new 64 bit rig advice

[jslater25]

I was contemplating buying the following parts for a new computer, and wanted some advice:
SolTek SL-K890Pro Socket 939 VIA K8T890 mobo
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor
Western Digital Raptor WD740GD 74GB HDD (10,000rpm)
Sapphire Radeon x850XT 256 MB PCIex16 video card
Lite-on DVD burner SOHW-1693S
Crucial Memory (2x512MB DDr400)
Antec TruePower II 550 power supply
Windows XP Pro 64 Edition

Does this system look decent for the cost (once I add in MS Office, a keyboard, mouse, and a case, total cost is ~$1600)? Any bottlenecks that I could avoid?

Once I get this system up and running, I want to reformat my existing computer and put a version of *nix on it. Any suggestions for how to learn *nix?

[liam858]

Looks cool to me, 3800+ is a good choice, i'm treating myself to one soon.

Don't see any bottlenecks, apart from the OS....if you're happy with the current 64bit software and hardware support for what you've got, then go for it.


Liam

[SuperSparks]

I would prefer a motherboard with an Nvidia chipset, it is far and away the best performer currently. And SolTek wouldn't be my choice of maker either, Gigabyte, Asus or MSI is what I would go for.

Also, Liteon burners are OK, but LG or NEC are the ones getting all the rave reviews at them moment.

Other than that, those are good choices IMO.

[rbc1100]

I would prefer a motherboard with an Nvidia chipset

I am in agreement with Sparks on the chipset and choice of mainboards, along with DFI, Epox and Abit. I just bought and installed a couple WD Raptors and so far I am impressed. As far as running the 64bit version, I have it (Beta) on another HD but the lack of support from other manufactures (drivers) keeps me a bay for now. Its to bad because it seems much faster than the 32bit version of XP.

[jslater25]

I have heard quite a bit of people complain about lack of drivers and applications supported by the 64bit version, but wanted to get a solid upgrade.
I think I will look into a different chipset motherboard. I have really been impressed with Gigabyte in the past, so I will probably lean their direction.
Thanks for the info, and once its together and running, I will let everyone know!

[rbc1100]

I have built a few with Gigabyte boards, they are top notch. I want to run the 64bit version also but I am going to wait a while.

[liam858]

Here's an excellent resource for compatibility for the OS: http://www.3dvelocity.com/articles/w...64softlist.htm


Liam

[jslater25]

Wow, nice link Liam. Good source of info and seems pretty recent (updated just under a month ago). I think its a little ironic that Microsoft has issues with its own software (Office 2003 gives errors, etc).
I am also comparing notes with Microsoft's website just to see what software I own that would have problems. The hardware shouldn't be an issue, especially since my old inkjet printer died a few months ago. It was basically the last oldschool item I had.

[liam858]

Yep, it's one for the favourites if you plan to use it. you should be fine with new stuff (Hardware) it's just when people build their first 64bit rig, and they use parts from an older system things can go downhill and end up costing them for new bits and bobs.

Liam

[Psionicbattousa]

Id just like to mention that if you look around a bit, you can prolly find the parts for a bit cheaper. If youu look at my recent post in the frankenstein's lad forum, I have a fairly similar machine, with a better video card, twice that much ram, bigger(but slower) hard drive, and a monitor, for slightly less. No microsoft office, though. Just thought I'd make a mention.

[jslater25]

While checking prices, I happened to be close to a Fry's (they aren't located anywhere close to where I live). Fry's was running a one-day special: AMD Athlon X2 3800+ processor plus an ECS Nforce4-A939 mobo for a total of $279.99. Nice discount, even though I am scraping the mobo for a Giga-byte GA-K8NF-9 instead.

Decided to go with a NEC CD\DVD burner, and an Antec SmartPower 500 power supply. Hoping that PS will be enough for everything, once I add a few cards.

Thanks for everyone's advice.

[SuperSparks]

That sounds like a good deal

You won't have any problems with that PSU, it will be more than adequate for your needs.