Newbie help

[WilliamG]

I am about to upgrade my computer and will try to build my first system. I have spent some time doing research but still have LOTS to learn. Some background: I am not a "hardcore" gamer, but I want to update my system because I wish to play some recent games (e.g. Myst 4), which require at least a DirectX 8 card. I don't play Ultima, Doom or any of the many games frequently mentioned here, but that is because my current system cannot play those games. Maybe now I will be able to give them a try :clap:

I want to build a system that will last about 4-5 years without 'major' upgrades. Since I am not a hardcore gamer this should not be a problem, but to accomplish that I probably need very good performance right now, so that in 4-5 years it will still be "acceptable". Since this is my very first attempt at building my system I will not try to overclock it from the start. I will probably build it, use it for a few months, and then try my first steps at overclocking it once I have a chance to learn a lot more about it.

I am now leaning towards an Athlon 64 3200+ Socket 939, 1GB RAM. Stock HSF for starters, may upgrade once I start trying to overclock. Will probably use a SATA HDD. I will probably buy my system sometime in Q1 2005.

I need some guidance in selecting a Video Card. Based on reviews I have read here and at Anandtech I am leaning towards an nVidia GeForce 6600GT (PCIe) but I had some questions.

- How should I go about selecting a particular manufacturer? Are there any with great reputations, or ones I should stay away from? Since I'd like this card to last a few years, a reliable manufacturer is important. Also, I would like one that would allow me to (eventually) overclock the card if I ever decide to try that (not sure it's possible with all cards?).

- The second question is more general. I have read a few times that currently PCIe has no performance advantage over AGP. Why is this? I am leaning towards PCIe to improve "future compatibility" since I want the system to last 4-5 years. Is this a good idea?

- Finally, assuming that the GeForce 6600 GT and the ATI Radeon X700 (pro or XT) are more or less comparable in performance and price, is there any major objective reason to choose one over the other? Or is it strictly a matter of taste and performance?

Thanks in advance for any help! I look forward to becoming part of this community, and maybe some day learn enough to even ( :gasp: ) start ANSWERING questions!

[lilxvietxboi]

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!!

I am now leaning towards an Athlon 64 3200+ Socket 939, 1GB RAM. Stock HSF for starters, may upgrade once I start trying to overclock. Will probably use a SATA HDD. I will probably buy my system sometime in Q1 2005.


Thats a very good selection, I would suggest the same. (AMD 64 3200+ Socket 939). Your missing a motherboard. So I may suggest a
GIGABYTE "GA-K8NSNXP-939" nForce3(But I suggest waiting for the nForce4 seeing the nF3 isnt all that great right now). But the 64's arn't known the best to overclock but you can squeeze something out of it.


I need some guidance in selecting a Video Card. Based on reviews I have read here and at Anandtech I am leaning towards an nVidia GeForce 6600GT (PCIe) but I had some questions.


6600GT is a really good choice for the price, but if you wanted something to be great and will last for years a 6800GT/Ultra will be needed(But, I'm not sure this is for PCIe)


- How should I go about selecting a particular manufacturer? Are there any with great reputations, or ones I should stay away from? Since I'd like this card to last a few years, a reliable manufacturer is important. Also, I would like one that would allow me to (eventually) overclock the card if I ever decide to try that (not sure it's possible with all cards?).


There is no "all mighty" brand, it really depends on your preference.


- The second question is more general. I have read a few times that currently PCIe has no performance advantage over AGP. Why is this? I am leaning towards PCIe to improve "future compatibility" since I want the system to last 4-5 years. Is this a good idea?


This is because no cards take advantage of the extra bandwidth that is created with PCIe yet. In the future, it will be used and there might be some really good potential here. (And there is no such thing as "complete garunteed" future proofing hehe)


- Finally, assuming that the GeForce 6600 GT and the ATI Radeon X700 (pro or XT) are more or less comparable in performance and price, is there any major objective reason to choose one over the other? Or is it strictly a matter of taste and performance?


Again, this is just a matter of taste and performance.

If you need additional help to pick out parts such as RAM/HD/Power Supply and such just ask.

(HD suggestion would be a 2x WD Raptor 74GB 10,000RPMs)

[WilliamG]

Thx for the suggestions and answers lilxvietxboi.

My next step is indeed to choose a motherboard, but I am still doing research on that. I wanted first to choose a video card so I would know if I needed a MoBo that supports PCIe or AGP.

Thx!

[kill me2]

IMO, i would stick to AGP. I think the PCIe is BS, because I do not see why they cannot keep using AGP8X, and its not even used at full speed, so I am guessing the video card marketing people means that 'Faster bus = faster play, but we dont even fully use all of its speed.' LOADS of people bought into that, but its only a slight performance increase.
Let the flaming war start against me!

[Kenshiro]

IMO, i would stick to AGP. I think the PCIe is BS, because I do not see why they cannot keep using AGP8X, and its not even used at full speed, so I am guessing the video card marketing people means that 'Faster bus = faster play, but we dont even fully use all of its speed.' LOADS of people bought into that, but its only a slight performance increase.
Let the flaming war start against me!

Well, technically speaking, I won't say the PCI-E is BS. However, I read an article in a computer magazine. People are asking the developers of HL2 if there is any performance between PCI-E and AGP. They said no. So, in current games, PCI-E is not useful at all.

[Kenshiro]

I want to build a system that will last about 4-5 years without 'major' upgrades.

I will strongly suggest that you wait for PCI-E mobo with SLI support to come out early next year before you make your purchase. For "future proofing", you will want to stick with PCI-E.

It is definitely cheaper to by yesterday's top of the line system. But it will outdate faster.

[WilliamG]

Thanks for the feedback. Even though PCIe may (right now) still have no advantage over AGP, it does sound as if it is the best choice for "future-proofing".

Any other thoughts on selecting a particular video card manufacturer? I am guessing that some manufacturers must be more reliable or have better quality than others. Are there any I should favor, or stay away from?

Thanks again!

[AA]

Well as far as video card manufacturers go I wouldn't say that you can go "wrong" with any particular brand. But if you are looking for warranties then get a BFG because they carry lifetime warranties. I have had good personal experiences with gainwards too, especially for overclocking. Good luck on the new system! :p