Building new comp, comments wanted

[Bryan]

Okay, I'm building a new comp that will primarily be used for video editing. My current Compaq Presario 300MHz, 64MB RAM, 8.0GB HDD is very ill-equipped for such tasks. Here's the stuff I plan to order, comments wanted. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

CPU: AMD Athlon Thunderbird 1.4GHz 266MHz Bus Socket A PGA Processor-Retail Box Version with Heatsink and Fan
MOBO: Abit KG7 w/RAID -Retail
RAM: 2 x 256MB Crucial PC2100 DDR RAM
HDD: IMB Deskstar 60GXP 60GB 7200RPM OEM
CDRW: Lite-On 16x10x40 -Retail
VID: CardExpert GeForce 2 Pro/450 64MB DDR -Retail
CASE: Antec SX1240 Full Tower Case

I plan on ordering this a few pieces at a time (while I get the money for it all, HA!). And perhaps later, after this system is put together, I'll get another IBM 60GB HDD and utilize RAID 0. That should bust up my drive speeds, eh?

So what do you guys think?

[This message has been edited by Bryan (edited 08-19-2001).]

[mcooke]

Hi Bryan. I'm loyal to Intel so I'm not that familiar with AMD other than heat has been an issue in the past. I'd probably recommend spending the money for a higher quality CDRW, perhaps Plextor. I've tried buying a piece at a time, but when the bug hits I just can't wait.

[mcooke]

Forgot to comment on RAID. I've never done it and have only read limited articles on it. From what I read, however, I'm not sure the speed increase is worth the money or fuss. At a certain point, the speed increases lose their value, i.e. what's it worth to do something in 3 seconds versus 5 seconds. Would be interested in what others have to say about RAID.

[Bryan]

Hi Bryan. I'm loyal to Intel so I'm not that familiar with AMD other than heat has been an issue in the past.

I don't plan on overclocking or anything like that, so the AMB retail heatsink and fan should be adequate, right?

I'd probably recommend spending the money for a higher quality CDRW, perhaps Plextor

I've heard good things about Lite-On, but I suppose I could always look around more for CDRW drives. What are other people's thoughts on this?

About RAID...RAID or not I think I'm going with the Abit KG7. There's a lite version of the mobo that comes just w/o the RAID. So if it does make very little difference, I'll switch to the lite version.

[mcooke]

I don't think you'll have any misgivings about using an Abit board. I wouldn't give that a second thought.

[Imperion1]

I've heard that too, jad. And Lite-On does have Burn Proof.

[hallam2003]

the lite-on retail version comes with 10 or 20 cdr's, on a spindle and 3 or 4 cdrws, in jewel cases. also has some other stuff, but i can't remember, check it out at newegg.com and view the pictures of it.
Yes, if you don't have plans to OC, the retail heatsink will work fine, but, if you read here a lot, you probably think that your CPU runs hot compared to otehrs, that's because it does. AMD says that their processors WILL run fine at anything under 70C, so, that's what they shoot for when equiping the HSF. mine running at 50C idle, and 62C full load, isn't a big surprise, but they do work, and I've never had a heat related problem with the CPU yet.

Looks like a nice start for a system, remember to pick up some extra case fans to get the hot air out and whatnot. and run to the hardware or automotive section of your local store and pick up some cable ties. belive me, these come in handy for more things thatn just cables.

I was also just wondering about your monitor selection, make sure it not too crappy, you've got a nice vid card, might as well use the power.

Hallam

[Bryan]

I have a Sony Trinitron Multiscan 200sf. It's a few years old, so maybe I should consider getting a new one, eh?

I don't know if the LiteOn is a remarked anything, but I've read some good reviews on it. It's a bit slower than the Plextor, but supposedly it's worth it for the price.

Hallam, the Antec comes with 2 rear case fans, but I'll likely buy one more (maybe two).

[This message has been edited by Bryan (edited 08-19-2001).]

[Thud]

jad/Imperion: FWIW, I read somewhere that the Lite-On was actually a rebadged Sanyo. There were some Iomegas out a while back that were rebadged Plextors, though.

I have a Lite-On drive, and like it just fine.

[Bryan]

So, anymore comments? Is the SX1240 Full Tower good? I found a SX840 Mid-Tower for about $30 less.

[Imperion1]

The good thing about Raid boards is that you don't necessarily have to run it as a raid system. You can use the raid ports as regular ATA100. Just don't configure for raid.
For example: you can use IDE3 and IDE4 for your hard drives, and use IDE1 and IDE2 for anything else (cdroms, dvd, burner).

Abit is a good company and I would recommend the KG7 Raid. Its always good to have the extra IDE ports.

I have a Lite-On 12x10x32 Retail burner and don't have any problems with it. Of course, its on an IDE port by its self.

[DemonKnight]

If your doing videoediting shouldent you have some kinda capture card? (or do you already have one?)

[Bryan]

I've already got a firewire card for DV capture.

[RADAR1797]

I would advocate getting a Plextor, TDK or Iomega CDRW with burn proof technology. They really do mean burn proof, no coasters and you surf, play music or do whatever while burning CDs. Of course I haven't tried playing Hitman while burning CDs, but I wouldn't want to press my luck either.

-RADAR

[jad1097]

I thought the Lite-on was a remarked Plextor? Of course I could be wrong.

[Bryan]

Welp, okay. Looks like the only thing I'm gonna change is the case, from a full-tower to a SX840 mid-tower. Gonna order the CPU and few other pieces tomorrow, and then the rest in a few weeks. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif Can't wait.

[vass0922]

Like mcooke said, once you get the bug its hard to wait http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

I was researching new parts for my pc that I put together, and the first part I bought was the mobo. an Abit BE6-II... after I bought the board, I had the rest of the pieces within like 2 weeks, couldn't wait for the rest http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[RayH]

With the way prices are dropping on computer components, I don't recommend buy a computer piece meal, except if you find exceptional deals on some components.

I just built one for my son. I scrounged around and got a lot of parts on total rebate (like drives). But I bought most of the engine stuff (microprocessor, video cards, etc.) in one blow.

I "blew it" on the RAM. I bought early when the prices were still dropping. I thought that they might go up again, like after the Taiwan earthquake. But still, it was a price I could live with!

[Bryan]

Creative Lab Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 PCI Sound Card. I don't know if that's the new one. But for $50 at NewEgg is seems **** good to me.

[This message has been edited by Bryan (edited 08-21-2001).]

[Cody]

Aren't you going to get a soundcard?

I reccommend either:

1) Turtle Beach Santa Curz
2) SoundBlaster (new one... starts with an A)

[msontag]

Hey Bryan! Can I ask what kind of Firewire DV card do you have? I was thinking of getting the Orange Micro Ethernet/Firewire card for my computer. If it is a Orange Micro Firewire card I was going to ask you how's the quality on that card?

[Bryan]

I have the ADS PyroDV card. I got the minimal software package and it cost me around $80. Very nice card, I haven't had any problems with it.