New build

[flakbait]

Its been so long since I looked at computer hardware I'd like some opinions from folks that know more about it than I do. The old rig (Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe, XP 3k+ @ 2.2GHz, 1.5GB RAM, Radeon 9800) finally gave up the purple magic smoke and I've gotta replace it. This is a budget build, and I will be sticking with XP SP2 for a multitude of reasons. I'm trying to keep the total build price under $700 if at all possible.


These are the definite parts I'll be using...

Intel E7400 Wolfdale 2.8 GHz @ 1066 FSB
2x 1GB sticks Gskill PC2 8500 RAM
Asus P5Q Motherboard (probably a local buy since newegg don't sell 'em no more. alternatives?)
PC P&C 750w power supply
Thermaltake Tsunami case (recycled from the current rig)


Stuff I'm on the fence about...

Seagate 250GB NS-series HDD
EVGA 9600 GT 512MB (other suggestions welcome)
Audigy SE 7.1 (probably retail? alternatives?)


Why a P5Q? Simple, Skuzzy and a lot of other people haven't had any trouble with it, and I don't need SLI, Crossfire, or SSD. Newegg only has the uprated versions (Turbo Pro, Deluxe, etc.) of it, though, so I'm open to alternatives in the event I can't find a P5Q locally.

For the most part I'll be running my existing games (SH4, UT3, LOMAC) and software, but I want enough video horsepower to run some of the newer stuff (i.e. Overlord 2). Since Newegg doesn't sell the "Built By" video cards, just the "powered by" cards, I'd like a little info on whose drivers to grab. Same goes for the sound card; I want to avoid using the onboard sound, but don't really trust Creative and Turtle Beach is getting a lot of bad reviews.

Knowing which way to jump on a lot of this would be a serious help.

Edit: Damn near forgot! I'd also like a short list of flat-panel monitors to replace my current CRT. These things I know exactly bupkis about, so any help would be appreciated!



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Flakbait

[usvi]

Try Directron they have P5q motherboards in stock.
I just got a motherboard CPU and memory combo from them to replace my fried setup.

[minke]

I would recommend you spent a little extra on the graphics card if its gonna be for gaming. My first choice for my rig was a 9600gt/9600gtx. Decided to get an XFX GTX260 black 896mb o/c. Was so glad I did it,and never regretted it. Depends if it will fit your case tho.

[batch]

an alternative motherboard in the same 'spec' range for actually a few dollars less would be the Gigabyte G41M-ES2L.......... a nice little board and a GREAT overclocker

[flakbait]

batch,

Thanks for the suggestion! I've heard good things about Gigabyte. However I won't be overclocking this one since all I need is a straight-stock rig that does what I tell it.


minke,

I don't think I'll need quite that much horsepower, and the price is a tad out of my range. I won't be playing Crysis on max settings or editing my own home-grown sci-fi show. Just playing SH4, Doom 3, LOMAC, AH, UT3, and maybe some newer games. I probably spend more time playing LOMAC and SH4 than anything else.


usvi,

Most appreciated! Nice to know someone still carries the P5Q!


My case (Thermaltake Tsunami) is still being sold through Newegg over here. It was designed for 12"x9.6" ATX boards, but I'm sure a P5Q will fit since its only an inch shorter in width. Whether or not the PCI slots line up with the back panel, I don't know. This case is one of the best I've used (no-tool installation, plenty of fans, gobs of room) I just don't have the cash to buy a nice one right now.

Evga 9600 GT I'm looking at.


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Flakbait

[TilDeath]

If you can afford about 20 dollars more there are some EVGA 9800 GT's for 109 and up some have rebates making the final purchase price less.  http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=9800%20GT&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE

[Max]

Agree with TD. The EVGA 9800 GTX 512 is available from Newegg for $119 after rebate. I have the card and it's a monster both in terms of performance and size. You'll need a minimum of 10.5" in your case to fit it in.

[TilDeath]

Agree with TD. The EVGA 9800 GTX 512 is available from Newegg for $119 after rebate. I have the card and it's a monster both in terms of performance and size. You'll need a minimum of 10.5" in your case to fit it in.

I agree with Max about the GTX which is a step up from a GT,  if a GTX or a GTX+ is in your budget you may want to look at them.

[danny37]

altough the 9800gt is just as good and a little cheaper.i got it to fit in a stock hp pavillion a6442n and with room to spare.card was 94$ with $20 rebate.
plays ah2 maxed out solid 59-60 fps

[flakbait]

Agree with TD. The EVGA 9800 GTX 512 is available from Newegg for $119 after rebate. I have the card and it's a monster both in terms of performance and size. You'll need a minimum of 10.5" in your case to fit it in.

  It won't fit. Even the 9600 at 9.5" won't fit ( ) . The HDD cage overlaps the right edge of the motherboard by an inch, and the mobo is 9.6" wide. Even worse, my Radeon 9800 Pro nearly hits the back of the drive cage with the 5v molex connector plugged in and its two inches shorter than a 9600GT.

Other suggestions? At the minimum I need to match a Radeon X1800 or GeForce 7800GT for performance.



I still don't know which way to jump on hard drives or a sound card, either. Thoughts? Opinions?



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Flakbait

[RipChord929]

Bummer man!!!! Unless?    How important is that 1in of harddrive cage, LOL......? 
Do you have drives in it? Can they be moved?  A mod maybe?

Or buy another case!!! They arent too expensive.. $50 units are getting pretty
disposable, like a "Tear it up and throw it away", kinda thing...

RC

[flakbait]

I read some fairly recent reviews of folks who purchased this same case for newer components. All of them said an 8800 will barely fit because of the size of the drive cage. Those that did get it to fit stated it wasn't that big of a deal to move a drive down one or two spots. But if they ever have to remove the drive cage, they have to pull the video card first. I'm already at that point now because the Radeon nearly smacks into the drive cage with that 5v plug. I've got a call into a local parts guy who might be able to give me a hand.

Any suggestions for a new case?



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Flakbait

[TilDeath]

if you can lay your hands on a 5.25 floppy adaptor and have an open bay below your DVD/CD you may be able to remove the HD cage and fit a larger Video Card.

[Max]

It won't fit.


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Flakbait

The 9800 GTX will fit snugly in an Antec 900 case. I know...I have the case and it's very well cooled, looks great and has flexible front bays. If you can spare $69.99, you can buy a refurbished 900 at Unity Electronics...maybe even less on Ebay.

[skullman]

AS far as a flat screen-look at the 22inch Acer at newegg.TD recommended it to me and it is a great flat screen