Check my spec please?

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9 Mar 2004
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1,656
Hi all :)

I'm looking to replace my ageing AMD 3400+ system. Served me well for the last 3.5 years with only a gfx card refresh but is really struggling with the latest crop of releases at any resolution.

This machine is my general purpose PC and so is used for a few things, mostly gaming and video encoding. I would be doing some overclocking but nothing too hardcore.

I've spent some time looking around these forums and have come up with the below spec (ignore the memory stick lol). I was wondering whether anyone had any suggestions as to how it could be improved without impacting too significantly on the price.

Of particular interest is the GFX card. I'm impressed by the reported price vs performance of the 8800GT's but was wondering whether to hold off and see what the GTS refresh is like. Any clue on the price point for the new GTS's? I would want decent framerates at the monitors native res (1680x1050) in modern titles such as Crysis, UT3 etc. I am not an AA whore but like to jack the detail up where possible.

Thanks in advance

specv1.JPG
 
Looks pretty good. I pony up for a better CPU cooler like the Tuniq Tower if you're going to have a go at overclocking. To pay for that improvement you could drop down to the HX 520 as even it is a bit overkill for this system.

The graphics card is really up to you. The GT is an excellent card and now, even at launch, is selling for a great price. I'm sure the GTS will be good too. Do you want to wait?
 
tis a good build you've got. Personally i'd change the mborod as i;m not a fan of abit. nice gbyte ds3r that take ddr3 as well. i'd get the gpu you've selected as the reviesed gts's aren't going to be that much quicker if at all and i'm sure they'll up the price again.
 
The LFD has a funky/tacky LED fan, where you stand on it depends on whether you like to show off your PCs innards I suppose, however you aren't going to see it in your case anyway so I'd just get it on the basis that it is in stock and the ordinary Tuniq Tower isn't currently.

Other than that I'd agree with Billy that an HX 520w would be more than sufficient and mean your overall spend stays about the same. :)
 
Sometimes one of the Tuniqs will go on sale. I usually recommend the regular version but if the LED version is cheaper I might recommend it, so long as the case is windowless. It's up to personal preference, really.
 
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