Need help / advice on a new system

[dwalden]

Hey Guys,

I'm building a new system this week and I was hoping some experts could give me some suggestions on it.

This is what I'm getting:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+
MOBO: ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe
GFX: XFX NVidia GF7900GT 256MB 550MHz
PSU: Enermax Liberty 500W
SOUND: Creative SB X-Fi Xtrememusic
CASE: Antec P180B

The HDs and memory are coming from my previous system.

Questions:
1. I have 1GB of Corsair PC4000 DDR (4x256MB) that I was going to use. Would it be better to get 2GB of a low latency PC3200 for the new system, or just use what I have?

2. I can't really spend much more than I already have decided on, but do you have any suggestions / changes for the above shopping list?

FYI - This sytem is mostly for gaming.

Thanks

 

[shadowduck]

Hey Guys,

I'm building a new system this week and I was hoping some experts could give me some suggestions on it.

This is what I'm getting:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+
MOBO: ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe
GFX: XFX NVidia GF7900GT 256MB 550MHz
PSU: Enermax Liberty 500W
SOUND: Creative SB X-Fi Xtrememusic
CASE: Antec P180B

The HDs and memory are coming from my previous system.

FYI - This sytem is mostly for gaming.

Thanks

1. I have 1GB of Corsair PC4000 DDR (4x256MB) that I was going to use. Would it be better to get 2GB of a low latency PC3200 for the new system, or just use what I have?

It would be much better to purchase new RAM, and 2 sticks is always going to be faster than 4. RAM is quite cheap right now, you can snag 2GB of Corsair XMS for $189 before a $50 MIR.

2. I can't really spend much more than I already have decided on, but do you have any suggestions / changes for the above shopping list?

That motherboard is horrible, just ask Wusy. The rate of failure on that board is very high, even though Asus makes other boards of very high quality. Consider the DFI Lanparty Ultra D ($122) if you wish to overclock some, or the Asus A8N-E ($93)

Also, consider changing the 4400+ out for an Opteron 165. This chip is less expensive, overclocks much better, runs cooler, and comes with a better stock heatsink. It can easily overclock beyond 4400+ levels. The DFI board will allow you to acheive the max overclock.

 

[dwalden]

I'm really not into overclocking this system. That may have contributed to the CPU on my last system failing.

Does that ASUS board really suck, or just have a high failure rate? Many places I've found (Maximum PC) consider it to be the best board available.

 

[dwalden]

Consider the DFI Lanparty Ultra D ($122) if you wish to overclock some, or the Asus A8N-E ($93)

Can you link me to the one you mean. DFI makes quite a few boards and I'm a bit confused. Is it NF4 Dual SLIx16? Also, why is it called the "Lanparty" series? Is it a small form factor one for portable lanparty type systems?

 

[shadowduck]

Consider the DFI Lanparty Ultra D ($122) if you wish to overclock some, or the Asus A8N-E ($93)

Can you link me to the one you mean. DFI makes quite a few boards and I'm a bit confused. Is it NF4 Dual SLIx16? Also, why is it called the "Lanparty" series? Is it a small form factor one for portable lanparty type systems?

Sorry about that.. No idea why they call it Lanparty series...

DFI Lanparty Ultra D (Non-SLI Version)

SLI Version

 

[azrealhk]

Almost a top end system

Add 2G RAM, Change the Mobo.

4400+ X2 may be overkill, try 3800+ (but that is my opinion), put the money on a X1900 XT(X)
(OK maybe a bit over budget....)

You could cut the x-Fi (unless you have a good speaker system set up, Audigy if you really need a sound card).

And just a word of advice. The high cost of new technology:

You neighbor will probably get a better system in 1/2 years time for a similar price.

Any upgrade or new system will be better than your old systems. Unless you meet any unexpected bugs, most people would be satisfied with their new system.

 

[1Tanker]

Sorry about that.. No idea why they call it Lanparty series...

I'm pretty sure the "Lanparty" moniker was to attract to the gaming

community. Just a marketing strategy.

 

[shadowduck]

Sorry about that.. No idea why they call it Lanparty series...

I'm pretty sure the "Lanparty" moniker was to attract to the gaming

community. Just a marketing strategy.

Most likely.

 

[dwalden]

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_product_spec_details_r_us.jsp?PAGE_TYPE=US&PRODUCT_ID=3872&SITE=US

Ok, so you are sure that there is NOTHING that this board isn't missing any features that the ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe has? I have little to no interest in overclocking. All I want is a good fast SLI MOBO for two 7900GTs (eventually) that doesn't fail on me.

 

[shadowduck]

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_product_spec_details_r_us.jsp?PAGE_TYPE=US&PRODUCT_ID=3872&SITE=US

Ok, so you are sure that there is NOTHING that this board isn't missing any features that the ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe has? I have little to no interest in overclocking. All I want is a good fast SLI MOBO for two 7900GTs (eventually) that doesn't fail on me.

Unless eventually means less than 90 days, please DO NOT fall into the hype of SLI and waste your money! If you wait say 6 months, the best performing card will beat your 7900GTs in SLI and you would of spent more money. SLI is a dead upgrade path, don't fall into it.

Feature for Feature the DFI board matches the Asus board you mentioned.

 

[dwalden]

Thanks shadowduck. I realize that about SLI. Basically, I was just thinking if money is tight in about 6-8 months and the 7900GTs are dirt cheap because the GF 8 series is out, I'd pick one up for a cheap performance boost.

 

[chenBrazil]

Change your X2 4400 to a Opteron 165 . OC is possible and safe with this CPU as you can do it without Voltage change (at least to 2.4 Ghz) ...
I cannot blame my Asus board, and 2xfull 16x PCIExpress does worth the money... Get new RAM if you need 2 GB (4x512 is not good, and chances of problems with new and old RAM is really high), if you don't game BF2 a lot...stick with 1 GB for a while... Save some bucks ...and get your 7900GT's ...

 

[shadowduck]

Thanks shadowduck. I realize that about SLI. Basically, I was just thinking if money is tight in about 6-8 months and the 7900GTs are dirt cheap because the GF 8 series is out, I'd pick one up for a cheap performance boost.

Don't count on it, considering the 7800s are still basically the same price, but if they do fall in price, not a horrible idea.

 

[dwalden]

Yeah, but you see 6800s now for close to $120. Then the GF 8000 series is out, I bet they will drop heavily.

But anyway, I'm just wanting future options. I'll never have the disposable $1200 for dual 7900GTXs or the equivalent.