My First AMD Build

[WackoJedi]

Hello A8N-E Owners!

I just built my first AMD rig and wanted to share my specs:

MB = A8N-E
CPU = AMD 3800 X2 Manchester Core
GPU = Evga 7600 GT CO
Case = Antec Super Lanboy
PS = Ultra X-Finity 500 Watt Flex cables
RAM = 2x512 MB corsair value ram
OS = Win XP Pro

I plan to upgrade the ram to at least 2x1GB but still not sure which ram to get (OCZ or Corsair). I am running everything stock asa of now, but will plan to overclock as the need arrises. This AMD rig is much faster then my other Dell dimension 4600 2.6 GHZ HT. Any advice on coolers? (Zalman or Thermaltake). I upgraded to latest bios 1013 i believe. Any advice on versions of chipset to use, GPU drivers, anything else you wish to share....

 

[PurdueRy]

1. Get 1x 1 gig of ram
2. Get a good power supply...look at the FSP units around 400-450 watts

 

[Crescent13]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
1. Get 1x 1 gig of ram
2. Get a good power supply...look at the FSP units around 400-450 watts

QFT!

If you don't get a good psu you're in BIG trouble. Ultra PSU's have been known to fry computers! Literally. They overvolt them and poof, smoke, then comp is dead.


I agree with purduery, get 1x 1Gig of ram so you can upgrade easier later on.

Also, Why aren't you going with AM2? It's pretty pointless to buy a new comp and use an outdated socket.

EDIT: Also since you plan to use aftermarket cooling anyway, it was a waste to get the 7600GT CO, you could have got a regular one. Really I think the only GOOD part of this computer is the case, and even then you probably could have got something better.

EDIT 2: How much did you pay?

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: Crescent13
If you don't get a good psu you're in BIG trouble. Ultra PSU's have been known to fry computers! Literally. They overvolt them and poof, smoke, then comp is dead.

Right... and cars kill people, yet people still drive them. Some proof on your claim would be nice. JohnnyGuru and SilentPCReview gave the OP's PSU a favorable review. Unless you have personally used a Ultra X-Finity 500W PSU and it exploded in your face, please refrain from giving out false accusations.

 

[Crescent13]

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: Crescent13
If you don't get a good psu you're in BIG trouble. Ultra PSU's have been known to fry computers! Literally. They overvolt them and poof, smoke, then comp is dead.

Right... and cars kill people, yet people still drive them. Some proof on your claim would be nice. JohnnyGuru and SilentPCReview gave the OP's PSU a favorable review. Unless you have personally used a Ultra X-Finity 500W PSU and it exploded in your face, please refrain from giving out false accusations.

I'm not giving out false accusations. There have been at least 5 people on theese forums alone since I've been here that have had ultra PSU's blow up on them.

 

[DaveSimmons]

A Zalman 7000-alcu will do a great job cooling the X2 silently at a low price compared to other HSFs, but stock HSF is fine if it isn't too loud for you.

If the chipset fan bothers you a them HR-05 chipset heatsink is an option but someone in the SilentPCReview forums mentioned they cracked the chip's core trying to replace the standard HSF.

 

[WackoJedi]

Originally posted by: Crescent13

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
1. Get 1x 1 gig of ram
2. Get a good power supply...look at the FSP units around 400-450 watts

QFT!

If you don't get a good psu you're in BIG trouble. Ultra PSU's have been known to fry computers! Literally. They overvolt them and poof, smoke, then comp is dead.


I agree with purduery, get 1x 1Gig of ram so you can upgrade easier later on.

Also, Why aren't you going with AM2? It's pretty pointless to buy a new comp and use an outdated socket. -- I am not an early adapter of technology, and considering the many many reviews of socket 939, I felt that it is well established.

EDIT: Also since you plan to use aftermarket cooling anyway, it was a waste to get the 7600GT CO, you could have got a regular one. Really I think the only GOOD part of this computer is the case, and even then you probably could have got something better.

-- I got the 7600 since im also on a budget of sorts, and felt that the 7600 offers the best bang for the buck. On my other PC (Dell) I have been using a ATi 9600 XT for a number of years now, and this is quite a leap in itself for me

EDIT 2: How much did you pay?

-- If you are refering to the 7600, then I paid like 167, and yes I know that zipzoom, newegg have rebates for these cards which make the price less. Zipzoom had the card outta stock for a while, and by the time I placed my order with amazon, the card was in stock with zipzoom.

This is my first PC build from scratch so its live and learn and hope not to burn so thanks for the comments/advice.