Yet another computer build....

[HollisBrown]

I know you guys are probably sick of people posting computer builds, but I'd like some opinions on my set up I'm thinking about. This computer will be used mostly for everyday tasks like internet, media, etc. I also do a bit of gaming on the side. I play a bit of Battlefield 1942 but have been meaning to get into the newer games like BF2, Far Cry, HL2, etc. Will this sytem be enough to run those games on medium to high settings?

Rosewill TU-155 Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window - $54
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147001

AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor - $146
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103537

GIGABYTE GA-K8NF-9 ATX AMD Motherboard -$92
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128268

CORSAIR XMS 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 - $132
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145450

Western Digital Caviar SE 80GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - $54
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822135106

Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 ATX12V 500W - $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103937

Windows XP Home

I'm a little bit undecided about a video card. Not sure which one to get. My budget is 100-200, any suggestions?

I'll be recycling monitor, optical drives, mouse, keyboard, and speakers from this computer.

Is this EVERYTHING I need to build a computer? Will all these parts work together? I don't plan on overclocking for a while. Will I need any fans? Do I need thermal paste for the processor or can I just use the stock heating pad?
Thanks in advance.

 

[apj101]

case = personal choice, bit pricy for me - i'd be tempeted to cut back and save cash for other things
cpu = towards to bottom end of amd64 line up but still ok
mobo = good
ram = good
hdd = bit small but livable
psu = good choice, lots of amps on the 12+

I'm a little bit undecided about a video card. Not sure which one to get. My budget is 100-200, any suggestions?

100 end
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127142
150 middle
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125199
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814168001
200 end
well not much above a 6600gt, untill you start looking at 240ish when you can move upto 6800 territory

Is this EVERYTHING I need to build a computer?

cant see anything missing (expect see fans and paste below)

Will all these parts work together?

yes

Will I need any fans?

yes, for your case, your cpu will come with one. I recomend getting 2 fans (120mm best, 90mm if not)

Do I need thermal paste for the processor or can I just use the stock heating pad?

Best to pick up some artic silver 5, its dirt cheap

 

[billybobjoe]

go with the amd 3200+ 2GHZ otherwise you wont be able to play those games

 

[apj101]

go with the amd 3200+ 2GHZ otherwise you wont be able to play those games

not quite as clear cut as that billybobjoe (200PR points are not going to make the world of difference), but yeah it may be an idea to up your cpu to a 3200+, or more. BUT not the end of the world if you can't

 

[HollisBrown]

Quote:
Will I need any fans?

"yes, for your case, your cpu will come with one. I recomend getting 2 fans (120mm best, 90mm if not) "

I thought the case came with fans? Do I need more?

Is the 3200+ really worth the extra $45? I've read excellent reviews about the 3000+. My plan is to run everything at stock settings until the system starts getting outdated, then overclocking to keep up with newer games. Is the 3200+ better for this? Thanks for all your help.

Oh and apj, will all those video cards you suggested work with BF2?

 

[apj101]

I thought the case came with fans? Do I need more?

you're right, your case comes with 3 fans

Is the 3200+ really worth the extra $45? I've read excellent reviews about the 3000+. My plan is to run everything at stock settings until the system starts getting outdated, then overclocking to keep up with newer games. Is the 3200+ better for this? Thanks for all your help.

i tried to be clear, that if you have the $45 then get the 3200+, if not then dont worry about it. There is not much (if any) difference. And you can oc both the 3000+ and the 3200+ the by a relative same amount, not an absolute amount obviously ( remember each chip oc's different).

 

[HollisBrown]

Allright then. Thanks for your help.

 

[Dj101]

apparently the 3200+ isnt worth the extra ££, in some benchmark tests it is marginal between the 3200+ and the 3000+.

 

[Praetor]

Is this EVERYTHING I need to build a computer? Will all these parts work together? I don't plan on overclocking for a while. Will I need any fans? Do I need thermal paste for the processor or can I just use the stock heating pad?
Thanks in advance.

You're gonna want a video card, 6600GT or better if you go nVidia, X800Pro or better if you go ATI

go with the amd 3200+ 2GHZ otherwise you wont be able to play those games

Wanna bet?

(200PR points are not going to make the world of difference),

Yes but its not just 200PR points but 200MHz as well

I thought the case came with fans? Do I need more?

1. Not all cases come with fans
2. You may not like the fans that come with the case
3. You may want to add more anyways

Oh and apj, will all those video cards you suggested work with BF2?

I havnt the foggiest why he suggested an X600 (especially when there's an X700 that price ballpark) ... in any case, have a look at Chaintech 6600 $105 or ASUS X700 $100 but yes they work with BF2