Check my specs please

[JIM_BOB7813]

I'm doing my 3-yearly pc overhaul upgrade. I haven't got a budget specifically but I try to keep every component under £100 to get best bang for buck.

RAM:
I read that the D9 Micron chips used on Ballistix die after around 8 months of running at high volts. Will this be a problem if I run them at the rated voltage of 2.2v? :S
Given that I could reach 3.0GHz at 333MHz * 9, (@DDR667) should I get the cheaper Geil RAM as it won't even be overclocked when running the CPU at 3GHz.

GFX:
As I was adding items to my basket the 1950 pro with Zalman dropped by £10 to £105.
I am slightly temped by an OcUK value 8800gts but can't convince myself that spending an extra £70 will get me £70 worth of performance.

DVD RW:
Its SATA so frees up a PATA channel

MOBO:
Does having 1 IDE channel mean I can run 2 IDE drives? I'd like to be able to run 2 of my old PATA hard drives, my new SATA hard drive as well as the DVD R SATA drive.

HSF: How far could I take the 4300 with stock cooler? Are the stock coolers any good/quiet? Can anyone recommend a quiet aftermarket cooler?

CPU: I think I read somewhere on OcUK that the newer 4300s dont clock as well as they used to?

Will there be any cables or bits & bobs I might need? Will everything fit? Anything I have forgotten? I already have a monitor (19inch) and HDD.
I also have some 3 year old AS5 somewhere. Will it have 'gone off' by now?


Thanks!

 

[supernova9]

That's a good spec, very good for the money. The only thing I'd up if you had the money would be getting the value 8800, it's definitely worth the £70, especially as you only upgrade each 3 years.

Other than that you've got almost exactly the spec I have, I've got the same PSU, Case, Mobo, GFX(1950Pro) and CPU, it runs everything I throw at it very well on my 19" TFT.

I can't comment on the RAM, so I'll leave that to someone else, but yes, with 1 IDE channel you can run 2 drives.

 

[schumi84]

MOBO:
Does having 1 IDE channel mean I can run 2 IDE drives? I'd like to be able to run 2 of my old PATA hard drives, my new SATA hard drive as well as the DVD R SATA drive.

Yes, you will be able to run a Master and Slave off the single IDE cable

 

[Sinny]

8800gts would be a much wiser buy if you are willing to strech your wallet, it gives a lot more bangs per quid than the 1950 and will certainly last longer as it is dx10 compatible, and if you want to get a better card when the 9 series comes out you can sell that.

 

[JIM_BOB7813]

I think i'll go for the 8800 then. Although the 1950 dropped in price today and it looks like a great deal...

What is the fan like on the 8800? I assume it wont be as quiet as the Zalman from the 1950?

I don't plan on getting Vista yet so DX10 support doesn't mean much to me. XP pro works fine for me so I will stick with it.