First Build. Need Opinions

[JettaFet]

I’m about to start my first build and would like to hear a few opinions from the experienced. I will be mainly using the new Desktop PC for Gaming. I am not that big into Gaming but am looking to build a machine that can support modern games and do not want to build anything fancy. My current PC (labtop) is very minimal and is mainly used for school and has trouble running Counter Strike 1.6 if that gives you an idea.

I plan to use a - “Intel Pentium D 915 Presler 800MHz FSB 2 x 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor” but am still trying to decide on the motherboard. I have been looking into a “Intel BOXDP965LTCK Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard”

I have heard that Motherboard offers the best Price/Performance Ratio. That’s kind of what I am looking for. “The best bang for the buck” so to speak.

Any feedback and opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[Tin]

Whats your budget look like?

[kram 2.0]

It's hard to pan out best "bang for buck" as it is currently - Intel is slowly transitioning out of the Pentium 4/D lineup. With Intel's Core 2 Duo making some noises, I wouldn't be surprised if you see Pentium D prices start to drop soon. Obviously, your overall budget will have some baring on what parts you should chose, but on an overall level, you can run today's game at an acceptable quality with mid-range components.

The Intel DP965LTCK is a good choice for a motherboard, keeping in mind that you can upgrade to Core 2 Duo later if needed. As for processor, it will probably end up on how your budget looks like.

kram

[JettaFet]

I would like to spend anywhere for 75-150. for each the CPU & motherbaord.

[chuck4456]

Pentium 4 prices ARE dropping! If you're going gaming, and going with Intel, you would be better off using a high end P4.
Our gaming authorities here (from what I see) are using AMD setups. Perhaps you should surf around the forum and see what more of them have to say. If I'm not mistaken, most gaming applications still lean toward single-core technologies.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Single core technologies are of the past, and dual core is a much higher benefit with gaming, only buy a single core if you have some odd other purpose with it, other wise stick to dual core, the prices are barely different, and why buy old technology for 10 bucks less?

[JettaFet]

I don’t know much about AMD. Sounds like it will benefit me more by using AMD with Duel Core technologies. Perhaps a few of you could suggest an AMD Motherboard, CPU with Duel Core Technologies within my price range.

I don’t have much time right now to research right now. I’ll surf around a bit once I get off work and see what I find out.

[blue60007]

Both AMD and INTEL work fine for gaming. Games are more video card limited (don't skimp on the video card for a gaming rig!) than CPU limited (except when frame rates hit like 100 fps than they become CPU limited, but any more FPS is useless. that's when you crank up eye candy). You'll notice a 2 FPS difference at best between AMD and Intel when things are GPU limited. Dual core is definitely the way to go.

[glc]

Please note that there's no native IDE support with the P965 chipset. You will probably have to buy a SATA CD drive to get Windows installed. Lite-On has one now, and it's dirt cheap.

[blue60007]

Originally Posted by glc Lite-On has one now, and it's dirt cheap.

Wow, when did they slip that one in?

CD-RW/DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106040

CD-ROM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106038

DVD-ROM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106039

Good to hear we've got a *cheap* SATA alternative for the 965 chipset. Good job LITE-ON.

[JettaFet]

Alright, I came up with a new configuration tell me what you think. Please recommend different CPU or Motherboard if you think otherwise.

The AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor

With the Gigabyte GA-M55SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard


What do you all think? I am not to sure about the motherboard, but it had good reviews.

[JettaFet]

Bump.

Also, is the Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3160812A 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive compatable with my motherboard? (Gigabyte GA-M55SLI-S4) Along with the 16X DVD-ROM 52X CD-ROM E-IDE/ATAPI DVD-ROM Drive

Thanks.

[blue60007]

Yes, but I wouldn't get an IDE drive. SATA hard drives are a better choice, thinner cables, no messing with jumpers, etc. They are very little, if any, more than IDE drives. Also, just get a new DVD-RW (unless you already have one). It only costs a few bucks more. I wouldn't go with open box items. New items are about the same cost (especially when the item is $20 or less).

[JettaFet]

Thanks for the Reply, every post helps. As many of you can tell I am still a novice and am hoping to learn a lot from this build. It should be Great experience.

I took your advice and went with the Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3120813AS 120GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive.

And also upgraded to the SAMSUNG Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache ATA/ATAPI DVD Burner With LightScribe

[glc]

Get a Lite-On, not a Samsung.