New build vs. upgrade

[euro]

If I'm gonna buy new mobo/cpu and videp card might just as well buy case and RAM and have new system...
Prices are egghead - mail in rebates:

1. AMD 64 DC 4200 ($400)
2 .Was gonna go A8N Ultra ($109) but I know pickxx will say go Chaintech VNF4 Ultra ($69) instad. All I want is dual channel RAM and Raid 0
3. eVGA 7800 GT 256Mb ($299)
4. Corsair XMS 2GB RAM ($240 - 25)
5. 2x 74GB Raptor in Raid 0 (will add another bigger SATA for data if I need it later - this 150Gb enough for now) (2x (165-20) = $190)
6. XION black case w/ 450W ($65 - 20)
DVD Rom and CD Rom
Total $1500.

Would like to shave off price - but hard to resist these small upgrades ($80 for AMD 3800 - 4200, $100 for 7800 GT vs 6800 GT, $150 for Raptors in Raid 0, $100 for low latency 2 GB RAM)... Am I right?
Suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[Rugger]

2x (165-20) = $190

Check your math...this would be more like $290. That and your "small" upgrades account for 1/3 of the cost of your build. If you are comfortable with that price, then they would be good upgrades. Make sure you get the rebates or you've tacked on some more to the bottom line...

If this is for gaming, then you'd be better off getting a 3700+ or 4000+ - Of those three, I'd personally go for the 3700+ for $233.

Where you skimped was in the PSU - I'd consider that to be a mistake.

 

[pickxx]

What the hell do you need Raptors in RAID-0 for?

Get two Segates250 GB SATA drives for $99 each.....

Raptors in raid-0 are fast, but unless you do certain things you dont need it. If you are doing it for games YOU ARE HIGH!


The 7800GT is WAY WAY WAY better then the 6800GT

the 3800+ isn't that much slower then the 4200+. I would get he 3800+, if you think its slow you can OC it easily on stock cooling....and OC like a BEAST with a Si-120 and a good fan.

Was gonna go A8N Ultra ($109) but I know pickxx will say go Chaintech VNF4 Ultra ($69) instad. All I want is dual channel RAM and Raid 0

how do you know what i am going to say? Chaintech is just a great cheap solution.....but you can get whatever you want.

 

[euro]

I know you work for Chaintech :lol:
Just kidding, I actually don't care - just seen your reply in all posts here (and I've been on this board for just 2-3 days so far)...

Your tips make sence - so forget Raid0 and buy one SATA drive? Do I worry about SATA2?
3800 CPU OC - makes sence...
7800 256Mb GT is minimum I should go for?
What's wrong with 450w PSU I had there on newegg - crappy?
I like the case design...

Thanks!

 

[donnagual]

I'd have to agree about the case/psu combo. Typically PSUs that come with cases are risky business (unless it is from a company like antec for example).

If you really like that case, then take that PSU out when you get it, and put something in there that will PROPERLY power your system.

Low quality PSUs are a nightmare and cause extremely hard to diagnose system crashes. Get an antec, enermax or Fortron for example. You are spending good cash on your parts, don't let a $20Psu mess you up.

Get something with at least 24amps on the 12v rail(s).

 

[pickxx]

Keep the case....ditch the PSU, if you want to OC you need a solid and stable and powerful PSU.....http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954 450W, great company, 32A on the 12v line.



Get a SATA, ignore SATA2
3800+ dual core....good
7800GT is the lowest you should go...then you can OC to around GTX speeds.
Keep the case lose the psu.