NEW AMD 64 3500+ build, suggestions needed

[Jon2055]

Hi all,

I came across this forum a few days ago when deciding what to buy for my new PC setup. I would like to build a system based on the AMD 64 3500+ socket 939 chip. I will be using the system for everything from word processing to multimedia to games. I require a dual DVI video card, as I will be running two 20" dell 2001fp monitors. I already own one of these and am planning on buying another after the system is complete. Price range is roughly 1500 for everything except the monitor.

What I already have in my possesion:
2 GB corsair value select PC3200 DDR ram (4x512) $280 shipped
(1) Dell 2001fp monitor

What I am planning to buy:
Case/psu: Antec Sonata case w/ 380 watt PSU is this enough?
Video card: XFX GeForce 6600 GT w/ Dual-DVI PCI-e
CPU: AMD 64 3500+ socket 939
Hard Drive: Maxtor 200 GB SATA
Optical: NEC 16x Dual layer DVDrw
Motherboard:ASUS AV8-E
Floppy: Matsumi? 6 in one card reader + floppy
Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech cordless MX duo


Now the only things I don't really know about are the sound card and speakers... I may want to hook this up to my surround sound system, but I would also like speakers in case I don't.

I was looking at the sound blaster Audigy 2 ZS sound card. Is this necessary or is the audio on the mobo sufficient?

Anyone care to reccommend a decent 2.1 speaker set under $100?

[Cricket]

You'll need more than 380 watts for what you're putting together. I understand those new PCI-e video cards draw a lot of power. Look for a good quality power supply with over 400 watts...possibly around 450 watts.

Cricket

[larry38]

No suggestions, but I'll be interested in following this build since it is similar to the one I am putting together and I have been having problems. Probably just the nut behind the wheel, but who knows

[digitalfreedom64]

The on board sould should work for you. Now as cricket said you'll want a better power supply. Have a look at this one, it should be good.

Thermaltake W0013 Silent Purepower 480W

Everything else looks good to me.

[Jon2055]

Originally Posted by Cricket You'll need more than 380 watts for what you're putting together. I understand those new PCI-e video cards draw a lot of power. Look for a good quality power supply with over 400 watts...possibly around 450 watts. Cricket

Ok, so I'm going to go with that 480W siltent purepower thermalquake or whatever it is....

Now I need a good mid-tower case, that is QUIET. Does antec offer any cases with 120mm fans that do not have a power supply included? Any other suggestions welcome as well.

[Jon2055]

Anyone want to recommend a set of speakers?

[digitalfreedom64]

Here's a set of speakers
Creative Inspire T3000 2.1 Speakers

Now about the case, how much you wanna put toward a case, side window or not, door or not.

[Jon2055]

I could put up to mabye 120 into a nice case. 150 if it is excellent. I'm not sure what you mean by a door though? I really have no preference as to a side window or not. It just needs to look good without anything to fancy or colorful. Also, being quiet would be a plus.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Jon2055 Also, being quiet would be a plus.

Every case is quiet to start with...it's only after you start adding fans and stuff does it start to get noisy.

Of course it's better to go with a better brand since the construction and material quality will be better.

And be very careful about the amount of fans you install...the more fans you have, the noisier the computer will be.

Stick with low RPM fans to keep noise levels down.

Limit the number of fans to the least amount needed to keep the CPU and system temps under control.

My own computers I only use Panaflo L1A low RPM fans and only install exhaust fans, no intakes. This helps keep the noise levels down since the exhaust fans are farther from my ears than intake fans would be. The majority of my computer have on 1 exhaust fan plus the fan in the power supply for case cooling...but the case in my sig has two exhaust fans plus the power supply fan. This system isn't silent, but it's far from noisy.

Cricket

[Jon2055]

I think I may go with the Thermaltake VA3000 Dream Tower. I read some good reviews about it. Also, cricket, how is the matrox g550? I was looking into that along with the 6600 gt. I dont really play many games, but I guess I would want the capability to at some point....

[digitalfreedom64]

Here's an Antec case I found
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...129-152&depa=0

[Jon2055]

Either that case or this Lian-Li case. Which is better?

[Jon2055]

not bad on that antec. I'm not sure if I'm going steel or aluminum yet.

[digitalfreedom64]

That's a good one too. The one I suggested has space for a 120mm fan in the rear. you said you wanted quiet and 120mm fans run much quieter than 80mm fans. Practically can't hear em.

[bthizle1]

WOW this build is very similiar to what I just built about a month ago. I have it saved in a doc all my specs on my other comp so I will post it later tonight.

[m3x1c4nj3w]

DFI Lanparty nForce4 Ultra (no SLI)
3000+ Winchester (will overclock to ~2.5GHz)
Maxtor SATA II with NCQ 250GB (3gb/sec bandwidth compared to 150gb/sec on regular SATA's)

and a Lian-Li case. PC-65B

[Jon2055]

so regular SATA is 150 GB a sec, or is that a misprint

[bthizle1]

Here it is Jon hope this helps you:

BTW I researched all these parts, and they all work great.

CASE
RAIDMAX Black 10-bay Case, Model "268WBP" -RETAIL
Model# ATX-268WB Item # N82E16811156018
Specifications:
Case Type: Mid-Tower Case
Color: Black
Material: 0.7mm SECC Steel
Drive Bays: 5.25'' x4,3.5''(External) x2,3.5''(Internal) x4
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: USB2.0 x2
Power Supply: N/A
Cooling System: 80mm Side Fan x2
Motherboard Compatibility: ATX Form Factor 12" x 10.5" or smaller
Special Features: Attractive Streamline design
$28.50
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...156-018&depa=1

CPU (Processor):
AMD Athlon 64 3500+, 512K, L2 Cache, Socket 939 Windows Compatible 64-bit Processor - Retail
Model# ADA3500AWBOX Item # N82E16819103463
Specification
Model: AMD Athlon 64
Core: Newcastle
Operating Frequency: 2.2GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64+64KB; L2/512K
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 939
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Packaging: Retail

$272.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-463&depa=1

Hard Drive:

Seagate 200GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model ST3200822AS, OEM Drive Only
Model# ST3200822AS Item # N82E16822148033
Specifications:
Capacity: 200 GB
Average Seek Time: 8.5 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 7,200 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: Best-in-class non-operating shock for excellent reliability. Best combination of performance, acoustics and robustness. Idle acoustics of 2.5 bels- the industry's best. World's first SATA desktop drive.
Manufacturer Warranty: 5 year
Packaging: OEM Drive Only

$133.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...148-033&depa=1

Video Card:
EVGA nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, DVI/TV-Out, AGP, Model "128-A8-N350" -Retail
Model# 128-A8-N350 Item # N82E16814130220
Specifications:
Chipset: nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT
Memory: 128MB GDDR3
BUS: AGP
Ports: DB-15 + TV-Out (S-Video/Composite) + DVI
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@60Hz
Retail Box (See pics for details)

$229.00

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...130-220&depa=0


Motherboard:
ASUS "A8V Deluxe" VIA K8T800 Pro Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL

Model# A8V DELUXE Item # N82E16813131510
Specifications:
Supported CPU: AMD Athlon 64/Athlon 64 FX
Chipset: K8T800Pro + VT8237
RAM: 4x DIMM Dual Channel DDR400/333/266 Max 4GB
Slots: 1x AGP 8X, 5x PCI
Ports: 2x PS/2,1x COM,1x LPT,8x USB2.0(Rear 4),1x IEEE1394,1x RJ45,2x S/PDIF out,Audio Ports
IDE: 2x ATA 133 up to 4 Devices, 1x ATA 133 up to 2 Devices by Promise 20378 with RAID 0/1/0+1
SATA: 2x Serial ATA with RAID 0/1, 2x Serial ATA by Promise 20378 with RAID 0/1/0+1
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC850 8-CH
Onboard LAN: Marvell 88E8001 GbE
Onboard IEEE1394: 2x 1394 ports
Form Factor: ATX

$129.50

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...131-510&depa=1

Keyboard & Mouse:
(May Purchase on own or later)

Memory RAM:
Corsair Value Select (Dual Pack) 184 Pin 512MBx2 DDR PC-3200 - OEM

Model# VS1GBKIT400 Item # N82E16820145440 Specification
Manufacturer: Corsair
Model: VS1GBKIT400
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime

$138.36 (price could go up due to one day sale)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...145-440&depa=1

Floppy Drive:
SONY Beige 1.44MB 3.5Inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model MPF920, OEM
Model# MPF920 Beige Item # N82E16821103109
Specifications:
Capacity: 1.44MB
Average Access Time: 94 ms
Interface: 34 Pin Standard Floppy Connector
Form: 3.5 inch
Media Type: All Standard 1.44MB & 720KB 3.5 Floppy Diskettes
Features: High Quality and Reliability
Packaging: OEM
$7.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-109&depa=0

CD/DVD RW Drive:
Lite-On Black 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive, Model SOHC-5232K, OEM Bulk Pack
Model# SOHC-5232K BBULK Item # N82E16827106932
Specifications:
Write Speed: 52X CD-R, 32X CD-RW
Read Speed: 52X CD-ROM, 16X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI/E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows 95 / 98 / NT4.0 / ME / 2000 / XP
Features: SMART-BURN avoiding Buffer Under Run error
Packaging: OEM Bulk Pack (see pictures for details)
$34.99
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...106-932&DEPA=0


Sound Card:
Using the onboard sound, but may purchase one down the road.


PSU (power supply)
Enlight ATX 420W P4 Power Supply, Model "EN-8420934" -RETAIL
Model# EN-8420934 Item # N82E16817103604
Specifications:
Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 420W
PFC: No
Power Good Signal: 100-500ms
Hold-up Time: >16ms at full load@115 Vac
Efficiency: Typical 68% @ full load
Over Voltage Protection: +5V trip point<+6.8V; +3.3V trip point<+4.5V; +12V trip point<+15.6V
Overload Protection: Not Specified
Input Voltage: 115-230 V
Input Frequency Range: 50-60 Hz
Input Current: 10A/ 5A
Output: +3.3V@30A; +5V@40A; -5V@0.3A; +12V@18A; -12V@0.8A; +5VSB@2A
MTBF: >100,000 hours at 75% load and 25 C ambient conditions
Approvals: UL 1950 3rd, CUL, TUV, CB, CE, FCC,CNS,VDE
$42.38
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-604&depa=0



plus, I am getting an audigy 2 sound card soon.

[digitalfreedom64]

Originally Posted by Jon2055 so regular SATA is 150 GB a sec, or is that a misprint

SATA = 1.5gb/sec SATAII=3gb/sec

[spyder003]

Originally Posted by Jon2055 so regular SATA is 150 GB a sec, or is that a misprint

Originally Posted by crashoverride SATA = 1.5gb/sec SATAII=3gb/sec

Remember that's bits not bytes. Capatalization means a lot when it comes to data sizes and transfer rates. b = bits, B = bytes

[digitalfreedom64]

Sorry, forgot to do caps.

Myself, I think a SATAII drive would be great to have. Don't know if there a're any out though. Newegg doesn't have any. well at least i couldn't find any.

[Jon2055]

thanks for the replies guys. I think I have a good idea of what I'm going to get now. My only question reguards the sound card. What advantages does it have over the one on the motherboard?

[digitalfreedom64]

The onboard sound of the board will be fine. You really don't need to buy a separate sound card, it would just be extra money spent that didn't have to be.

[mountainking]

Originally Posted by Jon2055 Ok, so I'm going to go with that 480W siltent purepower thermalquake or whatever it is....

lol thermalquake? I have that same psu and its great. What motherboard are you getting? i didnt see that in the description.

EDIT: nvm i see it now. oh god its a via... i can just see hal and all them stampeding through here bashing via boards now... (seeks shelter)

[digitalfreedom64]

Originally Posted by mountainking nvm i see it now. oh god its a via... i can just see hal and all them stampeding through here bashing via boards now... (seeks shelter)

Indeed, thanks for reminding me, I meant to mention about that. It would be better to got with either an Nforce4 ultra or SLI board.

The one I have in my upcoming build can be found here

The SLI version can be found here

[m3x1c4nj3w]

SATA II's

[Hi Ho]

The Logitech Z-2300's ae excellent speakers. I'd recommend them over the Creatives.

[digitalfreedom64]

I've had several sets of logitech speakers, they were terible compaired to these Creative speakers i have now.

[bigz]

Might I recommend a X-Connect Power Supply (500 Watt) and disconnectable features. Also Newegg has a new SATA DVD-RW from Plextor for like 125 bucks... check that out. I would also agree with the many people about the Nforce 4 mobos (quite good I hear) Good luck and enjoy your building experience.

[digitalfreedom64]

The 480W should be plenty of power for this set up but if you want to go for something higher you could go for this other Thermaltake
Has 560W for $99.00.