New Build suggestions

[struck27]

I am trying to build my first comp. so I am looking for some (alot of) advice. This project will be used for home recording and gaming. My budget will be $1400 to $1600, that is a complete build w/ everything I have seen on the check list posted at the top of the forum. I realy need some help choosing the mobo and the processor. I definetly need Firewire conections for my mixing board and would like to have Raid modes, 2GBs of RAM. Also any sound card suggestions would be great. I'd like to thank you in advance because any advice will help greatly.

[Nav]

hey there and welcome to pcMech! regarding your build, do you prefer intel or amd cpu? and the vid card, do you prefer ati or nvidia? it boils down to personal preference but benchmarks have proven that amds are better at games than intel. also, would your budget include a lcd screen or crt (the big, bulky ones)?

[struck27]

I have been thinking about the AMD Athlon 64 x2 3800+ or the AMD Athlon 64 3500+ " Venice". But is the dual core realy worth the extra money. Yes I am going to be buying a flat panel, probably 17" to 19" but that's going to be last ,as I can still use my old one. Also I really don't know enough about how the different video cards do there things to have a prefrence yet. If you could tell me some differences between the two types that would be great. Thank for the input.

[glc]

If you want AMD, for now I'd recommend the single core 3700+ San Diego. This is the most bang for the buck and you can upgrade it later to dual core when more stuff is written for it. However, if the audio software you are planning on using can take advantage of dual cores now, then go for it, and get a Toledo core if you can afford it. I'd recommend an Asus NForce-based motherboard, SLI if you ever anticipate wanting to use two video cards. This is only an advantage in games that are written to take advantage of SLI, and requires a matched pair of Nvidia cards. If the board doesn't have Firewire, a Firewire card is cheap, and some sound cards have a Firewire port. For home recording, you will want a semi-professional sound card anyway - the traditional Creative Labs cards are not oriented toward recording. Gaming use requires the best video card you can fit in the budget. Even though all but low end motherboards are RAID-capable these days, I'd think twice before actually doing RAID - there are advantages, but disadvantages too.

[struck27]

thanks alot these are really good suggestions. I going to go with the A8N SLi deluxe nividia 939 socket. Then get the AMD 3700+ San Diego. I also have been reading alot of other threads and getting some good info thanks again