$850 AMD System - Finalized - $859.94 - $1150

[dragoon38900]

CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor - Retail - $159.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735

MOBO - Gigabyte GA-M55SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $96.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128321

RAM - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail - $161.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231084

Video Card - eVGA 256-P2-N583-AR Geforce 7900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130032

Hardrive - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

Case/PSU - ASPIRE X-Navigator ATXA9NW-AL/500 Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144125

What do you think of this setup? Is this a good system that is fairly upgradable in the future? Like if I wanted to get a X2 4800, or even a FX62 when the prices go really down. Or even SLI. Are all of these compatible? Would I be able to run modern games at fairly high settings, do some animations, 3D work, intensive multitasking... and not slow down?

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

*Update*
Well, thanks for all the input guys. I finally decided on this:

CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor - Retail - $159.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735

MOBO - MSI K9N Platinum Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 Ultra MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $108.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130049

RAM - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail - $161.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231084

Video Card - eVGA 256-P2-N583-AR Geforce 7900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130032

Hardrive - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

Case - Xoxide X-Static 2 Case - Silver - $29.99
http://www.xoxide.com/x-static-2-silver.html

PSU - COOLMAX CP-500T EPS12V 500W Active PFC Power Supply 100 - 240V - Retail - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817159040

With that, it comes down to $859.94, no tax/shipping included. Shipping will push the price to $883.2, and I dont know how much tax there will be. Im assuming the final price will be roughly less than $950. Add in a $100 monitor (CRT), a DVD RW drive ($40?) and mouse/keyboard ($20).... I believe this will cost a total of $1150. Good price for a totally new computer thats upgradable in the future? Any final words/comments before I order?

 

[k-]

That's the best setup for $850.
It is somewaht futureproof.. but speaking of future proof....
noone knows whats gon happen in the future.
so lets just say it'll last you a long time...

 

[enforcerfx]

nice setup for under 850, i find that as a bargain. Mind if my friend borrows that list? lol. Like k- said, nothings futureproof, but should last 2-3 years.

 

[dragoon38900]

Thanks for the replies. I have a question though. Is it wise to SLI? Or should I just get a mobo that doesnt support SLI and hopefully save some money. Is getting a Ram with cas 4 over a cas 5 really worth it? Or will it show little difference for the things Im doing? So getting these 2 instead:

ASUS M2V Socket AM2 VIA K8T890 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$82.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131024

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail - $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231087

and in the future, just get a better single Vid Card

OR

Stick with this build, have the SLI feature to be in the safe side (and I believe the Gigabyte is overall a better board, right?) and just upgrade the Ram later to a 4 cas if I really need it. Sticking with this build is just under $860 (around 855) but will probably be more expensive later *however I think its safer if its good enough for what Im asking for. The other choice will be more expensive (nearing the $900 mark) but it *might be cheaper later on. What do you guys think? Spend a little more money and hope SLI wont be necessary and getting a 4 cas now, OR just stick with what I have setup and hope the 5 cas is good enough for what I want to use it for (and have SLI possibility).

 

[Eviltwin17]

for the price and what you want to do you are fine. Maybe look into overclocking if you want to make it even more "futureproof." Most games are not too processor intensive anymore its all about graphics so id say you are good to go for at least 2-3 years.

 

[illinikevin]

I got 2 gigs of cas 5 corsair ram for $160 and run it at cas 4 so I wouldn't spend a bunch of extra money for the lower timings. I'd stick with that set up. My friend built a system(except 939) just like that in april and spent $1150 on it. Keep the SLI board and a year from now when those 7900's are half of what they are now throw a second one in.

 

[dragoon38900]

Thanks for the input. Now I feel more confident about the current setup. Hopes for the best. Now all I need to do is find me a good new $150 19inch CRT (or ill stick with just a 17 inch for like $80-$100), plus a nice $50 or less DVD RW drive, Ill have this baby set at around $1,000. Anyone knows where I can get a new monitor for those prices or cheaper? (I know you can get them for so cheap, like the refurbished ones, but I prefer them to be new so I can have a geniune brand new system)

 

[illinikevin]

I didn't know they still made CRT's. You can get a LCD in that size now for $200. The last DVD RW drive I got was a BenQ from newegg and I think it was about $35 with shipping. It burns every peice of media I've put in it and does a full DVD in about 6 mins.

 

[Jinx13]

CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor - Retail - $159.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735

MOBO - Gigabyte GA-M55SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $96.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128321

RAM - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail - $161.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231084

Video Card - eVGA 256-P2-N583-AR Geforce 7900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130032

Hardrive - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

Case/PSU - ASPIRE X-Navigator ATXA9NW-AL/500 Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144125

What do you think of this setup? Is this a good system that is fairly upgradable in the future? Like if I wanted to get a X2 4800, or even a FX62 when the prices go really down. Or even SLI. Are all of these compatible? Would I be able to run modern games at fairly high settings, do some animations, 3D work, intensive multitasking... and not slow down?

I would go with this except for 2 changes. Get a cheaper video card now, one that can get you through until DX10 comes out. Use the money you save on the card to get a better cpu. Start saving now to get a new dx10 card down the road when they come out.

 

[Patfett]

Nice set up. Might go with that case wiith all the fans and PSU. Would I be fine with that PSU in a simiirare set up non SLI?

 

[lordslashstab]

might want to tack on a heatsink/fan there...

 

[zrawas]

I'd go with the original setup that you had in mind. The ASUS M2V Socket AM2 board is based on a VIA chipset, and VIA is dying so you might not be able to get much drivers or support if something goes wrong in the future.

The original setup is amazing for under $850. Congrats on that.

Peace

 

[Patfett]

If SLI isn't a must you might want to look at some the Nvidia 500 boards. Has some cool fetures for speeding up internet speed if you do a lot of online gaming. I'm thinking of going with MSI's K9N board myself.

 

[enforcerfx]

I didn't know they still made CRT's. You can get a LCD in that size now for $200. The last DVD RW drive I got was a BenQ from newegg and I think it was about $35 with shipping. It burns every peice of media I've put in it and does a full DVD in about 6 mins.

I would go with LCD, seems to be the big thing nowadays. Apparently this monitor has gotten good results, and the price is phenominal.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824254001

 

[yourmothersanastronaut]

Agreed. Aspire's cases are not too, but their PSU's suck. Hard.

Go with an Antec case and PSU combo for the best value.

And I also agree with an nForce5xx series chipset. The Asus M2N-E is a good nF570 board without SLI. It's the board I picked out minus SLI. Very stable.

And the 7900GT is a good card, wait until the KO edition from eVGA is back in stock. It has a quiet cooler, and eVGA's warranty lets you overclock the card without voiding the warranty. Jim dandy if you ask me.

 

[dagonoth]

I have the MSI K9N motherboard and it has a few problems. First it wouldn't recognize my patriot ddr2-800 ram so it wouldn't boot. So I had to buy some cheapo 533 from Bestbuy and update the bios and then the ram would work.

I've since installed windows and when I try to make an image of my harddrive with Ghost 2003 it crashes at the beginning after making a virtual harddrive and it won't boot back into windows because of that virtual partition. So I've reinstalled windows about 20 times to try to get it to ghost but now luck.

I don't know if it is the motherboard at fault or if it is just the new chipset from Nvidia that is the culprit. I've just gotten tired of dealing with it and so I've given up trying to ghost, otherwise the motherboard works just as it should.

 

[elbert]

CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor - Retail - $159.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735

MOBO - Gigabyte GA-M55SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $96.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128321

RAM - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail - $161.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231084

Video Card - eVGA 256-P2-N583-AR Geforce 7900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130032

Hardrive - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

Case/PSU - ASPIRE X-Navigator ATXA9NW-AL/500 Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144125

What do you think of this setup? Is this a good system that is fairly upgradable in the future? Like if I wanted to get a X2 4800, or even a FX62 when the prices go really down. Or even SLI. Are all of these compatible? Would I be able to run modern games at fairly high settings, do some animations, 3D work, intensive multitasking... and not slow down?

Your CPU is a bad choice as it seams your making a low cost gamming system. If your not making a gamming system then its a good build. For a gamming system short term you would be better off with a cheap 64 3800+ single core due to most all games are none multithreaded. The 64 3800+ will give you the gamming performance of the X2 4600+ at a $45 savings over the X2 3800+.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631
Later when you more likly change to a K8L CPU you'll have $45 extra for that purchase and I hope this helps in your final system build.

 

[tekzor]

I agree, I got a 3800+ single and it very fast for gaming at 2.4ghz. Although I just ordered a 3800 x2 because I want to multi task at video encoding and playing games. You can always OC the x2 from 2ghz to 2.4. I would not get that video card and wait for the dx10. Newegg has open box 7900gt for like 200. GL~!

 

[NeonDeon]

Your CPU is a bad choice as it seams your making a low cost gamming system. If your not making a gamming system then its a good build. For a gamming system short term you would be better off with a cheap 64 3800+ single core due to most all games are none multithreaded. The 64 3800+ will give you the gamming performance of the X2 4600+ at a $45 savings over the X2 3800+.

I agree.

 

[elbert]

I agree, I got a 3800+ single and it very fast for gaming at 2.4ghz. Although I just ordered a 3800 x2 because I want to multi task at video encoding and playing games. You can always OC the x2 from 2ghz to 2.4. I would not get that video card and wait for the dx10. Newegg has open box 7900gt for like 200. GL~!

The 7900gt has a good price so unless you could find a good 7600gt for under $170 I would stick with the 7900gt. Nvidia's load balancing isn't as CPU intensive as ATI's so mostly the 7900gt will limit the performance in games. Upgrading to a DX10 card would be better than upgrading the CPU from the X2 3800+ to the X2 4600+.

The OC'ers would be better off going with a 64 3000+ as in gamming you could only come even with the performance of cheaper 64 3800+.

Your DX10 suggestion is important as emulation for DX9 cards will die under the new DX10 API design as its not simply a few addon but a complete reprogramming. The DX10 upgrade is more needed than the CPU's as tekzor is totally correct but if that upgrade is the summer of next year then stick to the 7900gt and toss the CPU upgrade.

 

[yourmothersanastronaut]

Right. DirectX 9 was built on the previous version, so there really wasn't too much difference. It was noticeable, but nothing all that earth-shattering. Since DirectX 10 is a completely new writeup, it's going to incorporate a lot more, so make sure you get one if you want to play DirectX 10 games.

I'll be buying one next year, wallet conceding.

 

[dmacfour]

I have the 7900gt and the single core 3800+ and it runs all of my games good, accept oblivion.... would I see a performance difference if I switched from ddr2 533 to ddr2 667?

 

[shadowduck]

I have the 7900gt and the single core 3800+ and it runs all of my games good, accept oblivion.... would I see a performance difference if I switched from ddr2 533 to ddr2 667?

Being on AM2 DDR2-800 CAS 4 is a MUST (I know single cores can only use 667 memory, but its good to have the proper memory for that 65nm CPU upgrade in December).

You need 2GB of RAM too. Speed of RAM probably won't cause that problem, but you are not getting the best experience you can with 533 RAM.

 

[yourmothersanastronaut]

Maybe. If you went to low-latency DDR2-800, you'd see the biggest improvement. AMD is very sensitive to Cas latency, the lower the better.

 

[elbert]

I have the 7900gt and the single core 3800+ and it runs all of my games good, accept oblivion.... would I see a performance difference if I switched from ddr2 533 to ddr2 667?

No, you would see a difference if you OC'ed a FX-57 to 3.8Ghz, the CPU is the limiting factor in this case but no X2 upgrade or memory will change your performance. I did see a single core OC'ed opty getting like 80FPS but once games do come out multithreaded this will end the cheap single core CPU's life.