New computer. Feedback plz!

[virtualsniper]

Hi, I spent some days going through the post on THG and with those infos, this is the computer I will probably order tomorrow. I would like to have your opinion, since it is my first build.


AMD XP2700+
ASUS A7N8X
Thermaltake Volcano 9 cooling Fan
2x256Mgs Corsair PC2700 CAS2
Antec PLUS1080 1080AMG CASE/PSU
60 Gigs Maxtor 7200RPM
DVD LG 16X IDE
ATI AIW 9700PRO
Creative AUDIGY 2
MULTISYNC FP955 19"

Any feedback or comments would be appreciate!

Thanks!

 

[uber_m0j0]

You need a geforce2 MX 200!

heh jk

Very uber system you got there, congrats!

~m0j0

 

[RCPilot]

If your a gamer, I like the Viewsonic A90f + myslef. If your not a gamer, have fun it's a good spec.

Touble is Barton & FX are withen 2 weeks, could change the whole shootin match, so to speak.

I'm still learning & having fun doing it!!!!!!

 

[virtualsniper]

thing is FX will be hard to find for some weeks and the features of the AIW is very interesting to me (video-in and tv-tuner).

I will check for the viewsonic, I don't know this model. And I am a gamer! Is there something wrong with the NEC?

 

[Spitfire_x86]

What abnout graphics card? Are you planning to keep your older one? If not, get Radeon 9600 Pro (BBA) or MSI GeForce4 Ti4200 64 MB (if you are a gamer). Keep it in mind that, if you have a 3.3V AGP 2x card, you must buy a new card, because nForce2 doesn't work with 3.3V AGP 2x cards

For monitor, ViewSonic P95f+ is a very good buy. For better value, you can buy ViewSonic G90f.

<A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/community/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=26708#26708" target="_new"> Go to my CPU Vendor Poll </A>

 

[virtualsniper]

well I'm going for the AIW 9700 PRO like I said, because my tnt2 would be really bad on a xp2700+! )

Actually the 3 monitors I had in mind were the NEC, the viewsonic P95f and the P95f+. I heard the NEC is better that is why i choose that one! Am I wrong? Is the P95f+ better? What about the P95f?

 

[Spitfire_x86]

P95 supports resolutions over 1600 x 1200 at 85 Hz refresh rate, P95f+ can't support 85 Hz over 1600 x 1200 res. But 1600 x 1200 is enough for 19" and P95f+ is brighter than P95f that means it is better for gaming.

<A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/community/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=26708#26708" target="_new"> Go to my CPU Vendor Poll </A>

 

[virtualsniper]

ok cool! Since it's for gaming, I'll probably check for the P95f+. As long as I can use windows and play game in 1600x1200 with a good refresh game I'm happy!

 

[Ganache]

did you consider the western digital with 8mb of cache ?

and the sony G410 is a REALLY great monitor ( i have one )

1600x1200 @ 85Hz no prob !

 

[virtualsniper]

well the Western with 8 mb of cache are 120+ megs and I don't need an hard drive this big!

As for the sony, it sure looks great but the price is much higher than the others.

But thanks for the info.

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by virtualsniper on 01/20/03 01:18 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Schmide]

I would get one stick of 512k 3500(433) memory. There is basically no difference in performance (vs dual), little difference in price, and it is much more future proof. On a system of that caliber, 2 sticks of 512k(433) seem correct.

Dichromatic for your viewing plesure...

 

[virtualsniper]

Post deleted by virtualsniper

 

[virtualsniper]

Are you saying that 1 512 PC3500 is faster than 2 256 PC2700 even with dual channel? Humm I agree it would be more future proof. I'll check into that!

 

[Schmide]

You should read <A HREF="http://www.lostcircuits.com/motherboard/asus_a7n8x/" target="_new">this article</A> especially this part on <A HREF="http://www.lostcircuits.com/motherboard/asus_a7n8x/8.shtml" target="_new">memory.</A>

Dichromatic for your viewing plesure...

 

[Schmide]

With the high end memory you can also run with better timmings.

Dichromatic for your viewing plesure...

 

[virtualsniper]

Humm interesting indeed. Thx man!
With that in mind, do you still think that an NForce2 MB is the way to go?

 

[Schmide]

Not to sound like a fanboy but I just ordered Asus A7N8XD. In doing my research, I ran across many tidbits of information like that. I'm a bit weary of the passively cooled northbridge, but I doubt the warrantee will be valid for long. (I plan on cooling it)

Dichromatic for your viewing plesure...

 

[virtualsniper]

ok. I'll stick to the NForce2, and I'll decide on the memory base on the price. Although, after reading this, I think that whichever I choose, it won't make a great deal of a difference!

Man I can't wait to try that rig! )

 

[Schmide]

It will totally make a difference if you ever plan to adjust your FSB or play with aggressive timings. I ordered 1 x CORSAIR XMS CMX512-3500C2PT 512MB (433MHz) Platinum (CB00480) $209 with shipping. Mmmm 433 FSB.

Dichromatic for your viewing plesure...

 

[RCPilot]

I'd add the + feature on the a90f + is the best for gaming. When you go into a game you hit the + button on the front of the monitor & it changes the gamma to view the game. So it has one setting for Spread Sheet it says & another setting for gaming. Since I've been running it I don't need to play with the gamma inside of games anymore. Just hit the button & your good to go. I play at the recommended setting, 1280 x 1024 @ 75 htz with it. It's the best monitor for gaming I've had & I've had a few of them.

I'm still learning & having fun doing it!!!!!!

 

[virtualsniper]

Good point Schmide! I'll check the price here. I'm in canada, so hopefully it won't be 600$!! )

 

[virtualsniper]

I find the refresh rate a little low on the a90f+. The f95+ has the button feature you are talking about. Bit I didn't notice it. Neat feature!

 

[RCPilot]

Oh you can run it faster, but I haven't seen the need to. I read the review here on Toms. <A HREF="http://www.tomshardware.com/display/20020319/index.html" target="_new">monitor</A>
Hope that helps.There are others, but I love the +.

I'm still learning & having fun doing it!!!!!!

 

[virtualsniper]

well I read that review already and they don't talk about the A90f. Maybe I missed something, its 4 a.m. and I'm waiting for the cat to get in so I can go to sleep! )

 

[RCPilot]

Oop's, it was one of them I read that got me to buy it. It is late & I'm to lazy to look it up right now. Gotta go & play SOF II, Cya.

I'm still learning & having fun doing it!!!!!!