Think $500 + might work?

[skeptic]

I posted this once with little reply, so maybe you guys (pcmech) can drop some ideas. http://www.forum.pcmech.com/images/smilies/smile.gif


I would like some feedback on this set up. I’ve been reading too many magazines and forums with in the last two months and have gone crazy over options and reviews so I figured I would ask you guys for advice. Now I know I might get some laughs outta this request for help but all insight is appreciated.

For the budget, I would like to spend no more then $500. I have $800 max to spend, but $500 and under is a goal. I was told I could do better building one for the cost of an E - Machine. Now I know to some it’s not a true build from the ground up (whole computer) but I would like something nice “under the hood” that could get me into/thru the near future.

Now what I have / don’t need is a Monitor, Printer, Sound, HDD (well I could use a new one), OS, Optical Drive (CD-RW).

What I want to do with this first time build is some hard disk recording (demos). I am currently using N-Tracks, Cakewalk, and Samplitude. For Audio/Video transfers, currently using Nero, Roxio, and Unlead Software. A bit of messing around with Photoshop and Adobe Elements and I would like to play the occasional game or two like Call of Duty 1&2 and World of Warcraft.

So submitted for your approval, The List…

ATX Computer Cases:
Rosewill R114A-BLK 2-Tone Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Rosewill 400W ATX with P4 support, 20-pin Main connector Power Supply -
Model #: R114A-BLKItem
Item #: N82E16811147006 $50.99 -$5.00 Instant 45.99

AMD-compatible Motherboards:
ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 Socket 939 ULi M1697 ATX AMD Motherboard
Model #: 939SLI32-eSATA2Item
Item #: N82E16813157087 $82.99

CPU Thermal Paste / Grease:
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Model #: ARCTIC SILVER 5
Item #: N82E16835100007 $5.99

Memory - System:
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory
Model VS1GBKIT400
Model #: VS1GBKIT400
Item #: N82E16820145440 $64.99

Processors:
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz HT Socket 939 Processor
Model ADA3200BPBOX
Model #: ADA3200BPBOX
Item #: N82E16819103535 $159.00

Subtotal: $358.96


Off hand I was thinking, the power supply might have to be changed out and the stock heatsink could be replaced (run cooler). A DVD RW might be nice add. I would need a 1394 card for DVC transfer. If I missed anything or a better idea for a rig is there, don’t be shy to say something. I have also looked into building an Intel.

I would also need a graphics card!!! As you can now see with what I missed and what I want, could/would push me over the $500 mark.

Other boards I thought about are Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro-SLI and ASUS A8N5X. Overclocking is not a big thing to me but the option to do it would be nice and all parts selected were considered for the option of future upgrade.

Thanks and I hope to hear from all that have taken the time to read this.
http://www.forum.pcmech.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[flanzig1]

Go with the Asus board and do get a better PSU. The stock HSU will work well and won't void the warranty on the CPU.

[glc]

With what you want to do, even $800 is light. You are talking about some demanding software and processes there.

[skeptic]

Originally Posted by glc With what you want to do, even $800 is light. You are talking about some demanding software and processes there.

Well I'm not talking balls to the wall or anything like that but to maybe do some light work or to dabble in it. What would you suggest? Could it be done by cutting some corners?

[gtucker329]

The major hit on your budget will most likely be the video card. You can get decent performance from the 6600 series video cards and spend less than $150.00. You might want to look at a case with no power supply and buy a better quality ATX 2.0 PSU. The 20 pin's are old technology.