Mt_GoatHead Cheezy KnobPflugerville (north of Austin)Icrontian
edited July 2006
I would personally go with a socket 939 system over the AM2. AM2 is fresh out of the box with its share of problems. A lot of folks are finding out about memory incompatabilities on the new boards as the referance design was kind of lacking in that department. Most are just scraped togather and not the rock solid boards found on the 939 platform. Read my rant here.
WD is a really good company. I have a WD 250GB as my primary drive and it hasn't had any problems yet. Make sure when you get your HDD, you get SATA 3.0 and not IDE. Seagate is also a nice company to get HDDs from. I think they both come with a 3 year warranty (not sure). The power button on the case comes with wires that will be attached to the case itself, and when you get your motherboard, you should look in the manual, as it could be different on some motherboards. My power button had 4-5 single pin wires, but it has a temperature gauge and everything, so yours could be different.
I would personally go with a socket 939 system over the AM2. AM2 is fresh out of the box with its share of problems. A lot of folks are finding out about memory incompatabilities on the new boards as the referance design was kind of lacking in that department. Most are just scraped togather and not the rock solid boards found on the 939 platform. Read my rant here.
If you decide to go with that, let me know and I'll setup a new list for you.
ahhhh... got too much time on my hands
Thanks a lot Scar for the offer to redo the list. I just feel that if I accepted, without trying to make my own list first, then I'd be a) lazy b) squandering a chance to learn. So here is my list. Please make as many comments as you like. If there are better choices (even an entirely different list), please tell me. My ultimate goal is something that has a long life expectancy at a decent price.
Thanks a lot Scar for the offer to redo the list. I just feel that if I accepted, without trying to make my own list first, then I'd be a) lazy b) squandering a chance to learn. So here is my list. Please make as many comments as you like. If there are better choices (even an entirely different list), please tell me. My ultimate goal is something that has a long life expectancy at a decent price.
Your memory configuration is hindering the performance of Athlon64. 512 MB memory might be sufficient for light usage, but when you want to do anything memory intensive such as playing current games or video editing, 1GB memory will improve your performance. Also, your current configuration will not take advantage of dual channel memory since it is only one module. That is further crippling your performance by a considerable amount. I would either buy 2x256 modules now, and upgrade with 2x512 later, or buy 2x512 memory now. If you want to upgrade next year, DDR module prices can be higher since it is becoming obsolete after DDR2.
Thanks a lot Scar for the offer to redo the list. I just feel that if I accepted, without trying to make my own list first, then I'd be a) lazy b) squandering a chance to learn. So here is my list. Please make as many comments as you like. If there are better choices (even an entirely different list), please tell me. My ultimate goal is something that has a long life expectancy at a decent price.
I didn't really suggest Gigabyte. I mean, its a good and reliable company and I've heard a lot of good things about it, but I think if you can, you should go with ASUS or MSI, although MSI might be a bit complicated to setup.
I think you'll be happy with that 3500+ Venice. And yes the 3500 means it's equivelant to intel's 3.5 GHz.
A RamSink is a heatspreader on the Stick of RAM, I believe. Not sure though.
Never get a cheap PSU. If it fails, or lets a surge through, you have a $1500 pile of junk. Get one with protection built in. It's only about $40 - $50. Think of it like an insurace policy.
Also, your current configuration will not take advantage of dual channel memory since it is only one module.
I was wondering why the sockets were coloured in pairs (lol). I'll be using this computer for just word processing, programming, and e-mail. Hopefully 512 MB will be enough. Are there better options in your opinion?
e.g. OCZ VALUE SERIES PC3200 512MB 2X256MB DDR400 CL3-4-4-8 184PIN DIMM DUAL CHANNEL MEMORY KIT http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14858&vpn=OCZ400512V3DC-K&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology
Also, is a dual channel kit really necessary or can I just buy two pieces separately?
I didn't really suggest Gigabyte. I mean, its a good and reliable company and I've heard a lot of good things about it, but I think if you can, you should go with ASUS or MSI, although MSI might be a bit complicated to setup.
Never get a cheap PSU. If it fails, or lets a surge through, you have a $1500 pile of junk. Get one with protection built in. It's only about $40 - $50. Think of it like an insurace policy.
I was wondering why the sockets were coloured in pairs (lol). I'll be using this computer for just word processing, programming, and e-mail. Hopefully 512 MB will be enough. Are there better options in your opinion?
e.g. OCZ VALUE SERIES PC3200 512MB 2X256MB DDR400 CL3-4-4-8 184PIN DIMM DUAL CHANNEL MEMORY KIT http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14858&vpn=OCZ400512V3DC-K&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology
Also, is a dual channel kit really necessary or can I just buy two pieces separately?
Sorry, still confused. So I can't buy two pieces of RAM for dual-channel? I have to buy the kit?
Dual channel increases the memory bandwidth two times so that CPU can access two times more amount of memory in the same amount of time. This makes the system performance faster. Dual channel requires two memory modules with identical specs, ideally identical brand. So, you can buy two moduels separately as long as their specs are same. Since you are buying the modules at the same time, it is the best to buy a dual channel kit, which is guaranteed to work in dual channel configuration. You might pay less shipping too by doing so. Each color of the memory slots on the motherboard correspond to one channel.
Do not buy that ASUS board, that one is using obsolete AGP graphics port instead of the current PCIE technology. You can choose another ASUS motherboard with PCIE.
Do not buy that ASUS board, that one is using obsolete AGP graphics port instead of the current PCIE technology. You can choose another ASUS motherboard with PCIE.
You also do not have a graphcis card in your shopping list, although the motherboard you have selected does not have integrated video. This is the one you need if you want to choose ASUS socket 939. Since video memory will be shared with the system memory on this board, more than 512MB memory will be even more beneficial.
So, the motherboard, psu and memory have changed. Still wondering about the power supply. I definitely want protection from a surge. Btw, I definitely use a surge protector, but is that plus this psu enough?
I use to use this company http://www.xtechnology.com they make great Cheap PC's and they run great. I think I have ppurchased over 100 PC's from them, with only 1 having a bad PSU. I was able to custome make PC's cheap than dell sold them and they wer emuch better with actual slots for upgrades.
I was able to choose brand of the products and what series line I wanted...
So, the motherboard, psu and memory have changed. Still wondering about the power supply. I definitely want protection from a surge. Btw, I definitely use a surge protector, but is that plus this psu enough?
The updated shopping list....
Total: $742
I think you converged to a nice configuration. Your power supply is okay, and using a surge protector is a good idea. If you are still not too much over your budget, give a shot to Thrax's suggestion about 320GB for $30 more.
Do you also want to check Pentium-D configurations ? just kidding .....
I think you converged to a nice configuration. Your power supply is okay, and using a surge protector is a good idea. If you are still not too much over your budget, give a shot to Thrax's suggestion about 320GB for $30 more.
Do you also want to check Pentium-D configurations ? just kidding .....
Thanks a lot for the feedback. I'm really itching to buy this system because NCIX has this CPU and mobo for $30 cheaper than normal.
However, to cut back a bit, I won't be buying the DVD-writer. I'll be savaging the CD-writer and DVD-player from a computer whose hard drive recently died.
0
LeonardoWake up and smell the glaciersEagle River, AlaskaIcrontian
edited July 2006
I'll be savaging the CD-writer...
Whoa ho, we aren't that kind of site, you know! (Don't hurt yourself.)
Comments
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006E21Q/002-7888264-0732851?v=glance&n=172282
Also I've been reading this great article...
http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=151&p=1
This is probably me being dumb, but how do I install the power button?
ahhhh... got too much time on my hands
Motherboard: $97
Gigabyte GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard ATX S939 NFORCE4-4X DDR PCI-E16 2PCI-E SATA Sound GBLAN 1394
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13832&vpn=GA-K8NF-9&manufacture=Gigabyte
Comments:
Scar suggested Gigabyte, so stuck with it.
Questions:
Can I use the NVIDIA Firewall instead of say Norton security?
Processor: $142
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Processor S939 Venice 2.2GHZ
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14417&vpn=ADA3500BPBOX&manufacture=AMD
Comments:
I thought it was a reasonable price, but I have no idea.
Question:
What is the difference between this and the following?
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16994&vpn=ADA3500CGBOX&manufacture=AMD
Does the 3500+ mean that it is roughly equivalent to an Intel 3.5 GHz?
Memory: $73
Corsair Value Select PC3200 512MB DDR400 CL3 184PIN DIMM
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=8646&vpn=VS512MB400&manufacture=CORSAIR
Question:
What's a ramsink? Is it useful, cuz this guy has it and it's the same price.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=8243&vpn=CMX512-3200C2%20&manufacture=CORSAIR
Case: $55
ASUS TA-210 ATX Mid Tower Case BLACK/SILVER W/ Front USB 1394 Audio 4X5.25 2X3.5 4X3.5INT No PSU
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18959&vpn=AC%20TA210%20WOPSU/BSB&manufacture=ASUS
Comments:
Cheap and it has front USB and audio-- something I enjoy.
Hard Drive: $86
Western Digital Caviar SE 120GB SATA2 7200RPM
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15390&vpn=WD1200JS&manufacture=Western%20Digital
Question:
Why is SATA2 cheaper than SATA?
DVD-Writer: $55
NEC ND-3550A DVD+RW 16X8X16X DVD-RW 16X6X16X DL 8X/6X IDE 2MB Burner Black OEM W/ SW
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16985&vpn=ND-3550A-BLACK&manufacture=NEC-MITSUBISHI
Comments:
Black to match the case.
Power Supply: $47
Thermaltake TR2 W0070 430W ATX12V V1.3 24PIN/20PIN Power Supply Dual 80MM Fan /W 6PIN PCI-E
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15489&vpn=W0070&manufacture=THERMALTAKE
Questions:
Got the cheapest Thermaltake, am I being stupid?
XP Home: $97
Total: $652
Your memory configuration is hindering the performance of Athlon64. 512 MB memory might be sufficient for light usage, but when you want to do anything memory intensive such as playing current games or video editing, 1GB memory will improve your performance. Also, your current configuration will not take advantage of dual channel memory since it is only one module. That is further crippling your performance by a considerable amount. I would either buy 2x256 modules now, and upgrade with 2x512 later, or buy 2x512 memory now. If you want to upgrade next year, DDR module prices can be higher since it is becoming obsolete after DDR2.
I didn't really suggest Gigabyte. I mean, its a good and reliable company and I've heard a lot of good things about it, but I think if you can, you should go with ASUS or MSI, although MSI might be a bit complicated to setup.
I think you'll be happy with that 3500+ Venice. And yes the 3500 means it's equivelant to intel's 3.5 GHz.
A RamSink is a heatspreader on the Stick of RAM, I believe. Not sure though.
Never get a cheap PSU. If it fails, or lets a surge through, you have a $1500 pile of junk. Get one with protection built in. It's only about $40 - $50. Think of it like an insurace policy.
I was wondering why the sockets were coloured in pairs (lol). I'll be using this computer for just word processing, programming, and e-mail. Hopefully 512 MB will be enough. Are there better options in your opinion?
e.g. OCZ VALUE SERIES PC3200 512MB 2X256MB DDR400 CL3-4-4-8 184PIN DIMM DUAL CHANNEL MEMORY KIT
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14858&vpn=OCZ400512V3DC-K&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology
Also, is a dual channel kit really necessary or can I just buy two pieces separately?
In that case, I'd really like to have the Asus...
ASUS A8V-UAYZ ATX S939 VIA K8T800PRO + VT8237 DDR AGP 5PCI SATA RAID Sound GBLAN Motherboard
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15320&vpn=A8V-UAYZ&manufacture=ASUS
Great!
How do I tell if it has protection or not?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=80&OEMMark=0&OEMMark=1&Manufactory=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=523%3A7858&PropertyCodeValue=523%3A8476&PropertyCodeValue=524%3A7862&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&Submit=Property&SubCategory=147
Dual channel increases the memory bandwidth two times so that CPU can access two times more amount of memory in the same amount of time. This makes the system performance faster. Dual channel requires two memory modules with identical specs, ideally identical brand. So, you can buy two moduels separately as long as their specs are same. Since you are buying the modules at the same time, it is the best to buy a dual channel kit, which is guaranteed to work in dual channel configuration. You might pay less shipping too by doing so. Each color of the memory slots on the motherboard correspond to one channel.
Do not buy that ASUS board, that one is using obsolete AGP graphics port instead of the current PCIE technology. You can choose another ASUS motherboard with PCIE.
You also do not have a graphcis card in your shopping list, although the motherboard you have selected does not have integrated video. This is the one you need if you want to choose ASUS socket 939. Since video memory will be shared with the system memory on this board, more than 512MB memory will be even more beneficial.
ASUS A8N-VM/CSM mATX S939 GE6150+NF430 DDR PCI-E16 SATA RAID Video Sound GBLAN 1394
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16845&vpn=A8N-VM/CSM&manufacture=ASUS
I think I'll go for it. Thnx.
The updated shopping list....
Motherboard: $104
ASUS A8N-VM/CSM mATX S939 GE6150+NF430 DDR PCI-E16 SATA RAID Video Sound GBLAN 1394
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16845&vpn=A8N-VM/CSM&manufacture=ASUS
Processor: $142
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Processor S939 Venice 2.2GHZ
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14417&vpn=ADA3500BPBOX&manufacture=AMD
Memory: $130
Corsair Value Select PC3200 1GB 2X512MB DDR400 184PIN DIMM Dual Channel Memory Kit
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=9821&vpn=VS1GBKIT400&manufacture=CORSAIR
Case: $55
ASUS TA-210 ATX Mid Tower Case BLACK/SILVER W/ Front USB 1394 Audio 4X5.25 2X3.5 4X3.5INT No PSU
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18959&vpn=AC%20TA210%20WOPSU/BSB&manufacture=ASUS
Hard Drive: $86
Western Digital Caviar SE 120GB SATA2 7200RPM
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15390&vpn=WD1200JS&manufacture=Western%20Digital
Question:
Why is SATA2 cheaper than SATA?
DVD-Writer: $55
NEC ND-3550A DVD+RW 16X8X16X DVD-RW 16X6X16X DL 8X/6X IDE 2MB Burner Black OEM W/ SW
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16985&vpn=ND-3550A-BLACK&manufacture=NEC-MITSUBISHI
Power Supply: $73
Thermaltake TR2 W0090 470W ATX12V V2.0 24/20 Pin Black Power Supply 120MM Fan /W SATA PCI-E Conntors
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16615&vpn=W0090&manufacture=THERMALTAKE
XP Home: $97
Total: $742
-drasnor
I was able to choose brand of the products and what series line I wanted...
I think you converged to a nice configuration. Your power supply is okay, and using a surge protector is a good idea. If you are still not too much over your budget, give a shot to Thrax's suggestion about 320GB for $30 more.
Do you also want to check Pentium-D configurations ?
Thanks a lot for the feedback. I'm really itching to buy this system because NCIX has this CPU and mobo for $30 cheaper than normal.
However, to cut back a bit, I won't be buying the DVD-writer. I'll be savaging the CD-writer and DVD-player from a computer whose hard drive recently died.