New build- Many Questions..

[SIKOE]

Hi fellas,

I am doing some research for a new pc. I am going to list my build so far , unless I am convinced otherwise, and then the related questions. Uses for this pc include running things like Soft synths, minor video editing, dvd/cd backup, gaming, and everyday apps like microsoft office.

ASUS A8N-SLI. The question here is with the SLI. Do I really need SLI? What other options are there? Also is there a better mobo?

AMD 64 3800+. Is it better to just get a 4000+? Would there be any noticeable improvements? And should it be venice, toledo, etc.......

OCZ or Corsair? This I am stuck on. I know I want 2 Gigs, but not sure what brand/model.

Video card. Read motherboard question. Maybe 7800 GT? or GTX?

I have a raptor 74 gb and a wd SATA 120 GB for my HDD.

Antec P180. Any other suggestions? I am looking for a quiet PC, But I really don't like the plain look. Can I get the same quietness out of all the antec cases or any other brand of cases?

I also need a PSU. I am looking at seasonic, but not sure.

Any help/suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance!!

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Welcome to Anandtech

SLI is a retarded waste of money. A single 7800GTX can outperform 2 6800 Ultras in SLI. You would get much better performance if you bought 1 card now, then saved the money to get a better card in the future.

If you're going for single core (pretty much just gaming only), get a 3700+ San Diego and OC it to like ~FX 55/57 speeds. If you want dual core (I recommend it), get a 3800+ X2 and OC to ~4400+ X2 speeds.

There are a lot of other good RAM manufacturers out there, including Crucial and Mushkin just to name a few. Just don't get Corsair if you're getting a DFI motherboard, because they're pretty picky about RAM.

Just get whatever your budget allows. The new X800GTO2 can be unlocked and OC'd to an X850XT, and it's only like $200!

The P180 is probably the most silent, decent case out there. I guess you prefer the flashy LED's and gamer-esque cases... They're usually crappy quality though.

Seasonic makes excellent silent PSU's. If you don't need that much silence, I recommend Fortron/Sparkle and Enermax.

 

[forumposter32]

I don't know why so many people are ignoring the new ATI cards coming up. It's only a few days and they'll feature AVIVO which is so awesome, it almost makes me regret I got an X700 Pro. And I'll probably have to wait until December to see the mid-range models come out with AVIVO. If you don't know what it is, go to the ATI web site. Mindboggling. It totally clears up the video on movies etc.