Need a final OK for this build (AMD sub $700)

[Metalj42]

I've been eyeballing this new setup for a little under a week. This will be my first build (after much, much delay) and I really just want the final blessing from people who know more than me.

I will be using this rig for mostly home/school tasks. Office, web surfing, downloading music, photo storage, research, etc.

It will be an AMD build, with the possibility of future gaming (I've never played PC games).
So without further ado, here is what I am considering building:

Motherboard: EVGA 122-M2-NF59-TR NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI
I didn't want to get anything much more costly than this one (Newegg @ $129 w/ $30 MIR)

CPU: AMD 4600+ (65W) Windsor 2.4ghz

Video: EVGA 256-P2-N541-T2 GeForce 7600GS 256mb
I could go a little higher, but once again didn't wanna shell out more than $120 for a card. This comes to $70 after a $20 MIR

RAM: G.Skill 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 800 Dual Channel
This will run me $115, which I thought was a solid deal. Its either this, or A-Data. I heard that G.Skill is a better brand/product

HHD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320gb SATA
This will cost me $80. Its either this, or 400 gb for like $120

Optical Drive: Lite-On 20x DVD-+R with Lightscribe
I couldn't careless about LightScribe (its too slow), but the 20x DVD burning is great. Its only $38, good deal.

Things I still need: I need a case, with about 400 or 500 watts. No need for a monitor or input devices. I guess I'll shell some money for a few SATA cables (if I choose an OEM DVD burner or an extra HDD).

So thats it. I hope this post isn't too longwinded (or longfingered, i guess). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I would love to place this order within the next 2 days.

Thanks a lot guys. Hit me with some knowledge!

[Kilauea]

That seems to add up to 552$, it seems like a good system, for the case and PSU, I don't think you need a very strong PSU, but as always something reliable is important.

Possibly the Sonata II http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155 at 99.99 would do.

For the mobo, you could for an Asus M2N-e and save some 30$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131022 or even the M2N for only 76.99.

So, with the M2N-e, you would be at 622$ which would leave u enough room to go for a better processor, GPU or to go for an Intel Core 2 Duo or simply for some more savings. Also, you could get a cheaper or quieter case and a better PSU.

[Jordanp1]

Also, I don't see an Operating System on your list. That's gonna cost you $90-$100 whether you go XP or Vista. Everyone around here keeps saying XP for now since Vista has been known to have some stability issues.

that is, unless you already have an OS lying around somewhere... if that's the case then I guess just disregard this message

[Metalj42]

I like the motherboard I have listed, and would rather upgrade than go down. Is there a better (and still affordable) board than a 590 SLI? I will probably never do SLI, but still, anything better than the 590 ultra?

As for the case, this is something I can not decide on. I don't want anything too flashy (bright lights, temp gauges, etc.) Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I would like a better GPU, but don't wanna spend more than like $150
Is the 7600GT worth the price upgrade over the 7600GS?
Should i get a 7800GS instead? Help me out. Like I said, I never play PC games, but thats because my PCs have never had enough juice.

As for the OS, Im sticking with XP Pro w/ SP2. I'll get Vista when SP1 comes out, or something of the like.

Please throw some more suggestions my way! Thanks!

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Metalj42 As for the case, this is something I can not decide on. I don't want anything too flashy (bright lights, temp gauges, etc.) Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Case choice is a very personal thing. You may just have to look at a lot of cases till you find one that appeals to you. The one thing to remember about cases is most come with cheap low quality power supplies that you don't want to use to power this system. Unless you get a Antec (good quality case and power supply) you really should plan to buy a separate power supply even if the case you choose already comes with one.

Originally Posted by Metalj42 I would like a better GPU, but don't wanna spend more than like $150 Is the 7600GT worth the price upgrade over the 7600GS? Should i get a 7800GS instead? Help me out. Like I said, I never play PC games, but thats because my PCs have never had enough juice.

If you don't play PC games then don't worry about getting a "better" video card...the 2D performance of most of todays home computer video cards are very similar, it's when you start to get into high demand 3D PC games that a good gamers video card becomes important. If you think you'll never game on your computer, just get the 7600GS.

If that CPU is a AM2 based processor make sure that RAM is compatible with the motherboard. AM2's memory controller is very, very finicky when it comes to RAM compatibility.

Cricket

[Metalj42]

Originally Posted by Cricket If you don't play PC games then don't worry about getting a "better" video card...the 2D performance of most of todays home computer video cards are very similar, it's when you start to get into high demand 3D PC games that a good gamers video card becomes important. If you think you'll never game on your computer, just get the 7600GS.

Well, I'd like to give gaming a shot. I've heard good things about some games, might as well try them. Don't wanna buy a new game system, so the PC could double as that. So for the current batch of games out, is the 7600GS enough? or should I up it to a 7800? is the 7600GT just as fine?

Originally Posted by Cricket If that CPU is a AM2 based processor make sure that RAM is compatible with the motherboard. AM2's memory controller is very, very finicky when it comes to RAM compatibility.

I think the components I mentioned should work. The Mobo asks for DDR2 800 (PC2 6400). Is there something else I should be looking out for?

Thanks for the feedback.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Metalj42 Well, I'd like to give gaming a shot. I've heard good things about some games, might as well try them. Don't wanna buy a new game system, so the PC could double as that. So for the current batch of games out, is the 7600GS enough? or should I up it to a 7800? is the 7600GT just as fine?

Sorry, I'm not a gamer and don't know how well that particular video card would perform with todays PC games.

Originally Posted by Metalj42 I think the components I mentioned should work. The Mobo asks for DDR2 800 (PC2 6400). Is there something else I should be looking out for?

Never assume anything when it comes to component compatibility. Go to either the motherboard manufacturer's web site and check the RAM compatibility charts or go the memory makers web site and use the memory configurator to see which RAM works with your particular motherboard.

Cricket

[Alaron]

The 7600GS is a good gaming card for the price. If you want a little more power, look at the 7900GS. These are an especially good value for the price if you want to game.

[Hazaro]

Why get an SLI mobo if you don't plan on gaming...
*nevermind...

Yes the 7600GT is much better for the price(90 after MIR), the 7900GS is a bit more expensive and will set you back 135 after MIR.

[The_YongGrand]

Originally Posted by Metalj42 I've been eyeballing this new setup for a little under a week. This will be my first build (after much, much delay) and I really just want the final blessing from people who know more than me. I will be using this rig for mostly home/school tasks. Office, web surfing, downloading music, photo storage, research, etc. It will be an AMD build, with the possibility of future gaming (I've never played PC games). So without further ado, here is what I am considering building: Motherboard: EVGA 122-M2-NF59-TR NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI I didn't want to get anything much more costly than this one (Newegg @ $129 w/ $30 MIR) CPU: AMD 4600+ (65W) Windsor 2.4ghz Video: EVGA 256-P2-N541-T2 GeForce 7600GS 256mb I could go a little higher, but once again didn't wanna shell out more than $120 for a card. This comes to $70 after a $20 MIR RAM: G.Skill 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 800 Dual Channel This will run me $115, which I thought was a solid deal. Its either this, or A-Data. I heard that G.Skill is a better brand/product HHD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320gb SATA This will cost me $80. Its either this, or 400 gb for like $120 Optical Drive: Lite-On 20x DVD-+R with Lightscribe I couldn't careless about LightScribe (its too slow), but the 20x DVD burning is great. Its only $38, good deal. Things I still need: I need a case, with about 400 or 500 watts. No need for a monitor or input devices. I guess I'll shell some money for a few SATA cables (if I choose an OEM DVD burner or an extra HDD). So thats it. I hope this post isn't too longwinded (or longfingered, i guess). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I would love to place this order within the next 2 days. Thanks a lot guys. Hit me with some knowledge!

Get an Asus M2N series board. The SLi won't help if you are not an extreme gamer. And 7600GT is recommended since you are trying to play some games. Or the 7900GS if you manage to spend a few more dollars.

[glc]

You should not have to buy any SATA cables - most motherboards come with at least 2 SATA data cables and most modern power supplies come with at least 2 SATA power connectors.