Help me build it! (please)

[Korgoth]

Alright here's the skinny...
I am going to build me a new system. I want it as cheap as I can get it, but I want a lot out of it. I want to play the newest of new games at full detail, also work on my own graphics projects (3d modelling/animating photoshop etc)...
What I would like:
*Fastest available processor/motherboard (not 64 bit, unless its cheap and just as good)

*Next gen graphics card (RX800, or NV6800 or newer, depends on when I build)

*At least 1 GB fastest memory (prefer 2 if possible and not super expensive)

*Around 120 GB of fast/fastest storage/hardrive

*Everything else I'm missing

Ok, so I am a real noob at hardware stuff. I know some sites to look at for price comparisons and what not... But I don't really know what all it takes to build a "complete" system.
What is the price I'm looking at with the aformentioned hardware? Where can I cut corners. Where should I go top o' the line? Any help is appreciated.

 

[gh0st]

Cpu: Athlon 64 3000+ $223
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-424&depa=0

Motherboard: K8T Neo-FIS2R $126
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-434&depa=0

You should pick your own graphics card/Sound card based upon whatever type of funds you have. I can attest to the integrated sound (ac97) on that motherboard, and it is very good.

Hdd: Western Digital Raptor (either 36 or 74 depending upon your needs $112, $215 respectively

Ram: Geil Golden dragon (upper end) $285
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-144-603&depa=0

this would make a savage computer, price tag would be around 750. the graphics card will bump that price up quite a bit though.

i wouldent recommed buying a computer right now though.. wait for socket 939 to make a foothold. theres lots of new technology coming up.

 

[Korgoth]

Whoa, thanks a milliion ghost, I didn't expect this much help!
Checking all links and reading up now, thanks again man.

 

[gh0st]

sure, if you have any questions or want some more items im on aim.

 

[ComradeBadger]

AC97 isn't that good. Oh, and jumping on the AMD 64 bandwagon right now, when the CPU socket will be changing soon is a little silly.

 

[Korgoth]

Well what would you recommend badger? (CPU/MOBO wise)
I need everything guys. I guess i'm looking to spend around 1600 max for everything...
I'd like to go cheaper, but I need it all.
Case/Guts, Monitor, Keyboard/mouse, Windows etc.?

I was thinking along the lines of 3ghz proc, 1gb pc3200 ram, newest radeon (x800), 19" monitor etc.

Going to do some research, thanks for the advice guys, keep it comeing if you'd like!

 

[ComradeBadger]

I don't know tbh, not until BTX..

Well, if you can't wait, then go with AMD 64

 

[Korgoth]

Do you know of any cool cheap cases I can look at? I'm having trouble finding anything that appeals to me... (tried xoxide.com to no success)
Also, what version of windows do you recommend? I currently use XP home edition, I don't really want alot of the pretty/user friendly garbage that it comes with, is professional a better choice you think?

 

[ShinRa]

Dude your not going to get "everything top of the line" for 1600. I'm saving up $2400 and thats without a new monitor. My bill is gonna be around $2600. Anyway, who cares about what your case looks like? Your going to need a good case with a good cooling system, even if it looks like a pile of shit. You cant just have top of the line hardware in a piece of shit case, unless you want it all to melt or burn out within a year. I'd recommend the Xaser III Super Tower case. Looks kinda cool, has 7 fans that keeps your comp like a fridge, and is very spacy. All for about $150. Check it out on www.pricewatch.com

 

[Johan_Tayn]

certainly a more roboust OS network wise, Pro is a LOT better at about $20 more. I can get it(full version) for you for $100. AMD64 is the best for gaming! I would get a 3200+ if I could afford the extra dough because while it only has the same frequencey as a 3000+, it has twice the cache and thus, with OCing, can be as good as a 3400+.

 

[Korgoth]

Interesting, thanks johan! And Guinny, I know I'm not going to get total top of the line with only 1600 dollars, What I meant was, I want the best possible with 1600 as a set limit

 

[ShinRa]

then ur not gonna get a better case then the one i mentioned...personally i dont think there is a better case. im buying the case again for the new comp im building...its an amazing case

 

[gh0st]

AC97 isn't that good. Oh, and jumping on the AMD 64 bandwagon right now, when the CPU socket will be changing soon is a little silly.

oh im sorry yes ac97 sucks. sorry my ears must have decieved me, my mistake. :rolling:

cpu sockets are always changing. waiting for the next one will just make you wait for the next and the next, though if you read what i posted youd notice i already mentioned this.

 

[ComradeBadger]

No, I mean, it's not great as far as onboard audio goes. Anyway.

I know CPU sockets are always changing, but the current AMD64 will disappear soon enough.

 

[gh0st]

no they wont, they still have the a64 3700+ coming out on socket 754.

 

[Pi Mu Rho]

If you're planning a major upgrade, I'd wait until the introduction of BTX motherboards and PCI-Express later this year. Otherwise, you're going to have a system that you can maybe upgrade once in the future before you're out of the mainstream.

 

[FCKaul]

Hmm u wanna use photoshop n 3d programs for rendering? Im suprised everyone has said AMD 64 when a P4 with hyper-threading pretty much kills it in encoding and desktop work.
The 64 does win in games but the P4 isnt that much behind it so i would consider that the better option.
Also the P4 is now a mature format so all the motherboards etc are of the highest quality and falling in price a little. Try the asus canterwood offereing with 1 gb of pc 3200 or 3500 ram.