First build, any suggestions?

[generalpau]

After much debate I’ve decided to build my first computer. I will be using it for moderate gaming, photo editing, and general use. I thought at first of going the pre-built route with ibuypower or cyberpower, but after reading a lot of negative reviews I’m going to do it myself. While I would like to go with the new Intel Duo Core, my budget is limiting me to around $900 so I will be building an AMD system.

Here is the list of the parts I have found within my financial parameters:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Windsor 2.2GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-M55SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard

Video Card: eVGA 256-P2-N620-AR Geforce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar RE WD1600YD 160GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

PSU: Rosewill RD500-2-DB ATX V2.2 500W Power Supply

Case: I already have one.

This along with a new copy of XP will put me right where I need to be. I’m hoping in the near future to drop another 7900 GS into the SLI motherboard. The one question I do have is this; the mobo has 4 slots for memory, would I be able to put another two 512mb into the additional slots? While I would like to go ahead with the 2 x 1GB of RAM now it seems I need to wait to do that.

Any critiques or recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

 

[qwazzy]

After much debate I’ve decided to build my first computer. I will be using it for moderate gaming, photo editing, and general use. I thought at first of going the pre-built route with ibuypower or cyberpower, but after reading a lot of negative reviews I’m going to do it myself. While I would like to go with the new Intel Duo Core, my budget is limiting me to around $900 so I will be building an AMD system.

Here is the list of the parts I have found within my financial parameters:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Windsor 2.2GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-M55SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard

Video Card: eVGA 256-P2-N620-AR Geforce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar RE WD1600YD 160GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

PSU: Rosewill RD500-2-DB ATX V2.2 500W Power Supply

Case: I already have one.

This along with a new copy of XP will put me right where I need to be. I’m hoping in the near future to drop another 7900 GS into the SLI motherboard. The one question I do have is this; the mobo has 4 slots for memory, would I be able to put another two 512mb into the additional slots? While I would like to go ahead with the 2 x 1GB of RAM now it seems I need to wait to do that.

Any critiques or recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

Please don't get that PSU. It's really bad. Get a 7600GT instead of 7900GS. Your memory is good. Get a good processor,E6300 for like $185 on Newegg. Way better than your current one. Otherwise, good system.

 

[generalpau]

Thanks for the reply. I took a look at the E6300 and it looks like a great CPU, and runs about the same cost as the x2 4200. If I went with the e6300 does anyone have a recommendation on a MOBO? I would like to keep the SLI for a later addition, but it is not crucial. I would like to stay somewhere in the $100 to $150 range for the board. Also would the 800 Memory still be essential, or could I go with a slower speed?

 

[omegapoint]

Check out the Asus P5N-SLI board. Its going for about $120, supports core 2 duo, and you can sli with it later on if you want

 

[qwazzy]

Thanks for the reply. I took a look at the E6300 and it looks like a great CPU, and runs about the same cost as the x2 4200. If I went with the e6300 does anyone have a recommendation on a MOBO? I would like to keep the SLI for a later addition, but it is not crucial. I would like to stay somewhere in the $100 to $150 range for the board. Also would the 800 Memory still be essential, or could I go with a slower speed?

No, you can get cheaper memory, like 533. I am using 533 right now with my E6600 and it runs great. I have a P5B Deluxe and there's no SLI, but the other suggestion by omega looks great!