Building a new Machine - Advice

Shakey_Jake33 · May 8, 2006, 05:02 PM

Yeah I'm sure there are a million different topics like this, but I do have some kind of end purpose in mind with this.

Basically, I'm looking to build a new machine in preparation for Vista and HD-DVD.
I am going to build it bit-by-bit, as opposed to tyring to get it done in one pay check.

With the new Socket AM2 boards out in June, it seems like a good place to start!
One key thing I'll be using on this machine is the CoreAVC codec. This is a H.264 codec which will have support for multi-core CPU's and GPU acceleration. With this in mind, some form of Athlon X2 seems like a good idea.
I'm assuming Nvidia and ATi are due to unveil their DX10 cards anytime now. I'm assuming these will feature superior H.264 acceleration and HDCP, and I'm swaying towards the Nvidia option because PureVideo is looking better than AVIVO for my needs.
May as well go SLi, and get a second board at a later date.
I use my existing X-Fi and HDD's from my existing machine and we're looking at a spec like this -

CPU: AM2-based Athlon X2
RAM: 2GB DDR2 800 (800MHz may not have much use yet, but future-proof)
GPU: NVidia DX10 GPU w/ HDCP, PureVideo & SLi
MoBo: Some SocketAM2-based board w/ SLi and as many PCI's as possible
Sound: X-Fi XtremeMusic

As well as a decent case, PSU etc. If anyone can recommend any quiet but cool looking ones, please do!

Anything I missed, or any forthcoming new techs I should be aware of? I'm a little out of the loop and only just read about AM2, so no doubt I've missed something.

Thanks!

Bellator · May 8, 2006, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakey_Jake33

Yeah I'm sure there are a million different topics like this, but I do have some kind of end purpose in mind with this.

Basically, I'm looking to build a new machine in preparation for Vista and HD-DVD.
I am going to build it bit-by-bit, as opposed to tyring to get it done in one pay check.

My honest advice would be to wait, and to not build it piece-meal. A lot of these technologies are still in their infancy, and it's anyone's guess how they're going to pan out. The big question is how AM2 is going to fair vs conroe, as the pre-release benchies are showing conroe laying the smack down on AMD, and AM2 has not been fairing too well, although each new revision shows improvement. From the development news Vista is set to be a resource hog and it's anyone's guess when it will be released, and in what shape it will be released.

So yeah my advice would be to wait unless you HAVE to have this new PC asap and can't.

Sandok · May 8, 2006, 05:35 PM

I also agree that AM2 is nothing extra and that Conroe really looks like the way forward... As a case, can't go wrong with the Antec P180. A bit expensive but DAMN is it quite! As a decent PSU, go for OCZ, Antec or any of the other big names. For the system you've built, I'd easily suggest a decent 500watt with good amps on the 12. Tell us what you think of comments

Shakey_Jake33 · May 8, 2006, 05:39 PM

Cheers for the advice. I was going to wait a bit longer, but that's the thing about building PC's, if your going to wait for new techs and for them to drop in price, you'll never get a machine built as there's always something new around the corner.
You are right though. I was going the Socket AM2 route primarily because it would give me a clear upgrade route at a later date without having to start from scratch. I don't really like the idea of having to put the machine together at the end of the year with the PS3 and Wii hitting the shelves.

I dunno though, I'll see what I feel like at the time.

Some other questions actually.
Reading about the new AM2 processors, they seem to have different releases with a lower power consumption, but the same actual processor. Are these lower in performance?

I'll look into Conroe some more

Shakey_Jake33 · May 8, 2006, 06:07 PM

Sorry for the double post.

Assuming I do go ahead with the machine, I'm going to need 3 PCI slots - 1 for X-Fi, 1 for TV Card and one as 'breathing space' for the GPU.

ABit only seem to be offering a 2 PCI board, but MSI are offering 3 http://www.pro-clockers.com/article.php?id=138

Tempting. Obviously I'll wait and see what others offer first.

Is it true the X-Fi had various issues with NForce4 chipsets?

May 8, 2006, 05:02 PM	#1
Shakey_Jake33 DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 80 Rep Power: 0	Building a new Machine - Advice Yeah I'm sure there are a million different topics like this, but I do have some kind of end purpose in mind with this. Basically, I'm looking to build a new machine in preparation for Vista and HD-DVD. I am going to build it bit-by-bit, as opposed to tyring to get it done in one pay check. With the new Socket AM2 boards out in June, it seems like a good place to start! One key thing I'll be using on this machine is the CoreAVC codec. This is a H.264 codec which will have support for multi-core CPU's and GPU acceleration. With this in mind, some form of Athlon X2 seems like a good idea. I'm assuming Nvidia and ATi are due to unveil their DX10 cards anytime now. I'm assuming these will feature superior H.264 acceleration and HDCP, and I'm swaying towards the Nvidia option because PureVideo is looking better than AVIVO for my needs. May as well go SLi, and get a second board at a later date. I use my existing X-Fi and HDD's from my existing machine and we're looking at a spec like this - CPU: AM2-based Athlon X2 RAM: 2GB DDR2 800 (800MHz may not have much use yet, but future-proof) GPU: NVidia DX10 GPU w/ HDCP, PureVideo & SLi MoBo: Some SocketAM2-based board w/ SLi and as many PCI's as possible Sound: X-Fi XtremeMusic As well as a decent case, PSU etc. If anyone can recommend any quiet but cool looking ones, please do! Anything I missed, or any forthcoming new techs I should be aware of? I'm a little out of the loop and only just read about AM2, so no doubt I've missed something. Thanks! __________________ CPU: Intel Core2 Extreme X6800 2.93GHz RAM: 2GB (2X1) GEiL DDR2 800MHz CAS4 GPU: OCUK GeForce 7900 GTO SILENT 512Meg Motherboard: Asus P5W DH Deluxe Sound Card: Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic Speakers: Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Case: Antec P180 Black PSU: Seasonic S12 600W

May 8, 2006, 05:39 PM	Thread Starter #4
Shakey_Jake33 DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 80 Rep Power: 0	Cheers for the advice. I was going to wait a bit longer, but that's the thing about building PC's, if your going to wait for new techs and for them to drop in price, you'll never get a machine built as there's always something new around the corner. You are right though. I was going the Socket AM2 route primarily because it would give me a clear upgrade route at a later date without having to start from scratch. I don't really like the idea of having to put the machine together at the end of the year with the PS3 and Wii hitting the shelves. I dunno though, I'll see what I feel like at the time. Some other questions actually. Reading about the new AM2 processors, they seem to have different releases with a lower power consumption, but the same actual processor. Are these lower in performance? I'll look into Conroe some more __________________ CPU: Intel Core2 Extreme X6800 2.93GHz RAM: 2GB (2X1) GEiL DDR2 800MHz CAS4 GPU: OCUK GeForce 7900 GTO SILENT 512Meg Motherboard: Asus P5W DH Deluxe Sound Card: Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic Speakers: Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Case: Antec P180 Black PSU: Seasonic S12 600W

May 8, 2006, 06:07 PM	Thread Starter #5
Shakey_Jake33 DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 80 Rep Power: 0	Sorry for the double post. Assuming I do go ahead with the machine, I'm going to need 3 PCI slots - 1 for X-Fi, 1 for TV Card and one as 'breathing space' for the GPU. ABit only seem to be offering a 2 PCI board, but MSI are offering 3 http://www.pro-clockers.com/article.php?id=138 Tempting. Obviously I'll wait and see what others offer first. Is it true the X-Fi had various issues with NForce4 chipsets? __________________ CPU: Intel Core2 Extreme X6800 2.93GHz RAM: 2GB (2X1) GEiL DDR2 800MHz CAS4 GPU: OCUK GeForce 7900 GTO SILENT 512Meg Motherboard: Asus P5W DH Deluxe Sound Card: Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic Speakers: Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Case: Antec P180 Black PSU: Seasonic S12 600W

May 8, 2006, 05:35 PM	#3
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,472 Rep Power: 0	I also agree that AM2 is nothing extra and that Conroe really looks like the way forward... As a case, can't go wrong with the Antec P180. A bit expensive but DAMN is it quite! As a decent PSU, go for OCZ, Antec or any of the other big names. For the system you've built, I'd easily suggest a decent 500watt with good amps on the 12. Tell us what you think of comments