NationStates Jolt Archive

I've decided to build a rather cheap gaming machine that I can take anywhere I go, less of pain to take to LAN partys and stuff.

The Full Tower Case I'm using now isnt exactly light.

Motherboard:

MSI PM8M2-V Via Socket 775 MicroATX Motherboard


Processor: Intel Pentium 4 506 Clocked at 2.66gzh

Case: Aerocool’s AeroEngine II! ( Still a mid tower, but its alot smaller than what I have now ) http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1526408&sku=Q131-1024

Nice cooling system, big ole 140mm fan intake on the front.

Ram: 1gb PC 3200 DDR Ram

450 Watt PSU 20/24 pin connecter

Hard Drive: 120gb Western Digital Serial ATA Hard Drive at 10,000 RPM

Video Card: AGP BFG 6800 OC with 128mb of onboard Memory

Moniter: DVI Dell 17inch LCD Moniter

Keyboard/mouse: Microsoft Wireless Keyboard and gaming mouse.

Dual Layer DVD-RW Burner

Operating System: Windows XP Pro

Go for an AMD mobo/proc combination, and see if you can find a 256mb graphics card. Gonna have a hard time running next year's games otherwise, specifically NWN2. Do you really need a dual-layer DVD burner? I'd say go for the wired mouse/keyboard simply because I've had bad luck with wireless stuff, and especially in FPS's it reacts a bit faster. Nothing that can't be compensated for, but still. I suppose you have to go with Pro if you want to have full networking capability, but damn it's expensive. I'd try to see if you could buy someone's copy who's throwing out their computer first. Unlikely but you never know.

Go for an AMD mobo/proc combination, and see if you can find a 256mb graphics card. Gonna have a hard time running next year's games otherwise, specifically NWN2.

I second that. You'll get more bang for your buck if you go with AMD.

The Reason I choose the 128mb 6800 is that its about 100 dollars cheaper than a 256mb version. I can deal with lower textures, but I cant deal with a loss of framerate. And a 6800 has plenty of power under the hood, or so I'm told.

I've always been hesitant about AMD, I've had some bad experices with they're products, and try to stay away. Alot of overheating and lock ups with my Athlon 1800

If I was to go AMD, what would I need to buy from their lineup to get the same ( if not better ) performance as an Intel 2.66?

Like, a 3400 or somthing like that?

Trust us on this:

AMD is worth it. 256MB video cards are also worth it right now. Make the extra $100 investment so you don't have to worry about it in a year or two.

When you look at AMDs and Intels, don't take their clock speeds to be their performance (well, with AMD). An AMD 2500+ has a performance index of 2500MHz, but a clock speed of about 1500MHz, whereas an Intel's clockspeed is equal to its performance index. AMD bring their clockspeeds down and other areas of the CPU up. So an Intel 2.66GHz will be matched by an AMD 2700+, even though the AMD clockspeed is much lower.

Personally I would switch to amd ... something 64 but like the 3800+
Switch to an ATI card ... X700 pro or X800 pro

Drop XP pro unless you plan on being on a domain, and check something like a samsung 8 or 6 ms response monitor would be better then the dell (Check refresh rates while I like dell equipment they tend to be underpowered in that department ... a necessity if you are gaming on it)

Samsung LG and at times Viewsonic make some great equipment
Been hearing good things out of acer latly as well

If I was to go AMD, what would I need to buy from their lineup to get the same ( if not better ) performance as an Intel 2.66?

Like, a 3400 or somthing like that?
Depends, on gaming a 3700 + matches up pretty well with the 3.0 ghz pentiums (HT)

Actual gaming performance that is

What I would change:

Processor: AMD 64 3000+ It's about the same price as the Pentium, but will perform better.
Motherboard: ASUS A8N-VM/CSM mATX S939
Video Card: eVGA 6800GS 256MB Better performance than the 6800 and cheaper too.

Being both a moderator and on a vault network staff at IGN, and also being one of the main posters in our PC General/Hardware/Software and Tech Support forum I will give you a base gaming compilation that is relatively low priced. Don't know what price range you are going for, but for a budget PC I typically try and price them for $800 or less.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129158 - Antec Performance TX w/ Smartpower 2.0 500w PSU ($124.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103535 - AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice Core ($174.00)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231013 - G.Skill 1gb (2x 512mb) PC3200 [Hey, it's BH5 so you can't lose] ($139.50)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130256 - eVGA 7800GT ($299.00)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813153030 - Jetway 939GT4-SLI-G ($129.99 w/ $10.00 mail-in rebate)

You get a decent case with a good power supply from Antec with that case/psu combo. The AMD Athlon 64 3200+ is a good processor that you can overclock to greater than 3500+ speeds with a good cooling system. G.Skill is a not well known brand with memory by most but the core enthusiasts, and even some of them don't know of them well. These Winbound BH5 sticks that I picked out for you can be clocked to 270mhz with good stability. With the eVGA 7800GT not only do you get a free copy of Quake 4, but you also get one of the best customer service in the video card industry next to BFG. With their lifetime warranty, they (very VERY rarely) ask what happened to it but replace the card w/o question. And with their step-up program you can easily upgrade your card in 3 months or so if a new one comes out and you have the money to upgrade. And, finally, the Jetway mobo I picked out is the best nForce 4 mobo on the market currently next to the Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard.

Total Price: $727.98

You can upgrade the Athlon 64 to a better processor if you want and your budget allows. I highly suggest a 3700+ San Diego Core or a 4000+ San Diego Core. The AMD 64 4000+ is what used to be the AMD 64 FX-53.

Don't know if he got the chance to see this.

WHat has been said.

AMD good.
ATI x700pro good and relatively affordable.


Oh, one other thing: Don't skimp on the power supply. A bad power supply can really ruin your weekend. You are bettter off spending extra on a decent one. There are a couple. Antec is a pretty safe choice. I love my Antec Neopower. *nod*

Edit: Oh, and consider an Asus motherboard. *nod*

WHat has been said.

AMD good.
ATI x700pro good and relatively affordable.


Oh, one other thing: Don't skimp on the power supply. A bad power supply can really ruin your weekend. You are bettter off spending extra on a decent one. There are a couple. Antec is a pretty safe choice. I love my Antec Neopower. *nod*

Edit: Oh, and consider an Asus motherboard. *nod*
I am using an ASUS board ... and have switched over for my PC building for clients (from abit)

Amazing boards
I love them

As far as powersupplies I like Thermaltake for their cheep active PPC
But if you want to spend money ... enermax makes a great power supply ... or like you said Antec

I also have recently dealt with xion ... I like it

Antec, Seasonic, Thermaltake, Enermax (Noisetaker series, preferrably, as their other lines have been bugged with issues).

ASUS is good as long as it isn't the A8N-E. That board has been plagued with problems since it's inception. The A8N32-SLI Deluxe is their best board to date, and the A8N5X is what the A8N-SLI, A8N-SLI Premium, and A8N-SLI Deluxe should have been except with SLI. With the exception of the A8N32-SLI Deluxe, the new top end Asus motherbaords have had troubles of late with their overall bad layout and design. The A8N5X has none of these issues.

However, the Jetway motherboard I picked out is the one of the top performing nForce 4 motherboards on the market currently, with the exception of the Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe and the DFI Lanparty series (excluding those automatically as most people except the avid enthusiast has trouble setting one of these motherboards up).


@Lunatic Golfballs:

Going with ATI at this point is not worth the time or effort, as they are plagued and hounded with driver issues that most people cannot stand (myself included). They have dropped the ball so far, and while I hope that there r580 chip isn't as bad as the r520 chip was, only time will tell.

However, I have heard stories from personal friends that the nVidia G71/G72 chipset will have 32 pixel pipelines and I almost creamed my pants when I heard that.

Edit: And for the price he would pay for the x700 he might as well get a 6600(GT)

Antec, Seasonic, Thermaltake, Enermax (Noisetaker series, preferrably, as their other lines have been bugged with issues).

ASUS is good as long as it isn't the A8N-E. That board has been plagued with problems since it's inception. The A8N32-SLI Deluxe is their best board to date, and the A8N5X is what the A8N-SLI, A8N-SLI Premium, and A8N-SLI Deluxe should have been except with SLI. With the exception of the A8N32-SLI Deluxe, the new top end Asus motherbaords have had troubles of late with their overall bad layout and design. The A8N5X has none of these issues.

However, the Jetway motherboard I picked out is the one of the top performing nForce 4 motherboards on the market currently, with the exception of the Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe and the DFI Lanparty series (excluding those automatically as most people except the avid enthusiast has trouble setting one of these motherboards up).


@Lunatic Golfballs:

Going with ATI at this point is not worth the time or effort, as they are plagued and hounded with driver issues that most people cannot stand (myself included). They have dropped the ball so far, and while I hope that there r580 chip isn't as bad as the r520 chip was, only time will tell.

However, I have heard stories from personal friends that the nVidia G71/G72 chipset will have 32 pixel pipelines and I almost creamed my pants when I heard that.


Hmm never had driver support issues even for my *nix boxes

Also no issues With ASUS board layouts ... though I have not used the A8N-E motherboard

Using the k8n-dl right now myself

Hmm never had driver support issues even for my *nix boxes

Also no issues With ASUS board layouts ... though I have not used the A8N-E motherboard

Using the k8n-dl right now myself

I'm assuming that you aren't doing in gaming on your 'nix boxes (MMOs, FPS etc etc)..

ATI of late has been trying to get more performance out of their drivers instead of stability and quality.

I'm assuming that you aren't doing in gaming on your 'nix boxes (MMOs, FPS etc etc)..

ATI of late has been trying to get more performance out of their drivers instead of stability and quality.
Well I have I have gotten BF2 and COD2 to run stable using UBUNTU and WINE

That one is using an X700 pro (SAPHIRE)

Its a dual boot ... no problems in either windows nor *nix as far as stability

Well I have I have gotten BF2 and COD2 to run stable using UBUNTU and WINE

That one is using an X700 pro (SAPHIRE)

Its a dual boot ... no problems in either windows nor *nix as far as stability
You got things to apps with WINE! I could install apps, but not run them. IIRC it had to do with my video drivers.

You got things to apps with WINE! I could install apps, but not run them. IIRC it had to do with my video drivers.
;)

I am trying to remember there is a another windows gaming emulator you can pay for (its like 5 a month) desingned for *nix gaming

I think it was just a hevily modified wine

It was real intresting too ... cant remember the name though, Ill ask my friend that was doing it the name tomarrow. Maybe your issues with wine would not occur with this other program

Well I have I have gotten BF2 and COD2 to run stable using UBUNTU and WINE

That one is using an X700 pro (SAPHIRE)

Its a dual boot ... no problems in either windows nor *nix as far as stability

Ok, the majority of people who use the x300-x1800 products have been having many issues with drivers. Actually, ATI has always had a driver issue in regards to most games - of course, the biggest issues are with DirectX9.0c and OpenGL games.

;)

I am trying to remember there is a another windows gaming emulator you can pay for (its like 5 a month) desingned for *nix gaming

I think it was just a hevily modified wine

It was real intresting too ... cant remember the name though, Ill ask my friend that was doing it the name tomarrow. Maybe your issues with wine would not occur with this other program
Which one, CrossOver or Cedega? Either way, I don't think any *nix supports my wireless adapter (Linksys WUSB11 v3); it's not supported natively or with ndiswrapper. Tomorrow, I am going to try to get my other computer running (I found my mobo's manual so I know what the beeps and led's mean when it can't post). If I can get it running, I will by a card supported by Ubuntu and give Wine, and if it fails again wineCVS (free Cedega), another shot.

Have you heard of ReactOS? I found it on wiki, while looking for the proper spelling of Cedega. It appears that there may be an open version of Windows pretty soon. It will be ported for x86, PPC, Xen, and xbox (wtf?).

*cough*

Well, do something like give us a total system budget and we'll pick a system build for you. A target range would be good.

I thought up some new specs, after doing a bit of reading and stuff, for a budget Gaming PC, you just cant go wrong with this AMD

Motherboard: Abit KU8
Processor: AMD Sempron 64 2800
Memory: PC 3200 ( 1 gig )
Video Card: I was thinking about an FX 5500 just to be cheap, but I decided to go for a 6600GT 256mb.
Hard Drive: Will be using an 40gb HDD that I already own ( 7200RPM )

Case:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1483702&CatId=1843

I decided on that case because it looks really nice and comes with a decent power supply. Which is 350 watts

Optical Drives: One DVD ROM and a Dual Layer DVD Burner ( already had a regular DVD drive, so why not throw it in? )

As far as cooling I decided on a MassCool Heatsink and fan thats rated to cool an AMD 64 3800. So a sempron shouldnt be much of a problem, I also decided on buying some expensive sliver thermal gel. Because its supposed to work better.

Looks good?

And for the record, I've always stayed away from ATI, even in the shit days of the GeforceFX ( vomits ), I sat through and waited.

I really dont want to spend that much more than 400 dollars.

The Lower the better.

Processor: AMD 64 3000+ It's about the same price as the Pentium, but will perform better.
From a pentium 4 running at 2.66 to a 64 bit proc form AMD? This qualifies as the understatement of the year award.

I also decided on buying some expensive sliver thermal gel. Because its supposed to work better.

Not true. Maximum PC did a bunch of tests and they found that the generic silicon thermal paste you can find at radioshack works almost just as well. The only one that really underperforms is that copper stuff. Unless you're thinking about seriously OCing your processor it's not worth the expense.

Not true. Maximum PC did a bunch of tests and they found that the generic silicon thermal paste you can find at radioshack works almost just as well. The only one that really underperforms is that copper stuff. Unless you're thinking about seriously OCing your processor it's not worth the expense.
Its only another 3 dollars, I can live :)

This will be my 1st serious AMD build.

How will it perforem in comparison to my current rig?

I have no sense of money, considering it wasnt an object when I built my 2nd computer. Which is:

Processor: Pentium EEX ( 3.4gzh Dual cored )
Motherboard: HIgh End Intel MOtherboard ( some massive number I cant remeber )
RAM: DDR 2 at 550mzh 4gb
Video Card: SLI 7800GTs, Dual 512mb
Hard Drive: Dual Raptors in a RAID ( 70gb each )
Optical: DUal DVD RWs
Midtower Thermaltake case.
Creative SOundblaster Platinum

I know this budget build wont even compare, but what kind of performance would I be looking at, compared to the other low end intel setups?

Its only another 3 dollars, I can live :)

This will be my 1st serious AMD build.

How will it perforem in comparison to my current rig?

I have no sense of money, considering it wasnt an object when I built my 2nd computer. Which is:

Processor: Pentium EEX ( 3.4gzh Dual cored )
Motherboard: HIgh End Intel MOtherboard ( some massive number I cant remeber )
RAM: DDR 2 at 550mzh 4gb
Video Card: SLI 7800GTs, Dual 512mb
Hard Drive: Dual Raptors in a RAID ( 70gb each )
Optical: DUal DVD RWs
Midtower Thermaltake case.
Creative SOundblaster Platinum

I know this budget build wont even compare, but what kind of performance would I be looking at, compared to the other low end intel setups?
Compared to that Intel system, the AMD is going to be a hassle to use. Even more so when you install Vista onto the Pentium.

Well, the entire point of this thing is for LAN partys, as long as I can get high framerates at even low settings I'll be happy.

I play Alot of HALO and CS Source, and Age of Empires III at LAN partys.

And I really dont like the idea of bringing a 4000 dollar PC ( with moniter and all ) to a LAN party.

So when its not going a LAN party, its probably going to just collect dust.

But I still want to build it.

Is it possible to get better performance?

Yes I agree go AMD better for gaming.

Well, the entire point of this thing is for LAN partys, as long as I can get high framerates at even low settings I'll be happy.

I play Alot of HALO and CS Source, and Age of Empires III at LAN partys.

And I really dont like the idea of bringing a 4000 dollar PC ( with moniter and all ) to a LAN party.

So when its not going a LAN party, its probably going to just collect dust.

But I still want to build it.

Is it possible to get better performance?
Alienware Aurora m7700's are great for LAN parties, but rather expensive. I recommend you upgrade you Sempron to a Anthlon. Other than that it looks pretty good.

After I saw some benckmarks, theres really no difference between Intels new Celeron D and AMDs Semprons. So screw that.


I think I might spend more money for a crappy Athlon.

I was thinking about going microATX so I can have a really small case.

Is there any pros and cons to micro ATX? The only cards I plan to put in are a D-Link wireless PCI card and the AGP or PCIe video card.

I plan on building a new PC next spring. I already know most of the componants that I will buy (some will change as new componants are released and the old ones fall in price). Right now I have chosen:

Case: Antec P180
Memory: Corsair Twinx PC3200 1GB
Hard Drive: Seagate Barrracuda 80 GB Sata
PSU: Antec Neo HE500
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon X1600 Pro 256MB

I cannot choose between to processors. The AMD Antlon x2 3800+ and the AMD Opteron 170. Both are dual-core and operate at 2.0 GHz stock. The Opteron is $97 (CAD) dollars more, but it comes with a better heatsink, has twice the L2 cache, can be overclocked much more (I've heard safely to 2.6 GHz with air) and generally last longer. If I buy the Anthlon I would get a ASUS A8N5X mobo, but if I got the Opteron I would buy a DFI LANParty UT Ultra-D ($35 more, better overclocking). Would the Opteron be worth the extra $132?

I plan on building a new PC next spring. I already know most of the componants that I will buy (some will change as new componants are released and the old ones fall in price). Right now I have chosen:

Case: Antec P180
Memory: Kingston ValueRAM PC3200 2GB
Hard Drive: Seagate Barrracuda 80 GB Sata
PSU: Antec Neo HE500
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon X1600 Pro 256MB

I cannot choose between to processors. The AMD Antlon x2 3800+ and the AMD Opteron 170. Both are dual-core and operate at 2.0 GHz stock. The Opteron is $97 (CAD) dollars more, but it comes with a better heatsink, has twice the L2 cache, can be overclocked much more (I've heard safely to 2.6 GHz with air) and generally last longer. If I buy the Anthlon I would get a ASUS A8N5X mobo, but if I got the Opteron I would buy a DFI LANParty UT Ultra-D ($35 more, better overclocking). Would the Opteron be worth the extra $132?


Personaly I would re-evaluate that ram choice ... spend a bit more and get something with a higher performance

Kingston is good but their ValueRam line is ... how we say cheep

If you NEED valueram prices look into corsair

After I saw some benckmarks, theres really no difference between Intels new Celeron D and AMDs Semprons. So screw that.


I think I might spend more money for a crappy Athlon.

I was thinking about going microATX so I can have a really small case.

Is there any pros and cons to micro ATX? The only cards I plan to put in are a D-Link wireless PCI card and the AGP or PCIe video card.
mATX's tend to have more trouble with heat (usually because the smaller cases have poorer cooling). They also tend to have fewer PCI slots (not going to be a problem for you). mATX's also tend to be expensive for the features that you get (low bang for the buck). They are good for LANParty rigs because you can fit them into a smaller (and therefore lighter) case. The Foxconn NF4K8MC-EKRS is supposed to be a very good mATX board ($75 US).

Personaly I would re-evaluate that ram choice ... spend a bit more and get something with a higher performance

Kingston is good but their ValueRam line is ... how we say cheep

If you NEED valueram prices look into corsair
Noted, I went with some Corsair Twinx. It was also supposed to say 1GB of ValueRAM, the 2 was a typo.

Noted, I went with some Corsair Twinx. It was also supposed to say 1GB of ValueRAM, the 2 was a typo.
Well sense you typed it you might as well go for the 2GB :) thats my next upgrade

1 gb ram is just not enough to push them duals all the way out :)

I plan on building a new PC next spring. I already know most of the componants that I will buy (some will change as new componants are released and the old ones fall in price). Right now I have chosen:

Case: Antec P180
Memory: Corsair Twinx PC3200 1GB
Hard Drive: Seagate Barrracuda 80 GB Sata
PSU: Antec Neo HE500
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon X1600 Pro 256MB

I cannot choose between to processors. The AMD Antlon x2 3800+ and the AMD Opteron 170. Both are dual-core and operate at 2.0 GHz stock. The Opteron is $97 (CAD) dollars more, but it comes with a better heatsink, has twice the L2 cache, can be overclocked much more (I've heard safely to 2.6 GHz with air) and generally last longer. If I buy the Anthlon I would get a ASUS A8N5X mobo, but if I got the Opteron I would buy a DFI LANParty UT Ultra-D ($35 more, better overclocking). Would the Opteron be worth the extra $132?
What use do you have for a dual-core? You can get much faster single-core CPUs for the same price. Unless you do multitasking stuff like massive rendering or encoding, dual-core CPUs are a waste of money.

If you're worried about CPU heat, buy one without a sink (if it's cheaper) and get a Ninja & maybe a fan. Even without the fan, a ninja should keep even an overclocked x2 3800+ cool in a P180 case. There's 2 12-fans rignt next to it after all. I personally have a 4200+ X2 CPU with a Ninja on top in a P180 case, and cooling's never been an issue. Mine isn't overclocked though.

I just bought an Alienware...its uber gnarly.

What use do you have for a dual-core? You can get much faster single-core CPUs for the same price. Unless you do multitasking stuff like massive rendering or encoding, dual-core CPUs are a waste of money.
Well, I heard that multithreaded apps while be out in the next 1-3 years. This PC will have to last a few years longer than that with only, maybe, a RAM upgrade.
If you're worried about CPU heat, buy one without a sink (if it's cheaper) and get a Ninja & maybe a fan. Even without the fan, a ninja should keep even an overclocked x2 3800+ cool in a P180 case. There's 2 12-fans rignt next to it after all. I personally have a 4200+ X2 CPU with a Ninja on top in a P180 case, and cooling's never been an issue. Mine isn't overclocked though.
I'm not worried about heat. The P180 has good cooling. It wouldn't be able to buy the CPU without the sink anyways (unless I use a different site).

Well, I heard that multithreaded apps while be out in the next 1-3 years. This PC will have to last a few years longer than that with only, maybe, a RAM upgrade.Alright. In that case, I suppose it isn't such a bad investment after all. Though I'd consider putting the shopping on hold for a year or so if I were you. Also, remember that the X2 use the same socket 939 as the fast single-core AMDs. You won't have to buy a new computer, getting a new CPU will be enough in a year. It's worth considering anyway.I'm not worried about heat. The P180 has good cooling. It wouldn't be able to buy the CPU without the sink anyways (unless I use a different site).I just noticed the PSU you're planning on getting. Nice mate. Very, very nice. Since you're obviously going for a quiet machine, you should seriously consider getting a ninja. They're very easy to instal & do the job perfectly with your setup. Sure, it's an added expense, but it really isn't much. The thing costs less than your mainboard. You can always save up for it & instal later.

The thing with the Ninja SCNJ1000 cooler is that it's fanless & can operate fanless with your setup. That's a huge noise source completely eliminated.
I'm sure you can do something similar to your GFX card, only wait until you have the P180 case, because some GFX coolers are too big for the ventillation duct. I'll be looking into doing the same after newyears, as I'm upgrading to a 7800gt card.

And man... You are gonna LOVE that case! Which one are you getting? The metal or the black?

EDIT: Been contemplating your machine for a bit.. I think you should get an Antec Phantom 350 PSU instead. You won't need more power than that & it is completely noiseless. It's also a wee bit cheaper & would pay for a Ninja.

I'm planning to build my next system, but all nearly all the things I've read about nearly ALL the components disagree as to which is better/more useful/more reliable/etc. All I know is that I'm shooting for something midrangeish (U$S 1500 or so, maybe a tad more) that'll have at least a modicum of staying power... I'd also like to NOT be deafened when the machine is on, but quiet-running is much more of a secondary concern.

Alright. In that case, I suppose it isn't such a bad investment after all. Though I'd consider putting the shopping on hold for a year or so if I were you. Also, remember that the X2 use the same socket 939 as the fast single-core AMDs. You won't have to buy a new computer, getting a new CPU will be enough in a year. It's worth considering anyway.
Prices will fall when the M2 comes out, just I don't want to have to put up with my current comp for much longer. O about being able to get a faster single core CPU for the same price, the Opteron 170 can be OC'd to the same speed as a FX-55, without getting a stepping that is perticularly prone to OCing.

I just noticed the PSU you're planning on getting. Nice mate. Very, very nice. Since you're obviously going for a quiet machine, you should seriously consider getting a ninja. They're very easy to instal & do the job perfectly with your setup. Sure, it's an added expense, but it really isn't much. The thing costs less than your mainboard. You can always save up for it & instal later.

The thing with the Ninja SCNJ1000 cooler is that it's fanless & can operate fanless with your setup. That's a huge noise source completely eliminated.
I wasn't aiming for a quiet, it just kinda happened that way:). The case was the only componant that I picked because it was silent. The Opteron's heat sink is also fanless. Is Ninja the brand name, I haven't been able to find it at ncix.com

I'm sure you can do something similar to your GFX card, only wait until you have the P180 case, because some GFX coolers are too big for the ventillation duct. I'll be looking into doing the same after newyears, as I'm upgrading to a 7800gt card.
I doubt I would use anything besides stock cooling for my GPU. I am buying a Sapphire Radeon, so it will come OC'd a decent amount (but stable without extra cooling).

And man... You are gonna LOVE that case! Which one are you getting? The metal or the black?
I'm getting the metal. The my black is not available from the site I am buying from. Doesn't matter much anyways, the Metal will look alot better with my moniter, keyboard and desk. Thank God ncix.com will assemble my PC for me, I heard the P180 is a pain to build in.

EDIT:
EDIT: Been contemplating your machine for a bit.. I think you should get an Antec Phantom 350 PSU instead. You won't need more power than that & it is completely noiseless. It's also a wee bit cheaper & would pay for a Ninja.
What?!? I've been told that 450W PSU would be a little to close for comfort for that machine.

I'm planning to build my next system, but all nearly all the things I've read about nearly ALL the components disagree as to which is better/more useful/more reliable/etc. All I know is that I'm shooting for something midrangeish (U$S 1500 or so, maybe a tad more) that'll have at least a modicum of staying power... I'd also like to NOT be deafened when the machine is on, but quiet-running is much more of a secondary concern.
Case: Antec Performance Plus AMG PLUS660AMG (http://www.antec.com/us/support_productInfo_details.php?ProdID=90662)
PSU: 330W included in case.
Mainboard: Asus A8N-E (http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=15&l3=171&model=455&modelmenu=1) or another cheap non-SLI PCIe board.
CPU: AMD 64 3800+ (PiB) (http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_9485,00.html) - It's fairly fast, easily upgradable & comparatively inexpensive.
RAM: 2x 512MB Kingston DDR SD PC3200 sticks. It's the cheapest I know of.
GFX card: Inno3D 7800GT (http://www.inno3d.com/products/geforce7/7800gt.html). Noisy but cheap. Most value for the money right now.

I assume you already have drives, monitor & peripherals.

Prices will fall when the M2 comes out, just I don't want to have to put up with my current comp for much longer. O about being able to get a faster single core CPU for the same price, the Opteron 170 can be OC'd to the same speed as a FX-55, without getting a stepping that is perticularly prone to OCing.Hehe, I know the feeling, and forget my ramblings about the heatsink then. I'm just in love with the damn Ninja (http://www.scythe.co.jp/en/cooler/SCNJ1000.htm) :p I doubt I would use anything besides stock cooling for my GPU. I am buying a Sapphire Radeon, so it will come OC'd a decent amount (but stable without extra cooling).I haven't looked into it & I know fuck-all about ATI cards in general.. But I'm 99% sure you'll be able to get a better & quieter GPU cooler that fits in the ventillation duct in the P180. I'll be happy to check up on it if you want.

The p180 case is perfectly easy to deal with. The only grief I have with it is there's no removable tray for the mainboard. It's not a big deal though, as there's plenty of room in the case.I'm getting the metal. The my black is not available from the site I am buying from. Doesn't matter much anyways, the Metal will look alot better with my moniter, keyboard and desk. Thank God ncix.com will assemble my PC for me, I heard the P180 is a pain to build in.Nice. I have the metal one as well. Goes very well with the rest of the room.
The black case is some sort of special limited edition thingy I think.

EDIT:What?!? I've been told that 450W PSU would be a little to close for comfort for that machine.It's not really a question of watts, it's al about how many ampere the thing provides on the 12V line. If it's above 15A then you'll have no problems. The Phantom 350 provides 17A as far as I remember. The HE500 PSU you're currently getting is pure overkill, unless you go SLI & have 10 HDDs.
I doubt the Phantom 350 would have any problems powering my system, and I have 4 HDDs & 2 DVD drives installed. I don't use SLI though.

Hehe, I know the feeling, and forget my ramblings about the heatsink then. I'm just in love with the damn Ninja (http://www.scythe.co.jp/en/cooler/SCNJ1000.htm) :p
Nope, I looked into it and ncix.com doesn't have the Ninja. O well I don't think the stock sink will make it as loud as my current computer. With the TV turned off and the doors open, I can hear my computer from upstairs.

I haven't looked into it & I know fuck-all about ATI cards in general.. But I'm 99% sure you'll be able to get a better & quieter GPU cooler that fits in the ventillation duct in the P180. I'll be happy to check up on it if you want.
I pretty sure you can get them too. It's not preticlarly a concern right now.

The p180 case is perfectly easy to deal with. The only grief I have with it is there's no removable tray for the mainboard. It's not a big deal though, as there's plenty of room in the case.
I heard they are a pain because of how they isolate the componants. It is a pain because it is more time consuming, not because it is too much more difficult.

Nice. I have the metal one as well. Goes very well with the rest of the room.
The black case is some sort of special limited edition thingy I think.
Everything else on my desk (and even the desk itself) will be silver with black, so it should all match nicely.

Nope, I looked into it and ncix.com doesn't have the Ninja. O well I don't think the stock sink will make it as loud as my current computer. With the TV turned off and the doors open, I can hear my computer from upstairs.

I pretty sure you can get them too. It's not preticlarly a concern right now.Holy shit!
Still, it's almost a pitty going for real noise reduction with a case like yours.I heard they are a pain because of how they isolate the componants. It is a pain because it is more time consuming, not because it is too much more difficult.Nah, that's overstating it. A lot. It's no different from any other quality case on the market, and a lot nicer to mess with than your average budget case. As I said, there's plenty of room in it, and lack of space is the numero uno problem with most cases.
The noise reduction features do add a bit o extra work, but it really isn't much. 2 screws, for example. Overall it's much easier (and thus quicker) to deal with than most cases I've messed with.Everything else on my desk (and even the desk itself) will be silver with black, so it should all match nicely.Same here actually. Execpt I use a big rosewood plank for desk.

What?!? I've been told that 450W PSU would be a little to close for comfort for that machine.
Depends on the PSU brand. Some PSUs vastly underperform.

You are gonna wanna get a better PSU. I suggest an Enermax Noisetaker, depending on how much you wanna spend. The EG495P-VE is a good model.

EDIT:It's not really a question of watts, it's al about how many ampere the thing provides on the 12V line. If it's above 15A then you'll have no problems. The Phantom 350 provides 17A as far as I remember. The HE500 PSU you're currently getting is pure overkill, unless you go SLI & have 10 HDDs.
I doubt the Phantom 350 would have any problems powering my system, and I have 4 HDDs & 2 DVD drives installed. I don't use SLI though.
I checked the prices, and the Phantom 350 costs just over $70 more than the Neo HE500. I guess it would be cheaper to go with pure overkill.

EDIT: Looking at the Phantom's product page on ncix.com, I was suprised to see it wasn't just an ugly metal box.

http://gallery.ipodlounge.com/ipod/albums/userpics/normal_iPod%20world%20domination.jpg

Get one of those.:p

http://gallery.ipodlounge.com/ipod/albums/userpics/normal_iPod%20world%20domination.jpg

Get one of those.:p
iPod mini's can double as a budget gaming PC? Isn't that a nice feature.