New Home Built PC

I decided to get a new computer and picked out the parts for it on NewEgg.com. I'm gonna order the parts soon but I wanted to run it past with you guys first to see if you find any problems.

Case: SILVERSTONE TEMJIN SERIES Black ATX Mid Tower Case, Model "SST-TJ05-B"

Specifications:
Case Type: Mid Tower Case
Color: Black
Material: Aluminum Front Panel, 0.8 SECC Body
Drive Bays: 5.25" x 4/0, 3.5" x 2/8 (external/internal)
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x IEEE 1394, 1 x Mic, 1 x Earphone
Power Supply: N/A
Cooling System: 2 x 120mm fan
Motherboard Compatibility: Extend ATX, Standard ATX or Micro ATX
Dimensions (HxWxD): 19.5" x 8.5" x 24.5"

Motherboard: ASUS "A7V880" VIA KT880 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU

Specifications:
Supported CPU: Socket A AMD AthlonXP/Athlon/Duron Processors
Chipset: KT880 + VT8237
FSB: 400/333MHz
RAM: 4x DIMM support Dual Channel DDR400/333/266 Max 4GB
IDE: 2x ATA 133 up to 4 Devices
Slots: 1x AGP 8X, 5x PCI, 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi slot for Wireless LAN upgrade
Ports: 2x PS/2, 1x COM, 1x LPT, 8x USB2.0(Rear 4), 1xRJ45, S/PDIF, Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: ADI SoundMAX 6-channel audio
Onboard SATA/RAID: 2x Serial ATA with RAID 0, 1 function
Onboard LAN: Marvell Gigabit LAN controller supporting 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet
Form Factor: ATX

Processor: AMD Athlon XP 3200+ "Barton", 400MHz FSB, 512K Cache Processor - OEM

Specifications:
Model: AMD Athlon XP 3200+
Core: Barton
Operating Frequency: 2.2GHz
FSB: 400MHz
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/512K
Voltage: 1.65V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket A
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+

Fan and Heatsink: CoolerMaster JET 7 CPU FAN for AMD XP 3200+ and higher, Model "ACB-V83"

Specifications:
Compatibility: Socket A/ 370/ 462
Dimensions: Fan: 80 x 80 x 80 mm, HeatSink: 74 x 60 x 40 mm
Bearing Type: Dual Ball Bearing
Nominal Speed(RPM): 1900~ 3500
Max Air Flow (CFM): 12.0~ 22.1
Max Pressure: 10.70 mm H2O
HeatSink Material: Copper base with Aluminum stacked fin
Rated Voltage: 5.0~ 13.8V
Connector: 4 Pin (Power Input), 3 Pin (Speed Detection)
Noise(dBA): 21~ 41
Special Features: Application for AMD XP 3200+ and higher


Memory: Corsair Value Select (Dual Pack) 184 Pin 1G(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Corsair
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit

Video Card: ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Video Card, 256MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP

Specifications:
Chipset: ATI RADEON 9800 PRO
Memory: 256MB DDR
BUS: AGP 8X
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub)+TV-Out(S-Video)+DVI connector
Support 3D API: DirectX®9, OpenGL®2.0
Cable/Accessories: 2 Cables, 2 Adapters, 1 CD, Manual
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz


Hard Drive: Hitachi 160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model HDS722516VLSA80 - OEM

Specifications:
Capacity: 160GB
Average Seek Time: 8.5 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: Lowest power requirements, Optional low acoustic and power modes

DVD/CD-ROM Drive: Lite-On 8X Double Layer DVD+/-RW Drive, Model SOHW-832S

Specifications:
Write Speed: 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 2.4X DVD+R9, 40X CD-R, 24X CD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 12X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows 98 / NT 4.0 / ME / 2000 / XP
Features: Supported Double Layer DVD+R9 Recording Function. SMART-BURN. SMART-X function. VAS system.

CD-ROM Drive: Lite-On White 52X32X52 Internal EIDE CD-RW Drive, Model SOHR-5238S

Specifications:
Write Speed: 52X CD-R, 32X CD-RW
Read Speed: 52X CD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
Features: Innovated SMART-BURN technology, SMART-BURN technology


Floppy Drive: Samsung Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model SFD321B/LBL1, - OEM

Specifications:
Capacity: 1.44MB
Average Access Time: not specified
Interface: 34 Pin Standard Floppy Connector
Form: 3.5 inch
Media Type: All Standard 1.44MB & 720KB 3.5 Floppy Diskettes
Features: Easy to Install, Just Plug & Play, For IBM5 & 100% Compatible Computers

The overall cost is: $ 1,391.73 (Including a moniter, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and tube of Arctic Silver 5 not mentioned above)

Sounds like a great setup. Let us know how it all works out

if you want to overclock then you should get a mobile and not a locked 3200+ the mobile can easily be clocked to 3200+ speed. Also if you are going to overclock avoid the VIA chipset and go Nvidia. If you are going to overclock, look into thermalright heatsinks.

What would be a good current high-quality AMD processor that I could overclock in the future?

I'm thinking about the Athlon 64 FX-53 but I wouldn't be comfortable messing with a processor of that stature.

well, either you can get the Athlon XP series

AMD 2500+ Barton mobile
NF7-S

Or you can get the Athlon 64 bit setup

AMD A64 3000+
EPoX EP-8KDA3J

that should do you great!

Well, my processor choice depends on the answer to this question: Is it possible to OC a AMD A64 3000+ processor from a frequency of 2.0 GHz to 2.2GHz and possibly further?

73h n00bc4nn0n said:

Well, my processor choice depends on the answer to this question: Is it possible to OC a AMD A64 3000+ processor from a frequency of 2.0 GHz to 2.2GHz and possibly further?

Click to expand...

Uhhh, it runs at 2.0Ghz stock. What's that tell you?

I don't know, I'm Count Nubula.

I'm assuming it's possible.

Let me know how the dual layer dvd burner wrks out. I am dying to have one.

Anyway, keep in mind that the Athlon64 is a lot faster per clock. The A64 2800+(1.8ghz) beats the AXP 3200+(2.2ghz) in nearly every benchmark. I found my A64 to be roughly equal to my mobile XP at 2.4ghz, and the A64's can usualy overclock into the 2.4-2.6ghz range, if you get a good chip. I know of no xp that can match it. The only reason not to go 64 now is because of price limitations, but seeing as you picked the AXP 3200+ over the identicly 2500+ and much better 2600+, that doesnt seem to matter too much to you.

New and improved specifications

I've changed some things, and I'm pretty sure that this is going to be the final hardware list:

Case: SILVERSTONE TEMJIN SERIES Black ATX Mid Tower Case, Model "SST-TJ05-B"

Specifications:
Case Type: Mid Tower Case
Color: Black
Material: Aluminum Front Panel, 0.8 SECC Body
Drive Bays: 5.25" x 4/0, 3.5" x 2/8 (external/internal)
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x IEEE 1394, 1 x Mic, 1 x Earphone
Power Supply: N/A
Cooling System: 2 x 120mm fan
Motherboard Compatibility: Extend ATX, Standard ATX or Micro ATX
Dimensions (HxWxD): 19.5" x 8.5" x 24.5"

Motherboard: ASUS "K8N-E Deluxe" NVIDIA nForce3 Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 754 CPU

Specifications:
Supported CPU: AMD Athlon 64 Processor
Chipset: NVIDIA nForce3 250Gb
FSB: 800 MHz
RAM: 3x DIMM Supports DDR266/333/400 Max 3GB
Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X, 5x PCI
Ports: 2x PS/2, 1x COM, 1x LPT, 8x USB2.0(Rear 4), 1x IEEE1394, 1xRJ45, 1x S/PDIF Out, Audio Ports
IDE: 2x ATA 133 up to 4 Devices
Onboard SATA/RAID: 2x SATA RAID with 0,1,0+1 by South Bridge, 4x SATA RAID with 0,1,1+0,5 by Sil 3114
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC850(8-Ch)
Onboard LAN: 1000 BASE-T Ethernet
Onboard 1394: 2x ports by VIA VT6307
Form Factor: ATX

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache, 64-bit Processor

Specifications:
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Core: Newcastle
Operating Frequency: 2.0GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/512K
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 754
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+

Fan and Heatsink: COOLER MASTER CPU Cooler for AMD K8 and Intel P4, Model "KHC-V81-U1"

Specifications:
Compatibility: AMD K8 (socket 754/940) and Intel P4 (socket 478)
Dimensions: Fan: 80 x 80 x 25 mm, Heatsink: 96 x 82 x 120 mm
Bearing Type: Sleeve bearing
Nominal Speed(RPM): 1400 ~ 3000
HeatSink Material: 6 heat pipes + 100% Copper stacked fin with copper base
Rated Voltage: 6 ~ 12V
Connector: 4 Pin (Power Input), 3 Pin (Speed Detection)
Noise(dBA): 19 ~ 24

PSU: Aspire Turbo Case Series 500W 12V Blue Aluminum Power Supply, Model "ATX-AS500-BL 12V"

Specifications:
Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 500W
Material: Aluminum
Dimensions(DxWxH): 150x168.5x86mm
Shipping Weight: @PC 4.5 lbs / 8pcs Per Box
Features: ATX 500 P4 Aluminum Power Supply, w/See-Through Clear Acrylic Cover (Fire Resistant Material), w/2 x 8cm UV Blue Fan w/Blue Led Lights, Multi-Color Coated Components & PC Board, Green UV Sensitive Wiresleeve & Connectors, w/Fan Speed Adjuster, w/ I/O Switch Cable-Tube-Tied Wires for Neatness, w/Gift Box

Memory: Corsair Value Select (Dual Pack) 184 Pin 1G(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Corsair
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit

Video Card: ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Video Card, 256MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP

Specifications:
Chipset: ATI RADEON 9800 PRO
Memory: 256MB DDR
BUS: AGP 8X
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub)+TV-Out(S-Video)+DVI connector
Support 3D API: DirectX®9, OpenGL®2.0
Cable/Accessories: 2 Cables, 2 Adapters, 1 CD, Manual
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz

Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS PCI Sound Card, Model "SB0350"

Specifications:
Channels: 7.1
Max Sampling Rate: 192kHz
Signal-Noise Ratio: 108dB(SNR)
Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital EX
Digital Audio: 24-bit
Hardware Polyphony: 64 Voices
PC Interface: PCI
Connectors: Line-out, Line-in, Mic-in, Digital Out(5.1), Firewire(IEEE1394), Analog/Digital CD Audio in, Telephone Answering Device in, GAME/MIDI port via extension header, Internal IEEE1394 header and AD_EXT extension header to Audigy 2 ZS Internal I/O Drive(See Details)
External Box: N/A
Remote Control: N/A
Special Features: DVD Audio, THX certified, EAX

Hard Drive: Hitachi 160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model HDS722516VLSA80 - OEM

Specifications:
Capacity: 160GB
Average Seek Time: 8.5 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: Lowest power requirements, Optional low acoustic and power modes

DVD/CD-ROM Drive: Lite-On 8X Double Layer DVD+/-RW Drive, Model SOHW-832S

Specifications:
Write Speed: 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 2.4X DVD+R9, 40X CD-R, 24X CD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 12X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows 98 / NT 4.0 / ME / 2000 / XP
Features: Supported Double Layer DVD+R9 Recording Function. SMART-BURN. SMART-X function. VAS system.

CD-ROM Drive: Lite-On White 52X32X52 Internal EIDE CD-RW Drive, Model SOHR-5238S

Specifications:
Write Speed: 52X CD-R, 32X CD-RW
Read Speed: 52X CD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
Features: Innovated SMART-BURN technology, SMART-BURN technology

Floppy Drive: Samsung Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model SFD321B/LBL1, - OEM

Specifications:
Capacity: 1.44MB
Average Access Time: not specified
Interface: 34 Pin Standard Floppy Connector
Form: 3.5 inch
Media Type: All Standard 1.44MB & 720KB 3.5 Floppy Diskettes
Features: Easy to Install, Just Plug & Play, For IBM5 & 100% Compatible Computers

The overall cost is: $ 1,785.21 (Including a moniter, keyboard, mouse, speakers, Windows XP Pro, Anti-Virus software, and tube of Arctic Silver 5 not mentioned above)

This is my first time building a computer from scratch, I hope everything comes out compatible.

Any ideas, insights, observations, or suggestions?

Congratz, you setup is now awesome. ^_^

um, wow that setup is nice, you do realize that yes the dvd-rw drive can burn cds allbeit at a slower speed but it still can burn cds.

Any reason why you're opting for the 256MB version of the 9800 pro? Most of the benchmarks I have seen in the past say the 128 megs doesn't matter much.

I'm not a *huge* fan of Lite-On, but I have the same dvd burner, and I like it all right.

I would talk to Maxvla about a soundcard, he'll recommend you a Chaintech for $30 or so, and explain to you that the sound quality is on-part if not better then the Audigy 2's.

Argh, I hear that this motherboard isn't particularly good and isn't compatible with the Corsair Memory!

I don't know if I should get new memory and ride out the BIOS drama with this motherboard or get an entirely new CPU/Motherboard.

Any suggestions?

Final System Specs

Made some changes to make it all seem a bit more smooth, and a little less money.

Final NewEgg Order:

Case: Thermaltake VA4000 Series SViking VA4000BWS Black Mid Tower Case With fan speed controllers & Temp. LCD Monitor with alarm

Specifications:
Case Type: Mid Tower
Color: Black
Material: 0.8 mm SECC
Drive Bays: 5.25" x 4/0, 3.5" x 1/5 (external/internal)
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: 2 x USB2.0, 2 x audio, 1 x IEEE1394
Power Supply: N/A
Cooling System: 1 x 120mm front fan, 1 x 120mm rear fan
Motherboard Compatibility: Micro ATX, Standard ATX
Dimensions: 17.4" x 7.9" x 19.9"(HxWxD)
Features: Screw-less CDROM ,HDD & Add-on cards assembly, Record & adjust pre-setting Temp(with blue back light)

Power Supply Unit:Aspire Turbo Case Series 500W 12V Blue Aluminum Power Supply, Model "ATX-AS500-BL 12V"

Specifications:
Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 500W
Material: Aluminum
Dimensions(DxWxH): 150x168.5x86mm
Shipping Weight: @PC 4.5 lbs / 8pcs Per Box
Features: ATX 500 P4 Aluminum Power Supply, w/See-Through Clear Acrylic Cover (Fire Resistant Material), w/2 x 8cm UV Blue Fan w/Blue Led Lights, Multi-Color Coated Components & PC Board, Green UV Sensitive Wiresleeve & Connectors, w/Fan Speed Adjuster, w/ I/O Switch Cable-Tube-Tied Wires for Neatness, w/Gift Box


Motherboard: EPoX "EP-8KDA3+" nForce3 250Gb Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 754 CPU

Specifications:
Supported CPU: AMD Athlon64 Processors
Chipset: nVIDIA nForce3 250Gb
FSB: 800MHz (Hyper-Transport)
RAM: 3x DIMM for DDR400/333/266 Max 3GB
IDE: 2x ATA 133 up to 4 Devices
Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X(1.5V), 6x PCI
Ports: 2xPS/2,1xLPT,1xCOM,SPDIF Out,1xLAN,8xUSB2.0(Rear 4),Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC850 8-Channel Codec
Onboard LAN: Gigabit Ethernet
Onboard SATA/RAID: 2 by nForce3 250Gb, 4 by Sil3114 w/ RAID 0/1/10
Form Factor: ATX


Central Processing Unit: AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache, 64-bit Processor

Specifications:
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Core: Newcastle
Operating Frequency: 2.0GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/512K
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 754
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Packaging: OEM(Processor Only)

Heatsink and Fan: COOLER MASTER CPU Cooler for AMD K8 and Intel P4, Model "KHC-V81-U1"

Specifications:
Compatibility: AMD K8 (socket 754/940) and Intel P4 (socket 478)
Dimensions: Fan: 80 x 80 x 25 mm, Heatsink: 96 x 82 x 120 mm
Bearing Type: Sleeve bearing
Nominal Speed(RPM): 1400 ~ 3000
HeatSink Material: 6 heat pipes + 100% Copper stacked fin with copper base
Rated Voltage: 6 ~ 12V
Connector: 4 Pin (Power Input), 3 Pin (Speed Detection)
Noise(dBA): 19 ~ 24

Memory: Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 1.5G(512MBx3) DDR PC-3200

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Corsair
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime

Video Card: ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Video Card, 256MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP

Specifications:
Chipset: ATI RADEON 9800 PRO
Memory: 256MB DDR
BUS: AGP 8X
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub)+TV-Out(S-Video)+DVI connector
Support 3D API: DirectX®9, OpenGL®2.0
Cable/Accessories: 2 Cables, 2 Adapters, 1 CD, Manual
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
Retail Box (See pics for details)

Harddrive: Seagate 160GB Barracuda 7200.7 7200RPM SATA II with NCQ Hard Drive, Model ST3160827AS

Specifications:
Capacity: 160GB
Average Seek Time: 8.5 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
Interface: Serial SATA 150
Features: Up to 20 percent performance improvement over previous SATA, 100 percent software compatible with existing PCs
Manufacturer Warranty: 5 years
Packaging: OEM

DVD/CD-ROM Drive: NEC 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive, Model ND-2510A SW BLK

Specifications:
Write Speed: 2.4X Double Layer DVD+R9, 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 32X CD-R, 16X CD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 12X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows XP/ 2000/ Me/ 98SE
Features: Vertical operation possible, Anti-dust seal, PC 2001 Certification, MultiRead compliant.
Packaging: OEM (W/ Roxio Software)

Secondary CD-ROM Drive: Lite-On Black 52X32X52 CD-RW Drive, Model LTR-52327S, OEM

Specifications:
Write Speed: 52X CD-R, 32X CD-RW
Read Speed: 52X CD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows 95/98/NT/ME/XP/2000
Features: Innovated SMART-BURN technology
Packaging: OEM pack

Floppy Drive: Samsung Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model SFD321B/LBL1

Specifications:
Capacity: 1.44MB
Average Access Time: not specified
Interface: 34 Pin Standard Floppy Connector
Form: 3.5 inch
Media Type: All Standard 1.44MB & 720KB 3.5 Floppy Diskettes
Features: Easy to Install, Just Plug & Play, For IBM5 & 100% Compatible Computers
Packaging: OEM 1 Year Warranty

So, how would you rate it?

Nice setup. I would rate it a 8/10. You have lots of memory, which is awesome. A good vid card. A brand new cpu, which for one is just great now and will be even better once 64 bit programs come out. Plus you have a dual layer dvd burner so you wont even have to upgrade for a while. That system will do you good, the only bad part i would have to say would be the psu you chose. A sparkle//fortron 530 watt would have been better. All in all thats a great system though.

If I had the money to buy all these I would go for 6800GT or x800 Pro for video card.

I ordered my A64 upgrade from Newegg 2 days ago, we have the same processor and ram

A64 3000+ AX "CG" revision
Chaintech VNF-250G Mobo
Corsair Value select cas 2.5 512x2
Antec Solution Series SLK3700AMB with 350watt antec PSU
1x 120mm fan.

Btw I have a side questions...are there any places that you can mount up sojme 80mm fan ijn the 3700amb case? Because all i got is the back and the extra front bottom 120mm fan..that makes up total of TWO fans..not sure it's enough tho..

73h n00bc4nn0n said:

Made some changes to make it all seem a bit more smooth, and a little less money.


So, how would you rate it?

Click to expand...

First off: Thanks for making it easy to read, I LOVE it.

Ok, two things, the very minor thing is your secondary cd-rom doesn't read DVDs, which is not very cool, good luck copying a DVD, trust me, for ten dollars you'll be glad you got it, this way IF one of the dvd players fails, you have a backup! Backup two movies at once, etc. etc.

The big thing I see is your tradeoff on the video card for more ram.
One gig is enough. 512MB is enough, 1 gig is more than ample. Yes more might help, but nowhere near as much as a newer video card, I'd drop the third stick and up the video card power undoubtedly. I'm ignoring the PSU issue ideas, but agreeing with what they're saying about that too.