I've been out of the loop for quite some time, what do you think of this setup?

[Morbid]

I won't be overclocking this machine, so I'm looking for good performance that's stock. Although I haven't been around the scene for almost 2 years, I think I pieced together something decent. Let me know what you think or what you would change about it.

(1)Shuttle XPC Black Barebone System for Socket 939 AMD Athlon 64 CPU, Model SN95G5 Info (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=56-101-457)
(1)AMD Athlon 64 3500+, 2.2 GHz, 512KB L2 Cache 64-bit Socket 939 Processor (Winchester)
(1)Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, (Twin Pack) 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200
(2)Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive (RAID 0)
(1)ViewSonic VP171B-2 17" LCD Monitor, 8ms Info (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=24-116-347)
(1)Sony Internal 16X DVD+/-RW / Double Layer Drive Black, Model DW-D22A-B Info (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=27-131-239)
(1)Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Digital Speaker System w/Digital Hardware Decoder

What I already own that will be moving to this PC:
(1)ATi 9800 Pro 128mb
(1)Logitech MX510
(1)Logitech Elite Keyboard

I may be using my Turtle Beach Santa Cruz soundcard, but I'm open to suggestions.

[subtotal]

seems ok, but fyi those small form factor pcs are funaces even at stock so you might want to create a "suckhole" in the case to aid cooling.

as for the raptors in raid might not be neccesary, one of the standing debates in the forum is how much of a performance boost is given by RAID 0, and whether its worht the risk of losing your data

[Morbid]

So, just slap a hole in the case somewhere? I plan on putting a handle on it myself, so I can do that at the same time. Do you have pictures or can you link me to one that's been done before so I can get a better grasp on the idea?

I've had two Raptors in RAID 0 before and I loved it. From my understanding, you get slightly better performance from SATA than you do from EIDE unless they're in RAID 0. However, if I've been misinformed, I'll go with one raptor drive and a larger secondary drive (200gb) for backup/storage.

Thanks!

[Morbid]

Any other input?

[Radical]

I would go with the Chaintech AV-710 Soundcard instead of the Turtle Beach card.

[subtotal]

S-ATA has a burst speed of 150MB/s P-ATA (EIDE) has a burst speed of 133MB/s (or less depending on the maufacturer) RAID 0 adds to the performance of hard drives irrelevant of the interface, what i meant was some people question the practical advantages of RAID 0, not SATA.

as for the hole in the cover, a friend of mine (not an oc'er) had one of those SFF pc's however with the side on it was runnig on the verge of shutdown under load. the openings punched into the case are insufficient for even half decent airflow.
one solution i've seen was where the sides were replaced with expanded mesh.

here's the link: http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1026719863&postcount=23

[Morbid]

Thanks for the link, I could pull something like that off.

I'm starting to think if I want to go with SFF, it'd be nice, but I dunno. I kind of miss my old Vapochill system. I just hated carrying it, not that I carry it around alot anyway. I use to go to a few LAN parties, but ever since I got my car - most of my time/money has been directed towards it.

I've pieced together another one here, it's a little more.

Shuttle Black XPC Barebone System for Socket 775 at 533/800 FSB Intel CPU, Model SB77G5
Intel LGA775 Pentium 4 550 3.4 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology
Lite-On 16X DVD Dual Drive, Model SOHW-1633S Black
Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series,(Twin Pack) 184 Pin 2GB(1GB x 2) DDR PC-3200
Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD740GD
Western Digital 200GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD2000JD
CHAINTECH 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card, Model "AV-710"
ViewSonic VP912B 19" LCD Monitor, 12ms
Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Digital Speaker System w/Digital Hardware Decoder

Along with my 9800 Pro, keyboard and mouse.

I'm just not sure about the Prescott core. Oh well, I've got a week and some change to figure this all out.

[Morbid]

Also the same system as the Intel, just switch to a 3500+ Winchester is $12.02 more expensive than the Intel - including shipping.

[Sentential]

Any other input?
1)Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, (Twin Pack) 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200


Change that RAM for Gskill's PC4400. Its alot better.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-231-006&depa=0

[Morbid]

Actually, I've decided to up it to 2GB of memory. Since it only has two slots for memory, I figured it's best to go with Corsairs offering.

Remember: this won't be overclocked.

[Morbid]

I remember when you could actually get more than 3 people to respond to threads like this. Oh well.

[ajrettke]

I'll give ya some input :)
I totaly agree with subtotal on the HDD calls, I think your making a much wiser decision.
For the AMD/Intel change...I would stick with AMD if you plan on gaming, but if you do a lot of multitasking and photo/video encoding you'll like the Intel.
I wouldn't goto 2gb of RAM personaly because I don't use all 1gb even when playing CS:Source...you could probably save cash and just get 1gb now and upgrade to 2gb later....(unless you plan on keeping this system just like this for a few years)

Check your motherboard to see how many SATA ports you have and consider getting a SATA DVD-RW...plextor makes one....it might be nice for airflow as well.

Lastly I'm partial to Klipsch so I would go with promedia 5.1's....what it comes down to is Klipsch produce a "better" sound but won't go as loud, but the logitechs can go louder (But for me I've never reached a setting where I want to go louder....I got a HT setup for that)

[Morbid]

I appreciate the input. :)

Looks like it'll be a little longer before I order this stuff - tax return screw up on my behalf. Typed the wrong account number on the direct deposit. :o

:D