need help on my new system

[smallghost]

Hi all,

I haven't been around this forum since June 2003, so I think I miss lots of stuff. I would like to build a new system, here is what I plan to get:

XP 1800+ cpu
NF7-S mobo
HyperX PC3200 512MB ram
WD 80GB 8MB HDD - from old rig
Video card - maybe a Radeon, not sure which one

I plan to use this new rig to play FF11 and Half Life 2. I need some advices on what video card I should get. Does my build look alrite? Please give me some feedbacks. Thanks in advance.

P.S. What heatsink/fan should I get for this new cpu?

[jonspd]

2500 barton instead of the 1800 and hyperxpc3000 is cheapier but uses the same chip's I think. SLK800 or SLK900 heatsink is your best beat with a tornado 84cfm 80mm fan or a smartfan2.

[Deathknight]

Not a bad build you have there. Good choice on motherboard. As for cpu the 1800+ is not a bad choice if it is a DLT3C. Otherwise go with the 2500+.

As for cooling the thermalright SK-7 is the best bang for your buck. The slk-800 and 900 give better performance but are more costly. Smartfan II is not a bad choice of fan if you are not sure how much noise/performance you want.

[smallghost]

for barton 2500+, is there any specific stepping I should look for or stay away with? should I get OEM barton or Retail? I also heard that I need to do some mod on the mobo if I am using Barton, is that true? Thanks in advance.

[jonspd]

Mod on the nf7-s and barton 2500 where for the earlier rev of the nf7-s just be sure and get a rev2.0 nf7-s and you should need to do the L12 mod. As for the barton the retail is the best beat IMO.

[shiyan]

stick with ATI for HL2.

otherwise, not much to add... seeing two very informed members already said pretty much all I know (and more).