Building my own computer

[Prettii Shei'tan]

I am putting together 2 computers for me and hubbie and am wondering what you guys think. I've never tried this before and am just going by what I have researched on the net.

Asus A7N8X or Biostar M7NCD PRO-- biostar is a bit cheaper, both support dual channel ddr and 400 fsb, both have nvidia chipset... is one better quality than other?

AMD XP 2800 333 fsb --- question- how much difference will I be able to tell between a 333 fsb and 400 fsb? I have a limited budget and am thinking I can upgrade later.

ATi 9800 vid card--- question- do I really need the pro? I don't plan on using this card for anything other than gaming and from what I can tell the 'pro" doesn't add anything to that.

1024 mb of dual channel 3200 ddr--- question- is there a difference between the offbrand (cheap) ram vs. the more expensive stuff? I'm seeing at least a $100 difference and with my budget it's the difference between being able to afford dual channel or not.

And do any of you have a recommendation for a quality case less than $70 or so?

Will this combo of things work together good? I told hubbie a few months ago that I thought I could put together a system better and cheaper than going out and buying one and now that we have the cash I'm scared hehe.

Thanks in advance

[Akaran_D]

ati X800SE is nice. /purrs

[Neost]

This is what I researched last night in a short time frame. I'm thinking about building this one:

Antec Mid Tower
400w PS
MSI 915G Combo Socket T/775 MB
Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0Ghz / 1MB Cache / 800 FSB / Socket 775 / HyperThreading / Processor
Asus ATI Radeon X600 XT Video Card
512MB PC2-4200 DDR2 DIMM Memory
Western Digital Caviar WD2000JD 200GB Hard Drive
NEC 16X DVD±RW (Dual layer) Beige Drive

The Antec Mid Tower can be had for about 70 bucks. If I remember correctly the total on this one came out approximately 900 bucks w/o monitor.

[Tenuvil]

I am putting together 2 computers for me and hubbie and am wondering what you guys think. I've never tried this before and am just going by what I have researched on the net.

Asus A7N8X or Biostar M7NCD PRO-- biostar is a bit cheaper, both support dual channel ddr and 400 fsb, both have nvidia chipset... is one better quality than other?

AMD XP 2800 333 fsb --- question- how much difference will I be able to tell between a 333 fsb and 400 fsb? I have a limited budget and am thinking I can upgrade later.

ATi 9800 vid card--- question- do I really need the pro? I don't plan on using this card for anything other than gaming and from what I can tell the 'pro" doesn't add anything to that.

1024 mb of dual channel 3200 ddr--- question- is there a difference between the offbrand (cheap) ram vs. the more expensive stuff? I'm seeing at least a $100 difference and with my budget it's the difference between being able to afford dual channel or not.

And do any of you have a recommendation for a quality case less than $70 or so?

Will this combo of things work together good? I told hubbie a few months ago that I thought I could put together a system better and cheaper than going out and buying one and now that we have the cash I'm scared hehe.

Thanks in advance

Generally Asus mobos are better in quality than Biostar. I prefer EPoX or Abit boards and I've build a metric assload of systems. I used EPoX EP-8RDA+ boards in three systems and they rock. Same features as the boards you are considering.

Get the 400 fsb CPU, especially if you plan to get PC 3200 RAM (which operates at 400 fsb). Value RAM is generally fine as long as the CAS latency is low. I had good luck with newegg.com's value brand (Geil I think).

Best cases I've used are Inwin cases. They are a bit more expensive but very well made and they have customer service. I emailed them because I needed a 3.5" drive cover for my 3 year old case and they FedEx'd me a whole set of 3.5 and 5.25 covers. I was impressed. Lots to choose from here. Avoid things like windows in the side and cold cathode lights as these add cost and don't increase your megahurtz. I like cases that have mounting rails for drives rather than screw in holes, it makes installing and replacing drives a snap.

[Ransure]

Read the system reviews at http://www.ars-technica.com I built my computer last year after about 4 years of being out of the industry... and I have been unbelievably happy with the configurations they reccomend....

I built a hybrid between thier God Box and thier Budget Box for about 5-600.... and it has been running strong since...

ATI Radeon 9700Pro
AMD Athalon Barton Core XP 2500+
Epox 8RDA+ Nforce2 Chipset Board
2 x Kingston 512 PC2700 Dual Channel (memory quality matters...)
Maxtor 10k RPM HDD
Antech Sonata Case

I figure about this time next year Ill be ready to build a PCI Xpress system with dual channel for about the same that will last me another 2 years.

[Prettii Shei'tan]

Thanks for the advice So should I just go with 2700 ram? I dont think I can afford the jump in price from the 333 fsb cpu to the 400. I'm trying to keep cost to around 750-800. And I found a cute mouse with a floating duck in it and there's no way I'm gonna give that up to try and get a faster cpu

[archeiron]

Motherboard manufactures (ABIT, in my case) will often have a PDF document on their website that lists which memory sticks have been tested on their motherboard, including recommended selections from major manufacturers. Quality and compatibility will often make a difference. Setting the latency and voltage settings for the memory in your BIOS correctly is important, so make sure you know what you are getting and what it should be set to.

It is a good time to be buying a high end system from last year, but you need to put some thought into whether or not you want to opt for PCI-e/DDR2 setup or take advantage of the price drops and buy an older technology platform.

If you are willing to spend $99, you can pick up an Antec Sonata. I love the case: it is quiet, it is attractive, and the side mounted drive bays are very nice.

[Marbus]

I would stick with ASUS on the board but consider an Antec case with an Antec TruePower powersupply. It will cost a little more but it will be WELL worth it in the long run, especially if you are going to have these computers in the same room. Rather than spending the money on SmartFans for the case, the Antec TruePower will connect to one of the thermal connectors on the MB and regulate the speed of the fans based upon heat and need so they are going full boar all the time. Unless I've been playing an intensive FPS for some time my fans never jump up in speed. I have like 8 in my PC and it's whisper quite 99% of the time, well worth it if you and the hubby want to have a conversation while playing

I would also suggest the new Nvidia 6600 GT rather than any of the ATIs. ATI has had a small speed bump for the past couple of years but that is nill today in most cases and the Nvidia is faster on many of the newer games like Doom 3, HL2 and since they are sponsoring EQ2 I'm sure it will be the card of choice for that as well. The good thing is that the 6600 is almost as fast as the 6800 GT but is only about $200, practically a bargan by gaming standards

Marb

[Ransure]

My Antech Sonata case sits right next to my pillow on my bed being propped up by a shielded subwoofer.... extremely whisper quiet!

Oh, and I only do that so I can use my neighbors networks for megahurtz when my wireless connection takes a dump

[Tenuvil]

...I found a cute mouse with a floating duck in it and there's no way I'm gonna give that up to try and get a faster cpu

Heh, it's all about priorities I guess

[*~*stragi*~*]

My only advice is to not skimp on RAM and the video card. Especially not the RAM, shitty RAM can be a huge pain the balls. Mushkin is my choice ram, Corsair is also really good. My Kingston ram caused me headaches for a year with games constantly crashing to desktop. Also, to Xyun's delight, I'm an asus fan again! They're videocards are rolling 20 deep in the clubs etc.

[Neost]

Introducing:

The Straginator 9000

[Tenuvil]

Introducing:

The Straginator 9000

OMG that's classic. It could only have been better if the builder used a bubba with Don Cherry on it!

[Siji]

Here's what I got not too long ago along with links to NewEgg for each item for price checking..

http://home.tampabay.rr.com/rainchaser/pc.htm

Pesonally speaking, I wouldn't skimp on the motherboard. It's the biggest pain in the ass to change out. Get a nice motherboard and then later you can upgrade the memory or cpu etc.. As for Antec cases, they're very nice, but very overpriced in my opinion. Get a $10 case if you want and then buy an Antec power supply if you want the quality name. Who cares about the case anyway as long as it doesn't melt or catch fire.

[Winnow]

I would also suggest the new Nvidia 6600 GT rather than any of the ATIs. ATI has had a small speed bump for the past couple of years but that is nill today in most cases and the Nvidia is faster on many of the newer games like Doom 3, HL2 and since they are sponsoring EQ2 I'm sure it will be the card of choice for that as well. The good thing is that the 6600 is almost as fast as the 6800 GT but is only about $200, practically a bargan by gaming standards

Marb

Do your own research on video cards. See the ATi vs nVidia thread for a link to reviews of multiple cards from ATI and nVidia. nVidia is still playing catch up.

[Neost]

I've been thinking about coming up with nice DIY case mod. I have a campus fridge that I'm not using. I'm thinking about building a new pc.....

Hmmm...what to do about condensation.....

[Prettii Shei'tan]

Yea I've been thinking along the lines of making sure the memory, mb, and vc are the best I can afford. It's very frustrating because I thought for sure I could build a nice system for $800 but it seems that is still going to be pretty low end >< I knew it wouldn't be cutting edge or anything but I didn't realize how expensive stuff is

Of course that's coming from the girl that loved the engagement ring that turned out to be $10,000 lol. Of course I croaked when I realized the price but obviously my sense of how much stuff is is screwed

Thanks again for the help guys

[archeiron]

Yea I've been thinking along the lines of making sure the memory, mb, and vc are the best I can afford. It's very frustrating because I thought for sure I could build a nice system for $800 but it seems that is still going to be pretty low end >< I knew it wouldn't be cutting edge or anything but I didn't realize how expensive stuff is

Of course that's coming from the girl that loved the engagement ring that turned out to be $10,000 lol. Of course I croaked when I realized the price but obviously my sense of how much stuff is is screwed

Thanks again for the help guys

Do bear in mind that a new generation of technology is just arriving now, so computer equipment will be perceived as either expensive, or outdated.

You can do well for $800, but you won't be able to adequately move into the next generation of equipment.

[*~*stragi*~*]

I would also suggest the new Nvidia 6600 GT rather than any of the ATIs. ATI has had a small speed bump for the past couple of years but that is nill today in most cases and the Nvidia is faster on many of the newer games like Doom 3, HL2 and since they are sponsoring EQ2 I'm sure it will be the card of choice for that as well. The good thing is that the 6600 is almost as fast as the 6800 GT but is only about $200, practically a bargan by gaming standards

Marb

Do your own research on video cards. See the ATi vs nVidia thread for a link to reviews of multiple cards from ATI and nVidia. nVidia is still playing catch up.

I don't really agree with that. The 6800 has pretty much out preformed the x800 from what I can see, not to mention the major major games coming out soon are all in bed with nVidia.. Really at this point, they're both very good cards and the advantages of one over the other are really just marginal.

ps kegcomp ownz

[Prettii Shei'tan]

Ok I've decided to go with the faster cpu and 3200 ram. On the Asus website they list compatible ram for the mb but I don't see any of that ram is dual channel. Am I suppose to use only that ram, if so how do I achieve dual channel if it's not dual channel ram? Or is that listing just the recommended manufacturers. God I'm confused /cry

This is the link:

http://usa.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?langs=09&m=A7N8X

Thanks so much for your help!

[Ransure]

The MB will be dual channel if its an Nvidia Nforce2 chipset (might be others out there, not familiar with them though)... The ram as long as its in slots 0 and 1 on the MB and the same size/type ram will automatically run in Dual Channel and the BIOS on bootup should confirm this.

[Winnow]

I don't really agree with that. The 6800 has pretty much out preformed the x800 from what I can see, not to mention the major major games coming out soon are all in bed with nVidia.. Really at this point, they're both very good cards and the advantages of one over the other are really just marginal.

ps kegcomp ownz

You have to do a little more research this time around. On the other thread, atm, 6800GT > X800 pro but your comment about nVidia being in bed with new games means nothing. X800 > 6800 atm for EQ2 for example and nVidia is a huge sponsor with logos etc.

If you want the best and have $600.00 then X800XT is the best card. $400.00 range = 6800GT for the moment. I think this is going to switch back and forth often as both companies have better cards close to release so the price point battle will probably flip flop more over the next few years than Kerry's position on Iraq.

[Prettii Shei'tan]

What is the upside of buying dual channel ram instead of just getting 2 sticks of same?

[Ransure]

Its not a special type of ram.... its in the Motherboard..... depending on its chipset...

The ram should just be two pieces of the same type/size/speed.

[Prettii Shei'tan]

Ok I have another question... in searching for the best price on vid cards I have seen listings for ati radeon cards and sapphire radeon cards-- both saying 9800 and listing the same stats for card. Is this the same card?

[archeiron]

Ok I have another question... in searching for the best price on vid cards I have seen listings for ati radeon cards and sapphire radeon cards-- both saying 9800 and listing the same stats for card. Is this the same card?

ATI and nVidia design the major cards, and the chip architecture is distributed to manufacturing partners. In principle, there should be little difference between these cards, but in practice there is some measurable difference. For the hobbyist, the differences should not be apparent, but the overclocking community will have their favorites.

Feel free to pick up a Sapphire card. I have had three now and not had a problem with any of them.

[Prettii Shei'tan]

Thanks so much

[Winnow]

Ok I have another question... in searching for the best price on vid cards I have seen listings for ati radeon cards and sapphire radeon cards-- both saying 9800 and listing the same stats for card. Is this the same card?

Sapphire makes a decent card for a good price. I've had one in the past.