HELP A NEWBIE PLEASE

[Vintage66]

Hi all i'm going to give my first build a shot and need some input. I've been doing a lot of research and the more i learn the more confused i get. I'm going to use the system for photo and video editing (family stuff VHS to DVD ) nothing hard core and for some gaming . When i first started out i was leaning towards the Intel side of things P4 3.4ghz asus p5gd2 mobo but everthing i've read about the heat issues has me a little nervous.On the AMD side i was considering the AMD64 3500 and the asusa8v-e deluxe mobo. I have about 700 bucks to spend on MOBO Memory and CPU. I know this question gets asked every day but I would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks

 

[tweebel]

Basics:
-Get 1024 meg of RAM, 2*512 MB matched pair if you are going with the 3500+ (socket 939) or whatever you like with socket 754. Something like Kingston Value if you don't O/C
-Buy a good 400W+ PSU, don't go cheap
-Most Abit/Asus/Epox/Soltek/DFI/MSI mainboards with an nForce3 or 4 chipset are alright
-The gaming you will be doing: which games?

The Asus board you are suggesting is really new, don't know much about it. The chipset seems to be good and has a lot of features (which you might need, or not)

 

[Crashman]

DFI has some very nice nForce4 chipset boards for the 3500+. I'd stay away from the Prescotts.

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[Rugger]

The s754 enjoys a 200Mhz advantage over a comparably rated s939 - i.e. a s754 3000+ is 2.2Ghz and the s939 is 2Ghz. Unless you plan on upgrading within the next 18-24 months, the best price/performance ratio is the s754. Here is a link to a recent discussion/debate on this board for a system with approx your budget:
<A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=570009#570009" target="_new">http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=570009#570009</A>
That being said, a s754 setup comparable to the s939 you listed is (all prices are Newegg prices):
1. A64 3400+, Newcastle core, retail box - $223
2. Kingston Value Select 1GB (2X512MB) PC3200 - $140
3. Asus K8N-E Deluxe - $129
4. Enermax Noisetaker 420W, model EG425P-VE SFMA 2.0 - $75
Total: $621

"He who will not risk, cannot win"
- John Paul Jones

 

[Vintage66]

Thanks for all your replies.I have decided to definetly go with the AMD. I should have mentioned in my first post that i have some components already.I have
Case: Antec 1040BII it has the SL400 power supply. I got this case cheap enough that if i need a new power supply i will get one.
Hard Drives: Western Digital 160G IDE and a Seagate 80G IDE
DVD+-r/w: Sony DRU 710A (was going to return this after reading a lot of the posts there are better drives for less money)
I am leaning towards buying the AMD 3500+(socket 939) with the ASUS A8V-E deluxe in an attempt to future proof.(although future proofing seems impossible as things change so quickly)
I was wondering if you think the power supply i have will suffice and also what memory you recommend.
Is corsair decent i was looking at twinX1024-3200C2PT it is right around 200 bucks which is what i have left to spend.
Thanks again.

 

[Rugger]

Think about this memory by Patriot - great price/perf:
<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-006&depa=1" target="_new">http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-006&depa=1</A>

"He who will not risk, cannot win"
- John Paul Jones

 

[Rugger]

The SL400 is a good PSU, but it is not v2.0. The 2.0 PSUs have separate 12V rails for CPU/mobo and have the 24pin connectors for modern mobos. The 2.0 PSUs are also cooler and quieter than non-2.0 PSU. All that being said I think you would be ok with the SL400 - comments from anyone else on this issue?

"He who will not risk, cannot win"
- John Paul Jones

 

[Vintage66]

Took a look at the patriot seems similar to others that were recommended on another post at the 200 price point.Crucial, Kingston, and the Corsair seem to have similar specs i'm new to this and don't have a good grasp on the differences in memory. Can you recommend any good reading on the subject that would help me decide. Also as far as the PSU i can get an antec neopower 480 for a really good price should i get that or wait and see how the SL400 does. thanks