New PC Build Using AMD athlon 64 X2 4200+

[Calpolyjb]

I want to build a new PC with the Dual core AMD athlon 64 X2 4200+

I'm not a huge gamer but i do like the option. I want a fast PC that I can use for whatever, and is very upgradable later

AMD athlon 64 X2 4200+

--first of all "is this a good choice of chip???", is it worth the money for the dual core processor??

--second, what is the best motherboard option, im not that concerned with price, what is the favorite for that chip combo. ( i haven't yet choosen a vid card)

--third...I would like 2 gigs of Ram what is a good choice for the ram?? AMD doesn't seem to have a FSB ratting

--forth.....what is a good video card that will be in the 100-200 range

--fifth.....What is the prefered HDD set up.......SATA, ATA/100, ultra ata....ect... and if the mother board says ATA/133 can i use an ATA/100 HDD??


--lastly,
Thank you for your help and your answers

[freakitchen]

Welcome to the forums!

That processor is a good one. Dual Core is the future of both gaming and multi-tasking, so it's a fast processor now that caters for the future (rather unusual in computing!)

ASUS is definitely the way to go for a motherboard. I'd go for either the ASUS A8N5X, or the A8N-E. Both are very reliable and have good features.

Corsair is the top RAM brand at the moment. Go for a 2x1 GB Matched pair of Corsair Value Select PC3200.

Re: Video card. The Nvidia 6800GS falls within your price range. Whilst not the top video card, it's a good performer for the money and will play the newest games at decent graphical quality. If you're not a "huge gamer" as you say, it should suit you fine. Go eVGA for the manufacturer

SATA is the way to go for hard drives, its newer technology. I'd take a Seagate SATA drive for your build, something in the 250GB range to give yourself plenty of storage. To answer your question, ATA is backwards compatible, so you can use an ATA/100 HD on an ATA/133 IDE controller.

Other things to consider. You'll need a quality power supply for this build. The PSU reference thread, sticked in the General Hardware forum, lists the top brands you should choose from. Consider 450w or more for those components.

Hope that helps.

FK

[Calpolyjb]

Thanks....The case I am looking to put it in is a thermalake aluminum dream case with a 500W power suply...thanks for all the great info