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$860 computer setup (...nevermind)
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drluv
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24. March 2006 @ 23:08 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
haha ok so im trying to build my own computer! and i have all the parts i want figured out from very cheep sorces, but i cant help but think im forgetting something... heres what i have so far:
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Case:
Antec Sonata II Mini Tower:
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=15139

Processor:
AMD Athlon 64 3200t

MoBo:
Micro-Star NFORCE4 SOCKET 939 ATHLON64FX ( K8N NEO4-F )

HD:
(2X) Western Digital WD Caviar 250GB (so 500GB)

Memory:
(2X) Crucial CT3264240B 256MB (so 512MB total):
http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.asp?imodule=CT3264Z40B&cpe...

Video Card:
nVida GeForce 6600GT 128MB DDR TV/ DVI

Sound Card:
motherboard sound

Other Drives:
Sony DRV-810A Internal Double/dual layer and dual format DVD burner
The dvd-rom i have now
A used floppy drive

Modem/Network:
fax-modem im using now (as we speak)
LinkSys Etherfast 10/100 Network Card

----------------------------------------------------------------------
would a motherboard with firewire be important? it adds alot to the price, and im not so sure i would be using it...

see anything else i would need, and how well would this setup perform?

it is within my budget, and i think it could resell for a hell of alot more. i can buy all that listed above for about $860, but i have the feeling im forgetting something... please let me know what you think!

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 24. March 2006 @ 23:17

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25. March 2006 @ 10:32 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
MSI makes good motherboards. you only need firewire if you plan on doing video capture or connecting external drives to your computer.

I would recommend 1GB of ram instead of 512 though.

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25. March 2006 @ 11:27 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
A 6600GT? Sounds like gaming, I'd recommend 1GB of RAM as well.
As far as I knew the Antec Sonata is a quite expensive case. For a cheaper, and cooler looking case I'd recommend looking for either an emermax verre (not a typo!) or an NZXT trinity series. They should be half the price of the Antec, and have see through windows and all that. With the savings you make you could upgrade to an X800GTO, which is a graphics card I highly recommend.



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 25. March 2006 @ 11:27

novicebb
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25. March 2006 @ 11:48 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Seems good but let me tell you what I got.
All these items are from Newegg.com and I got it within 4 days after placing order and I placed order on the weekend. Safe to say I am very excited about Newegg.com.

Biostar Micro Atx t-series 6100 939 motherboard
2-1gb Dual Channel Red heatsink A-DATA PC3200 memory module
250gb SATA Western Digital harddrive with 8mb cache
NEC 3550 Dual Layer DVD drive with silver fron bezel
Lynksis 4-5.25" case with side window, 1 80mm fan and carrying handle
Hippo 24pin 400watt with sata support power supply
AMD 3700 San Diego Core Retail 939 CPU

Total cost was 635.46 and that also included 25 free 8x DVD-R disks.
Yes I need a graphic card but that will come later.
My 2gb of memory only cost 139.99 plus shipping.
cpu was 212.00 but I wish I would have jumped on the deal Newegg.com had just a week before I ordered. The deal was the Biostar and AMD combo and you save 10 dollars.

I would have gotten a graphic card but the refurbished version I wanted wasn't in stock. I want the best computer I can have at the lowest possible price I can afford.

Today I have to get my pc tool kit and one rounded IDE cable.
Within 5 weeks I should get a graphic card( probably the refurbished 8channel 256mb Powercolor ATI x700 PCI-express 16). The graphic card I want will cost less than $70 bucks. Well I will let you guys know of my stats in the coming weeks. WIsh me good luck.
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25. March 2006 @ 12:05 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
See? A far better setup. With an A64 3700+ and 2GB of RAM, that PC will go like stink. You may not see the highest graphics resolutions with an X700 but if you make that an X800GTO instead on that same PC you'll still be under $860, and have a much better PC for it.



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13
drluv
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25. March 2006 @ 22:41 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
alright so far i have tweaked to:

------------------------------------------------------------------

Case: N2XT trinity (alot cheeper)

Processor: AMD 3700+

MoBo: MSI NFORCE4

Memory: ?? if you could grab me a link to a 2gb (1gb/1gb combo) that would work well (and isn't 2 expensive), that would be great!

Hard Drive: 1 Western Digital WD Caviar 250gb (i'll buy a second one if i really need 500gb)

Video Card: im leaning towards the Powercolor Radeon X800GTO found here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131424 , but im wondering if there is a better X800GTO out there (please let me know!).

DVD Burner: Sony DRV-810A (internal dual ect. ect.)

------------------------------------------------------------------

and thats about it! like i said the other stuff i can get from computers i already own.

if you see any problems with compatibility let me know please!

other than that, how would this run so far?

any more suggestions/things i forgot?

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 25. March 2006 @ 23:21

drluv
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25. March 2006 @ 23:19 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
The HIS video card version of the X800GTO looks a little big haha http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161146 , but i've heard great things about it, what do u guys think?

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 25. March 2006 @ 23:20

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25. March 2006 @ 23:56 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
HIS ICEQ cards are good. The large heatsink and fan for lower heat output cards means that the fans can run slowly and therefore quietly. I've heard that Iceq cards don't run much above the 20dB mark which is very quiet indeed.

As for the RAM package, try this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145579
That's $141 for 2GB of good quality memory. May not have the best latency in the world, but it'll still run pretty well.



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13
novicebb
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26. March 2006 @ 11:34 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
well I wasn't trying to compare my system to the best gaming system. Just giving an example so someone else can realize that you can get a great computer for the lowest possible price. Now my mobo that I chose did come with sata data cable but no IDE cable for my Dual layer burner so you will have to buy some IDE data cables yourself. I went to Comp USA yesterday and bought an 18in rounded cable with uv coating. Make sure if you going to buy a cheap psu that you get a surge protector that has EMI protection to provide your system with more clean and stable power.
novicebb
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26. March 2006 @ 11:43 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Ok here you go. This is what I ordered from newegg.com
A-DATA Vitesta 2g PC32000 with red heatsink
Item number:N82e16820211014
Price:140.50 plus 4.81 in shipping. Got five golden eggs as a rating(highest you can get) on newegg.com and appears reasonably overclockable.
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26. March 2006 @ 11:50 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Hmmm, call me a cynic but I'd still prefer the Corsair option, especially if OCing isn't your forte.



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13
drluv
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26. March 2006 @ 17:30 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
yep i think i should stick to the corsair. which X800GTO should i purchace, 2 days left on the 45$ mail in rebate deal with the HIS, (real good deal). do you think it would fit in the N2XT trinity case im looking at?, and would it take up extra (crucial) room on my mobo (that would suck if it blocked a slot).
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26. March 2006 @ 17:50 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
I'm hooked on the Sapphire X800GTO2 actually. I'm going to get a VIVO version, but newegg has a GTO2 for very reasonable, $159. And it's guaranteed unlockable 16 pipelines! Comes with 12 pp's, but a little software modding, and bang!

As the RAM goes, Yeah, I would love to have 2 gigs, but I'm trying to stay reasonable, and there's always add ons later, I'm getting the Kingston HyperX KHX3200AK2/1G 1GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 Memory w/Heat Spreader for 72.90 after $25 MIR at zipzoomfly. 2-3-3-6 timing too.

What's so great about Corsair?

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drluv
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26. March 2006 @ 20:26 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
whats the difference between an X800GTO and an X800GTO2?? and VIVO (video input video output) does what exactly?
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27. March 2006 @ 09:50 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
If you get a GTO you have a chance to either get a R430 or an R480.
The GTO2 you will always get an R480. And now I believe they actualyl come unlocked.

http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/sapphirex800gt...

VIVO is just Video in/Video out, like you said. I can run a line in to my X800GTO2 and record anything I want.

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drluv
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27. March 2006 @ 11:07 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
k thanks, so someone just tell me what video card i should get haha, i dont think i'll be using one with vivo, so link me to a great X800GTO (2?) that does its job, and isn't 2 expensive. did i forget anything?? will i need another power kit, or more fans ect.?


thanks for all your help :) i appreciate it!
drluv
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27. March 2006 @ 11:12 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
ok nevermind, im getting the sapphire X800GTO2 video card.
but im still wondering:
Quote:
did i forget anything?? will i need another power kit, or more fans ect.?
and other than that, i just figured out all the parts! haha i'll start ordering next week, and newegg will have me assembling it and setting it up by spring break! i'll keep ya posted!
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27. March 2006 @ 12:46 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Okey doke. Corsair are great because I've never heard of any of their memory going wrong, and they usually have good timings (except for the value RAM which is average).
Checklist:

Processor
Motherboard
Memory
Hard disks
Hard disk Cables
Optical drives (CD/DVD/Floppy/Memorycards)
Optical drive cables (IDE, Floppy)
Graphics card
Case
Fans & CPU Heatsink
Power supply & Power cable
Sound card if using one
Mouse
Keyboard
Monitor
Speakers if necessary
Should be the lot...



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13
vspede
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27. March 2006 @ 18:58 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
I would have to say Motherboard and CPU are the most important. I used to have a P4 2.2 Gig and I just switched over to AMD and I would have to say AMD is a better choice. Its a little slower but the graphics are so so so pretty. That and theres a Huge sale going on for Dual Core (2x CPU in 1) AMD processors right now. I wish I could buy another one lol.

Dell Small Biz Software & Peripherals has 20% off most accessories including AMD Athlon Retail box processors with code: GTGWZ082MG4KW4 Exp 3/29 or sooner - Search for Athlon - Click on Software & Peripherals tab - Tax is charged. (Thanks Haroon)

Athlon 64 3500+ $164.45 shipped free

Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core $256.46 shipped free
Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual Core $464.96 shipped free
Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Dual Core $622.46 shipped free

Athlon 64 FX-57 $704.81
Email Deal Similar Deals

Thats at www.techbargains.com

I bought an AMD 64 3700+ Single Core for 225. For 25 more you can have a dual Core.

I believe The Fx-57 are usually 1000 bucks but now they're 300 bucks off. Pretty damn good deal. I'd catch that deal if I could.

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drluv
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29. March 2006 @ 12:59 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
ok, but what motherboard would u suggest for the dual 3800's?
and really how much better do those perform compared to just a single 3700?
drluv
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29. March 2006 @ 13:01 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
plus i heard you can bump the single 3700 up to FX55 status no problem.
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29. March 2006 @ 13:03 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
a few percent better now, 80% better in a year or so's time, they're dual core. The dual core setup for AMD is basically thus:

3800+: 2x3200
4200+: 2x3500
4400+: 2x3700
4600+: 2x3800
4800+: 2x4000
5000+: 2xFX-53
5200+/FX-60: 2xFX-55
FX-62: 2xFX-57

In general, avoid the FX-57s. While they may be the fastest now, the X2s will easily eclipse them in time.



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13
drluv
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29. March 2006 @ 14:41 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
well my computer will probably be outdated in less than a years time, even if i do buy all the new stuff, thats just how technology is. those few % are a TON more expensive. i would rather just buy the 1 3700 processor, and a great mobo for it (any suggestions?).

the current mobo im looking at is the
Micro-Star NFORCE4 SOCKET 939 ATHLON64FX ( K8N NEO4-F )

with the A64 3700+ processor

how well will this combo perform?
drluv
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29. March 2006 @ 19:27 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
OK, here r the almost final specs, i still need to know the cooling and power req. i need.
----------------------------------------------------

Case:
-N2XT trinity

Processor:
-AMD Athalon 64 3700+

MoBo:
-Micro-Star NFORCE4 SOCKET 939 ATHLON64FX ( K8N NEO4-F )

HD:
-Western Digital WD caviar 250 GB

Memory:
-CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200)

Video Card:
-SAPPHIRE 100130L-BL Radeon X800GTO2 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

Sound Card:
-motherboard sound

Other Drives:
-Sony DRV-810A Internal Double/dual layer and dual format DVD burner
-The dvd-rom i have now
-A used floppy drive

Modem/Network:
-fax-modem im using now (as we speak)
-LinkSys Etherfast 10/100 Network Card

Power
??? the case comes with a 400 Watt power supply. will this be sufficiant?

Cooling
??? I don?t even know what I will need here. I want something that?s not going to wake up the house, yet isnt so silent its expensive. Im looking for a 35ish maximum decibel level here. My case comes with two 80mm fans, and has enough room for 2 more 120mm fans.

--------------------------------------------------------

i'm almost there (to the point of buying everything), i appreciate all the help ive been getting from all of you!!

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 29. March 2006 @ 19:47

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Distorded
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29. March 2006 @ 20:33 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
spring the extra $90.00 bucks for the 3800X2. I have one and everything is so much quicker. Besides It won't be outdated for at least a year. On the other hand the X800GTO2 is an awesome choice. I have the X800GTO and have been nothing but blown away by its performance. BTW everything else looks great to.

Hp a1250n
XP(MCE)
AMD Athlon64 3800+ X2 939
Mobo: MSI Amethyst-M
ATI X800GTO (THX to Sammorris)
2GB Ram (need more)
250 Gig SATA HDD WD
320 Gig SATA HDD SG
HP DVD (it has it all)
HP-DVD Reader
 
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