blkgti Posted December 21, 2005 Posted December 21, 2005 As you can see by my sig, it's been a while since I've built a new rig for myself. Too many professional responsibilities, wife and kids all took the bulk of my free time. Now things are getting a little lighter and I'm ready to build again. Having been away from hardware, I don't mind telling you that I'm a little overwhelmed by the choices. None of my colleagues are remotely interested in hardware and my wife is sick of hearing about it, so here I am! I made the first move and bought a mobo and a HSF: DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D Thermalright SI-120/Panaflo CPU: I'm trying to decide between an Opteron 165 and a 148. I won't be using the machine for anything that'll require a dual-core CPU, but I like to play and the 165 seems like it'll be more fun. Thoughts? RAM: No idea. I need help here. FWIW, I'm going to OC the CPU. I'd like to run 2x1Gb sticks that don't need a ton of voltage to get going. Budget $2-300 Graphics card - I'm kinda partial to ATI and I've narrowed down my options to X800Pro, X800GTO, and X850XT. I realize they vary in performance and that some OC better than others, but my dilemma lies here. I'm not a gamer, even though I play a very occasional round of UT, and I don't do any video work. Given these factors, I don't upgrade my graphics card often. I'd like to purchase something that'll stay with me for the next 1-2 years and not feel outdated. I'm not really looking to OC the card like I am the CPU, but I'm sure I'll give it a shot . The 9800Pro has served me well and I'm looking for a card with similar staying power in my rig. Thanks in advance, Felix Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkgti Posted December 21, 2005 Posted December 21, 2005 I pulled the trigger on an Opteron 165 this mooning; I'm all set processor-wise. Re: RAM - it seems like TCCD/TCC5 is my best bet. It also seems like there are no TCCD/TCC5 1Gb sticks, so I'll have to go for 4x512. I'll probably start with 2x512 and then add another pair. Any suggestions as to which products I should consider? Graphics card: I'd love some input from those more experienced. Felix Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest thespin Posted December 21, 2005 Posted December 21, 2005 You purchased great items. It appears that people are having more success OCing the 148s than the 165s but who cares (I do!). Still DUAL CORES KICK butt ! You will have less trouble with 2x1GB sticks plus you will be able to run them at 1T which is the only memory timing that seems to make a significant difference. Memory speeds above PC3200 will make little difference to real world app speed so don't sweat this area [ignore the sticks in my sig which I bought prior to being educated by OC experience and by this forum - as a matter of fact I just RMAed them and got the Gold GT 3500 XTC in return - I am into bling and I am rebuilding :-)]. You will see even the vendors of expensive workstations using PC3200. I too didn't need a superfast graphics card so why spend the money. Those guys are good enough ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPDMF Posted December 21, 2005 Posted December 21, 2005 These are a nice solution to low voltage, good overclocking RAM that won't drain your wallet. I am using the Mushkin XP in another rig and it is just flawless. A friend of mine is using the G skill and is getting some nice results with them as well. Both are based on UCCC chips and run fine at 2.8 volts. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16820231021 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16820146397 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
benplanet Posted December 21, 2005 Posted December 21, 2005 I was going to get an opteron 165 until somebody pointed out 2 reasons for me not to 1. they do not overclock as well as the 148 2. the mp games tend to freeze up from time to time (laggy gaming) - but i beleieve the AMD patch fixed that ( i was recently informed) People tend to go single core when it comes to gaming, so i did and it ended up being much cheaper ;p Now, IF YOU LIKE MULTITASKING.. get a dual core and come good 2GB ram and you will be all set!! this ram is nice and not too pricy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16820231021 ((bought this damm ram for $217 a while back! DAMM! everything i bought lately has GONE DOWN on newegg! i am soo pissed!! !@#!@#)) oops sorry! cheers, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitemareglitch Posted December 21, 2005 Posted December 21, 2005 For a video card in that price range, and you like ATI go with the X800XL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkgti Posted December 22, 2005 Posted December 22, 2005 Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I bought a X850XT and an OCZ Powerstream 520. I decided to start with the 2x256 Corsair XMS that I already have. They're older BH-5 sticks and should get me going. At least that's what I'm hoping. Once I get the system running, I'll buy a couple of 1Gb sticks. The Mushkin and Gskill linked above look good to me. I'll be installing the parts in my trusty Lian-Li PC-75 that I modded a couple of years ago to take 92mm fans up front. I ordered a new set of Panaflos to replace the 2-3 year old fans that have been spinning 24/7. Basically, I'm upgrading the whole system except for the Raptors, the Plextor Premium, and the floppy. I don't anticipate finishing the build until week after next due to shipping and the holidays, but I'm very exited. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoken Joe Posted December 23, 2005 Posted December 23, 2005 Sounds nice but read up wile it gets here the 64 systems are a lot more flexable so dont automaticly assume thns are the same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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