opinions on build...be gentle

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the_gris

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Ok guys,

let me know what you think....my first attempt at my $500-600 build

any sugesstions would be great...I am looking to order later this week

ASPIRE Beige Turbo Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "ATXB2KL/350" -RETAIL
Item# N82E16811144070
$39.00

Maxtor DiamondMax 10 200GB 7200RPM P-ATA/133 Hard Drive, Model 6B200P0, OEM Drive Only
Item# N82E16822140151
$103.25

Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail
Item# N82E16820145026
$68.00

ASRock "P4V88 RAID" VIA PT880 Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU -RETAIL
Item# N82E16813157034
$45.00

Intel Pentium 4/ 3.0E GHz 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail
Item# N82E16819116171
$181.00

CHAINTECH nVIDIA GeForce FX5500 Video Card, 256MB DDR, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "SA5500T2" -RETAIL
Item# N82E16814145076
$78.00


Product total: $514.25
 
i just built a rig with that MB and processor, only problem was that the hard drive was 1st in the bootup cycle when i tried installing windows just hafta get into the bios and change it to CD/DVD drive. but im sure you'll love it
 
just my opinion, but if this is a gaming rig go for AMD. If you get the combo that a lot of us have here (xp mobile and NF7-S v2) you will have a system better for games and just about on par with a p4 3.0 in everything else. Also, the MB and Processor cost LESS that the pentium 3.0 alone. This will allow more money to be place into other important parts.

if you give me a minite i can set you up with a few links to the things you want
 
Thanks guys

Nubius,
I know nothing about video cards, so believe me your suggestion is great,
....I am just taking my best stab at a decent system on a 500-600 budget, but I am willing to spend more if it is worthy of great improvement

01altima_se,

I notice you have the same type of system I am trying to build....was it far out of my budget?

thanks again
great help for a novice
 
ak_smallz,

It is a system for some games and drawing programs like autocad and solid works...as well as office software

....so I am not sure which route to go
so far I do not play that many games (though I like them) due to my current crapy computer 667 Mhz dell with 256Mb

links would be great,....I would go with AMD if it is a better deal
 
Motherboard: Abit NF7-S v2
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-166&depa=1
this board is one of the best socket A's for overclocking your XP processors (very simple, and at times can be fun.)

CPU: Athlon XP-Mobile 2600+
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-436&depa=1
This is the AMD equivalent of a pentium 2.6 gig processor. But since iit is a mobile processor, it takes less voltage, wich therefore keeps temps lower. This allows for easy overclocking, and you will be able to bring it up to atleast 2.2 gigs no problem, which is the equavalent of a pentium 3.2 gig processor. Great Value

CPU FAN: Thermaltake Volcano 12+
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-106-035&depa=1
You have to have one of these or you will fry your system. This thing is a beast and is probably the best socket a cooler out there. It is EXTREMELY loud when turned on full blast, but luckely there is a fan controller to fit your needs. Can be silent if needed.

RAM: Corsair 512MB Value
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-026&depa=1
Same as you had before. Great choice. Corsairs a good company and makes cheap, quality ram.

Hard Drive: Maxtor 200GB S-ATA HD
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-324&depa=1
its about 10 bucks more than what you had, but you will appreciate SATA beacuse its speed. Only thing is that it takes a bit to setup, but once its ready its great.

Video Card: Sapphire 9600XT
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-460&depa=1
A lot of people have it, it is cheap, and most love it. It will probably play any game at all right now. Its got a great price/performance ratio.

Those are the most important parts. All you need now is a case, power supply, monitor, and CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD drives.
I highly suggest picking up 2-3 case fans to keep good airflow going. Check to see how many your case comes with and see if a few more would work. Also, pick up a floppy drive. You need it to install SATA, and its just good to have.

BTW, heres a link to a nice cheap case fan:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-150-007&depa=1


have fun and ask more questions if you need help.
 
you can get a amd 64 for round 100 bucks now id recomend that (prob alil higher but well worth it )
 
also, you might want to pick up thermal paste. The stuff that comes with the fan isnt that great, and a small thing of Arctic Silver 5 is like 7 bucks and thats all you need
anti static wristbands arent a bad idea to keep yourself from accidentally damaging the system

EDIT: AMD 64 isnt that bad of an idea, but i think the 2600-m is just what your looking for. If your willing to fork over a bit more cash, then athlon 64 is the way to go.
 
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=1

everyone seems to like this case. Its only 24 bucks and comes w/ a 350 w power supply

EDIT: also heres a cd-rw drive. Only 24 bucks and matches the previous case. there is also a black version if you decide on a different option.
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=27-106-822&DEPA=1

For themal paste, there you can get a tube of it at any CPU store for about 10 bucks. There is also some of this OCZ stuff that people are starting to use too:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-126-003&depa=1
 
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