First Build: Need Input

[Excelsius]

Finally, after almost two weeks of voracious reading in various forums my first system is ready. I am beginning to buy the parts right now and would appreciate any feedback from the pros. Here is what IÂ’m getting:

CPU: AMD AM2 4000+
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merc..._Code=M&Product_Code=120993&Category_Code=AM2

Motherboard: MSI K9N SLI Platinum
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130048

Memory: G. Skill 2x1GB 800DDR2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231071

Hard Drive: Western Digital 74 GB; 10,000 RPM; 16 MB Cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136033

Power Supply: Antec TruePower 2 550W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103932

Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech DiNovio Bluetooth Wireless
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823126177

Optical Drive: BenQ DW1655 with Lightscribe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827101008

SoundCard: E-MU 0404
http://www.zzounds.com/item--EMU8803

Speakers: Alesis M1 Active MK2 Biamp
http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALEM1AMK2


Case: Antec Performance
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129017


The case took the most amount of time to look for. I had also these choices, among others:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119042
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811196006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811165012
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119035





Do I need a separate heatsink with AMD? Is this system OK for future overclocking? (I have never done that either.)
I know about Conroe and AMD price drops, but I need this system now. My goal is to upgrade my system in a year or so by simply replacing the CPU with K8L and adding 2 more GBs of memory.
I already received Samsung 19” SyncMaster as a gift and don’t need a monitor. Also don’t need a graphic card because I don’t play video games.
For CPU, I could get 4600 or 4800, but given that those are already “old” tech CPUs, I don’t think they are worth the extra money.

Any system suggestions? I wanted to get 4200 at first, but someone in another forum recommended to get 4000 instead b/c it has a larger cache. Do you agree?

(I will be buying the CPU last, in case dual core prices drop earlier.)

 

[AnthraX]

You are going to need a video card if you want to view anything on your monitor. You can get a 7300GS or X1300 on NewEgg for pretty cheap.

 

[Excelsius]

.................

Edit: I somehow missed that in the specs

There is a much cheaper Asus mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131014

It has an integrated video card but I guess it doesn't have the same quality eh? If it doesn't, then my only solution would be a separate video card b/c none of the higher end mobo's have integrated video card.

 

[AnthraX]

So then I guess there is no graphic card integrated into the motherboard?

Nope.

Also, you aren't going to need that extra network card. Your motherboard has 2 gigabit network cards built in.

 

[Excelsius]

Thanks for letting me know. I'll edit the network card out then.
Do you think if I cheap out on the vidoe card I will have a slow system, especially when Vista comes out with Aero graphics? I also use photoshop and other 3D designing software (SolidWorks). I want to make sure that I don't get the wrong video card.

 

[AnthraX]

Thanks for letting me know. I'll edit the network card out then.
Do you think if I cheap out on the vidoe card I will have a slow system, especially when Vista comes out with Aero graphics? I also use photoshop and other 3D designing software (SolidWorks). I want to make sure that I don't get the wrong video card.

Do not get onboard video. Especially if you are planning to use Windows Vista, Photoshop and Solidworks. The 7300GS or X1300 would be alright for Vista and Photoshop. I do not know about Solidworks, you may need something higher for that.

 

[Excelsius]

I was told 7600GT would be better. I decided to get:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814133150

What do you think?

Can anyone give me some info about a great wireless keyboard/mouse set that has a range of at least 8 ft? MS sucks. The DiNovo that I listed has great range and reviews, but someone in another forum told me that it doesn't work that great.

 

[Waphlez]

7600GT is a good card and should run Vista and apps on it quite well.

 

[Excelsius]

I read more great reviews about DiNovo and I think it's good enough, especially since the mouse is rechargeable and I don't have to waste money on batteries.

I got some great feedback in different forums. Now I need to decide whether to get and ATI x16000pro video card or Nvidia x16000pro. Since I don't play games, is it really much better to ATI for graphic design and such?

These are the two I am considering:

SAPPHIRE Radeon X1600PRO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102680

OR
eVGA Geforce 7600GT 256-P2-N553-AX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130283

What are some opinions on these?

 

[LU4sTrooper]

Im not a Fanboy, but I do truly believe the 7600GT is the better card. By the way you do realize that the X1600 you linked is AGP, and the 7600GT is PCI-E?

But anyway yes 7600GT, very good card, will cope with todays games well too.