First system build; opinions and advice needed

[jtran]

hello everyone, I hope this is the right forum for this.

This is my first post and I just wanted to let you guys know that this site has been very useful and informative. After extensive research and forum browsing, I sort of built up the confidence to finally build my own system. Now before I purchase the hardware, I figured i'd post it here to get your opinions on the parts.

Please keep in mind that I'm upgrading from a Dell P3 600MHz. I'll be using my new system mostly for internet purposes, recording/watching TV shows, and perhaps some light gaming.

I'd appreciate any advice or opinions.

Heres my list :

Pentium 4 2.8e 800 MHz FSB 1 MB L2 cache processor

Intel "D875PBZLK FMB 1.5" i875p chipset for intel socket 478 P4 extreme edition.

Lian Li silver Mid Tower Case "PC 60" ATX

Enlight ATX 360W P4 PSU

Memory: Corsair 512MB PC3200 : which do you think is better? The XMS series or the Value select? Do i buy the dual channel ones?

Video Card: ATI All-in-wonder Radeon 9600

DVD burner: plextor 8x

HD : WD 120GB SATA 7200rpm

Sound card: still undecided.

What do you guys think so far? Should i change anything?
I appreciate your help

Thanks..

[Staren]

Lets see... I'll give you my take.

"Pentium 4 2.8e 800 MHz FSB 1 MB L2 cache processor" Hmm this is tricky. My first thought would be to look into the C ver. of the 2.8 processor. It wouild save you some money with vary little power loss. I'm not sure if the extra power of the E would make your video work easier or not. Maybe someone else can say for sure.

Motherboard looks good. I'm not an expert on Intel boards. I know more about Abit and Asus. I would say look into the on-board audio on any motherboard. I am not an audiophile. I thought I needed a sound card when I first built my computer, but found that my IC7-Gs on-board 5.1 sound was just fine for me.

Good brand name power supply. 360 watts should work well for you for some time.

Go for the Value Select RAM. The XMS is only needed if you are going to overclock pretty far. As for Duel Channel, check your motherboard. Make sure it supports it. Only get the twin pack of 2 256 sticks if it happens to be cheaper. Biuying two of the same 256 stick will work in Duel Channel just as well. Get which ever prices out better at the time.

That's a good brand name for DVD drives. Should work. Lite-On is also good.

Video / Capture card is pretty much the standard. Don't need to change that unless you happen to like spending moire money and want to get the 9800 All-In-Wonder. But that's up to you.

[TheJackal]

While Plextor makes great drives, I would go with an LG, LiteOn, NEC, or Sony DVD burner, as you would save yourself quite a bit.

[jtran]

Thanks for the suggestions/comments. Anyone else care to chime in??

[GrfxArt]

I'm not sure where you're buying the components but the price difference between the WD 120GB SATA and WD 160GB SATA is only $12 more at newegg.....or $36 more for 200GB

[jtran]

Originally posted by GrfxArt I'm not sure where you're buying the components but the price difference between the WD 120GB SATA and WD 160GB SATA is only $12 more at newegg.....or $36 more for 200GB

Thanks for the tip!! Infact, I am purchasing most, if not all, of my parts from Newegg.

Any other suggestions??

[mark70]

I would stay away from the 2.8e processor. Its known to have heat issues ( runs hot) and go instead with the 2.8c proc. You will not see the difference in performance and the 2.8 will run cooler. I have this chip and I am very happy with it. My boss bought the 2.8e and ended up sending it back!!

[kram 2.0]

What you are getting for the CPU is a Prescott Core - they have a 1MB L2 cache but they are counterbalanced by the lengthened pipeline architecture (as glc so well stated). Pick either - I would just go with the Northwood - it's easier and hassle free. It is a bit more expensive but it's still very cool-running and good in performance.

Seems like you have an Ex. Edition CPU Motherboard - not something you want to spend your money for. I would just recommend simply the Asus P4P800-E Deluxe with the Intel 865PE chipset - it'll perform pretty well. It's 116 USD and is stable as a rock.

I agree with Starten about the Memory - if Corsair, the ValueSelect should do fine.

Sound Card - the Asus Motherboard I suggested above has a pretty decent onboard sound. Try it first, and if it is not satisfiable, go with the Creative SB Audigy2 ZS for 76 USD with shipping included. Now, that is one really nice sound card.

And for Video Card, I would highly recommend the ATI AIW Radeon 9700 in replacement of the ATI AIW Radeon 9600 - admittedly, it's 42 USD more, but the performance difference is pretty substantial - a 256bit card is really nice. If not, not a big deal - Radeon 9600 is still good.

Very nice case - Lian-Lis are very well made cases, but a bit on the expensive side, generally.

Besides those comments, looks great. Good job


Hope that helps,
kram

[jtran]

Thanks Mark and Kram!! You guys rock!

I appreciate everyones help..

I love this board