1st build suggestions

[dorkus_malorkus]

I have been sort of agonizing over this for awhile but I think have the parts picked out to try and build my first system (any critiquing is welcome):

Antec Plus 1060 with True 330W psu
Athlon XP 2100+
Abit KX7333 mb
Lite On 40X12X48 CDRW
Lite On 16X DVD
Floppy
WD 80GB special edition 7200rpm WD800JB
Microsoft OEM kb/intellimouse ps/2 bundle
Samsung 512mb PC2700 ddr
Gainward GF4 TI 4200 64mb
Hercules Gaming Theater XP 6.1 oem
Arctic Silver 3 compound
Windows XP Home

I have some questions before I order all this stuff so any input before I spend the $1200 would be MUCH appreciated:

Since I haven't done this before I was wondering if the above setup would be suitable for a 1st time build (any mechanical or know compatibility issues)? Am I missing any parts? I was thinking about a hsf such as the Thermaltake Volcano 7+ but do I necessarily need one or would the stock one be ok?

The antec case says P4 power supply and doesn't mention athlon. Can you connect it to an athlon board?

Should I consider round cables?

The sound card is oem and the retail version is about $20 more. Is there a reason to not get the oem? The Turtle Beach Santa Cruz is almost $30 cheaper than the oem just mentioned ($59). I know it supposed to be nice. Is that a better deal? I do like the breakout box on the hercules.

I don't plan on running raid as of right now, but any advantage to getting the raid version of the board?

Do you think this system will be very noisy?

This will be my primary computer for surfing, playing games, and what not. I don't know if I will experiment with overclocking. I guess that will depend on how the build experience goes. I am really excited about doing this especially picking EXACTLY what I want, but with that comes the agony of having to pick from so many great parts!

 

[upec]

The PSU will work with AMD. I don't think Round cable makes any difference. If you think your system is noisy then you can just replace the fans.

 

[Mnx4]

nice setup . Sounds like mine actually. Round cables do not make a performance diffference but they help reduce the case clutter and i would suggest them if you are going to use fans for cooling.

As for the noise, you didn't mention how many fans you're getting or are included with the case. I bought an antec case and yes, the fans are kinda noisy ( not like engine drone, but still you can hear it). Get some good Panaflo fans because they push a lot of air and are pretty quiet. <A HREF="http://www.coolcases.com" target="_new">http://www.coolcases.com</A> has pretty good prices on panaflo. just click store front. If you're not overclocking, the stock hsf should be good enough. Also, if you want to keep your case clean, get some cuttable carbon filter. It cuts the amount of dust in your system down.

Go to your local radio shack and get a nice anti static wrist bracelet. You don't want any nasty electric discharges messing up your system ( believe me, it can!)

Also, if you like the breakout box, go with it. The GTXP and the Santa Cruz use the same sound processing chip. Go with the Santa Cruz if you're strapped for cash.


Time is the best teacher... unfortunatly, it kills all of its students.

 

[btvillarin]

Here's a <A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=48204#48204" target="_new">similar thread</A> on building a computer, which I gave some links to further help and give suggestions.

A couple of guys would be way against Antec. If you want stability with a power supply, go with Enermax, Sparkle, QuietPC, or PC Power and Cooling.

Mnx4 had some good suggestions that I would agree with, such as using the stock heatsink if you go retail. Also, the antistatic wrist strap.

Good luck!
Bryan

<A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com" target="_new">btvillarin.com</A> - Host fixed network problems; I'm back up

 

[dorkus_malorkus]

This case comes with 4 total fans. 2 standard and 2 optional, a front fan and one for hdd. At this point, I'm not sure what I will add. Maybe all of them and see how it goes and remove what I don't like. This case comes with a "washable filter". Is the carbon filter in place of that?

 

[dorkus_malorkus]

That's funny. I have a link to that thread on my desktop but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I have read some how-to's in the past. One just the other day on motherboards.org. There are some companies that sell that same case less power supply. There is one that is a deep blue that I LOVE but is a little over the top. Who knows. Maybe I'll get one of those (blue or not) and add a nice psu. I thought I had read on a few posts that antec had nice psu's. I'll have to read up on that a little.

 

[upec]

The case has 5 fans. There is a fan on the side of the case.

 

[upec]

I think Antec PSU are OK but I think 330 Watt will not be enough if you want to add more components to the computer in the future.

 

[dorkus_malorkus]

The next step up is 430W. Do you think that is overkill? Can you have TOO much power?

 

[btvillarin]

My current case came with a 300W Hivision PSU. But, a little over a year after, it crapped out on me. So, I got a 431W Whisper Enermax. With a couple of Panaflow Quiet fans, my case is silent, yet has fairly adequate cooling. When I get the $$$, I'm going to get a better case without a power supply.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you can, get a case without a power supply. Then, get a quality Enermax or something.

Also, the reason why I didn't mention Antec is because Toey (Toejam31) and Crashman don't recommend those, from experience.

Lastly, if you have a high wattage power supply, it won't use that much. It just means that it'd be able to handle more components, if you choose to upgrade in the future. If you look at <A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com/staff/bryan_villarin.html" target="_new">my system</A>, I think 430W is more than enough.

Bryan

P.S. Thanks for mentioning that <A HREF="http://www.motherboards.org/articlesd/how-to-guides/924_1.html" target="_new">Motherboards.org How-To article</A>. I'll add that link to my page as well.

<A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com" target="_new">btvillarin.com</A> - Host fixed network problems; I'm back up