Looking into a New build...how do these parts sound?

[MNinMA]

I am going to do a new build (but I am trying to use some of my old parts as well). I will be using this computer for CAD, 3D modeling (I need open GL), movies/music, and some occasional gaming.
This is what I am thinking about getting for parts:
Motherboard --> ASUS A8N5X Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD ($75)
Processor --> AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 E3 ($199)
V-Card --> XFX PVT42GUAD7 Geforce 6800GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 ($195)

I will be using these parts from my old PC:
333 DDR Ram (2.0 G)
Case with PSU (450)
monitor, keyboard, mouse.....

I am not sure if these parts are good for what I need and if they are totally compatible. So any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

[flanzig1]

If the PSU is an 20 pin ATX plug, then you will need to up grade to a 24 pin ATX 2.0 PSU.

[MNinMA]

This is the case and PSU that I will be using:
Thermaltake Tsunami VA3400BWA Black- Mirror Coating Chassis :0.8 mm All aluminum made Front Door: Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 400W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...38#DetailSpecs

Will this PSU work???

[jayb1234]

Nope, it only has a 20 pin main connector. You need a 24 pin.

[MNinMA]

OK...so besides getting a new PSU that has 24 pins, How does everything else look?

[Alaron]

Your parts are ok. I would look at eVGA video cards, they are a bit more reliable then XFX.

The Athon 3500+ is a good CPU, but it requires DDR400 Ram. If you use the DDR333 that you have now, the CPU will not run at the correct speed. I would pick up 2x1GB kit of DDR400 Corsair ValueSelect RAM.

The Antec TruePower 2.0 550w power supply is an excellent choice.

[glc]

The CPU will run at the correct speed, but the ram will run asynchronous - which will give you a performance hit.

[MNinMA]

So here is my updated list of parts....tell me what you think or if you have any suggestions.

+Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
+Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 ATX12V 500W Power Supply
+ASUS A8N5X Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard


+eVGA 256-P2-N384 Geforce 6800 256MB 256-bit DDR PCI Express x16

I have heard good things about this card but is it meant for bigger gamers---->
eVGA 256-P2-N563-AX Geforce 7900GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

I was also told that this might be a good card for me but I'm not familiar with this type--->
SAPPHIRE 100155 Radeon X1800GTO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16


+AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 2000MHz HT Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3500BPBOX

I am trying to decide if I should spend a little more and get this processor---->
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester 2000MHz HT Socket 939 Dual Core Processor
Is a dual core worth the extra $$??


I'm also wondering what else I might need....fans or cooling devices??

[jayb1234]

You will need at least 1 optical drive, a Liteon DVD burner would be a good choice.

I don't see any hard drive on the list either, a 16Mb cache sata seagate or western digital would be good.

You are likely to need a floppy drive during the setup.

For the OS, the OEM version of XP w/sp2 is about 80-90 bucks at newegg.

The stock CPU fan/heatsink unit should be fine. If you have heat issues, add the optional case fans before thinking about changing the CPU heatsink/fan unit because that will void the processor warranty.

Dual core is becoming pretty common and most of the game makers and software houses are writing thier stuff to support it. I would get the dual core cpu.

[MNinMA]

I will be using my 2 harddrives from my current computer...one is brand new and the other is 6 months old.
I will also be using my current DVD burner, CD drive and floppy drive.
And I have windows xp with sp2

Do you have any suggestions on which Video card to go with?

[laffers]

I have just completed a new build using the 3500+ and all i can say is wow!!! i certainly do recommend it. coupled with 2 GB DDR400 its quick!