Opinions/Suggestions on upcoming build, please.

[UberNewbie]

Hello. I’m researching building a new PC. I want a good gaming system… eventually. Now, though, I’d like to get the minimum required to run Sims 2 or HL2 (or something newer… Fear maybe? ) with settings at a comfortable level. I’m learning, so I fully expect to make mistakes, and I’m okay with having to upgrade after only a few months. I just want to get up and running with least expendature (remembering I'm a gamer). Before finding pcmech I thought I had it pretty much figured out... not so sure now. So here it is. What do you all think?

Case: Antec Sonata-II Piano Black Quiet Mid Tower ATX Case w/ 450W Power Supply $109
PSU: Using what comes with the case… for now
Mobo: MSI K8N Neo Platinum (socket 754) $94
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ “Venice” 400FSB $30
HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB 7200rpm SATA $110
RAM: Crucial 512MB PC3200 DDR 400 $60 (Do I NEED to get two at this point?)
Pri Optical: Sony DRU-810A Dual Format Double Layer DVD RW/CDRW $60(I can’t think of why I would need a secondary optical... I don't intend to read and write at the same time.)
Sound Card: Using what comes with the mobo… for now
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce 6600 GT 120MB $147
FDD: Sony MPF-Z/CU1 Internal 3.5’ Floppy Drive $22
Keyboard/Mouse: Using old ones… for now
Modem: Zoom Telephonics V.92 V.44 PCI $38
Lan: not sure of the need
Monitor: DELL Ultrasharp 1905FP 19-inch Flat Panel LCD Monitor $314
Speakers: Using old ones… for now
Headphones: Plantronics Audio 90 $17
OS: Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade $99 (Can I use my old Win98 to upgrade?)

Anyone have any comments? Remember, I’m not looking for the best. I figure this'll total to about $1,100 (excluding shipping)... wouldn't mind shaving some off that price tag.

Thanks! So far this board is great, though a lot of what is said goes over my head. Unfortunately I've allow myself to fall WAY behind the times (as you can see from my sig). The last time I was computer savy I was searching for an updated Detonator driver for my TNT!

-Uber

[avx]

If you really want a good gamming rig you might as well spring for the full 1024 of RAM, and get a better VidCard, one with 512MB. This will certainly jack up your price tag a little. But if your going to build a gamming rig, these are just necessary investments, and better to make now, then wait until your realize the VidCard you have now just cant handle the game you want to play.

[UberNewbie]

avx, that makes sense. Thx. 512mb for the video card? My higher end alternative choice was eVGA GeForce 7800 GT 256MB ($299.99). So even that wouldn't be safe for long?

-Uber

[avx]

The main goal I have for any build is longevity and upgradeability, and for a gamming rig, you want to be sure down the road, all you might have to do is maybe pop a new VidCard that you have been saving up for, and maybe some more RAM, and you can take on whatever game you have your heart set on.

At this point, things are moving towards PCI-Express(PCI-e) as the hot new thing. So you want to be sure your board has atleast one PCI-e, for the VidCard, because PCI-e is the most efficient, high performing.

Take a look at this board Abit KN8 Ultra - The only downside to it, that I can see, is the fact that it doesnt have fire wire.

And take a look at this VidCard ATI Radeon X800 - It was rated one of the best cards by Cnet editors. It looks like an awesome card for the money.

The only down side to your mission of making an awesome gamming rig is the fact that the games are becomming exponentially more demanding, its almost impossible to recommend a card that I can guarantee will last a few years, but atleast you can get one that should be able to handle just about anyhting at the moment, and will serve you very well in the years to come.

Thats my 2 cents in it...But wait for some of the other members to give their input, they have much more experience than me.

[flawedreality5]

I can not stress enough how crucial Socket 939 is. With this build, if you ever wanted to upgrade down the road, maybe a year, you're going to have to start from scratch for the core components. Socket 754 is a thing of the past already and so is AGP.

[jayb1234]

As far as the OS, you might as well just go with the OEM version of XP with SP2, it's a few dollars cheaper than the upgrade and you won't have to mess with installing the service packs.

Optical: If you get a liteon, they ship with burning software included and several in that price range also have lightscribe.

LAN: will be on the motherboard already, and you will only need the modem if you are on a phone internet connection.

PSU: Antec is one of the best brands, there shouldn't be any need to change it unless you upgrade to an SLI motherboard.

[messiah34]

i just built a gaming computer for 1300 bucks not including microsoft windows xp pro and my monitor. I posted an article called 1300 dollar gamer. I run Half life 2 at 94 fps with a evga 7800gtx 256mb. Ur safe for atleast a year if u go with a 7800 or better. U can't get the best one because eveyday another one comes out so don't worry about getting the best thats impossible because 30 days from now a better graphics card will come out. THat is a good case im using the antec sonata II as well and im pleased.

[glc]

Based on your original post - change the following:

Motherboard - Asus A8N5X (you chose a 754 mobo and 939 CPU)
Ram - Corsair value Select 2x512 PC3200 dual channel kit
Optical: Lite-On DVD burner - or a NEC if you can find one that comes with software
Make sure that video card is PCI-E
Lan not needed - it's onboard
US Robotics 2973 modem (Mwave is the vendor that has these in stock) - it's full hardware, not a software modem like the Zoom
XP OEM, not upgrade

[UberNewbie]

glc, I found two different listings on newegg for the Corsair RAM... VS1GBKIT400C3 (or) VS1GBKIT400 ... not sure what the difference is, other than a few bucks.
And what would be the performance issues with having a software modem vs. a hardware modem (I'll still be using dialup for a bit, so I will need a modem).

Also, motherboards... The Asus doesn't have Firewire. I looked at the Abit KN8 Ultra recommended by AVX and couldn't tell if it had Firewire. I think I understand what Firewire is (just another way for peripherals to communicate), but I don't know if or when I would need to use it. Would NOT having it hinder me in the future (the way not having a 939 setup would appearently hinder me now)? Similarly, would SLI be beneficial, considering I could start with the one GeForce 6600 GT, then when I realized how bad everything looked I could plug in a second one (I'm looking from the perspective of wanting to get up and running as quickly as possible)... maybe that's just a waste of time and money. Everyone will probably tell me to spring for the upgraded card in the beginning, right? Go ahead... say it.

Thanks again. I seem to be getting more confused the more I research... or maybe I'm just realizing how little I know... but I appreciate everyone's help.

[glc]

The C3 is CAS 3, the other is CAS 2.5, which is a tad faster.

A hardware modem does not rely on software and the CPU to do its work - it makes for better dialup experience. The one I suggested is only a few bucks more than the software modem you chose.

Any of the Asus A8N boards would be a good choice. If you want SLI, get SLI - but get a SLI-certified power supply if you do. Firewire is no big deal, if you need it you can buy a card for less than 20 bucks.

[UberNewbie]

glc, thanks. It isn't that I want SLI; I was just wondering if running two cards is really a cost effective solution (perhaps as a future minor upgrade). As for video cards, you seemed to be the only one who was okay with my original choice. What do you think about going up to the eVGA GeForce 6800GS (its about a $20 jump from the 6600GT). I found two... only difference between them was clock speed (425MHz vs. 490MHz) and price ($169 vs. $184, respectively). It seems like going with the 6800GS would be worth $20, but is the difference in clock speed worth another $20?

[UberNewbie]

Okay, I think I've got it now.
Changes from my first post:

Mobo: Asus A8N5X 939 NVIDIA nForce ATX $84
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ $201
RAM: Corsair Value Select 1GB (2x512MD) VS1GBKIT400C3 $81
Pri Optical: LITE-ON dual/double w/ lightscribe SHM-165H6S $59
Video Card: eVGA GeForce 6800GS $180
Modem: Us Robotics 2973 $37
OS: Windows XP Home OEM $94

My total (if I'm not completely asleep at the wheel) is $994 w/o monitor... 1304 w/ monitor. Not bad. Anyone see any problems at this point? Is that video card gonna be okay for at least a couple of months? If it'll run HL2 I'll be happy.

[messiah34]

I think ur forgetting the case. Antec sonata II is a good case and is relatively cheap but not cheaply made. It comes with a 450 watt power supply which is a good one. Its not great but its pretty good. with those parts u won't come close to using that, but will leave u some room to upgrade if u want. Its $99 bucks at newegg. I this case and its really nice.

[glc]

The 6800GS will serve you well for quite a while. It's a major step up from the 6600GT.

Get the other ram kit - it's a bit cheaper today and a tad faster. Lower CAS is better.

messiah - that's the case that was chosen in the original post - I assume nothing up there is changed other than what's listed in the most recent post.

Can you squeeze out another few bucks for a 3700+? It's got a better core, twice the cache.

[UberNewbie]

Just to clarify, here is the full monty:

Case: Antec Sonata-II Piano Black Quiet Mid Tower ATX w/ 450W Power Supply $100
PSU: Using what comes with the case… for now
Mobo: Asus A8N5X 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX (no SLI) $84
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3700+ $240
HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB 7200rpm SATA $110
RAM: Corsair ValueSelect 1GB (2x512MB) Model# VS1GBKIT400 $75
Pri Optical: LITE-ON dual/double w/ lightscribe (SHM-165H6S) $59
Sound Card: Using what comes with the mobo… for now
Video Card: eVGA GeForce 6800GS (256-P2N291-AX) $184
FDD: Sony MPF-Z/CU1 Internal 3.5’ Floppy Drive $22
Keyboard/Mouse: Using old ones… for now
Modem: US Robotics 2973 modem $37
Lan: On motherboard
Monitor: DELL Ultrasharp 1905FP 19-inch Flat Panel LCD Monitor $349
Speakers: Using old ones… for now
Headphones: Plantronics Audio 90 $17
OS: Windows XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 2 OEM $94

New Total: $1371

I just did my taxes (early for once!), so I was able to upgrade a little bit. But... I do need clarification on a couple of items...
Processor... ADA3700BNBOX (or) ADA3700CFBOX... the only difference I see is the voltage and the price.
Video Cards... in searching eVGA NVIDIA 6800GS on newegg, there were a bunch of choices... this 256-P2-N391-AX is the fastest, just want confirmation that it'll work for me.
After that, I think I'm set. I don't think I need to new CPU cooler.

[glc]

You also don't have to spend $22 for a floppy. An $8 floppy will work fine. If you are gonna spend $22, get the Mitsumi floppy that has the builtin flash card reader.

[UberNewbie]

Hmmm... never used flash cards, wasn't even a consideration... not sure if I would ever use it... but, you're right, might as get it for the same money. Okay... so switch that floppy drive to the Mitsumi Black 1.44mb 3.5" Interal 8 in 1 FA404A/404M BLK. It doesn't change the price at all, so I'm happy.
What about my questions about the processor and the video card?
"Processor... ADA3700BNBOX (or) ADA3700CFBOX... the only difference I see is the voltage and the price.
Video Cards... in searching eVGA NVIDIA 6800GS on newegg, there were a bunch of choices... this 256-P2-N391-AX is the fastest, just want confirmation that it'll work for me."
Other than that I think I'm set. I'm so close I can taste it!

[glc]

I don't know what the difference is between the 2 processors - I'm assuming the CF may be a newer stepping. Any PCI-E card will *work* and eVGA is a good brand.

[UberNewbie]

Okay. Thanks... I'm gonna order in the next couple of days, unless there are any other suggestions. I'm sure I'll be asking more questions once I'm up and running (assuming I can get up and running).

[messiah34]

Originally Posted by glc You also don't have to spend $22 for a floppy. An $8 floppy will work fine. If you are gonna spend $22, get the Mitsumi floppy that has the builtin flash card reader.

GLC why does he need a floppy at all. Drivers come in cd format and you can download drivers off internet. You don't need floppy to flash anything.

[UberNewbie]

No, I don't really need one. I want one... for convenience. I have a lot of 3.5" disks wandering around my house... easiest way for me to convert everything to CD (or whatever) is to just get the drive. The flash drive might be nice down the road.

[glc]

messiah - all it takes is one diagnostic that needs to be run from a floppy and you will wish you had one. You don't have to install it in the case.

Uber - if you do get the one with the flash card reader, do not connect the USB cable until after Windows is installed - only connect the ribbon cable. Otherwise, the card reader will steal drive C and D.

[UberNewbie]

Originally Posted by glc Otherwise, the card reader will steal drive C and D.

Ah... I see. Thanks. And thank you and everyone else for all the help. I might be ordering everything tomorrow night. I'll post results when I get everything put together.

[messiah34]

Well the chances of that happening are slim and even if it does walmart carries them. Buy it, use it and take it back! (GLC) dont' get it online!

[glc]

Buy it, use it and take it back!

That's unethical and dishonest, and we don't suggest such things in these forums. What's the big deal over 8 to 12 bucks?

[Ja_Ja]

You can buy a floppy that works in your trift store for like 2-3 bucks.

[boilermaker]

Originally Posted by UberNewbie What do you think about going up to the eVGA GeForce 6800GS (its about a $20 jump from the 6600GT). I found two... only difference between them was clock speed (425MHz vs. 490MHz) and price ($169 vs. $184, respectively). It seems like going with the 6800GS would be worth $20, but is the difference in clock speed worth another $20?

Could someone please answer this question because I was wondering the same thing. Is 65MHz of extra clock speed worth $20.

[Nav]

another thing about the floppy drive..he'll prolly need it to install the raid drivers during xp setup. $20 for 65mhz? Depends. if im not mistaken, the 6800GS prolly has more pipes than the 6600gt(thats my logic, please correct if im wrong) but i'll do a bit of hmwk and find out for you. but if there is no architectural difference then not really. i'll get back to you on that one.

EDIT: yep, the 6800GS has 12 and the 6600GT has 8. i would think the extra pipes would help performance, perhaps not significantly but nevertheless an improvement.

[messiah34]

Its not dishonest if he decides he doesn't want it. I never said steal it! I said buy it and take it back like you quoted. Dishonest yea right! Microsoft is dishonest by pricing OS so high. Im a college student and I work on the weekends for 6 bucks an hour so give me your money if u wanna throw it away.(GLC) 12 bucks could buy u some dvd-+rw or something. no need to waste it.

[glc]

messiah34, I'm asking you to read the forum rules. I made that statement as the forum administrator (see where it says ADMIN under my name?) - and this part of the discussion is OVER. If the person wants to buy a floppy drive, it's not your place to tell him/her not to and I will not tolerate suggestions to do something unethical in these forums.