Free Weekly Tech Newsletter

wazlakz · 06-04-2006, 03:43 PM

Hey guys! I've lost all faith in pre-built computers after my 3rd one died.

I'm going to use this computer for some gaming (I have some old games like Counter-Strike and Starcraft, and new ones like COD, Hitman: Blood Money, etc), video work (photoshop, bryce), and basic stuff I'm assuming won't affect the build profile (word processing, etc.).

Parts:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Toledo 2000MHz HT 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Dual Core Processor - Retail - $632
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103544

Motherboard: ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce SPP 100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $194.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131568

Memory: CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail - 189.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145575

Parts I would like help choosing:

HDD: I really don't know which company I should go with. Some forum searching showed that Western Digital Caviar is the perferred choice... Is the Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB 3.5" SATA 300 MB/s Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144701 adequate and reliable enough?

Video card: I'm flip flopping between the 7800GTX OC and the 7900GT by BFG Tech. Is there really a difference between these two cards? The 7800GTX is $300 more than the 7900GT (if I remember correctly). Maybe someone can explain to me what overclocking a video card means?

OS: I have all these reboot disks that came with my old pre-built computers. Can I still use these? If not, I plan on getting the XP Home for ~$90.

CD/DVD drives: I'm completely lost here. I want to get 2, one for DVD-RW/CD-RW, and one as a DVD. That way, I can burn CDs without having to save them to my HDD. But there are so many to choose from

. Combo drives, lightscribe, duplicators

I r 100% lost.

Power: What's this SLI thing? Its when you run 2 video cards at the same time right? Should I get an SLI power source just incase I decide to run SLI? How much more voltage should I get if I plan on adding fans and stuff?

Case & Cooling: My previous computers all died because the VGA or the CPU overheated - so I'm paranoid. I don't want to void the warrenty on the CPU and VGA by installing third-party fans (Articfreeze and Thermaltake). Liquid cooling seems cool, but I may be overdoing it (plus, the idea of water & electricity = plan scary).

I plan on staying below $2000, but if the budget's going to make me choose low quality products, then I'm willing to go over. I plan on using this PC for a few years.

Sorry for the long post guys! Thanks in advance for suggestions!

blue60007 · 06-04-2006, 04:14 PM

You've got some good parts picked out there, including the hard drive.

If you can, you might be able to squeeze a 7900GTX in there (probably similar price to the 7800GTX). Overclocking the video card (or the CPU) is setting the card to run at faster speeds than it's designed to run at. Some companies overclock them stock (usually "OC" or "KO" edition).

No, you'll need a brand new copy of XP. Those re-install disks are tied to that particular machine.

I might consider getting two DVD-RWs...they can be had for under $40 these days. I wouldn't mess with Lightscribe...if you have the right disks (more $$) you can burn labels to it, personally I see it as kinda pointless. Not sure what a duplicator is, but I don't think that's what you want.

Yes, SLI allows you to run two video cards (must be identical nVidia cards; ATi has their own technology, Crossfire, which is similar). Yes, if you are getting an SLI board, then get an SLI-Certified power supply. Get one off the top list, especially with a 7900GTX or 7900GT and a powerful dual core. I think one of those FSPs would be powerful enough.

Stock cooling should work fine for you - overheating shouldn't be an issue. Liquid cooling is expensive, and yeah, I don't like mixing water with electricty (you use distilled water, and technically it won't conduct electricty, but I wouldn't bet $2000 of equipment on that.

**freakitchen** · 06-04-2006, 04:14 PM

EDIT: Beaten to it by Blue. Hopefully we don't contradict each other too much!

The parts you've chosen already look good, that processor should make it a very quick system for you.

Western Digital make quality drives; the one you linked to should be fine for the build.

The 7800 range of Nvidia cards were recently replaced with the 7900 range, so it makes sense to go for the newer technology, and compare the 7900GT with the 7900GTX. The GT is a great card, but for a high-end build such as this one, I'd consider getting the more powerful card if you can afford it. It should last you a while even with the most graphically demanding games.

Unfortunately, any pre-installed copy of Windows - if you have not been supplied with the original Windows XP disc - will not be suitable for your new system.

The best combination for your optical drives is a DVD-RW and a DVD-ROM, the former to write everything (CDs and DVDs) and the latter to read everything. Splitting the load like this takes wear and tear off the more expensive burner, and allows you to copy 'on the fly'. Look at NEC and Lite-on drives; the only non-standard feature that you might want is lightscribe, for disc labelling.

You're correct with the SLI definition. By having an extra PCI-E x16 slot on your motherboard, you could add a second indentical card in the future as an upgrade. With this in mind, it makes sense to get an SLI Certified power supply. Here is the list:

http://www.slizone.com/object/slizon..._powersupplies

Any quality case will offer you decent cooling without need to resort to water. Just choose something without a power supply. You might consider Antec, Thermaltake and Lian-Li to start with, but find something you personally like the look of, and one that has dual 120mm fans (one front and one rear) for optimal cooling.

FK

Cricket · 06-04-2006, 04:15 PM

Quote: