New build need suggestions, thank you

[miaomiaomiao]

My Specifications

CASE:
Thermaltake XASER, Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811133154

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 1GHz FSB 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Dual Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103562

MEMORY:
OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Platinum System Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820227210

HARDDRIVE:
Western Digital Raptor WD740GD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM X 2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144160

VIDEOCARD:
eVGA Geforce 7800GT 256-P2-N516 Video Card - Retail X 2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130256

MOTHERBOARD:
UNSURE, I NEED YOUR HELP ><

The purpose to build this computer is for gaming, i read all reviews on newegg about Amd 3800+, they said it's a very nice cpu can OCed up
to 2.8 GHz. So i guess i am buying it for sure, not sure about the motherboard >< really hard to choose, also the hdd memory part i just choose the best rating one, so plz help me out. thank you very much

 

[Rob423]

well that system looks excellent.

Only suggestion i would make is look into your gfx card a bit more, you seem like you have plenty of money to burn on this RIG and i'd look at newegg and take a look at the BFG 7800GT,GTX... Every review i've read so far this is like the best card out. It was actually out of stock on newegg for awhile.

im actually buying a eVGA 6600GT for this system now to hold me over before the new main build.

I'd just take a look at the packages and the reviews.


Im sure that card is fine, im just giving you another look at things.

Good Luck.

Rob.

 

[Rob423]

sorry, forgot to mention Mobo.

Have a look at the Asus A8n or the Abit an8. I honestly prefer the asus, many disagree.

It's a bit pricey, the reviews are excellent on it and i love the dual Lan. Plus it just looks way cooler.

 

[miaomiaomiao]

sorry, forgot to mention Mobo.

Have a look at the Asus A8n or the Abit an8. I honestly prefer the asus, many disagree.

It's a bit pricey, the reviews are excellent on it and i love the dual Lan. Plus it just looks way cooler.

thank you very much for the info, i'll take a look at asus a8n and BFG 7800 now

 

[Rob423]

no problemo.


i think the asus a8n just looks so bad ass with that awesome black color and that cool looking chipset cooler.

 

[miaomiaomiao]

yep. asus a8n looks way more cooler

now
motherboard:
ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

vidoecard:
XFX PVT70GUDF7 Geforce 7800GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

but... new problem about psu
not sure which is good for my build
1. Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104154

2. OCZ ModStream OCZ45012U ATX/BTX/PCI Express/SATA 450W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104154

3. Sunbeam NUUO SUNNU550-US-BK ATX12V/ EPS12V 550W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817709004

I like OCZ b/c it looks better, but i am not sure if it fits my case( full tower) from the reviews, they said the main cable for the mobo connector is too short, so i dont' know ><

any suggestions?

 

[Rob423]

OCZ makes good memory, i' wouldn't buy a PSU by them


Deff go with the Antec

 

[lhgpoobaa]

If you are planning on overclocking, i would swap the OCZ PC3200 with their PC4000 stuff.
more pricey of course, but alot more overclocking headroom!
And yes, the X2 3800+ should overclock nicely.
ive got mine up to 2400mhz on stock voltage, 2500mhz on 1.475v

1x raptor is nice, but 74gb is kinda small by todays standards...
i would also include a std 7200rpm drive of some greater 200gb+ capacity for storage/backup as well.

stock HSF is good for running at standard speeds, or get a TT big Typhoon for overclocking.

 

[miaomiaomiao]

If you are planning on overclocking, i would swap the OCZ PC3200 with their PC4000 stuff.
more pricey of course, but alot more overclocking headroom!
And yes, the X2 3800+ should overclock nicely.
ive got mine up to 2400mhz on stock voltage, 2500mhz on 1.475v

1x raptor is nice, but 74gb is kinda small by todays standards...
i would also include a std 7200rpm drive of some greater 200gb+ capacity for storage/backup as well.

stock HSF is good for running at standard speeds, or get a TT big Typhoon for overclocking.

Does pc4000 works well with a8n sli deluex mother board?
from the newegg Detailed Specifications says
DDR Standard DDR 400 (PC 3200)
Does pc4000 works well with a8n sli deluex mother board?

 

[Rugger]

1. What is your budget?
2. What monitor will you be using?
3. When you game do you have any other applications running? If yes, then what?
4. What resolution do you use when gaming?
5. Are you going to OC or are you just thinking about it?

Answer the above questions and we can tailor our responses to fit your needs/budget. I'll go ahead and make some general comments...

GPU: I'm not a huge fan of SLi, unless money is not a factor AND you want to FPS game at high res with all the eye-candy on. The price/performance ratio just sucks. You just don't get a lot more performance for all of the money you spend. If I was going top end, then I would look at the 7800GTX 512MB RAM or the X1800XT. You'll spend less and get comparable performance in most areas. No SLi or Crossfire in my future...

CPU: Unless you are doing some serious multi-tasking while gaming, you will have a better gaming experience by going with a faster single-core CPU. You can get a 4000+ for about the same price as that X2 3800+ and I think the 4000+ would probably be a better fit for your build.

Mobo: Will depend on your above answers, but in the non-SLi realm I like the Epox 9NPA+ Ultra and Abit AN8 Ultra. A newcomer, but not yet on the streets is the Asus A8R MVP - it looks to be a price/performance beast.

Memory: Unless you plan to seriously OC, I think you would be just fine using this OCZ Value VX series 2x1GB.

HDD: Some of the newer 16MB cache hard drives have cut the performance edge of the Raptor hard drives, have more storage and are quieter. Take a hard look at other options. Maybe a Raptor for OS and games, then a 16MB cache HDD for "other" storage.

Case: Super-Flower SF-201T

PSU: The PSU was an afterthought, but a good PSU is the heart and soul of any PC - especially with modern, high-demand systems. This is one area, that I would not skimp. Of the PSUs that you listed, I would go with the Antec. I still like the Enermax 535W Whisper II model EG565P. They're priced the same and the Enermax has better efficiency. [/shrug] If I had the few extra dollars, then I would not hesitate to get the Seasonic S12-500. You would never regret this PSU purchase - extremely efficient and quiet.

 

[K8MAN]

OCZ makes good memory, i' wouldn't buy a PSU by them


Deff go with the Antec

They make awesome PSU's for a decent price. The only thing better than the OCZ PSU's are the PC Power& Cooling which are very expensive. The worlds top OC'ers use OCZ and PCP&C.

 

[miaomiaomiao]

1. What is your budget?
2. What monitor will you be using?
3. When you game do you have any other applications running? If yes, then what?
4. What resolution do you use when gaming?
5. Are you going to OC or are you just thinking about it?

Answer the above questions and we can tailor our responses to fit your needs/budget. I'll go ahead and make some general comments...

GPU: I'm not a huge fan of SLi, unless money is not a factor AND you want to FPS game at high res with all the eye-candy on. The price/performance ratio just sucks. You just don't get a lot more performance for all of the money you spend. If I was going top end, then I would look at the 7800GTX 512MB RAM or the X1800XT. You'll spend less and get comparable performance in most areas. No SLi or Crossfire in my future...

CPU: Unless you are doing some serious multi-tasking while gaming, you will have a better gaming experience by going with a faster single-core CPU. You can get a 4000+ for about the same price as that X2 3800+ and I think the 4000+ would probably be a better fit for your build.

Mobo: Will depend on your above answers, but in the non-SLi realm I like the Epox 9NPA+ Ultra and Abit AN8 Ultra. A newcomer, but not yet on the streets is the Asus A8R MVP - it looks to be a price/performance beast.

Memory: Unless you plan to seriously OC, I think you would be just fine using this OCZ Value VX series 2x1GB.

HDD: Some of the newer 16MB cache hard drives have cut the performance edge of the Raptor hard drives, have more storage and are quieter. Take a hard look at other options. Maybe a Raptor for OS and games, then a 16MB cache HDD for "other" storage.

Case: Super-Flower SF-201T

PSU: The PSU was an afterthought, but a good PSU is the heart and soul of any PC - especially with modern, high-demand systems. This is one area, that I would not skimp. Of the PSUs that you listed, I would go with the Antec. I still like the Enermax 535W Whisper II model EG565P. They're priced the same and the Enermax has better efficiency. [/shrug] If I had the few extra dollars, then I would not hesitate to get the Seasonic S12-500. You would never regret this PSU purchase - extremely efficient and quiet.

thank you so much rugger
I just want to build a computer can run all games finely.
I dont' need the top performance.

ok follow the steps.
1. below 2000
2. not sure yet ><, was planning connect it to my 50' hdtv for gaming, but i'd like to hear what monitor u suggested.
3. i dont' have other big program runs when gaming, i dont' even use anti-virus software.
4. mostly on my 17' lcd just 1024x768, i am using a hp pavilion 753c with ati 9600 videocard. i can t play "fear" "nsf 9" etc. the computer just sux.
5. like you said.. i am thinking about to oc it, one of my friend said going to help me. so i guess yes, i want to learn how to oc.

I don't run multi-tasking much, but when i am downloading and try to watch movies my computer always lag. and from what i read. 3800+ is about 2.0 Ghz 4000+ is 2.4 Ghz. someone said 3800+ could oced to 2.4 Ghz easy. so i thought 3800+ is a good choice.
now i really dont' know.
so plz help me out
i'd like to see if you got $2000 what build it would like, thanks

 

[emogoch]

Avoid the A8N-SLI deluxe. Spend the extra $20 on the A8N-SLI Premium, or if you have $60 extra, go for the A8N32-SLI Deluxe to give yourself a really strong overclocking board. DFI's are also strong overclocking boards, and having really nice feature filled BIOS's (saved BIOS states, integreted memtest, tonne of config options)

 

[DRAGoNX]

Go for an Opteron 165, they have 1MB of cache and can OC better than the X2's. And get a better HSF to go with the Opter 165, like a SI-120 with a good 120mm fan.

And as for the mobo, go for the Asus A8n-SLI PREMIUM!!!, it cools alot better than the deluxe model.
AND if you want to spend even more money, go for the A8N32-SLI Deluxe.

-dragonx

 

[Rugger]

Slow down and think/reason thru this process. Answer my questions and we'll figure out what you need to buy to get a good gaming experience at a good price.

 

[miaomiaomiao]

Avoid the A8N-SLI deluxe. Spend the extra $20 on the A8N-SLI Premium, or if you have $60 extra, go for the A8N32-SLI Deluxe to give yourself a really strong overclocking board. DFI's are also strong overclocking boards, and having really nice feature filled BIOS's (saved BIOS states, integreted memtest, tonne of config options)

it's out of stock now ><, but i see lots ppl suggested a8n32-sli deluxe. thanks

Go for an Opteron 165, they have 1MB of cache and can OC better than the X2's. And get a better HSF to go with the Opter 165, like a SI-120 with a good 120mm fan.

And as for the mobo, go for the Asus A8n-SLI PREMIUM!!!, it cools alot better than the deluxe model.
AND if you want to spend even more money, go for the A8N32-SLI Deluxe.

-dragonx

i am taking look at opteron now, thank you

Slow down and think/reason thru this process. Answer my questions and we'll figure out what you need to buy to get a good gaming experience at a good price.

i did answer the questions on [msg 12]
thanks again ^ ^
o i forgot to add something.
is it a good time to build a new computer now?
or i can get a better one sooner with the same price.

 

[Rob423]

Out of Every Magazine i've read and Hardware review Sites. I have never HEARD of any reviews for an OCZ powersupply or anyone getting crazy over one.

If you have any reviews from a hardware review site i'd like to see it.

I mean i've seen them on Newegg before but nothing that Stood out.

50 reviews is like the most. For me personally that's not good enough.

But they do look nice with the Less Cable thing.

 

[endyen]

If you are new to OCing, I would seriously recommend an Abit board. They have been building OCers boards for a long time. They now have an added chip and utility called u-guru. It allows you to do all your OCing in the windows environment. You can even adjust your ram and chip voltages there. Great performance, solid parts, and ease of OC.

 

[julius]

just google powerstream review, youll get plenty of reviews.

 

[danizaken]

OCZ Powerstream PSUs are rock stable, stated by many reviews.
I have the 520watt myself and all rails are perfect and stable.
the a8n32-sli deluxe is a killer board, one of the best available for s939, but for a high price.

 

[DRAGoNX]

You want a rock solid power supply? Go for a Seasonic, the top of the line 600watt one. $159, and provides dual 12v rails.

ROCK SOLID.

-dragonx

 

[RichPLS]

True words spoken but you can also have 550 to 600 watts of solid stable power for $100 instead of $160, dawg!

OCZ does spec out a good PSU, btw OCZ and Tagan are both manufactured by TopPower. I mean they are not rebadged, a copmpletely new line speced out from OCZ. Good shiat, they are...

Also I thnk Antec TruePower/TrueControl is good bang fro da buck![/b]

 

[Ebezz]

These are my suggestions with 2k. Prices are NE (UON)

MB ABIT A8n-Ultra (Non-SLI) $110

CPU Opteron 165 (Monarch Computer) $353

Ram OCZ Value Ram "Rugger" Suggested $205

Video Card 7800 gtx 512mb (PC Connection) $760

PSU SeaSonic S12-500 129-15MIR=$114

HDDs (1) 74gb Raptor 161-40mir & (1) WD SE16 400 GB 200-20MIR = $301

Case Super Flower "Rugger" Suggested $73

Total cost (W/O shipping) $1916


If UR going to use the 50' (?) HDTV go with a 7800gt or less. (Still overkill).

My $.02.

 

[Rob423]

yea i like that Less Cable thing OCZ provides on the modular modles.

it's only a 450w tho... Any other PSU's out there use the same feature. I've seen a few like the fortron i think had that but i wasn't sure on the reviews.

 

[RichPLS]

For $200 US you can get the Corsair TCCD 2x512mb TwinX XL running 2-2-2-5 up to 215+, 2-3-3-7 up to 230 and up to 275 at 2.5-4-4-7
These are the Samsung TCCD's as the same chips rated at 500MHZ at CAS 2.5