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Secret_Window

Secret_Window

Secret_Window

Soldato
Joined
10 Aug 2006
Posts
5,207
Hi, decided enough is enough at that I need something more stable and robust than this set-up that I have at the mo:

Athlon 64 3400+
1Gb ddr 400
80gb hd
6600GT gfx card
sb live 5.1

Basically problem with this system is the motherboard, it's a jetway SK754 :rolleyes: And can't really any point in changing the mobo again.

So, I'm looking for something in the £400. I'm keeping my gfx card, my sound card, my hard drive, my dvd drive and possibly my ram and case. I just need something that gets the job done, for tasks such as video editing, watching movies (possibly HD ones), playing games and listening to music.

Another thing as well, it has to be one that is kept relatively cool as my room is right next to the boiler and heats up very easilly.

I've had a look myself, but I'm kinda a tad "out-of-touch" with all the latest hardware.
 
£403 just got me the following: -

  • Gigabyte DS3 motherboard.
  • Conroe E6300 processor.
  • Scythe Ninja CPU cooler.
  • 2GB DDR2-800 memory.
I am sure that if you got 1GB RAM instead of 2GB, passed on the Ninja, found a cheaper PCI-E motherboard (e.g. the Asrock), and sold your 3400+, DDR400, and 6600GT then you could get all of the above and a stonking graphics card like an X1800XT. :)
 
For video editing...
  • AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4400+ (Socket 939) - Retail (ADA4400CDBOX) (CP-127-AM) £144.95
  • Asus A8N-SLi SE nForce4 SLi (Socket 939) PCI-Express Motherboard (MB-101-AS) £54.95
  • Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB ST3320620AS SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM (HD-078-SE) £62.95
  • Subtotal £262.85
  • VAT £46.00
  • Total £308.85
 
Intel Core 2 DUO E6300 "LGA775 Allendale" 1.86GHz (1066FSB) - Retail (CP-126-IN)
£115.95 £115.95
GL GeIL 1GB (2x512MB) PC6400 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit (GX21GB6400UDC) (MY-057-GL)
£59.95 £59.95
MS MSI 965P NEO (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard (MB-073-MS)
£69.95 £69.95
Subtotal £245.85
Shipping (City Link Parcel Next Day (Delivered Mon-Fri)) £8.25
VAT £44.47
Total £298.57

How's that?
 
Cheap and tasty is what it is. :) Why not throw an X1800XT on top of it for the sake of swelling out your budget and being thorough? :p

Edit: On second thought, don't. lol. Just re-read opening post regarding the budget. Though, the 3D Fuzion 7600GT is only £88 on this week only and would give you a massive improvement over your 6600GT. ;)

Consider selling your old components on eBay of Member's Market too, unless you want to keep it around and have two PCs. :) You would find yourself left with plenty more money if you sold though.
 
Last edited:
Intel Core 2 DUO E6300 "LGA775 Allendale" 1.86GHz (1066FSB) - Retail (CP-126-IN)
£115.95 £115.95
GL GeIL 1GB (2x512MB) PC6400 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit (GX21GB6400UDC) (MY-057-GL)
£59.95 £59.95
MS MSI 965P NEO (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard (MB-073-MS)
£69.95 £69.95

I was looking at getting that mix, but addin on the X1800XT onto it...would that give the gamin speed for some good gamin?

I would also be looking to build up a case and PSU, but seeing as I dont care what the case looks like, and am not too fused for power...what would be my best options?
 
--G-- said:
{snip}I would also be looking to build up a case and PSU, but seeing as I dont care what the case looks like, and am not too fused for power...what would be my best options?
Click to expand...
Well, with C2D (& even AM2) & or a X1800XT you will have to be 'fussed'!

PSU you need at least 400Ws & 24A or more on the +12v RAIL (new PSU come split, e.g. +12v1, +12v2, etc combined value of that should be more than 24A). Recommended/reputable brands are Seasonic, FSP (Sparkle), OCZ, Enermax & my personal favourite (& most peoples) Tagan ;)

Case, because of the heat the components will generate needs to be a efficient one, i.e. good airflow @ acceptable noise levels!

The C2D specs look good. Did not think it could be done for that low :o
 
Think I'll hold onto my gfx card at the mo, seeing as there is apparently new dx10 cards on the way - after reading a few articles.

So, even with the new price drops at "This week only" on Athlon x2, do you still think I should go core duo?

Dropping my budget a bit as have to put some of my cash towards other things - 300 is my budget.
 
hp7909 said:
For video editing...
  • AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4400+ (Socket 939) - Retail (ADA4400CDBOX) (CP-127-AM) £134.95
  • Asus A8N-SLi SE nForce4 SLi (Socket 939) PCI-Express Motherboard (MB-101-AS) £54.95
  • Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB ST3320620AS SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM (HD-078-SE) £62.95
  • Subtotal £252.85
  • VAT £45.00
  • Total £297.85
Click to expand...
:D
 
Nah, I don't really need a hard drive update. My 80gb is fine at the moment. Might instead push a little towards the athlon x2 4600, but let's see - might have a bit more money in a few weeks, so conroe might be the one!
 
Secret_Window said:
Nah, I don't really need a hard drive update. My 80gb is fine at the moment. Might instead push a little towards the athlon x2 4600, but let's see - might have a bit more money in a few weeks, so conroe might be the one!
Click to expand...
The 4400+ is better than the 4600+ because of the extra cache (1MB vs 512Kb) which video editing loves :p

Other thing it loves is a bigger & faster hard disk like the Seagate 7200.10's (see here) :D
 
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