New System

[[AK]Faxman]

I've finally decided on a new computer. After considerable waffling on CPUs, I've decided to eschew the AMD 64 in favor of a P4. I plan on doing a CPU/Mobo upgrade in a year if 64 bit gaming really takes off. Here's what's going into the new box:

CPU: P4 2.6 GHz w/ 800 MHz fsb
MOBO: MSI Neo2-FIS2R
MEM: 1 Gb DDR400
VID: ATI Radeon 9800 XT
AUD: Audigy 2 ZS

I'm going to throw in a hard drive somewhere between 80 and 120 GB, as well as a DVD drive. I'll throw in some 7.1 surrounnd sound speakers, and I should be in business. I also need to find a sturdy, well ventilated case that isn't gaudier than a Mexican brothel. I plan on putting a beefy power supply in at no less than 450 W, but I would prefer it not sound noisier than...a Mexican brothel. Suggestions on the case and PS? I'd appreciate any input on the hardware I have selected. Thanks!

[[AK]Sonic Boom]

I use cases from Lian Li. They can be a low profile or as gaudy as you like. Since they're aluminum, they seem to dissipate heat better.

www.lianli.com

[[AK]JD]

My last upgrade was with a enermax case, which is the same company as antec they make fantastic cases with modular bays and very well built. You pay a premium but IMO they are worth every penny my case has 3 fans + power supply and it is nice and quiet. Its blue btw and doesn't have any fancy plexy glass or blinking neon lights

Similar Case

[[AK]Hylander]

I have a few suggestions If I may...

Go with the P4-2.4C. That's the route I took as it's easily overclockable to 3.0GHz with no special cooling needs.

I also highly recommend the ASUS P4P800 Deluxe motherboard. It's very sound and stable with alot of configuration options. I use Crucial memory, but that is just a preference of mine.

For cases, I have to agree with Sonic, Lian-Li are one of, if not THE, best.

Obviously, you can see my configuration in my sig file

[[AK]Gunny Highway]

I have a 460w enermax ps and it is very quiet and more than enough to handle everything in my case, with 3 plugs left over. You will also not be disappointed in the Audigy 2, I have the platinum series with the creative 6.1 digital series 6100 speakers and they do crank.

[[AK]Faxman]

Great tips guys, thanks a bunch!

Hy- did you use the stock Intel retail fan/heatsink with your cpu?

[Moon]

While working with a Lian Li case building a new system, I must say that I'm very impressed with the quality, fit, and finish. Everything is precision and the dull brushed finish of this model looks very business like.

[[AK]StitchJones]

Originally posted by Moon
While working with a Lian Li case building a new system, I must say that I'm very impressed with the quality, fit, and finish. Everything is precision and the dull brushed finish of this model looks very business like.

oooooooooo a Lian Li case....... That's just too cool. I love Lian Li cases!!! I'm hoping to pick one up early next year.

[[AK]Hylander]

Originally posted by [AK]Faxman
Great tips guys, thanks a bunch!

Hy- did you use the stock Intel retail fan/heatsink with your cpu?

Sure did. No special cooling at all. The 2.4C is the P4 Overclock king. I could go much higher if I wanted to... by adding some better cooling, using more overclock friendly memory (I use Crucial, because I like the stability and I've never had a bad stick), etc. But I haven't seen the need to do so. Running at 3.0Ghz I've never had a single lock-up and it runs just about as cool as it does at 2.4C with the stock Intel heatsink/fan combo. And with the ASUS Motherboard I mentioned, you can clock the FSB up without automatically changing the memory settings. I'm using a ratio that lets my FSB run at the higher speed necessary to get 3.0C, but I'm running the Memory at the default settings of 800.

[[AK]JD]

from my experience the P4 Northwood has excellent overclocking ability. I was running my 2.0 @ 2.76 with stock cooling and no problems what so ever for over a year. I have had less than desirable results with my p4 3.06 (800fsb) with over clocking. I will also say that its been my experience and many others that Asus makes some of the best boards for overclocking.

[[AK]Hylander]

Just for reiteration.. it is the 2.4C - which is the 800 CPU.