PC Build - Safe than sorry

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Trotter said:
True. AMD has a killer bus speed, plus the memory controller is on-chip instead of on the mobo. And you can always overclock...

Looks like a nice setup.

Hey Trotter, did they fix the memory controller for the Conroe? (it being off the chip)
 
Hey Trotter, did they fix the memory controller for the Conroe? (it being off the chip)

I have no idea. Nor am I really worried about it as it will be quite a while before I get to build a new rig. but it seems funny that it's taken Intel this long to copy AMD... and they still didn't get it right.

Actually, I read something about a new revision coming out to address it, but I didn't pay close attention (see above :D).
 
Is this pc above average spec?

I'm going to be putting an order in for these parts (still not sure about gfx card tho).

I will be running windows xp pro @ 1024*786 res. I will buy the extra RAM later in the year. What are likely problems i could encounter?
 
dcc said:
As it has already been suggested, you could go with more RAM, there are games out there that will suck up 512MB. If you do buy two modules, they don't have to be a "kit" for dual channel operation, just make sure they are both the exactly the same. I would also suggest going with a better quality RAM like Crucial, I have heard that there have been comapatibility issues with Kingston and Asus motherboards.

I would also go for a larger hdd.
Modern games will definetly suck up 512mb. they might even suck up 1gb. everquest 2 sucks up my 2gb at times.
 
I would suggest a different brand of RAM as well. Kingston is a well known company and their performance RAM is pretty good, but as far as value ram goes it's really hit or miss with compatibility.

On the value ram, they use many different chips each time they manufature. For example, I've got one stick with Micron chips and another stick with chips from a brand I've never heard of. Techpowerup.com has a nice database of good/bad chips, so might be a place to check out.

Edit: Not trying to say you need high dollar ram, just a different brand for the value, such as Corsair, Crucial, etc.
 
ahh i might be getting 120gb drive. I will be more than likely upgrading to 1gb ram. And for kingston i checked here

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/models.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com for
ASUS A8V-VM motherboard (is that the same as the one i chose??) and then that returned compatible products. I click on the link for http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/con...//www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=KVR400X72C3A/512 (512MB 400MHz DDR ECC CL3 (3-3-3) DIMM). Is that the same module as http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/49294

???
Thx

EDIT: So with a 1gb ram 120gb hard drive, how powerful would you say this pc is? I want to get a cheaper gfx card that can run bf2 on medium settings...anybody know of any. I currently run bf2 on ATI RADEON 9550 (AGP SLOT) on HIGH settings (1024x786 res tho) which is about £40 but my current pc has 3.6ghz and 2gb ram so it makes up for gfx card. With this new pc im building what gfx card can run bf2 on medium quality.
 
Ive chosen a cheaper graphics card (can it run bf2 on medium settings?). Here is the final list:

CPU - AMD (Venice) Athlon 64Bit 3200+ Socket 939pin 512k L2cache 90nm Retail Boxed ProcessorFan Included.
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/88109 £44
MEMORY - Kingston 512MB DDR PC3200 400MHz CL3 Memory Module (Lifetime warrenty)
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/49294 £27
MOBO - Asus A8V-VM Socket 939 VIAKM890 M-ATX Green VGA Sound Lan USB 2.0 FSB 1000 SATA 133
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/112239 £17
CASE - Extra Value Mid Tower Case Cream/Black Trim - With 400W PSU
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/114399 £22
GFX CARD -Sapphire Radeon X1300 256MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI-E VGA / TVO / DVI-I
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...duct_uid=113224 £43
HARD DRIVE
Got 120gb IDE £0
SOUND CARD
Onboard mobo £0
MONITOR
Got one already £0
OPTICAL DRIVES
CD, and DVD £0
CABLES - Should come with mobo
£0

TOTAL: £185.72 - WITH SHIPPING AND VAT



Im contacting kingston via emial about ram compatibility. And it is likely i will be upgrading to 1gb.
I hope the graphics card should be ok I checked a review here http://www.planetamd64.com/lofivers...php/t15920.html
Just a few more questions...
Should i buy an extra fans?
On the scale of 1(v.crap) to 10(v.good) what would you mark this pc as?
Is it a good build for under £200?

Thanks for all the help
:D
 
512MB with BF2? Not a good combination. BF2 is very memory intensive.

The X1300 is a pretty low-end card.
 
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