Author Topic: New System...inputs please (Read 619 times)

Gypsy Baron · « **on:** October 21, 2003, 03:50:15 PM »

I'm about to bite ( or byte ) the bullet and order a new
system to replace my current system:
Windows 98 (4.10, Build 2222) A
AMD Athlon(tm) processor, MMX, 3DNow, ~1300MHz
512MB RAM
Abit KT133
ATI All-in-Wonder 128 Pro Ultra AGP
Creative SBLive! Value
2 NIC's

I am contemplating the following system ( Assembled and
tested since I'm tired of fighting BSOD during build-up ):

ANTEC SONATA (BLACK) MID TOWER W/TRUE 380 380W
ASUS A7N8X DLX-MB
AMD XP 2500+(333Mhz)
MWAVE 1GB DDR333(512MB X 2)
WD1200JB 102 MB EIDE ULTRA-ATA/100 7200RPM W/8MB Buf
MITSUMI 1.44MB FLOPPY DRIVE
ATI ALL-IN-WONDER 9600 PRO 128MB 8X AGP W/DVI/VIDEO
MITSUMI DW-7802TE 4X DVD DAUL RE-WRITABLE DRIVE EIDE
LOGITECH S35 3-BTTN PS2 OPTO-MECH MOUSE
Microsoft Windows XP HOME w/sp1 (OEM/DSP
SYMANTEC NORTON SYSTEM WORKS PRO 2003

Sub Total $1,159.93

Price is one of my considerations. I also want the TV tuner
as well as the FM tuner that is only available with the ATI
AIW 9600 Pro, thus I'm passing on the 9800 AIW.

I aso prefer the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe for the dual LAN ports.
The AMD XP 2500 seems to be a good choice for OC'ing.

I really don't want to go from Win98SE to a new OS but
then I don't want to limit future capability either, thus the
WinXP Home choice.

Anything I'm missing or should reconsider?
TIA.

Replicant · « **Reply #1 on:** October 21, 2003, 04:04:27 PM »

It sounds like a fairly decent system. I'd definitely consider at least a ATA-133 HDD and would the 380w PSU be sufficient? Maybe a 430w?

mrblack · « **Reply #2 on:** October 21, 2003, 04:13:19 PM »

Sounds Like a solid system:aok

Skuzzy · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2003, 04:30:14 PM »

I would get some other brand of RAM. I do not know who is buildiing MWave's RAM, so call me a bit leery.

Crucial or Mushkin represent about the best there is right now, in my opinion. RAM is one area you never really want to skimp. It can cause such miserable problems and really ruin the experience of a new system.

Siaf__csf · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2003, 04:30:49 PM »

First thing I'd scrap XP home - blechh. I'd even take W98 over XP. Any day.

Other than that the system seems quite ok. I've had loads of trouble with mitsumi cd-roms in the past, dunno if the quality has improved.

Edit: Skuzzy is right on the ram issue. Memory is cheap, buy the quality stuff.

Gypsy Baron · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2003, 04:40:32 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Skuzzy
I would get some other brand of RAM. I do not know who is buildiing MWave's RAM, so call me a bit leery.

Crucial or Mushkin represent about the best there is right now, in my opinion. RAM is one area you never really want to skimp. It can cause such miserable problems and really ruin the experience of a new system.

cc Skuzy...I just changed the ram to Corsair TWINX low latency
after gettng a similar input from one of my AW buds.

The vendors "bundled" options only listed MWAVE and Kingston
as choices but I found the Corsair memory listed under
their "memory" heading, curiosly enough

Thanks for the feedback.

Gypsy Baron · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2003, 04:46:17 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Siaf__csf
First thing I'd scrap XP home - blechh. I'd even take W98 over XP. Any day.

Other than that the system seems quite ok. I've had loads of trouble with mitsumi cd-roms in the past, dunno if the quality has improved.

Edit: Skuzzy is right on the ram issue. Memory is cheap, buy the quality stuff.

My first choice was Win98SE however I am concerned about
future driver compatibility issues. I have three systems here
with Win98SE on them, netwroked together,
and I'd like to add this new system to the
net. Is there any Win98Se / WinXP issues vis-a-vis
living together on the same net? I move files back and forth
between systems frequently.

As to the Mitsumi, I think I have one or two here and don't
recall problems. I may look at that option again as well.

Thanks.

Gypsy Baron · « **Reply #7 on:** October 21, 2003, 04:52:35 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Replicant
It sounds like a fairly decent system. I'd definitely consider at least a ATA-133 HDD and would the 380w PSU be sufficient? Maybe a 430w?

I'll look into the HD again. I've been flip-flopping back
and forth between vendors web pages for the past
couple of days and just jotting down pat numbers of
items that look like they would fit my needs, then trying to
find them on MWAVE's web page to add to the custom
system configuration.

As for the PS, I can't estimate the required power well
enough at present. I tried to find a case that will fit the
area I have ( <18" high ) with a decent PS plus keep
costs down as well.

So far, I can live with the price I'm seeing and have a
bit of room to "grow" upwards, so I'll revisit the case/PS
issue again.

Thanks for the input.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2003, 04:57:46 PM »

The Sonata case is really nice. I have 3 of them at home and am very happy with how quiet they are and how easy they are to work with. The 380W that comes with is is a TruPower Antec.
You could easily sell that supply and replace it with a 430W or 480W Antec TruPower.

I would not sweat the ATA133 versus ATA100. The 133's are really not any faster than an ATA100. I have used both and just do not see any difference in performance.

BB Gun · « **Reply #9 on:** October 21, 2003, 05:01:02 PM »

In a family of 6, each with their own login, I like XP Pro, not XP Home. Gives me much more control over users and security. If you're a single user/login, Home is fine. Both are lightyears ahead of Win98. I have never regretted switching over.

Get a SATA hard drive : ST3120026AS Seagate 120GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive 'Cuda 7200 http://www.mwave.com/mwave/speca/aa21650.html The seagates are quieter than the Maxtors (I have the Maxtor SATA 120 GB)

If ya wanna save a few bucks (about 30) on the motherboard, I am very happy with my Epox 8RDA3+ http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SpecB/BA19436.html

Instead of popping for the AIW version of the 9600, think about this: http://www.mwave.com/mwave/doc2/A18890.html

Saves ya another 30 bucks.

As for RAM - yeah, get quality RAM. Take the 60 bucks ya save above, and grab the good stuff. Especially since you're gonna overclock. Kingston HyperX is good stuff, as well as the Mushkin, bu Mwave doesn't carry mushkin. Kingston HyperX seems to give the most bang for the buck at the moment.

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SpecB/BA19338.html

I went cheap on my RAM (crucial PC2700 valueRAM) and I had to add a 0.05 overvolt to it to get it stable at its RATED speed (I bought it initially for a PIV1.8, which is a 100MHz bus, and it was fine. Now I run an Athlon Barton2500+ OC'd to 2800+ via multiplier at FSB of 333 MHz and it gave me BSODs until I overvolted it).

If you're going to overclock mildly, the stock HSF works fine. If you are going to do a bit more, the Zalman 7000Cu is the heatsink to get for air cooling right now.... ACK!!!! MWave doesn't carry it! This is the one I'm talking about: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=35-118-109

BB

Furious · « **Reply #10 on:** October 21, 2003, 05:16:10 PM »

Don't know if you care or not, but i priced every thing you posted plus the upgrade to WinXP pro, a Glacialtech Igloo 2510 and Artic Silver at Newegg for $978.46.

Roscoroo · « **Reply #11 on:** October 21, 2003, 05:16:43 PM »

I put win 98se on that same mb . and the only hang up i had was with the sound drivers ... I missed one during the initall load. and my sound playback had a skip in it . other then that the system rocks ..and 98 is running stable.

AMD 2400+ clocked at 2.0ghz , cpu temp 45-48 deg cel with the themaltake heatsinkfan (i havent really oced it yet its still in break in mode) ill probely take it up to 2.2 area soon

I used a single stick of corsair 512 ddr when i think i should of used duel 256 sticks. or 512's

Also if your considering a new hard drive with it i would think about putting in a sata 133 type hd in it.

I build mine on a built mine on a budget ... i skimped in the hd and video card department.

sorry xp guys .. but i also have to agree with the scrapping of XP home ed....(but if you have to use xp id set it up in the 32bit format vs ntfs format)

mrblack · « **Reply #12 on:** October 21, 2003, 05:21:20 PM »

yeah Go with the Mushkin.
I have the PC 3500 2x256 and I am pushing it really hard FSB
OC to 1200+ and it Is running like a champ.
Also they have a two week trial period so if you dont like it or it dont waork just send it back for full refund.

Plus there customer support is first rate.

mrblack · « **Reply #13 on:** October 21, 2003, 05:22:46 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Furious
Don't know if you care or not, but i priced every thing you posted plus the upgrade to WinXP pro, a Glacialtech Igloo 2510 and Artic Silver at Newegg for $978.46.

yeah new egg is hard to beat.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #14 on:** October 21, 2003, 05:35:29 PM »

Newegg and MWave are both highly reputable online stores. I find the prices go back and forth between them. Always good to compare.

For about 2 weeks, MWave had the ATI9800Pro 128MB card under $300.