First time computer builder...

[zip000]

I'm sure you get this question a lot, but tell me what you think of this build...

Motherboard: ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Orleans 2.4GHz 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor

Graphics: PNY VCG68128XWB GeForce 6800 128MB 128-bit DDR PCI Express x16

RAM: G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3500630AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s

DVD/CD: SONY Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM IDE DVD Burner

Case: 11-Bay ATX Transparent Plastic Computer Case w/3 LED Fans

PSU: 500-Watt ATX Quiet Power Supply w/SATA Connectors (Blue) Powmax PSAS-BL PSAS-BL


This will be the first I've built, so I could be way off on what I need/want (and I may even be missing stuff (though I think I've got everything in line)).

I'll most likely be running Ubuntu (maybe dual booting Windows for some light-medium gaming). The system will be primarily used for general office, web stuff, with some video encoding (I still need to pick a capture card), and a little gaming - and I want it to be as upgradeable and long lasting as possible.

Too much system? Too little? Any bad selections?

Thanks!

 

[turtile]

I would get a 7600GT - 7900GS over the 6800. The power supply is junk - remember that a powersupply can destroy every component connected to it.

Newegg.com - FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX400-PN, RoHS, 12cm FAN, version 2.2, 2 SATA, 20+ 4 pin, PCI Express, 400W Power Supply - Retail

 

[tomc102968]

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+(65W) Windsor 2.4GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail
for processor

 

[Meithan]

Do you have any budget in mind?

 

[Apokalipse]

Do you have any budget in mind?

My thoughts exactly.

 

[zip000]

Um, budget...

I hadn't really set out with a budget in mind, just picking midrange items that looked good.

I'd have to say that I don't want to spend (read can't convince my wife to spend) more than $800 or maybe at most $900 - not including monitor and peripherals obviously.

Thanks for the tips so far - very helpful!

 

[Sora]

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+(65W) Windsor 2.4GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail
for processor

Why would you recommend an X2 4600 while the man had an Athlon 3800 originally. All he needs is any Dual Core CPU, not the 4th best one.

Get the X2 3600 as it is still very powerful and costs almost the same as the CPU you have chosen.

 

[Meithan]

Ah, with a budget we can get to work. Here's my proposition. No monitor, input devices or speakers, as asked:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 - $181.00 link
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 - $122.99 link
Memory: G.Skill 2x1GB DDR2-800 - $129.99 link
Video Card: eVGA 7600GT 256MB - $109.99 link
Hard Drive: Western Digital 400GB SATA 3.0 - $99.99 link
Optical Drive: LG 18X DVD+/RW - $29.99 link
Power Supply: Fortron 400W - $36.99 link
Case: 11-bay Transparent ATX - $46.99 link

Total: $757.93

Details:

If you want upgradeability, I recommend a socket LGA775 motherboard and a Core 2 Duo processor. I think it's more likely Intel will continue using this socket than AMD using their socket AM2. Also, Intel CPUs are more powerful but cost more, but your budget can afford it.
I changed the hard drive to 400GB (from 500GB), since you save almost $50.
With a 7600GT video card, you'll be able to play most modern games at respectable framerates (I play BF2 with it).
I respected your case, since it's really a matter of personal choice.

Now, if you want to go cheaper, we can do it.

 

[Nagasama]

amd has all but sworn in blood that their new cpus will be compatible with am2.
you will not be able to take advantage of ddr3 or the higher hypertransport, though.
of course...
that could all be baloney and they will have a new socket later this year.
us amd users have our fingers and toes crossed.
the am2 mobo you have chosen is a good one. if it were me i would go with a 590 chipset, though. according to numerous sources it performs the best with am2. it is a little more expensive, but if you buy an x2 3600, you can use the difference there to cover it. with a 590 mobo it should be able to clock well past the speed of an x2 4600.
meithan's build is good.
if that price is too high, try going with the x2 3600 that sora suggests. it is 100.00 cheaper and offers excellent performance. you probably will not notice a difference in performance between that and an e6300, unless you plan on doing some serious overclocking or are a benchmark junkie.

 

[Sora]

If this is a gaming PC then I would go X2 and then an X1950XT.

You can for sure fit in that budget.