New build...comments?

[strummer]

This will be my second build. Comments are welcome regarding the planned components:

Processor: AMD 3500+ Venice

MoBo: EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4

Memory: CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST380817AS 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150

FDD: SAMSUNG Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Model SFD321B

Case: CHENMING 501AWBU-F-0 BLK Black 1.0mm SECC ATX Mid Tower Case

PSU: XCLIO XClio 450BL ATX 450W Power Supply

Video Card: eVGA 128-P2-N368-TX Geforce 6600GT 128MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16

O/S: Windows XP


Uses: homework, moderate gaming, surfing. Do not want to have to upgrade for at least 2 to 3 years. Will this rig play COD2, Civ IV and some of the other latest game titles?

Thanks for any input.

[freakitchen]

I would consider upgrading the video card for good performance on COD2, as well as some other recent games. With my 6600GT, I have to kill the visuals a fair bit. If you're after a future-proof system for a couple of years, I'd consider a 6800GS at least.

EPoX motherboards are not top tier of quality. I'd prefer to see an ASUS in there - consider an A8N-E.

Looks good, otherwise

FK

[jfk]

For about $30 more, I'd upgrade the CPU to a 3700+, as it has more L2 cache. It's the best cost/performance CPU in the line right now. I would have bought it when I built, but the price difference was a lot more then.

[Nav]

just outta curiosity how do epox boards fare in the world of dfi's and asus? never used one so i was just wondering.....otherwise the build looks good. 6600gt is a good card however, if your budget allows it, go for these video cards, as it will delay the need for a new vid card down the road.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127179
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130263

i would advise you to wait for a few more replies before putting in the order. you dont want to buy something and then regret it later. even if you keep the 6600gt, it should work no problems.

[freakitchen]

just outta curiosity how do epox boards fare in the world of dfi's and asus?

I'd put them in the 'second tier' of quality, along with MSI, Biostar, and perhaps Gigabyte

if your budget allows it, go for these video cards, as it will delay the need for a new vid card down the road. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127179 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130263

I'd go for at least the GS version of the 6800. You won't that much performance increase between the 6600GT and the standard 6800.

For about $30 more, I'd upgrade the CPU to a 3700+, as it has more L2 cache. It's the best cost/performance CPU in the line right now

Seconded.

FK