New System Specs, Want Comments

[Dgephri]

Okay, here is your dream chance to pick system components and see direct results in build:

 

I know everybody has their favorite brand, favorite processor, favorite Gforce, etc.

 

But...in about 30 days I will replace my cpu, motherboard, ram, and possibly my Hard drive (if serial ATA, or ATA133w/8Mb buffers are available).

 

currently on MSI (I know, not great, but so-so) KT333, Ultra (no raid). 2X256PNY PC2100 (the 266Mhz stuff), AMD xp2000+, Win98SE, PNY G4 Ti4400 128Meg. I run about 38C for the "on-chip" sensor for my CPU, and I'm going to add a top blowhole to my Chemming case from the FacePlate Mod I did and use it for the new system.

 

I am planning for something along the lines (for fsb and ram speeds) something like this:

 

Abit KT400 (whatever model this may be, Raid, possible PC3400 support if available for future use)

 

Corsiar PC2700 2X512 CAS 2

 

AMD XP 2800, for the 166fsb to go with the faster ram

 

Serial ATA drive, or ATA133 8Mb buffer (if available) X2 @80Mg Raid

What RAID structure? not sure when these will be around, but trying to maximize use of the new fsb structure of the 2800.

 

Enermax whisper Power, 540-600W? I am using a 600Watt CompUSA, want to upgrade, but want lots of connectors for my two cathodes, and 10 fans.

 

I will keep my Vidcard for now, maybe a g5 when they come, maybe wait to get the next step in about 6 months (g6 or whatever they will call it).

 

Ideas, comments, how long it will take? I know a couple items aren't even "on the market" yet, but I'm guessing they are coming pretty soon (like serial ATA).

[Mercury]

i would get a soyo kt400 dragon ultra, athlon xp 2600+ (2800+ if you want to wait for it), and 2x512 mushkin pc2700 ddr. exact same as im using, except i have mushkin pc3200, but with the state 400mhz ddr is in today, it doesnt have much of a performance boost over 333mhz

 

also go on over to www.newegg.com, they have 80gb western digital, 7200rpm with 8mb cache... and since your soyo board will have raid, you can raid these puppies! if youve never raided 2 8mb cache drives, lemme tell you, its blazing. as for the power supply, get a enermax 550w FMA... most places sell them for at least 150~175, but i found it for less at monarchcomputers.com

 

overall that will give you the best possible system...

[Dgephri]

Yeah, I was thinking about the SOYO, I read a couple reviews, but I am waiting just a little bit longer to see some more of the 400 chipsets come out.n Also, that Soyo comes with onboard digital Audio doesn't it? I hardly want to buy a MB with Dolby Digital when I have already bought a SoundBlaster Extigy, that would be a waste.

 

Too bad about the XP2800 (limited OC), but still, that sucker will fly!

 

I would also like to see if the Serial ATA stuff comes out in the next 30-60 days, and not just "my motherboard supports it," but a real product by WD or Maxtor.

 

What is better about the mushkin instead of Crucial or Geil? Is the CAS lower, better interleaving?

[NyCUnDaGroUnD]

If u are not goin to do some major modding like i have and have all the items ready it should take u no more then 1 day. If u do major modding it should take u a good 2 weeks.

[Dgephri]

My tower and everything is already modded, I am just going to change out the components, and waiting for the 2800xp to hit the market is a big thing, getting the money for another $1200 rig is another...I don't get paid until the 5th.

 

Just looking for opinions on the newest MBs, PSUs, and CPUs, etc.

 

When I go buy the parts, I will build it in an afternoon.