Need help with new build, please critique.

I'm in the market for a new PC with a max budget in mind of $1500 CDN (the lesser the better ), taxes in. Planning on using it for mostly gaming, with a few other multimedia applications (music, dvd etc). Basically I've been on the fence about the AM2 vs S939 issue with the performance/$ and such. Usually I keep a comp for 4-5 years then just sell it outright, then build an entirely new one. Suffice it to say, the socket type is the only thing I'm not sure about on this system, unless someone brings a new issue to my attention (plz do if u see one!). Let me know what you think.

Socket 939 solution

AMD - Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core (3800+) 2.0 GHz, S-939 - L2 1MB, Retail Box (ADA3800BVBOX) ($203.00)

ASUS A8N-E NF4 Ultra / 1xPCI-E 16X / 3PCI / 4DDR / GbL / SATA-II / 8CH AUDIO / 3YR MFG ($115.00)

Buffalo / 2GB / 400MHz / PC3200 / DDR / CAS-3 / Limited Lifetime ($220.00)



Socket AM2 solution


AMD - Athlon-64 X2 Dual Core (3800+) 2.0Ghz, AM2 32/64 Bit, L2 1MB Retail Box ($203.00)

ASUS M2N-E Socket AM2 NF570 ULTRA AUDIO GBLAN PCIE SATA RAID ATX ($125.00)

OCZ Value Pro 2GB DDR-2 / 667MHz / PC-5400 / Limited Lifetime ($224.00)
(Note - I've heard that ddr2 800 CAS-4 is the "only" ram worth getting. However, this causes an issue in regard to pricing, as it's alot more expensive than the solution above. Will I shoot myself in the foot with pc-5400?)


Other parts


NZXT ELITE BLACK NEMISIS *ALUMINUM * w/Window 400W P.S.
(Note - I've heard that alot of people opt to purchase another power supply instead of using a generic one that comes with a case. I don't intend to spend another $60+ on another power supply so I plan on using the one that comes with the case. I'm assuming it cant sux that bad considering the company has a reputation to maintain. Your thoughts please.)

WD Caviar SE-16 / SATA-II 2500KS 250GB 7200RPM, 16MB, U300 / 3 Year ($108.00)

XFX (PV-T73G-UDD3) 7600GT XXX 590MHz/1.6GHz 256MB DDR3 / Dual DVI Out (Double Lifetime) ($234.00)

NEC DVD+-RW ND-3550B (Black) 16x Dual layer / no Software ($47.00)

MS Windows XP Professional 64BIT w/ 1 user License CD Key & Manual (English) (OEM) ($179.00)


Thanks for your help!

*bumps back*

Thoughts

Since you don't really upgrade, S939 is going to be ok for you. AM2 is for future upgradability such as the 65nm CPUs coming in December. So, if you don't plan on ever upgrading the system, stick with S939.

If you decide to go AM2 looking for the December upgrade, OCZ +AM2 = no go.. AM2 + DDR2-667= bleh and AM2 + CLS5= yuck.. soo you will have to spend money on the RAM. Hence, why I lean towards S939.

DO NOT DO NOT use a cheap PSU. This is the most vital compment in your computer. A cheap CPU and will damage compents. Spend the $60 and buy a high quality Antec PSU. You will regret it otherwise. Many others will agree here, and for good reason. Don't shoot yourself in the head on this one.

Do NOT get XP 64-bit. It is a royal pain in the ass. If you want to go 64-bit wait for Vista.

I have the SP 500W and I am very happy with it. It is modular which is amazing and helps with cable clutter.

As for RAM, I would probably look at Corsair or OCZ.

Get this RAM. It is an amazing price for 2GB of CAS 2 memory:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index [...] =6723&SID=

I've gotta hand it to shadowduck - I not only ordered the corsair ram from that source, but also my processor, mobo, and HD since they were a fair bit cheaper than the dealer I was considering (though I'll get the rest of the parts from him). I only hope that they arrive by mail intact lol.. I hate hassle . The OCZ ram sale was over as of yesterday, so I went with the corsair ram. One more question.. video card.. Should I go with the xfx 7600gt xxx or the evga 7600gt ko? The evga is a bit cheaper but I hear the xfx is better. What do you think?