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- Joined
- 22 Jan 2006
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- 262
Made a similar topic at DriverHeaven, but I wanted to know what advice you guys have 
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. Wanting to start sooner rather than later, with the PS3 and Wii due later in the year.
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 far as case and PSU goes, given I'm going to be using this machine a lot for media, I'd like it to be as quiet as possible, but also has to be powerful enough to keep it all cool and powered, since my machines are on pretty much all day. I guess I'm saying I'll pay that bit extra if it's quieter.
Case-wise I have been told to go for the Antec P180, and that looks like a good idea to me, with clear thought into keeping sound in, and compartments to make sure heat doesn't spread to other components.
As for PSU, not really sure what I should be going for as I've never really looked into them.
The Antec Phantom on Here at the top seems like one for me, but am I right in assuming that the PSU being quieter and using the fan less is going to effect how well it performs? Would 500W be enough for what I need?
That PSU mentions about a PCI-E power connector - I have not actually used a PCI-E card yet, would I need a PSU with 2 of these connectors for SLi?
I suppose that leaves CPU and case, which also want to be quiet/perform well =P
Also - Windows XP 64-bit... I would have assumed I should go for that given the 64-bit processor, but I have heard of compatiblity problems?
Thanks if you've read down this far! Really just trying to get to grips on where to start! My plan is to start as early as next week with the case and PSU.
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. Wanting to start sooner rather than later, with the PS3 and Wii due later in the year.
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 far as case and PSU goes, given I'm going to be using this machine a lot for media, I'd like it to be as quiet as possible, but also has to be powerful enough to keep it all cool and powered, since my machines are on pretty much all day. I guess I'm saying I'll pay that bit extra if it's quieter.
Case-wise I have been told to go for the Antec P180, and that looks like a good idea to me, with clear thought into keeping sound in, and compartments to make sure heat doesn't spread to other components.
As for PSU, not really sure what I should be going for as I've never really looked into them.
The Antec Phantom on Here at the top seems like one for me, but am I right in assuming that the PSU being quieter and using the fan less is going to effect how well it performs? Would 500W be enough for what I need?
That PSU mentions about a PCI-E power connector - I have not actually used a PCI-E card yet, would I need a PSU with 2 of these connectors for SLi?
I suppose that leaves CPU and case, which also want to be quiet/perform well =P
Also - Windows XP 64-bit... I would have assumed I should go for that given the 64-bit processor, but I have heard of compatiblity problems?
Thanks if you've read down this far! Really just trying to get to grips on where to start! My plan is to start as early as next week with the case and PSU.