What would you build?

[Blackhawk3D]

Okay, I'm wanting to build a new PC for around $900. I am going to be getting a Viewsonic VX922 to go with it. I put together a system in another thread, the main components are a 3700+ Athlon 64, Abit KN8 Ultra/Sli, Nvidia 7900GT graphics, 1 GB of Corsair XMS ram, and a Seagate Barracuda SATA 160gb harddrive. This all seemed to go together pretty good, and with the case etc it came to around 900 for the whole shebang. I was wondering, would you change any of these choices (Harddrive?) and what powersupply, case etc would you choose. I had chosen the coolermaster Centurion 5 and the thermaltake 430 watt for $30.

Thanks,
Nathan

 

[shadowduck]

Okay, I'm wanting to build a new PC for around $900. I am going to be getting a Viewsonic VX922 to go with it. I put together a system in another thread, the main components are a 3700+ Athlon 64, Abit KN8 Ultra/Sli, Nvidia 7900GT graphics, 1 GB of Corsair XMS ram, and a Seagate Barracuda SATA 160gb harddrive. This all seemed to go together pretty good, and with the case etc it came to around 900 for the whole shebang. I was wondering, would you change any of these choices (Harddrive?) and what powersupply, case etc would you choose. I had chosen the coolermaster Centurion 5 and the thermaltake 430 watt for $30.

Thanks,
Nathan

1) You don't need an SLI motherboard unless to buy another 7900 within 2-3 months. If not SLI is pointless. Save cash buying a non SLI board like the Asus A8N-E.

2) Unless you plan on overclocking there is no real reason to buy XMS RAM. You can save some cash getting ValueRAM from Corsair. (around $70)

3) A 430W PSU for $30 does not sound too hot, get an Antec TruePower II 450 or higher. Or get this case which comes with a 450W Antec PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129155

4) Hard drive is fine, make sure its SATA II. Your motherboard supports it so you mind as well use it.

5) If you really want to save money, you can get by wit ha 3200+ and no lose much. You could even O/C it a bit to make up the difference.

 

[Blackhawk3D]

This is the PSU, it's actually $40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023

I was actually planning on overclocking a little, so does that change my processor choice?

 

[shadowduck]

I would stick with the 3200+ and O/C its a bit, its a better bang from the buck then a 3700+. The PSU looks ok, but I do like the case I showed you and it comes with a PSU installed.

 

[Blackhawk3D]

Does the 1mb L2 cache make that much of a difference? If so I'm willing to pay the extra 60 bucks.

 

[DragonDoc]

Okay, I'm wanting to build a new PC for around $900. I am going to be getting a Viewsonic VX922 to go with it. I put together a system in another thread, the main components are a 3700+ Athlon 64, Abit KN8 Ultra/Sli, Nvidia 7900GT graphics, 1 GB of Corsair XMS ram, and a Seagate Barracuda SATA 160gb harddrive. This all seemed to go together pretty good, and with the case etc it came to around 900 for the whole shebang. I was wondering, would you change any of these choices (Harddrive?) and what powersupply, case etc would you choose. I had chosen the coolermaster Centurion 5 and the thermaltake 430 watt for $30.

Thanks,
Nathan

It would help to know a little bit more about how you plan to use it. I see that your planning to OC a little bit.

What else are you planning to use this new rig for?

As far as the power supply goes - you should not pinch pennies (dollars) on the Power Supply. You have just dumped (or will) $900 - Protect your investment and get a good power supply. I recommend the Antec (SP-500) ATX power supply. There are other good PSUs to choose. Make sure you get one that offers at least a 3-year warranty.

 

[DragonDoc]

1) You don't need an SLI motherboard unless to buy another 7900 within 2-3 months. If not SLI is pointless. Save cash buying a non SLI board like the Asus A8N-E.

2) Unless you plan on overclocking there is no real reason to buy XMS RAM. You can save some cash getting ValueRAM from Corsair. (around $70)

Concur

 

[Blackhawk3D]

Okay, so if I do overclock, the valueram isn't a good idea? What about 3200 vs 3700? I will be doing alot of gaming on this system, but this is all I can spend.

 

[DragonDoc]

I would get the 3700+

 

[angry_ducky]

This is the PSU, it's actually $40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023

I was actually planning on overclocking a little, so does that change my processor choice?

That is a good PSU; especially for $30.

 

[angry_ducky]

Okay, so if I do overclock, the valueram isn't a good idea? What about 3200 vs 3700? I will be doing alot of gaming on this system, but this is all I can spend.

3700+ and XMS. Then get an X1800GTO, unlock it to 16 pipes, and overclock like hell.

 

[Blackhawk3D]

I wasn't planning on overclocking much, maybe a few megahertz on the processor, I don't want to void too many warranties.