|
|||||||
 |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Rate Thread | Display Modes |
08-08-2006, 09:07 PM
|
#1 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
Possibly a 2nd build...need suggestions.
Probably in the next month or two I may be building my second build. First of all I'd like to find out what I currently have that would be transferrable to save on costs. Specifically the RAM, Heatsink, and PSU. My setup is in my signature...currently a Socket 754, looking to upgrade to a socket 939 AMD x 2 (Dual Core)
Current PSU: Thermaltake Silent Pure Power 420W (the one that sold for $30+, used to be recommended a lot, but it's been a while since I've been here). Current Heatsink: Thermalright XP-90 Current RAM: Corsair Value Select 2 x 512MB (1GB) PC 3200 (DDRAM512MB|CORSAR64X64 VS512MB400) Suggestions are welcome as to what board, CPU, and GPU. I know I want AMD Dual Core, leaning towards an ASUS SLI mobo and a graphics card that would be an upgrade from a BFG 6800OC, all the while not killing the bank. Between the board AND the CPU i'm looking to only spend around $400 or less. If any of the other components need to be upgraded I'll deal with that later. I know SATA HDD are becoming the standard these days or already have been, so would it be beneficial to me to ditch my IDE HDD and go SATA? Thanks in advance, I appreciate the help. |
|
|
|
08-09-2006, 02:10 AM
|
#2 |
|
Member (9 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 398
|
the psu should be ok to transfer, but if you are beefing up the graphics card, I would head in the range of 500-550W. If you are going to get SLi sometime, I would make sure you get a trusty brand psu and make sure it is 550+W
your heatsink is ok, your ram is ok, just make sure your ram matches the mobo. I may post a recommened mobo in a while, but now, I am tired. I planned on getting an ati x1900xt or x1900xtx... both are great cards, and you will experience xbox360 quality video/graphics at great speeds. If you get a beefy gpu make sure you can cool your case, if you can't currently, make sure to get another or add fans etc. SATA is pretty much replacing IDE, and SATA is much better and recommended. You can most likely keep your old IDE HDD and just add a SATA for extra. I would make sure to get a SATA 3.0gb HDD with about 200+ gigs of space. Shoot for a 16mb cache HDD regardless of SATA or IDE, but, with 8mb cache, you will still experience speeds much faster than IDE anyday, even on SATA 1.5. |
|
|
|
|
08-09-2006, 07:30 AM
|
#3 |
|
Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
|
You'll have to upgrade the PSU if you want a PCI-E build. It's not suitable for a PCI-E build. it has no 24 pin connector or a beefy 12v rail(s). I'd look at one of Antec's or FSP's power supplies.
__________________
"It is the way of man to make monsters and it is the nature of monsters to destroy their makers." |
|
|
|
|
08-09-2006, 03:38 PM
|
#4 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
Appreciate the responses fellas. I probably wont go SLI, but I'd like to keep that option open on the mobo in case I do decide to. I've been out of date on the PC technology since my first build, so sorry for all these questions. So assuming I *don't* go SLI, what would the bare minimum PSU I would need to handle one of todays GPU's? As far as what GPU I'll end up getting....I have no clue yet. I've only ever owned nvidia cards so I'm more familiar with them so to speak, but I've read that some of the 7 series cards have been problematic.
My case, RAM, and HDD will most likely get upgraded a little further down the road unless I run into issues with this build. Now if anyone could make some recommendations on which AMD dual core and ASUS mobo ( other boards are welcome as well) and GPUs I should be looking at that would be greatly appreciated. (I'm looking/reading reviews specs as well just so you don't think i'm lazy, lol) Thanks again. |
|
|
|
|
08-09-2006, 03:49 PM
|
#5 |
|
9mm wins.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Behind my Glock 34.
Posts: 4,544
|
A quality PSU with about 450w should be good if you don't go with a SLI or Crossfire setup.
I'm not much of a gamer so I will let someone else make some video card suggestions. Any AMD processor (Socket 939 and AM2 would be the best choice now) and ASUS motherboard will be a good choice. It just really depends on your use with the system and your budget. If you planning to use your old DDR memory, then stick with Socket 939 since AM2 uses DDR2. Last edited by minsonngo; 08-09-2006 at 03:52 PM. |
|
|
|
|
08-09-2006, 04:09 PM
|
#6 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
I'll probably stick with a 939 for now, so that *should* rule out my RAM question. I forgot to mention that this will be mostly used for gaming, some video editing, and photoshop.
Again betwen just the mobo and CPU, I'd like to keep it at $400 or less. As far as the GPU, i'm not looking for top of the line, but something that would a beneficial upgrade to my BFG 6800OC that wont kill the bank, maybe $200 or less? ($250 at most). |
|
|
|
|
08-09-2006, 05:37 PM
|
#7 |
|
Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
|
For PCI-E, you could get a X1800XT for about $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102698 |
|
|
|
|
08-10-2006, 10:28 PM
|
#8 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
Decided to ditch the SLI idea as I'll probably never make use of it. Here's a list I'm considering...let me know if I should change anything or even upgrade:
Video Card : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130033 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103546 PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103937 Mobo: This is where I need help, Any recommendations? I'm going to try to stick to my current IDE HDD and RAM, but will definitely be upgrading those shortly after. So tell me....what's good and what's not? |
|
|
|
|
08-11-2006, 12:21 AM
|
#9 |
|
Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
|
Take a looksie at the ASUS A8N5X or A8N-E, those are good S 939 boards.
Since HDD's are so cheap, you might look at getting a new SATA drive and you won't have to mess with it later. Looking at your sig, I see it looks like you have 1 512MB stick - consider getting another of the *exact* same thing, so you can run dual channel. That should benefit you some. |
|
|
|
|
08-11-2006, 03:43 PM
|
#10 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
blue60007,
Thanks for the recommendations, I will definitely look into those boards. As far as the RAM, I do have two sticks of the same memory, just never got around to updating my sig. They weren't bought as a dual channel "kit", but I'm guessing they'll work dual channel as long as they're the same? That PSU should be enough correct? Just want to double check... Also, I'll probably end up splurging and getting the new SATA HDD. Most likely it will be this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136010 Thanks again. |
|
|
|
|
08-12-2006, 07:45 AM
|
#11 |
|
9mm wins.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Behind my Glock 34.
Posts: 4,544
|
Thats a good choice for an HDD.
|
|
|
|
|
08-12-2006, 04:40 PM
|
#12 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
How big of a difference would the L2 cache be from 2 x 512KB to the 2 x 1MB? Would it be anything noticeable to the average user? I know the 2 x 1MB is better, but is it worth the upgrade? Here's the two CPUs i'm looking at:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+(89W) Toledo 2000MHz HT 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103626 AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Manchester 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Dual Core Processor - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103547 Just asking because if it's not a noticeable difference, I'll just save myself $50.... Thanks again |
|
|
|
|
08-12-2006, 06:29 PM
|
#13 |
|
V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
Posts: 3,488
 |
Not really, there isnt any real reason to go with 1mb now with 512kb prices being slashed so heavily and 1mb's not. Besides amd is looking at wipeing out their whole 1mb desktop line. If you truely want 1mb youll have to pay opteron prices which I do not suggest.
I dunno dude, if your after bang/buck go for the skt 939, normal 512 but if you really have extra $$$ then go with the 1mb if you really desire.
__________________
“We must not let ourselves get driven off course, no matter what happens we must stick to our natural game” -Zenedine Zidane Last edited by Mr.Ferrari; 08-12-2006 at 07:53 PM. |
|
|
|
|
08-12-2006, 10:29 PM
|
#14 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
Will the PSU I listed be sufficient or should I consider a higher wattage one? I'd prefer to get one that comes pre-sleeved ( don't care if it's modular or not). Can anyone make some recommendations for a solid performer? After reading the reviews over at Newegg....it's making it harder to decide...
|
|
|
|
|
08-12-2006, 10:42 PM
|
#15 |
|
V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
Posts: 3,488
|
If you want a presleeved psu. And in that power/price range the first thing pops up in my head are the FSP blue storm series. Great psu's that will really outperform their wattage rating. Have been a big crowd favorite, especially if your looking at a little bling. But the 500W model starts at 90 bucks so it may be a bit out of price range.
|
|
|
|
|
08-12-2006, 10:51 PM
|
#16 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
Thanks Mr. Ferrari, I had actually just looked at that one a few minutes ago. If i've learned anything from this site...it's to not skimp on the PSU! At this point, my budget has expanded, but if I'm going to upgrade...I might as well go with what I actually want. I should have my final specs listed by tonight and hopefully put the order in tomorrow sometime.
Thinking of going with the ASUS A8NX and was double checking their website to see if my RAM would be compatible. However, when I view the QVL list...it's listed for "A8N SLI". Is this what I should be looking at or am I missing something? Either way, the Corsair Value Select that I have doesn't have the "supports one pair of dimms in either the blue or black slots as one pair of dual channel memeory configuration" checked off. Could this be a problem or will I still be able to use my 2 x 512MB sticks? Here's the link if you want to take a look: http://usa.asus.com/100/download/pro...596/596_10.pdf Last edited by Freefall; 08-13-2006 at 12:23 AM. |
|
|
|
|
08-13-2006, 01:27 PM
|
#17 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
Bump....anyone?
|
|
|
|
|
08-13-2006, 01:40 PM
|
#18 |
|
9mm wins.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Behind my Glock 34.
Posts: 4,544
|
You should be fine with the memory you chose. Just because it is not on the QVL doesn't mean it is not going to work. The memory on the QVL is just what is recommended by ASUS.
|
|
|
|
|
08-13-2006, 03:43 PM
|
#19 | |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
Quote:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Manchester 2000MHz HT Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA4200BVBOX - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103547 Mobo: ASUS A8N5X Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131569 HDD: Western Digital Caviar RE WD2500YD 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136010 GPU: eVGA 256-P2-N584-AR Geforce 7900GT KO 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130033 PSU: FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX500-A, 2.0 version, 2 SATA, PCI Express, 500W - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104934 I'll be reusing my value select RAM 2 x 512MB (1G), Lite-on DVD burner, XP Home, and other peripherals. |
|
|
|
|
|
08-13-2006, 03:49 PM
|
#20 |
|
V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
Posts: 3,488
|
Looks great to me. Good choice with the psu.
|
|
|
|
|
08-13-2006, 03:49 PM
|
#21 |
|
9mm wins.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Behind my Glock 34.
Posts: 4,544
|
Looking good now. Good luck with the new build and let us know how you like it.
|
|
|
|
|
08-13-2006, 03:55 PM
|
#22 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
Thanks fellas, I appreciate all the help you and the others have provided...I'd be lost without this site! I will definitely let you know how it goes as soon as I receive everything. Thanks again
|
|
|
|
|
08-17-2006, 08:55 PM
|
#23 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 121
|
UPDATE:
Everything is installed and up and running...so far no problems as of yet. Definitely a noticeable upgrade and this GPU can play most of my games at max settings which is just awesome . Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for helping me out. Now I'm off to download 3DMark for some benchies.One more question....say I wanted to give someone/sell my old IDE HDD...how do I go about clearing it of it's contents/reformatting it without installing windows? |
|
|
|
|
08-17-2006, 09:08 PM
|
#24 |
|
V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
Posts: 3,488
|
ZeroFill it.
|
|
|
|
|
08-17-2006, 10:38 PM
|
#25 |
|
9mm wins.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Behind my Glock 34.
Posts: 4,544
|
You can Zero Fill the drive using the HDDs manufacturer's disk utility.
And... I am glad you like you new build. Have fun with it! 
|
|
|
|
|
08-18-2006, 11:04 AM
|
#26 | |
|
Shiro Usagi
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Posts: 34,002
|
Quote:
Here's something everyone should have.  Cricket
Last edited by Cricket; 08-18-2006 at 11:07 AM. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Bookmarks |
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|
Linear Mode
