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09-08-2006, 03:35 AM
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#1 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
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Please check my new build
I'm building this for my uncle and his house. They're basically only using it for simple tasks, basically no gaming. Maybe some mild video editing once a year. I was given a budget and this fit it.
Processor: AMD Athlon X2 4200+ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103547 Mobo: Foxconn NF4SK8AA-8KRS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813186059 Videocard: Radeon X300SE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102528 Harddrive: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144415 Case: APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Dreamer II ATXB4KLW-BK http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144026 DVD Burner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152058 second optical drive (they wanted 2): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827101131 Memory: CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440 In and out fan (front and back): APEVIA (ASPIRE) CF12SL-UBL 120mm http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811998121 |
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09-08-2006, 05:45 AM
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#2 |
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Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Doncaster, UK
Posts: 3,563
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Whilst I agree that Dual Core is the way to go these days, a 4200+ could be considered overkill for a 'simple tasks' computer. I'd suggest downgrading it to the 3800+ X2, which will be more than adequate.
With the money you save, go for a standard (non SLI) ASUS motherboard. Higher quality than Foxconn, and there's absolutely no need for an SLI board for a non-gaming computer. Go for the A8N5X http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131569 Even though the video card isn't important in a non-gaming computer, you still want to avoid the "SE" and "Hypermemory" derivatives of ATI cards - they steal System RAM which completely defeats the object of getting a standalone video card. I'd recommend this card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102001 The Hard Drive you chose is fine, but you can have this 250GB version (in the 'sweet spot' right now for price vs. capacity) for just a little more http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144417 The Power supply in that ASPIRE case is junk, and such an important part of your system needs to be top quality. Does your uncle really want such a fancy case, with all those LEDs, or would a top quality, quiet case be more suited? Consider the Antec Sonata II, which comes with a quality 450w power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155 Optical drive choices are fine, but the OEM NEC drives don't come with software, whereas OEM Lite-ons come with Nero. You might consider switching. The memory you chose is fine. No need for extra fans with the Antec Sonata II You will need an operating system. Windows XP Home is the standard choice. FK
__________________
-FK- "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw, The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow, In Flanders fields." - John McCrae, May 1915 |
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09-08-2006, 09:41 AM
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#3 |
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Member (9 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 398
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the antec sonata II only comes with one back exhaust fan (120mm)... if i remember correctly... which would mean that you might want to consider another fan... but, you should be fine i think.
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09-08-2006, 10:28 AM
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#4 |
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Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Doncaster, UK
Posts: 3,563
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That's correct - the front 120mm intake is an optional extra. The cooling in the Sonata II is top notch, though - so I'd suggest building the system and checking your temps before you decide whether to get one. Less fans = less noise.
FK |
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09-08-2006, 11:09 AM
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#5 |
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Member (12 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,509
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Also, since he isn't going to be gaming, you could consider a motherboard with integrated video.
It will use some of the system RAM, but you can use the savings to upgrade other parts of the machine.
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09-08-2006, 12:39 PM
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#6 |
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Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,765
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Good point - the A8N-VM is an excellent board with onboard video.
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09-10-2006, 04:21 AM
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#7 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
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Thanks for the input. Fry's had a motherboard/processor combo on sale. Its the athlon x2 3800+ AM2 with an ecs motherboard. Here's a link to the mobo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135010
It costs $150 before tax. I thought it was a good deal. The reviews for the mobo seemed decent on new egg. If the mobo isn't good, should I go with the A8N-VM for the extra $80+, cuz then the processor itself is $152. As for storage, compusa had the following for sale for 50 bucks, so i picked up one for myself and one for this build http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...ct_code=338173 Since the mobo has onboard video, I'm thinking that I won't need a video card. The mobo is a micro (9.6"x9.6"), so I had to look for a different case. I'm looking at these two: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811190072 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811190086 Kinda leaning towards the first one because of more/better reviews. If you know of any better cases for a micro atx motherboard, please tell me. I don't mind buying a case and powersupply seperately, but i know nothing about power supplies so i'd need some suggestions. I've switch the dvd burner to http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106019 I've got windows xp pro for them (go microsoft playtest!) so I've got that covered as well. Can the antec sonata II fit a micro atx mobo? Since I changed the mobo, i'm changing the memory to http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145566 when i bought it for myself it was only $94  . pc wizard is reading its speed as 4-4-4-13 stock, advertised as 5-5-5-15
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09-10-2006, 06:12 AM
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#8 |
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Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Doncaster, UK
Posts: 3,563
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I wouldn't recommend the AM2 socket right now - far too picky about memory for it to be considered stable. Moreover, ECS motherboard are poor quality, and one to avoid.
The A8N-VM is a great board with on-board video, and perfectly fine for most things except gaming. Just make sure you get a socket 939 and not an AM2 processor. You got a great deal on that hard drive. Correct in thinking you don't need a video card with the A8N-VM Micro-ATX motherboards fit just fine in standard ATX cases - indeed, they are recommended as they have more space inside. I'd urge you to go with the Antec Sonata II. That Lite-on Burner is fine Important: That XMS2 memory is INCOMPATIBLE with a 939 socket motherboard. You need standard DDR (XMS). From your post, it sounds like you've bought it already, in which case you'll have to return it, or consider an AM2-based build. FK Edit: Regarding my last point, I now realise the DDR2 you referred to you already bought for yourself, whereas this build is for your uncle. I'd get this memory for a socket 939 build http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145579 Last edited by freakitchen; 09-10-2006 at 02:45 PM. |
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09-10-2006, 02:53 PM
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#9 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
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I talked to them again and since they'll be returning the fry's combo, they wanted to upgrade back to the athlon x2 4200+ processor. This is what my build looks like now.
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Socket 939 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103547 mobo: ASUS A8N-VM CSM Socket 939 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131570 Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...ct_code=338173 Case: Antec LifeStyle SONATA II http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155 DVD Burner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106019 DVD optical drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827101131 Memory: CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440 |
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09-10-2006, 03:57 PM
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#10 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
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Isn't that memory overkill for this system. and its way expensive. I think the one I listed above is the 1GB version of what you suggested
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09-10-2006, 04:01 PM
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#11 |
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Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Doncaster, UK
Posts: 3,563
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Sorry, listing 2gbs is a force of habit. The RAM you listed, along with the rest of the system, is fine.
FK |
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09-10-2006, 05:18 PM
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#12 |
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Wrench Bender
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Plymouth,MN
Posts: 5,961
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Don't forget about an OS. XP Home OEM around $90
__________________
"When sliding down the banister of life; look out for splinters pointing up."
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09-10-2006, 06:02 PM
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#13 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
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I've got xp pro for them
Thanx for all the help. We'll probably order the parts tonight |
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