Yet another critique my build thread (AM2)

[Rhaegal]

First of all, I'd like to say this is my first build and I'm going AM2 because I think it will still have a decent upgrade path.

I made a webpage that has everything on it: http://rhaegal.com/computer

 

[Heyyou27]

Looks alright, probably the first AM2 shopping list I've seen.

 

[jaguarskx]

The only thing you need to be concerned about is the Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE Sound Card - OEM. Soundblaster no longer releases anymore drivers for it.

 

[Kholonar]

The rest of the system is absolutely fine, you've clearly done your research, so I'm not going to go into the conroe-AM2 thing.

You might want to go with the specially designed corsair DDR2 RAM because it has a special feature called SLI ???

http://tomshardware.co.uk/2006/05/23/amd_reinvents_itself_uk/page10.html

I love the look of that Viking case, I'm not seen it before but it looks pretty ninja.

 

[TSIllusion]

i wouldnt recommend the viking case... lol, me personally think that design looks weird...

sumthing like soprano = better looking for a comp with lights and stuff

otherwise, it should be okay if you dont try and OC...


and also, you might want a lil bigger PSU if you plan to SLI

 

[Imgnryflagdotcom]

Looks exactly like the one I'm gonna get pretty soon (With the exception of the case and things like that).

Newegg has an eVga 7900GT KO which has a copper heatsink/fan for about the same price. I'm not completely sure if the KO version is factory clocked but it might be.

 

[Rhaegal]

TSIllusion: Hmmm I was planning on OC'ing my proc at least to 2.2GHz...is that something I should avoid?

 

[qurious69ss]

So what's the damage.....$$$$

 

[Rhaegal]

So what's the damage.....$$$$

Total is at the bottom of that page. $1870.71 + tax & shipping

 

[Rhaegal]

Hmmm what's the difference between:

eVGA Geforce 7900GT 256-P2-N563-AX Video Card - Retail: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130281

and

eVGA Geforce 7900GT KO 256-P2-N564 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130015

The second one has a higher model number so I'm assuming it's newer and possibly better. It looks like it has a better cooling system.

Updated sound card. Also, should I stick with the G.SKILL or buy Patriot Dual Channel 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel KIt System Memory - Retail? $226.99 vs G.SKILL's $199.99

 

[shadowduck]

Nice system! Unless you really like the Zalman, the stock cooler that comes with the Opterons is beefy and will handle most overclocking without issue. Zalman fan will probably make less noise of course. At $63.00 from Newegg thats a bit steep of course.

 

[angry_ducky]

It looks nice. BTW, the 7900GT KO is factory overclocked

 

[conejo]

Something to consider. Recent benchmarks of the AM2 and DDR2 shows that there is no memory bandwidth benefit for the DDR2 below 2.4 GHZ. Therefore the 4000+ may be slower on AM2 than the regular 4000+ on 939. AM2 does not provide a large upgrade path since recent reports say AM2 will be phased out in I think 2007. Just food for thought

 

[angry_ducky]

Something to consider. Recent benchmarks of the AM2 and DDR2 shows that there is no memory bandwidth benefit for the DDR2 below 2.4 GHZ. Therefore the 4000+ may be slower on AM2 than the regular 4000+ on 939. AM2 does not provide a large upgrade path since recent reports say AM2 will be phased out in I think 2007. Just food for thought

There is no X2 4000+ for s939. I'd highly doubt that AMD will phase out AM2 in 2007; do you mean s939?

 

[Tenshigure]

Here's an interesting thought: why would AMD introduce a new chipset just to have it eliminated in less than a year? I think you have your logic backwards with the AM2, there hasn't been any major flaws in the tech so far...save for the pricetag...

Anyways, looking at the list, everything seems decent to me, and I can definately dig the scheme of the rig.

 

[Rhaegal]

Before I go ahead and order, I want to know if THe Creative X-Fi is worth $121.99 or if I should just get the $7.49 Sabrent.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188
vs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829130001

 

[Tenshigure]

If you're not going to purchase a high-quality Sound Card (the Creative in this case), you may as well stick with on-board sound. That particular board already has an 8-Channel built-on sound, which is better than that $10 POS you were going to replace it with.

That's my personal opinion anyways.