cheshirecat]

what about cooling? I won't be buying a watercooling rig right away, but if it's worth the cost i'll upgrade later. Anyone have suggestions?

 

[endyen]

Water cooling is great, if you intend to do some serious OCing, or if you have a Prescott.
For you, it would be a waste of cash.
The stock fan is more than you will need. It will allow OCs to 140% and more.

 

[Cheshirecat]

alright sounds cool (bad pun i know). What about case fans? How many would be best? what size? Any particular type you guys know of that won't make my case sound like a fricking lawn mower? I got spots for 3. 1 on the back, 1 on the side, 1 on the lower front.

suggestions? Or will any do the job just fine?