2nd build\ new help tech junkies.

[nokuku4u]

Dear Pc mech forums,

I checked all the sticky topics but they didn't seem to help. I used to know a decent amount about computers. I just recently found out about ddr2 and all this new stuff is confusing me. Can any of you guys advise me if this is suitable setup? I don't have a limit to how much money but I'd like to keep it low (don't we all). I just want a good enough computer that can handle its own on full settings for these new games.

Motherboard:
Asus m2n-sli deluxe socket am2 570 MCP ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131013

Processor:
AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000+ 3.0Ghz AM2 processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103759

or
AMD Athlon 64 x2 5200+ 2.6Ghz AM2 processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103773

Ram:
Hyperx 1gig ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134014

or

G.skill two 1gig sticks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231098


Video card:
EVGA GeForce 7900GS
http:http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130056

Power supply:
http://powmax.com/pics/power/demon480w.htm



Do these all work together? Should I pay a little more for the video card or get the more expensive processor? Like I said earlier. I just want a gaming computer that can handle today’s games on full settings. I don't want a super computer that can play the next decade games.

[joshrogoff]

1. Scratch the sli mobo and save some cash. Try the Asus M2N-E. Money is better spent in one good video card.

2. Either processor will work.

3. Go with the 2 gig kit. The proper speed for an AM2 build is the PC 6400. Corsair is recommended. If you want to go with a gig, then 2 x 512 is recommended to run in dual channel.

4. That PSU is not recommended. Pick something off this list, better ones in bold..http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195 I recommend FSP or sparkle.

[LeftyAce]

Firstly, welcome to PCMech!

You'll get better value for money if you go with an Intel build right now. The Core2Duo chips are significantly better performers than their AMD counterparts.

So, unless you're wedded to AMD, here's what I'd recommend:

Intel C2D E6600
ASUS P5B Motherboard (Pick the one with the features you want/need. Firewire, wireless, etc)
2GB Corsair ValueSelect DDR2 667 RAM (Get 2 x 1GB sticks so you can benefit from dual channel operation).

If you want top of the line performance NOW, then get an ATI x1950 video card. Otherwise get a placeholder card like the nVIdia 7600 and wait for ATI's DX10 compatible card to come out....prices on the nVidia 8800s will drop when that happens.

Harddrive: The Seagate 7200.10 is highly recommended around here, and has a 5 year warranty.

Corsair 520HX PSU is a good deal, and high quality. It's also a pleasure to build with, as it has modular cabling, so the amount of clutter is kept to a minimum.

Computer case is pretty much personal choice, although I just finished a build with an Enermax case and would not recommend them. Very cheaply made/thin metal, etc.

We're still recommending Windows XP Home edition, as Vista still has issues that need to be worked out. Wait for service pack 1 to come out before jumping on the vista bandwagon.

I've probably forgotten something, so keep any eye out for other recommendations.

[Katreat]

If price is not the issue consider a Intel C2D build. AMD makes great processors, but Intel is the leader at this time and their new generation C2D use less power and run cooler while performing better.

A good Intel build would be:

Asus P5B
C2D 6300-6600 (prices dropping in about a week)
Coursair value select ram, only need 667 with Intel

As josh posted, scratch the PSU and pick up something on the recommended list.

Kat

[nokuku4u]

ty for your guys' replies


i'm not AMD wed but i do tend to like amd a lottttt more.

but i can be lead into buying intel i guess.

is there anything wrong with that dual 1g ram? the g.skill


i'll get a different PSU



"AM2 build is the PC 6400"

is that for ram? I'm a littleconfused

[Katreat]

AMD make great chips, they are just a little slow responding to Intel’s current offerings. If you want the best bang for the buck right now you should go Intel. I think AMD is scheduled to release their new offerings sometime after June. At that time things may change. But right now Intel’s new architecture is faster, runs cooler, and just better performing overall.

For an AMD build

Asus M2N-E
AMD processor
Corsair XMS (800) Ram in a duel channel kit

There is probably nothing wrong with g.skill, it is just that Corsair XMS is known to be very reliable and work very well with the Asus motherboard. The recommendations you will get from this site are more based around quality and reliability than price. The regulars will help you look for the best deal, but will recommended components that are know to work well together instead of gambling on things that might work.

And yes, the PC-6400 comment is regarding ram. For AMD builds you should use PC-6400 also referenced as DDR2 800. For most Intel builds, unless you are over-clocking, you can get buy with PC-5400 (DDR2 667). By either in duel channel kits (ie: 2 X 512 mb = 1 g) so that your computer will have a matched pair and take advantage of the duel channel capabilities on the mother board. Don’t just buy one bigger stick.

Kat

[LeftyAce]

That g.skill ram is overkill unless you intend to overclock; save some money and get the Corsair Value Select 667 ram.

That AM2 quote was referring to ram, but if we've talked you into Intel, it doesn't matter now...

[chuck4456]

You can bump up to an EVGA 8800GTS 320 or SAPPHIRE X1950 video card, and a beefier PSU with this one........................... I should add that memory prices have dropped and C2D prices will be dropping soon. An E6600 will be a good option as well.

[nokuku4u]

wow STOP!

O.K., change of plans. I just figured out what SLI is and i don't care for having dual videocards. I just want a good ASUS board thats not SLI cause i have no need for sli. Is AM2 sli technology?


Here's what I'm getting so far

Processor:
AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000+ 3.0Ghz AM2 processor

Video Card:
EVGA GeForce 7900GS

Ram:
G.skill 2x 1Gig
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231098


Can anyone find me a good Asus MoBo thats not wasted money on SLI technology?


Thank you guys for all your help

[HarshWinter]

Hum, this is what i suggest. Its a Intel build, amds just are not as good at the moment. Athough im usually a amd person.

mobo: asus p5b $125
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131030

Cpu: E6600 $306 (after 4/22 $225)
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115003

RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 667 $105 (DDR2 800 is only good 4 big OCers)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

PSU: CORSAIR 540W $125 (I would suggest this one, its worth spending the extra $)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139001

HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 Sata 250GB $70
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148144

Disk Drive: Lite On $35
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106043

The total is about $715 (after 4/22), all u need is Case and gpu

Edit: Ghz are not the only part that matters. Look here to compare CPUs
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.ht...=432&chart=165

[joshrogoff]

Originally Posted by joshrogoff 1. Scratch the sli mobo and save some cash. Try the Asus M2N-E. Money is better spent in one good video card.

Sorry, had to quote myself.

[Katreat]

Originally Posted by nokuku4u wow STOP! O.K., change of plans. I just figured out what SLI is and i don't care for having dual videocards. I just want a good ASUS board thats not SLI cause i have no need for sli. Is AM2 sli technology? Here's what I'm getting so far Processor: AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000+ 3.0Ghz AM2 processor Video Card: EVGA GeForce 7900GS Ram: G.skill 2x 1Gig http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231098 Can anyone find me a good Asus MoBo thats not wasted money on SLI technology? Thank you guys for all your help

If you look back at the first post you where given a suggestion for a very good mobo from Asus that is not SLI and designed for AMD. EDIT: OR READ jOSH'S QUOTE RIGHT ABOVE THIS POST!

If you really want a top of the line gaming computer I would still recommend going Intel right now unless it does not fit your budget. Perhaps you need to set a budget first so posters can help you chose the best bang for the buck.

If you are set on AMD then just read back and everything you need has already been posted.

Kat

[glc]

If you are going to do an AMD AM2 build, I think the most bang for the buck is the X2 4800+ Brisbane core processor at $133. It's the most advanced technology in AMD's stable right now (except for Opterons), it's on 65nm tech. That's the fastest currently offered in that tech right now, the Windsor cores are showing their age and I really don't think twice the bucks for a 6000+ (which is maxed out) is worth it.