AM2 System

[toasty2]

Ok, I've spent way too much time drooling at parts I wish I could get, because I am currently running:
AMD Athlon XP 2000+ (1.66Ghz Palomino)
512MB ram
Nvidia GeForce FX5700Ultra

So, I've been living in a slow world for quite some time. I figure anything has gotta be better than this. So, here's the list:
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=4252867

Give me advice, I'd like to get the best for my money under $900 and please dont tell me to change video cards, unless it provides better performance for the same price. I am going AMD for a reason, dual core too. I dont need an extreme GPU, I dont live on video games.

So, other than that, comment away. Helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[WR2]

Seems like a well balanced list.
The video card and 1440x900 widescreen monitor are a good match.
A lot of people are going for mid-range GPUs at the moment while waiting to see what DX10 hardware options there are in the short term.
Will have very good future upgradeability options with either quadcore or X2 5xxx-6xxx CPU and DX 10 cards.
That AC FreezerPro HSF already has thermal compound on the heatsink so you can easily drop the AS5 off your buy list. Be sure to check clearances in what ever case you will be using.
If you don't need that onboad video chip the M55plus-S3G has consider upgrading to the M55SLI-S4

 

[toasty2]

Thanks, I'm not a big gamer, just a bit of CS:S every day. I'll look into the mobo, it's out of stock anyway. Edit: Changed mobo to ABIT KN9 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra mobo.

And yeah, I figured that 7600GS would be a nice little midrange card. Would it be a good idea to buy a X2 4800+ OEM (no box or hsf included): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103754
since I have that cooler on my list? Or would you not reccomend buying a processor that way.

 

[TSIMonster]

Looks good to me, you could probably get away with going single core. I got my 3000+ for ~$60 and have it running at 2.5Ghz, with that MOBO and cooler, you should easliy hit 2.8 or higher!

Other then throwing that out, it looks like a great budget build.

Just FYI, on the system in my sig, I can play any Sorce engine game completely maxed out with absolutely no problem. Also can play FarCry, Fable, Fear and many others with ease at both 1024x768, and 1280x1024(which is more pixels then the 1440 res your getting) so you shouldn't really have a problem with any game short of oblivion right now.

 

[TSIMonster]

Would it be a good idea to buy a X2 4800+ OEM (no box or hsf included)

No, at that point you'd be better off going conroe.

 

[sailer]

I think you'd do a lot better with the AM2 4800+ over the 3800+. Check out the CPU charts on Tom's for yourself to see how much better. There's really no comparrison from what I see.

 

[TSIMonster]

um.... conroe would pwn the 4800+ in absolutley every aspect.

 

[toasty2]

um.... conroe would pwn the 4800+ in absolutley every aspect.

:x

I am going AMD

Does anyone listen?

 

[TSIMonster]

It would be plain ignorant to go for a 4800+.

You mean to tell me that your willing to pay $250 for an OEM 4800+ when you could get an e6600 that would eat it alive for $315? or even an E63-6400 would be a better decision. The only point in going AMD right now is if you are on a budget (single core) otherwise, it doesn't make sense unless your a fanboy

 

[TSIMonster]

Anything above the 4200+ from AMD is not a good value *right now* when compared to the C2D series

 

[toasty2]

I'll just stick with the X2 3800. Any other suggestions not-related to processors? I'd like to know if the other parts I am getting are good. I think they are, but your opinions would be nice.

Edit: Oh, and I might plan on lightly overclocking this system, will that be possible with these components (mainly the mobo i wonder about).

 

[sailer]

um.... conroe would pwn the 4800+ in absolutley every aspect.

The top rated Conroes would be better, but he wasn't asking that. He asked if the 4800+ would be better than the 3800+, and yes, it would.

 

[sailer]

I'll just stick with the X2 3800. Any other suggestions not-related to processors? I'd like to know if the other parts I am getting are good. I think they are, but your opinions would be nice.

Edit: Oh, and I might plan on lightly overclocking this system, will that be possible with these components (mainly the mobo i wonder about).

The motherboard you picked is old technology. If you can afford it, pick one with a 590 chipset, or at least a 570 chipset, such as the Abit KN9 Ultra or one from ASUS. Either of these chipsets will be better for future upgrades. A 590 Chipset would be best at the moment.

 

[purdueguy]

Even though you "plan on sticking with the 3800+", I still suggest getting an Intel C2D instead.

CPU: E6300 - $180
MOBO: ASUS P5ND2-SLI - ~$94
MEMORY: PQI Turbo DDR2 667 - $190 after MIR

These items actually cost around 8-9 bucks less than your AMD system. The price of your memory warrants a possible change. Without OC'ing, the DDR2 800 is not needed and DDR2 667 will actually be a little faster.

If you plan on OC'ing a little, than DDR2 667 will still be fine with the E6300. Only if you plan on OC'ing a lot will getting the faster memory be worth it. The OC'd E6300 completely destroys the 3800+. Here.

If you only plan on OC'ing the 3800+ a little, this little bit won't make up for the fact of how much better the E6300 is.

You may not want an extreme GPU, but for an extra 25 bucks get this 7600GT. 7900GT vs 7600GS Benchmarks.

 

[toasty2]

But I dont want to support a monopoly

EDIT: So I can use DDR2 667 ram in my mobo? Whats the point? DDR2 800 and DDR2 667 are almost exactly the same prices.

 

[unbiased4u]

But I dont want to support a monopoly

you're not supporting a monopoly, you're getting the best for your money, and that's all that matters.

Anyways, AMD is still a strong competitor. Intel isn't a monopoly like Microsoft. (You do plan to run Windows right? Maybe Linux...)

Your system looks very good. You could get an alternative video card: The Leadtek 7300GT with GDDR3 for $83. I'm not sure if it is faster than the 7600GS, as it has less pipelines but faster memory clocks.

Core 2 Duo e6300 is only a little bit more at $180 and performs well for the money. E6300

You can set up a great Conroe system for $900 dollars if you look hard enough.

Here is a good mobo: Asus with SLI

However if you really want to stay with AM2, it's your decision. As long as you're happy

 

[sailer]

But I dont want to support a monopoly

EDIT: So I can use DDR2 667 ram in my mobo? Whats the point? DDR2 800 and DDR2 667 are almost exactly the same prices.

You've decided you want an AMD cpu and that's your choice. Forget the people who insist you're wrong. After all, its your money, your computer, etc.

The DDR2 800 ram is better. Maybe it doesn't perform much different at this point, but as the systems mature, ways will be found to make it run faster. It will also be better for overclocking if you make that decision.

A good mobo with a 570 chipset is an ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe for $81.99 (Newegg) or a better one with a 590 chipset an ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe for $119.99 (Newegg). Other 590 chipset mobos will run from $160 and up and I don't know if that's in your budget.

 

[TSIMonster]

However if you really want to stay with AM2, it's your decision. As long as you're happy

To OP: Remember that is the most important thing. I chose the 3000+ b/c it does everything I want and plays all the new games with ease and was only $65.

Now that conroe MOBO prices are coming down, the e6300 is worth the extra $30 over the x2 3800+

about video: the 7600gt or the x850xt pe are both great cards for around $110 and will play all of the current games on max settings (save oblivion). The x850 is a more powerful card, but lacks SM3 (which doesn't matter too much right now) but the choice is up to you. They both will provide good performance at a great price.

Also, I went with this RAM and it works and overclocks quite well. Might save you some bucks- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820161662
I have had it at over 700mhz effective with 5-5-5-12 timings but right now it is sitting at 600mhz with 3-3-3-9 timings due to my CPU/FSB overclock.

 

[toasty2]

THe ram you used isnt DDR2 667 or 800, I cant use that, right?

 

[purdueguy]

The point being is that the DDR2 667 is 65 bucks cheaper than DDR 800. If you don't need it, put the money elsewhere. Better CPU or better GPU.

Price update an the PQI Turbo ram. It's $175 at the moment.

 

[fpdoc]

You should check for another PSU.
You get what you pay for.
Id prolly check how much power you're gonna need and future proof a bit.
Also consider a different manufacturer.
I have a M59 which is nice. Im not running an NVIdia card at the moment, though.
I had an intel. Wouldve liked the E6600 which is a good value for the performance. Beats an FX-62 in most ways. Not quite sure why I settled on an AMD or for that matter a 4600 X2. Either way, most any of these chips will give you excellent performance for what you want to do with it. The X2 3800 is a decent choice. The E6300 or 6400 would be a bargain and again outperform some higher end AMD chips. If you dont want an SLI board then intel chipset boards are great for C2D's. Plus, unless you're running 1600 plus resolutions, then SLI is glitz.

 

[fullerms]

The reviews on this Mother board are also good, and this is what I bought


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130056

 

[TSIMonster]

There is no reason that you couldn't... Its good RAM, give it a shot, you'll be pleased at the money you saved. Use the extra $50 or so where it counts a little more for games, the gfx card.

 

[three0duster]

As it seems this thread has become a fanboy processor flame war, but to get back on topic, I agree with the 3800 x2 i have one and it easially overclocks to 2800 on air and is stable for the most part, but thats not for everyone. My main concern is your power supply. I would look for a better brand (antec, Thermaltake, ocz) not saying perticullar models but you get the Idea, I have owned a thermaltake 420w and it was very stable up untill I needed my 6800GTs in sli and it was not enough, but It would be fine for you http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153006

I believe its 39.99, but get what you want, I know rosewill has some nice pieces but I still dont trust them fully.

As for the intel processor. If you want to get stuck with the motherboard for the intel processor, (only saying intel changes sockets like the wind) Id say they would be faster for the money, But AMD is saying they will be supporting the AM2 for at least another year, so if you needed to you could upgrade to the latest and greatest in the next 6-12 months.

 

[Sefk]

If you're playgin CS:S you don't need this dual core cpu.(In fact, without the right programs, you will never need one).

Why don't you just buy a 3000+ and OC it? Yon can get better result than a lot of dual core for 60$.

for the motherboard if you don't go on sli: the asus M2N-E seems better for me for the slient pipe and nf570. If you really want sli: GA-M55SLI-S4 or Asus M2N-SLI DELUXE nForce 570.

For the graphic: The x800gto seems better for me.