My New PC - Advice Needed

[Xaneden]

Hey Guys,
Just wondered if you could scan through this list of components for my new S939 based PC. The colour key is as follows:

Blue = Items I already own. (If you think they need replacing/aren't good enough though, don't hesitate to suggest substitutes )
Red = Items I need to get. (Again, if you can think of a better substitute, please say so. )




Motherboard
ECS RX480-A
http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWeb/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?MenuID=90&LanID=8&DetailID=528&DetailName=Specification


Processor
AMD Opteron 146
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=164955


RAM
?


PSU
580W HiperPower Type-R Modular Black
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=228620


Boot/Windows/Programs HDD
?


Data HDD
?


Optical Drive
NEC ND4550
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=273356


Case
Coolermaster Stacker 830 (not released yet)
http://www.coolermaster-europe.com/index.php?LT=english&Language_s=2&url_place=product&p_serial=RC-830&other_title=+RC-830+CM%20Stacker%20830


Thanks for any help you guys can give.

[Tobeman]

HDDs are so cheap these days I think you should atleast go for a 7200rpm drive, would make the difference in loading times. I believe you can get the OEM 3200 cheaper on Scan too, and they offer a 3500 OEM also, but not a 3200, I think my memory serves my correctly here.

[Xaneden]

Excellent, thanks a lot for the processor tip Tobeman

[helpdisc]

http://www.savastore.com/products/co...rs/socket-939/

http://www.dabs.com/productlist.aspx...147&PageMode=1

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/home/...982896&stid=1&

Pardon my intrusion, I hope that you going to look in every shop available!!!

[Xaneden]

Thanks for the links helpdisc, but I'd already checked them for price and the processors are more expensive (and without free postage like Scan.)

Anyone else got any recommendations?

[fredered]

I would agre that you want a 72000rpm drive, as soon as windows decides to bung anything on the oaging file with a slower one you will have quite a lot of slowdown

[Xaneden]

Thanks for the advice Fred, I've had a browse through the HDD sections of a number of shops, but the specs all seem somewhat alike. Anyone got the names of any particular models which perform well (and have a decent capacity) for under the 60 quid mark?

[Tobeman]

The latest Samsung SATA drives are v. nice, so quiet! One of the fastest performing drives I've used too.

[sawyen]

if u'll be playing either BF2 or FEAR.. u will need at least 2GB of memory (courtesy of 1 hour dizzy FEAR gameplay due to excessive lag on 1GB memory).. 2x512 will not cut the mustard now...

[Xaneden]

The latest Samsung SATA drives are v. nice, so quiet! One of the fastest performing drives I've used too.

Would this be the SpinPoint P120?

[Xaneden]

I'm somewhat hesitant of buying 2gb of DDR400, as in the future, I'd hope to upgrade to a DDR2 based motherboard (when they come out), so I'd spend my money on a nice amoun of it then. Is this a wise choice, or is DDDR2 not coming to 939 anytime soon?

[Tobeman]

DDR2 boards are already out with Intel boards. However they have shoddy latencies, no idea when DDR2 AMD boards are coming either. I was thinking the same thing with my build, and I've learnt to buy the best you can at the time, otherwise you can sit around and your spec will change each week as new bits come out and prices drop.

And yeah, thats the drive I meant.

[NightshadowUK]

Scan now offer the 3200+ as an OEM package, I'll get back to you on the heatsink and fans.

Also, if you want to overclock, have a look at Corsair's TwinX range.

[BUFF]

PSU
Not sure, I tried to look at the large PSU review on Hexus, but all the links are dead Any suggestions as to which one would be ideal? I can pay up to around 50 to 60 pounds max, and am looking for one around the 480w mark +.

How about the Hiper 580W type R?

[sawyen]

If ur getting only 1GB of ram.. then leave FEAR alone.. unless u like terminal headache...

[mike_w]

I have a Tagan 480W going well in my PC. I also like Seagates - reliable and a five year warranty.