Help with the shopping list

[Croney]

Alright i am a new member that has been reading the boards for about 3 weeks and i am hooked.
I am going to be making my first rig and i am going to be ordering all the parts from Monarch

I could use some help picking out the parts cause i do not know what is the best with this system

These are the parts i am going to buy, any suggestions are welcome

DFI Lanparty UT NF4 SLI-DR Expert Audio/GB-LAN/IEEE-1394/PCI-E/SATA3G/ATX 64 939 ($212)

AMD Opteron 165 Dual-Core 1.8GHz 1MB (per core) 64/32-Bit Socket 939 (Retail Box-w-Fan) ($299)

Enermax Noisetaker EG701AX-VE-SFMA ATX 2.01 w/SLI Support 600W Power Supply ($144)

Western Digital Caviar SE 250 GB SATA3G 16MB Cache 7200 RPM (WD2500KS) ($115)

I am not sure what memory would be good for overclocking the opteron. I dont particularily want to spend more then $300 for 2 x 1GB sticks but i could use a recomendationright now i am thinking about:

2 GB (2 pcs 1GB) DDR2 (667) PC2-5400 PQI (PQI25400-2GDB) ($183)

And i was thiking about a water cooling unit but i am not sure where to get a cheap one

Well if u guys have any comments, dont hesitate

 

[The Coolest]

First of all welcome to the forum and the addiction
Second I see that you chose DDR2 which is incompatible with AMD systems, you need regular DDR. I think some people here like the OCZ value and Crucial Ballistix memory, but i'm no expert on this one.
I don't see anything wrong with the system, except my personal preference is for Maxtor hard drives, but that won't make any impact on the performance really, so its your choice.
Make sure you get a roomy case and good air flow (get a few fans).
I'm not sure about water cooling, but retail kits usually perform worse than a DIY watercooling setup + they cost a lot more. A much better way would probably go air for now and later build your own WC system.
Get an XP-120 heatsink or an XP-90C and a quiet 120/92mm fan to fit it.

 

[Croney]

hmm,
didnt know that, so now i think i am gonna go with this memory as i have heard much about it

2 GB (2 pcs 1GB) DDR (400) PC-3200 OCZ Dual Channel Platinum ($261)

2 GB (2 pcs 1GB) DDR (400) PC-3200 OCZ Dual Channel Platinum

 

[darksparkz]

Well I'd recommend the OCZ Powerstream 520 over that Enermax, many people have gotten reliable and rock stable results from that Powerstream.

Also you might want to consider getting the OEM verison of that Opteron, if it's any cheaper, since your already planning on getting a heatsink/fan, no need for the retail stock one.

You would probably definitely hear much more about the Crucial Ballistix 2x1GB. It's pretty much the best 2x1GB set as of now, the new Mushkin Redlines are getting there, but the Ballistix are really popular. Many people have gotten over 280fsb with only 2.9v, and there are still some that have gotten over 300fsb. Plus their at $290.

Here's a source: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=67762&highlight=2x1GB+database

Most people choose Maxtor HDDs, but that Western Digital SATAII is really popular and fast too.

You'd probably want to get a DIY water cooling one, kits aren't that great.

 

[marscay]

powerstream over the enermax anyday of the week

 

[juliendogg]

I agree on the powerstream, or an FSP unit. Enermax can bite my rear . If you are new to overclocking AMD systems, I would try to steer you away from the DFI. It can be a very picky board, and at times difficult to get stable even at stock speeds. If you are adept at memory timings and such, it can be coaxed to higher HTT speeds than most boards on the market, however, you have to work at it. Perhaps look into the Epox 939 boards ? They overclock very well, and are a bit easier to get your head around. I don't think you'd be dissapointed with their offerings.

Looks like fun!

cheers!

J.

 

[darksparkz]

Well, according to DFi, the "Expert" verison is supposed to be easier to OC and yet get even higher clocks then previous verisons, so I guess it should be fine.

 

[Stavros]

What's your budget, or is it a "money is no object" system?

 

[Croney]

My budget is around $2000 for the whole system. I am hoping to be under budget but i still have to get the case and other little things.