New system build, opinions please

[imported_daneel]

I am putting together my first system. This is what i have decided on

P4 3.2GHz, Northwood 800MHz FSB, Socket 478 Retail $279.00
Asus P4C800-E delux $174.00
ATI radeon 9800 pro 128MB * $180
WD 200GB 7200 * $120
Maxtor 80G - old system
sony DRU700A - old system
cdrw - old system
Memory + case approx $300
total= 1053$ (free shipping on all)

I have already purchased the ones with *. i am yet to order processor and MB.
What i am not able to decide is the memory and the case

1)Memory: I want to get PC3200 1GB dual channel.
Should I go with
OCZ Enhanced Latency Series Dual Channel Kits 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 Cas Latency: 2-3-2-6 1T - Retail 238$
Mushkin 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 Level One Dual Pack - Cas Latency: 2-3-2 $248.00
Geil Dual Channel 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 Cas Latency: 2 6-3-3 $245.00

or should I go with one of the value memory
Corsair or Kingston 1G Cas Latency: 3 which are around $160.00
or
Corsair or Geil 1G Cas Latency: 2.5 which is $165to$180

My question, is the cas latency worth the $60to70 increase. I plan to try my hand at overclocking this system. does the cas latency matter then?



Case. What i want is a tool-less case with good power supply, less than 100$. Looks is not top on the list.
so far i am looking at Antec Sonata 380W or Antec SLK3700-BQE 350W.
Any other recommendation, especially in aluminium with these specs?


opinions, recos, on the system ?

----
Daneel R.O.

 

[Wahsapa]

you cant get aluminium for under $100 so thats out of the question.

check out anandtechs ram article they just did. read about the ram your interested in and see how far the reviews have overclocked them.

 

[yankeesfan]

I am curious as to why you picked the Pentuim 4 over the Athlon 64. Any reason?

 

[imported_daneel]

Originally posted by: Wahsapa
you cant get aluminium for under $100 so thats out of the question.

check out anandtechs ram article they just did. read about the ram your interested in and see how far the reviews have overclocked them.

thanks. I hadnt looked at that particular article.

Originally posted by: yankeesfan
I am curious as to why you picked the Pentuim 4 over the Athlon 64. Any reason?

Athalon 64 was my choice for a week. But then i figured most software will take advantage of the 64 bit only by end of next year. And i will doing more of video encoding and only a few games. Moreover my choice was the Athalon 64 939 +3500 or FX which are pricey. So i figured P4 will suffice for 2 years or more, by which time 64bit would have stablised in terms of applications. OK logic?

 

[Runner20]

Originally posted by: yankeesfan
I am curious as to why you picked the Pentuim 4 over the Athlon 64. Any reason?

The same reason why some people pick McDonalds over Burger King.
You AMD fruits make me sick.

 

[caz67]

Go with the OCZ or Geil RAM. The Sonata is a nice case. Good solid system.

 

[Ringthane]

regarding the RAM selection, check out the "Choosing your RAM" sticky thread in General Hardware. The expensive RAM is not worth it.

I am a first time builder and went with Intel because hey, they're INTEL (not intended to start a flame war, just demonstrate my naivte) . You will find, however, this forum is filled with performance freaks who will ask you WHY WHY WHY Intel? I wish I would have done my homework before I ordered my mobo, but I'm happy with what I've got. We'll see who's on top next time I build from the ground up.

 

[Metron]

Originally posted by: Wahsapa
you cant get aluminium for under $100 so thats out of the question.

check out anandtechs ram article they just did. read about the ram your interested in and see how far the reviews have overclocked them.

Aluminum Case for $99.99 at Fry's/Outpost.com

 

[imported_daneel]

After some thought I revamped my system. This is what i have ordered

AMD Athlon 64 3400+ S754 $290.00
MSI K8N Neo Platinum $126.95
ATI radeon 9800 pro 128MB * $180
WD 200GB 7200 * $120
Maxtor 80G - old system
sony DRU700A - old system
cdrw - old system
Antec sonata 380W $50
total= 950$ (free shipping on all)
(with two free games farcry and chaos legion from zipzoomfly for the cpu+mb )

I am yet to decide between

2X Kingmax 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3500 - OEM CL=2.5
OR
Mushkin or Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - OEM CL=2.5
both are of same price of $165

opinions? Not sure how good the Kingmax brand is.

------------
Daneel