Need Help and Opinions

[Danny]

Hey guys, I'm new here, but I would like some people's advice. I am
going to build my own custom desktop, and I would like some
advice/suggestions. Here is the list of things I've decided on. Any
help is appretiated



-Surge Protector---------------------------------------------------------
[x] Belkin Universal UPS 800VA
$100.00


-Processor---------------------------------------------------------------
[x] AMD Athlon 2600
$???


-Hard Drive--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Enterprise Serial ATA Hard Drive WD Raptor
$169.99


-Mother Board------------------------------------------------------------
[x] ASUS A7N8X Deluxe
$???


-Case--------------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Antec SX635B Performance II $105.00


-Ram---------------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Kingston 512MB 333MHz DDR PC2700 Reg ECC DIMM
$163.00


-Video Card--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] ASUS V9480TVD GeForce4 Ti4800SE 128MB DDR $???


-Sound Card--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] CREATIVE Soundblaster Audigy Gamer $79.99


-Speakers----------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Creative Inspire™ 4.1 4400 $50-$100



-Keyboard and Mouse------------------------------------------------------
[x] Logitech® Cordless MX™ Duo
$99.95

This is just what I've come up with so far. Post what I've left out,
what you think I should get, or anything you feel is important. My
goal is to create an exceptional computer, at a low cost.

 

[@drian]

Look like a nice system to me. I imagine the Athlon 2800+ isn't that
much more expensive than the 2600+, so that could be considered. That
WD Enterprise drive is nice, but do you think 36GBs would be slightly
limiting? The Audigy 2's can be had for $99, just $20 more than the
Audigy gamer. For speaker's, I like Klipsch, but I believe the
Creative brand is excellent quality as well. The mouse in that
keyboard/mouse duo, is that the 800DPI one?

The motherboard can be found here for $124: http://snurl.com/272q

On the whole, very nice!

@drian.

 

[Richard Dower]

Hey guys, I'm new here, but I would like some people's advice. I am
going to build my own custom desktop, and I would like some
advice/suggestions. Here is the list of things I've decided on. Any
help is appretiated



-Surge Protector---------------------------------------------------------
[x] Belkin Universal UPS 800VA
$100.00

Shit...must be really good for that price, wise of you to consider this fact
when building a PC.

-Processor---------------------------------------------------------------
[x] AMD Athlon 2600
$???


-Hard Drive--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Enterprise Serial ATA Hard Drive WD Raptor
$169.99

I think you might find this a little cheaper.

-Mother Board------------------------------------------------------------
[x] ASUS A7N8X Deluxe
$???


-Case--------------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Antec SX635B Performance II $105.00


-Ram---------------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Kingston 512MB 333MHz DDR PC2700 Reg ECC DIMM
$163.00


-Video Card--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] ASUS V9480TVD GeForce4 Ti4800SE 128MB DDR $???


-Sound Card--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] CREATIVE Soundblaster Audigy Gamer $79.99


-Speakers----------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Creative InspireT 4.1 4400 $50-$100



-Keyboard and Mouse------------------------------------------------------
[x] Logitech® Cordless MXT Duo
$99.95

This is just what I've come up with so far. Post what I've left out,
what you think I should get, or anything you feel is important. My
goal is to create an exceptional computer, at a low cost.

lol...we all want that, but end up paying alot more then we expected.

 

[BNILSSON]

Nice! Q-Does the Case come with a PowerSupply? You need a 350-400W.
BN

 

[Danny]

Thanks for the opinions, here is my updated list.

-Surge Protector---------------------------------------------------------
[x] Belkin Universal UPS 800VA
$100.00


-Processor---------------------------------------------------------------
[x] AMD Athlon 3200 XP $467.00


-Hard Drive--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Western Digital Enterprise Serial ATA Hard Drive WD Raptor
$169.99
[ ] Western Digital 120 GB 8 MB Cache - 7200 RPM Ultra ATA/100
$129.99


-Mother Board------------------------------------------------------------
[x] ASUS A7N8X Deluxe
$124.00


-Case--------------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Antec Preformance II SX1040BII $119.00


-Ram---------------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Kingston 1GB Kit HyperX DDR 333MHz DIMM CL2
$240.00
[ ] Kingston 512MB Kit HyperX DDR 333MHz DIMM CL2
$133.00


-Video Card--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] ASUS GeForce 4V9280 Series Ti 4800 SE V9280 S2 Super Fast
$156.99


-Sound Card--------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] CREATIVE Soundblaster Audigy Gamer $79.99


-Speakers----------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Creative Inspire™ 4.1 4400 $50-$100


-Fans--------------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Cooler Master TLF-R82 x3
$15.00


-Keyboard and Mouse------------------------------------------------------
[x] Logitech® Cordless MX™ Duo
$99.95

Tell me what you think.

 

[drumguy1384]

Hey guys, I'm new here, but I would like some people's advice. I am
going to build my own custom desktop, and I would like some
advice/suggestions. Here is the list of things I've decided on. Any
help is appretiated



-Surge Protector---------------------------------------------------------
[x] Belkin Universal UPS 800VA
$100.00

Shit...must be really good for that price, wise of you to consider this fact
when building a PC.

<snip>

Note that it's not a Surge Protector, but a UPS ... this is a good price for
a UPS, and about a medium range of performance.

I agree, though, that this is a good thing to consider when building a new
system. It is wise to at least get a Surge Protector ... and UPS is even
better. Most people don't think about that, but they should as you can pay
$30 - $100 for a Surge protector and $80 - $+++ for a UPS.


Drumguy

 

[Strontium]

I agree. I've seen people bitch about a $10 'surge protector' not
protecting them from a surge. For 10 bucks, don't expect anything short of
connectivity. One needs to see the ratings, etc... A decent (mid level)
surge protector will go for $50 minimum. It all comes down to how important
your box is. 1800 J protection, is not much. Higher, the better. However,
no surge protector is gonna survive a lightning strike to the line. Best
defense: Get a GOOD surge protector, and tie the line going to the wall in
knots. About 3 knots, should suffice as long as the disrupter is of
quality.

Had a lightning strike, to a local transformer (one block over, less than 50
feet). It fed our whole two block square area, on that one node. I was
walking towards my PC, to shut it down. We were getting ready to go out to
eat, and the weather service was calling for heavy thunderstorms. Before I
could reach the PC, it shut down. 2 seconds later, we heard a loud THWAP!
(had the windows open, it was a cool day no sun). Then, saw the spark, and
smoke from the transformer (could see it, from the window). We were without
power, for 12hrs, that night. It was a direct hit from a thunderbolt.

Box never saw a problem. Not sure if it was the disrupter, or the knots.
All I know, is that I'll have one on anything I don't want to lose.

-
drumguy1384 stood up at show-n-tell, in (e-mail address removed),
and said:

Hey guys, I'm new here, but I would like some people's advice. I am
going to build my own custom desktop, and I would like some
advice/suggestions. Here is the list of things I've decided on.
Any help is appretiated



-Surge
Protector---------------------------------------------------------
[x] Belkin Universal UPS 800VA $100.00

Shit...must be really good for that price, wise of you to consider
this fact when building a PC.

<snip>

Note that it's not a Surge Protector, but a UPS ... this is a good
price for a UPS, and about a medium range of performance.

I agree, though, that this is a good thing to consider when building
a new system. It is wise to at least get a Surge Protector ... and
UPS is even better. Most people don't think about that, but they
should as you can pay $30 - $100 for a Surge protector and $80 - $+++
for a UPS.


Drumguy

 

[drumguy1384]

I agree. I've seen people bitch about a $10 'surge protector' not
protecting them from a surge. For 10 bucks, don't expect anything short of
connectivity. One needs to see the ratings, etc... A decent (mid level)
surge protector will go for $50 minimum. It all comes down to how important
your box is. 1800 J protection, is not much. Higher, the better. However,
no surge protector is gonna survive a lightning strike to the line. Best
defense: Get a GOOD surge protector, and tie the line going to the wall in
knots. About 3 knots, should suffice as long as the disrupter is of
quality.

Never heard of tying knots in the line ... what purpose does this serve?

Had a lightning strike, to a local transformer (one block over, less than 50
feet). It fed our whole two block square area, on that one node. I was
walking towards my PC, to shut it down. We were getting ready to go out to
eat, and the weather service was calling for heavy thunderstorms. Before I
could reach the PC, it shut down. 2 seconds later, we heard a loud THWAP!
(had the windows open, it was a cool day no sun). Then, saw the spark, and
smoke from the transformer (could see it, from the window). We were without
power, for 12hrs, that night. It was a direct hit from a thunderbolt.

Box never saw a problem. Not sure if it was the disrupter, or the knots.
All I know, is that I'll have one on anything I don't want to lose.

IMO you were lucky. As you said ... "no surge protector is gonna survive a
lightning strike to the line." I would assume that the surge from the
lightning strike didn't end up going through your house.

You are right. Surge Protectors are only good for protecting from regular
line surges caused by power system instability .... they won't protect from
lightning strike. However, Belkin surge protectors come with "Lightning
Warranty" coverage that guarantees lifetime replacement up to a certain $
amount for any connected equipment that is nixed by a lightning strike. But
still, for regular power surges I would recommend at least a surge protector
in the $30-$50 range ... as you suggested.

But for the purpose of power system stability a UPS is recommended ...
especially if you live in an area that is prone to power system surges and
lags. i.e. if the lights dim or get brighter for short spells.

A UPS also offers complete disconnection from the mains power supply. The
mains charge a battery which is used to power your system. If a lightning
strike hits the mains it will likely kill your UPS ... but then you're only
out $100 instead of $2200.


Drumguy

 

[JAD]

Get a GOOD surge protector, and tie the line going to the wall in

knots. About 3 knots, should suffice as long as the disrupter is of
quality.

Then get some chicken bones and arrange them in a circle, with one bone
facing east.....say outloud "chicken bones , chicken bones save me from the
thundergods. 3 times while standing on one foot.......

No 10 - 20 $ power strip is going to protect you....you'll need to do some
googlin to see what will meet your need UPS wize.

I agree. I've seen people bitch about a $10 'surge protector' not
protecting them from a surge. For 10 bucks, don't expect anything short of
connectivity. One needs to see the ratings, etc... A decent (mid level)
surge protector will go for $50 minimum. It all comes down to how important
your box is. 1800 J protection, is not much. Higher, the better. However,
no surge protector is gonna survive a lightning strike to the line. Best
defense: >
Had a lightning strike, to a local transformer (one block over, less than 50
feet). It fed our whole two block square area, on that one node. I was
walking towards my PC, to shut it down. We were getting ready to go out to
eat, and the weather service was calling for heavy thunderstorms. Before I
could reach the PC, it shut down. 2 seconds later, we heard a loud THWAP!
(had the windows open, it was a cool day no sun). Then, saw the spark, and
smoke from the transformer (could see it, from the window). We were without
power, for 12hrs, that night. It was a direct hit from a thunderbolt.

Box never saw a problem. Not sure if it was the disrupter, or the knots.
All I know, is that I'll have one on anything I don't want to lose.

-
drumguy1384 stood up at show-n-tell, in (e-mail address removed),
and said:

Hey guys, I'm new here, but I would like some people's advice. I am
going to build my own custom desktop, and I would like some
advice/suggestions. Here is the list of things I've decided on.
Any help is appretiated



-Surge
Protector---------------------------------------------------------
[x] Belkin Universal UPS 800VA $100.00


Shit...must be really good for that price, wise of you to consider
this fact when building a PC.

<snip>

Note that it's not a Surge Protector, but a UPS ... this is a good
price for a UPS, and about a medium range of performance.

I agree, though, that this is a good thing to consider when building
a new system. It is wise to at least get a Surge Protector ... and
UPS is even better. Most people don't think about that, but they
should as you can pay $30 - $100 for a Surge protector and $80 - $+++
for a UPS.


Drumguy

--
Strontium

"It's no surprise, to me. I am my own worst enemy. `Cause every
now, and then, I kick the livin' shit `outta me." - Lit

 

[Strontium]

-
drumguy1384 stood up at show-n-tell, in (e-mail address removed),
and said:

Never heard of tying knots in the line ... what purpose does this
serve?

Theoretically, in a surge instance it provides a blockage, due to the
increased path resistence.

IMO you were lucky. As you said ... "no surge protector is gonna
survive a lightning strike to the line." I would assume that the
surge from the lightning strike didn't end up going through your
house.

Lucky is cutting it short I can't say where the lightning strike
propagated. It hit our power source. Still baffled as to where/why/when,
etc. Just thanked God that it did not fry my motherboard.

You are right. Surge Protectors are only good for protecting from
regular line surges caused by power system instability .... they
won't protect from lightning strike. However, Belkin surge protectors
come with "Lightning Warranty" coverage that guarantees lifetime
replacement up to a certain $ amount for any connected equipment that
is nixed by a lightning strike. But still, for regular power surges I
would recommend at least a surge protector in the $30-$50 range ...
as you suggested.

I use Belkin 2100 (2200?) Joule SP's, religously

But for the purpose of power system stability a UPS is recommended ...
especially if you live in an area that is prone to power system
surges and lags. i.e. if the lights dim or get brighter for short
spells.

A UPS also offers complete disconnection from the mains power supply.
The mains charge a battery which is used to power your system. If a
lightning strike hits the mains it will likely kill your UPS ... but
then you're only out $100 instead of $2200.

After 5yrs, I'm still working on the 'quiet box' part. Will be several
years before I can justify a UPS. I do regular backups, so no need, atm.

 

[Danny]

Alright, what about a good video card? Also, is everything I've choosen compatable?

 

[@drian]

-Surge
Protector---------------------------------------------------------

[x] Belkin Universal UPS 800VA
$100.00
Nice.

-Processor----------------------------------------------------------

LOL! You've gone all the way with the CPU, eh?! I generally don't
buy the latest and greatest. You lose too much money. Is there an
Athlon 3000+, if so, I'd go for that (my opinion).

-Hard Drive--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] Western Digital Enterprise Serial ATA Hard Drive WD Raptor
$169.99
[ ] Western Digital 120 GB 8 MB Cache - 7200 RPM Ultra ATA/100
$129.99

Nice setup. I'd go for the WD 120GB SATA drive (if they have one), so
both your drives are operating off the SATA ports, then you can use
the nice small round cables that SATA needs.

-Mother Board------------------------------------------------------------
[x] ASUS A7N8X Deluxe
$124.00

Awesome board.

-Case--------------------------------------------------------------- -----
[x] Antec Preformance II SX1040BII $119.00

Nice big case. Personally, I don't use cases that use 80mm fans, I
stick with ones that use 120mm fans, like the Antec Sonata.

-Ram---------------------------------------------------------------- -----
[x] Kingston 1GB Kit HyperX DDR 333MHz DIMM CL2
$240.00
[ ] Kingston 512MB Kit HyperX DDR 333MHz DIMM CL2
$133.00

Nice choice. I like Kingston too. I have 2GBs of ECC Kingston RAM
here.

-Video Card--------------------------------------------------------------
[x] ASUS GeForce 4V9280 Series Ti 4800 SE V9280 S2 Super Fast
$156.99

Is this a TV tuner type card? I assume so. Asus in general is top
quality.

-Sound Card--------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] CREATIVE Soundblaster Audigy Gamer $79.99

That's a good card. Unlike the Audigy2 I suppose, the drivers should
be more mature for the Audigy 1.

-Speakers----------------------------------------------------------- -----
[x] Creative InspireT 4.1 4400 $50-$100


-Fans--------------------------------------------------------------- -----
[x] Cooler Master TLF-R82 x3
$15.00

What's this for? The CPU? No comment, never seen a review or heard
of it.

-Keyboard and Mouse------------------------------------------------------
[x] Logitech® Cordless MXT Duo
$99.95

Tell me what you think.

@drian.