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thoughts on first pc im building

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pvc_and_frost

Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2003
Location
united states
i am preparing to build a completely new gaming system from the ground up. i have about $1500 to spend, and maybe a little more depending on my job.......

mobo-i want an nforce2 with the nvidia soundstorm, as it gets better performance, i can upgrade sound later.....does the a7n8x have that?

cpu-i am somewhat familiar with overclocking, but not to the extremes....either a 2100 or a 2500 here.

memory-kingston hyperx---2x256 ddr333 cl2

video card-hercules 3dprophet 9800 pro

speakers-logitech z640

case-not sure yet, either the dragon or plusview1000amg or matrix case

monitor-hoping to go lcd depending on funds, but pretty much anything leftover will be spent on it

harddrive-wd800jb or 80gig with 8mg cache

cd-rw-asus 52-24-52x cdrw

mouse-logitech mx500

keyboard-samsung somthing, cant remember........

and i believe thats everything i need....

so just any thoughts, especially on a mobo with soundstorm apu
 
Looks pretty good to me man. I'm personally a big fan of the Nforce 2. I'm amazed at the prices down in the states if that's below $1500.

Best of luck with the system.
 
Forget the LCD too, you'll ultimately be happier with a good CRT solution, in the 19" or up range. Your local Walmart might have 19" KDS monitors in stock at the insane price of $188.change.

Quick suggestions / confirmations:

Barton 2500 in the $150 range, sweet.
Any decent nForce2 board, like the Asus or the Abit NF7 Rev2.
Skip the PC2700/DDR333 and get at least 3200/DDR400, from a reputable mfgr. Kingston Hyper-X should be fine.

If your sound budget cuts into your core box budget, wait until later to buy the $400 speaker set, etc. Build the foundation solid, and everything else can follow later.
 
what nf2 mobos have the soundstorm? overall i hear it has good audio quality, and 10% more performance than any sound card....other than sound disabled....LCD, just like the idea of it, but my friend got one, and i dont see the point......spend the money i was on the LCD on a 9800 w/ 256mgs ddr2 hehehehehe
 
I would go with pc3200 memory if you are planning on ocing (corsair xms cas2 pc3200 would be my recommendation).

I think you will like the Asus A7N8X motherboard alot.

As for monitors I would steer clear of LCDs, especially considering your budget. A good LCD for gaming would just devestate your entire budget. On the flipside you can get real nice quality 19" CRT monitors without breaking the bank.
 
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