New case, mobo and processor - need advice, opinions...

[Murgatroyd]

I've come to the conclusion that I want to remove the "Dell" logo from my life entirely - so this means upgrading my mobo, processor and buying a new case. I've got a couple of components picked out...

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-128-213&catalog=22&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-377&catalog=343&depa=1

But I'm not sure what kind of power supply I'm going to need for these bad boys. Could someone help me out with this? Also, opinions, suggestions etc. for the processor and mobo are most welcome. Thanks.

[WeSSiN Profile]

Motherboard

Any one of these are good

Abit NF7-S
EPoX 8RDA3+
ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe

CPU

Barton 2500+ if you want to save 40$

Power Supply

Antec True430
Thermaltake PurePower 480 - I have that one and it's great.

Hope this helps!

[Bullhead]

If you want to run an AMD XP, you REALLY should get a motherboard based on the Nforce2 chipset. All three of the above boards are excellent choices, especially the ABIT, since it has Dolby Digital onboard audio which is as good if not better than Creative Audigy. I use it, and it kicks ass (although it is supposed to be at it's best when using digital output to digital speakers/amp. I have the Logitech Z-680's and use this optical out, so I can't tell you how it sounds on analog). I'd also suggest looking at the DFI LANparty series, I've read alot of good things about them.

For processors, any AMD XP is good, so long as it's a Barton. The faster the better

For cases, it really depends on what you want/need/like. I can really only offer pointers:

1. Good airflow is important, even if not overclocking. Keep this in mind when comparing cases. A small case can suffocate components, leading to high case temps, which can shorten component lifespans and even hinder perf.

2. Bigger is Better You really should buy a bigger/roomier case than you might need now, just to give yourself the freedom to grow/upgrade later on.

3. Aluminum cases are the best, they are lightest by far, and cool much better than standard cases. They're just damn expensive

4. Good case manufacturers: Antec, Chieftec, Lian-Li, Enermax, Chenbro, Kingwin, Enlight.

I highly recommend Antec cases. They are well built, well designed, and almost always include an Antec p/s, which are some of the best in the industry. I have an Antec Sonata case for my server, and it rocks. Very attractive finish, great upgradeability, fairly quiet, good 380watt P/s.

As for power supplies, if not getting an Antec, look for Enermax, Vantec, or Fortran as some other good ones. No less than 300watts, and really 350 or more is better. You CANNOT have too much power, especially in the future (each generation of components seems to get more and more power hungry. You have to plug your power supply directily into the newer graphics cards, whereas in the past they were fine with power from mobo.). Antec makes alot of different power supplies, the best being the TruePower/TrueControl series.

http://www.colorcases.com (crazy array of cases, not bad prices. I've ordered from them in the past and had no issues. No manufact. names given, but if you see something you like and then go nose around on newegg, you'll likely find the same case with the manufact. name).

http://www.svc.com (GREAT prices, they smoke newegg more often than not. Just ordered a bunch of cooling equip. from them, good service. Shipping costs were about the only downside, but I still came out well ahead of ordering from newegg).

http://www.directron.com. (another great site, good prices, LOTS of stuff to look at. They will custom install/cut windows, fan holes, paint drives/cases, etc all for a fee if you want BEFORE they ship to you. They also will test the mobo/proc before shipping if you want for a fee).

http://www.excaliberpc.com (awesome site, awesome service. I bought my new alum. case from here just recently, and they were nearly $50 less than newegg.)

[Agent Cooper Profile]

I got to agree with you on getting Dell out of your life. I just traded my Dell in for a PCWarehouse built computer. They use quality parts that have plenty of room for expansion. I almost doubled my power and hard drive for half the price of my Dell. At work we now say "Dont get Delled". Good luck with your new comp.

[Agent Cooper Profile]

Sorry. 2.8 ht P4 800 mhz fsb 1gig ram ddr 80 gig hd

[LordShard]

Is what I did was got a 1.6Ghz duron CPU for $50 (now $39 at newegg.com) got a kick ass MOBO http://www.soyousa.com/products/proddesc.php?id=256

and went to http://www.crucial.com for a stick of 512MB PC3200 ram (DDR400) It leaves much room for later upgrade and for a case, you shouldn't need a new one, just pry the dell logo off! and BTW get at LEAST a 350Watt powersupply, I would reccomand a 400watt personally.

[Murgatroyd]

Man, how do you install those funky lights? Do they plug right into some node on the power supply?

[Agent-Commando]

Originally posted by C. Murgatroyd
Man, how do you install those funky lights? Do they plug right into some node on the power supply?

They're just LEDs or cold cathodes, or EL cables connected on the 12v lines aka those 4 pin molex connectors, which all drives uses. Nothing fancy about them.



Replaced front LED, installed two cold cathodes inside case. And installed a 4 channel fan controller... simple. =)

[Evan Profile Website]

Originally posted by LordShard
Is what I did was got a 1.6Ghz duron CPU for $50 (now $39 at newegg.com) got a kick ass MOBO http://www.soyousa.com/products/proddesc.php?id=256

and went to http://www.crucial.com for a stick of 512MB PC3200 ram (DDR400) It leaves much room for later upgrade and for a case, you shouldn't need a new one, just pry the dell logo off! and BTW get at [b]LEAST a 350Watt powersupply, I would reccomand a 400watt personally. [/B]

Unfortunately, Dell cases are proprietary. Only their 'special' motherboards will fit without lots of work.

[igloo17 Profile]

Originally posted by C. Murgatroyd
I've come to the conclusion that I want to remove the "Dell" logo from my life entirely - so this means upgrading my mobo, processor and buying a new case. I've got a couple of components picked out...

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-128-213&catalog=22&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-377&catalog=343&depa=1

But I'm not sure what kind of power supply I'm going to need for these bad boys. Could someone help me out with this? Also, opinions, suggestions etc. for the processor and mobo are most welcome. Thanks.

I recommend the ABIT NF7-S ver. 2.0:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-166&catalog=22&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1
I've tried a few other socket A boards and this abit is best. Plus it has great 5.1 onboard audio.

CPU: XP2500+ or better.

PSU:
Enermax 431W EG465P-VE

[Mighty Mazz]

What you should get all depends on what you plan on doing with it in the next year or so. If you plan on getting all the new fangled HL2/Doom 3 games and beyond and want to run them on high and such youre gonna have to shell out some serious cash. I tend to always stay a step or 2 behind all the new/expensive stuff like I dont mind getting say Doom 3 when its a year or so old and I can afford the technology to play it. Bah typing to much all I want to say is those stupid lighted cases are TACKY Oh and I just got some more memory so in your face all you damn speed loaders.

[Bullhead]

Originally posted by Musashi X
Oh and I just got some more memory so in your face all you damn speed loaders.

I'll still out-load you

[Mighty Mazz]

Originally posted by Bullhead
I'll still out-load you

Damn you all. Your'e probably right, but hey if I have dont have to listen to the entire menu song while loading I'll be happy. My bro just got a damn sweet computer that pretty much blows mine away so he's gonna be playing BF now and I told him that when he loads up the fastest to take all you fast loaders vehicles so it wont just be easy pickings for you.

Im bout ready to move to straight ol Xbox anyway screw this damn PC catchup crap.

[Mighty Mazz]

OK here I go I'm gonna time my load time now I want to know what all yours are Ill try single player Gazala then just whatever ecgn has up.

I come in at a disapointing 60 sec avg but my game runs a lot smoother:)

[ticks-&-leeches Profile]

the 80$ 2500 barton chip is a better deal and if you needed that extra cpu speed u can always buy a nice thermaltake fan and overclock to the 2800 speed and still save money.i agree with bullhead on the nforce2 chipset,asus or msi mb and u will be happy just make sure u get a nice cpu fan for the chip the stock fans for the barton are junko.