Build Question

[bpaz309]

I'm building a new system for a coworker and am looking for some advice. This is what I've come up with and wanted some opinions on parts.

Asus A8N SLI Premium
Athlon 64 3800 Venice
Corsair XMS (2 x 1GB)
eVGA 7800GT x 2
WD Caviar SE 16MB Buffer 250GB
Viewsonic VX924 19"
Antec NeoHE 500 watt PSU

These are the major parts. I'm also thinking about using onboard sound as I am reaching the budget limit. Good enough or should I back off somewhere and add a sound card? Other parts are DVD burner, OS, Case, Speakers, Key/Mouse, etc...

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

bpaz

[The Lodge]

Get a dual core instead and a different antec ps. I've read a lot of problems with that ps. Plus random reboots on a friends rig that has that new antec ps.

[BipolarBill]

Yup. get an X2 and an Antec TruePower 550.

[bpaz309]

Thanks for the advice. Is the onboard sound good enough? I'm not big on sound and as long as its decent, I'd rather spend the money on other parts.

One more question. Is the stock cooler good enough on the X2? I doubt he is going to overclock.

Thanks,

bpaz

[BipolarBill]

Save PCI slots and use the onboard sound. It's pretty good these days - expecially Realtek.

The stock cooler is fine, if a bit noisy. I would get an Arctic Cooling or Zalman for quiet.

[lptech]

bpaz309-

I would advise you to choose the power supply more carefully. Check out the links below. It should help you with your decision making.

http://www.pcpowercooling.com/technology/myths/

http://www.pcpowercooling.com/support/faqs.htm

http://www.pcpowercooling.com/technology/power_usage/

Remember to choose your power supply carefully or it will probably give your co-worker problems later when it falters or fail! All the other components chosen are good. Your co-worker should be happy with the build. Good luck!

LPTECH

[pandaz3]

I have a ASUS A8N-E Which has the same onboard and I thought it was great. I then put a Audigy 2 Value in it and was luke cool to it. (I had the card in a older machine previously and when it went folding I could not stand to see the card go to waste) I do have a X-fi in it now (I needed the front panel controls) and while it is better I am not really a audiophile.

If I were in your shoes I would go onboard sound.

I am real happy with my Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro

http://www.chiefvalue.com/app/produc...tem=35-185-125

Like LPtech I am not buying any more Antecs, but the 550 II is SLI compatible, here are two good alternatives

http://www.iguanamicro.com/ses1260siatx.html

http://www.iguanamicro.com/fspgrfx60pos.html

[Rob R.]

Since you are building a dual 7800GT SLI computer I am assimung this is going to be a gaming machine. I think getting a dual core processor is a terrible choice. Dual core + gaming simply don't mix well right now. Stick to your original build.

You may consider getting the nicest power supply that you can find as well.

[jflan]

That Seasonic that Pandaz3 recommends is highly rated. Rock solid regulation and quiet.
http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=15&page=14

I would also go single core for a machine with 2x7800 and would seriously consider the Opteron alternative.

I believe Pandaz3 has reported using an Opteron, perhaps he could enlighten ?