computer critics, please offer your opinion

[Jimmitch]

1. I am putting a system together with the parts below, I’m not familiar with the parts they have these days, but I have found valuable info by reading this forum, by doing so I have come up with the parts below, I’m not sure about the video card or memory, could I get input from all of you on what kind you think I should get, I want to spend enough money to get the system I need and value for what I spend?

2. I here that the processor I am going to use produces a tremendous amount of heat, I don’t want to water cool but would like to know if this case is sufficient or if you can recommend one preferably under $100 that might help me with the cooling process?

3. For the extra money would I be better off going with the Athlon 62 3400, is the difference noticeable?

RAIDMAX "Silence" Black Mid-Tower Case with 420Watt Power Supply, Model "811TP" -RETAIL
Model# 811TP
Item # N82E16811156147
Specifications: Case Type: Mid-Tower Case Color: Black Material: Steel Drive Bays: 5.25" x 4/0, 3.5" x 2/4 (external/internal) Expansion Slots: 7 Front Ports: 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio Power Supply: RAIDMAX 420W ATX 12V "Silence" Power Supply Cooling System: 1 x 120mm rear fan, 1 side panel fan Motherboard Compatibility: ATX, MICRO ATX, BABY ATX Dimensions: 8" x 17.8" x 17" (WxDxH)

ASUS "K8V SE Deluxe
AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 512k L2 Cache, The Only 64-bit Windows Compatible Processor - Retail
Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model WD800BB, OEM Drive only
Kingmax 240-Pin 1GB DDR2 PC2-4200, Model KLBD48K-38 - Retail
Model# KLBD48K-38

 

[Praetor]

RAIDMAX "Silence" Black Mid-Tower Case with 420Watt Power Supply, Model "811TP" -RETAIL
Model# 811TP
Item # N82E16811156147
Specifications: Case Type: Mid-Tower Case Color: Black Material: Steel Drive Bays: 5.25" x 4/0, 3.5" x 2/4 (external/internal) Expansion Slots: 7 Front Ports: 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio Power Supply: RAIDMAX 420W ATX 12V "Silence" Power Supply Cooling System: 1 x 120mm rear fan, 1 side panel fan Motherboard Compatibility: ATX, MICRO ATX, BABY ATX Dimensions: 8" x 17.8" x 17" (WxDxH)

You might consider getting a non-Raidmax PSU but that shouldnt be too big a deal

ASUS "K8V SE Deluxe
Model# KLBD48K-38

This mobo in particular has had some problems that havnt really been fixed up or so it would seem (although normally id recomend this). You might want to look into the MSI K8T (Via K8T800) or MSI K8N (nForc3) boards. Of the two, the MSI K8N Neo is the better

AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 512k L2 Cache, The Only 64-bit Windows Compatible Processor - Retail

You're better off grabbing a 'hammer CPU which as 1MB of cache as opposed to the 512K Newcastle there. (as compared to getting a 3400)

Kingmax 240-Pin 1GB DDR2 PC2-4200, Model KLBD48K-38 - Retail

This RAM is for Socket775 Pentium4 systems only. You'll want to look at DDR memory in the PC3200 range

As for cooling two coolers come to mind:
Thermaltake Silentboost K8 and Thermaltake Venus12