New build, parts are here

[scuzzy]

Chandler, I too have had USB issues with one of my VIA based motherboards. I never thought to attribute the problem to VIA, though. I admit that I have been leaning hard toward an nForce3/4 chipset, but will consider the boards you recommended.

I'm undecided on the EPOX EP-9NDA3+ (which is no longer available at NewEgg), as the more I look at the layout, the less I like it. The power connector and Floppy connector could have had a better placement. I admit that it's otherwise a great board that's loaded with features, but I'm not sure I want to stretch a floppy cable that far down. Once I receive my case, I'll have a better idea. But, the power connector remains an issue. I don't like the idea of having the power cable that close to the CPU where the cooling can get hampered.

One other thing about EPOX, which is NOT a factor in purchasing - just an observation. What the heck is it with their determination to keep the puke-green color?

As for PCI slots, I can't think of anything to plug in other than possibly a sound card. If the board I purchase has high-quality on-board sound, then I'll probably skip the add-on card.

[Chandler]

Abit probably have the best layout of any manufacturer.  The IDE connectors are located on the edge of the board.  Unfortunately their only nForce4 board has a REALLY poor floppy connector placement.

One of the MSI boards has integrated SoundBlaster Live! 24-bit, which is really from the Audigy family rather than Live!.  Here it is:
MSI K8N Neo4 Diamond

The K8N SLI Platinum also has this.

The power connectors on the EPoX board aren't an issue for me since I have a tower cooler and the cables can be tied back out of it's way.  The floppy connector is in a stupid place, just as it was on my Biostar board.  I've got it running up behind the board.

[Carskick]

Chandler, I did not know about that first issue, thanks for informing me. Hopefully it can be fixed with motherboard driver updates, but only time will tell. But I won't be upgrading to a 939 PCI-ex system for probably a year. By then, the bugs should be worked out.

The most PCI slots I could ever imagine using is 3. Video capture, wireless LAN, and sound. I currently don't use either the wireless or sound, but they would be possibilities if situations changed. I try to get nforce boards with good realtek's on them, as I hate messing with expensive buggy, audigy card, albiet they are great when they work.

[scuzzy]

Quick update in the direction I'm taking this. After talking to my future son-in-law, I realized I needed to make some moderate adjustments. So, here's where I'm taking this train:

-Fong Kai FK-333 Case
-Giga-Byte GA-K8NS Ultra-939 (built-in firewire w/4 SATA connectors)
-AMD 64 3000+ Winchester Core (retail)
-Seagate 160GB SATA HDD w/8MB Cache (OEM)
-Misumi Floppy/USB2 Flash Card Combo Reader
-Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800PRO Video Card (retail)
-Plextor 16x Dual Layer DVD Burner (SATA)
-Windows XP Home Edition (Professional simply not needed)
-Antec PSU 300W SmartPower
-1GB RAM
-Microsoft Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
-LG Flatron 1980U 19" LCD 12ms Response

Note: items in blue are either on hand, or on order

The price for all the above is in the $1,700 range.

I'm not totally certain on whether the built-in firewire is really needed. If not, I'll save a few dollars by downgrading to the Giga-Byte GA-K8NS-939, which leaves out firewire as well as dropping 2 SATA connectors.

As for the PSU, I already have a new Antec 300W power supply on-hand. If I determine it isn't enough, I'll look at an upgraded model - possibly the True 330W, or True 380W. It appears unlikely that additional peripherals will be added, so the True 430W is out.

As for the video card, I'm still looking to stay with the ATI Radeon series. I don't need the super performance I originally thought I'd need, but I still want something that gives great performance. I'm open to suggestions in this area.

One item I did not list is the HSF unit. I could really use some recommendations. Please keep in mind that I don't want anything that sounds like an F4 getting ready to launch from inside the computer. I don't reasonably expect it to be perfectly silent, but I would like the right combination of performance/noise level/price.

[Chandler]

As for the video card, I'm still looking to stay with the ATI Radeon series. I don't need the super performance I originally thought I'd need, but I still want something that gives great performance. I'm open to suggestions in this area.

The 9800 Pro gives best "bang for buck" if you're staying with ATI.  The GeForce 6600/GT may perform better with some games, and will run cooler when at idle.

One item I did not list is the HSF unit. I could really use some recommendations. Please keep in mind that I don't want anything that sounds like an F4 getting ready to launch from inside the computer. I don't reasonably expect it to be perfectly silent, but I would like the right combination of performance/noise level/price.

I use the Scythe FCS-50 (it's reviewed on SPCR).  On the slowest speed it's very quiet and still cools the CPU well enough.

[Igloo]

acrtic cooling copper 2 silent, it really is, silent :)

with my air cooled psu and just my hsf fan on, i cant hear the pc at all, which is pretty cool :)

even with it running at full whak... ;D

trust me, you wont be disappointed (they do 939 models also, same design, so i am guessing the same performance/sound result.

Igloo

[Chandler]

The AC Freezer 64 is supposed to be very quiet.

Having said that the stock chipset cooling on the majority of nForce3/4 boards will drown any noise out.

[Carskick]

The 300 watt Antec would be sufficient, but at least 350 would be nice. The HP we just got for the store is an Athlon 64 3200+ 754, and I added a Geforce FX5500, and it runs fine with only a 250watt PSU. You are using a more power hungary video card, so the extra 50watts are deffinently needed. It would probably be fine with 300watt, but a 350 would be a nice buffer.

[scuzzy]

Thanks for the advice on the HSF units. As time allows, I will look into those.

Also, thanks for the heads-up on the GeForce 6600/GT. I will give it serious consideration before making a final decision. PC Magazine gave the BFG GeForce 6600GT OC very high marks, although it doesn't come with any fancy software. According to PC Mag, the card is slightly OC'd at the factory to boost its performance, and is warranted for life with 24/7 support.

[Carskick]

The 6600 series are great cards for the price. Also, when they say warranty for life, make sure it's the life of your item, not the life of the card being sold, as PNY does.

[scuzzy]

The Fong Kai FK-333 case arrived two days ago, and I finally have the chance to give an update. Let me start out by saying that I'm really upset. I'm really upset that I only bought one, and that I committed this one to my daughter.  ;D

The case is pure elegance in simplicity. It is beautifully constructed, and appears well thought out. I'm sure it isn't perfect, but I really like what I see. Just keep in mind that I only had about 10 minutes to play around with it.

The case comes with a Delta Electronics DPS-320EB (320 watt) power supply, which I believe is also used by some HP computers. I don't know much about this particular PSU, but it seems rather anemic. I'm sure I'll be replacing it with a quality unit.

It's a shame this unit is not easily available. When I spoke with the factory rep, he said they only had a few left. I won't poast the rep's info here, but PM me if you are really interested in buying one of these ($135 delivered in USA).

This case review is pretty much right on target:

Fong Kai FK330 Review

Lastly, thanks for bringing this case to my attention, Chandler. Maybe I can help you get your paws on one.  ;)

[scuzzy]

I haven't ordered it yet, but I'll be purchasing the Antec TP-II 380 power supply. It is currently selling for $79 + $6.99 S/H at NewEgg.

My reasons for selecting this model, in no particular order:

-Supports 4 SATA drives
-380W will allow for upgrades
-120mm fan varies by load, providing quieter operation
-Antec quality
-Supports PCI-E, if I choose that route
-Option to directly run case fans via PSU thermal control

This PSU is probably overkill for my daughter's needs. A high-quality 300W is likely sufficient. However, I prefer to err in favor of too much PSU than not enough. This unit certainly looks solid enough.

[Igloo]

nice psu there ;D

i will look at it when choosing one for my mod case  ??? 8)

Igloo

[Carskick]

I haven't ordered it yet, but I'll be purchasing the Antec TP-II 380 power supply. It is currently selling for $79 + $6.99 S/H at NewEgg.

My reasons for selecting this model, in no particular order:

-Supports 4 SATA drives
-380W will allow for upgrades
-120mm fan varies by load, providing quieter operation
-Antec quality
-Supports PCI-E, if I choose that route
-Option to directly run case fans via PSU thermal control

This PSU is probably overkill for my daughter's needs. A high-quality 300W is likely sufficient. However, I prefer to err in favor of too much PSU than not enough. This unit certainly looks solid enough.

You need a special power supply for PCI-e? Or do you just mean the amount of power provided?

[scuzzy]

The PSU specifically has PCI Express graphic card power connectors.

[Chandler]

Avoid the Epox EP-9NDA3+/J.  I've had so many problems with this board it is unbelievable:
1) PCI Slot 5 generates excessive interrupts with Audigy card.  Other cards do not do this but suffer a resource conflict.
2) nVidia graphics card interferes with Audigy 2 ZS in any slot.  Removing the Audigy or using an ATI card works fine.  With the nVidia cards I get unresolved resource conflict and hence AGP card only runs in VGA mode.
3) If system hangs, the keyboard behaves erratically upon restarting

[Bill]

Chandler,
Wasn't the NF7-S2 the one you had that was so slow?
Surely ther must be an alternative?

Bill

[Carskick]

Does the PSU I chose support the 24 pin interface? I believe it does.

Chandler, thanks for the heads up. I am also sorry you are having such bad luck with mobos. The A64 motherboard I like right now is a Nforce 4 MSI board. Seems really nice, and MSI should be a good brand.

[Buffalo2102]

My last two boards have been MSI.  K7N2 Delta (NForce 2) and now a K8N Neo Platinum (NForce 3).  Can't say a bad word about them.

[scuzzy]

The list narrows. What's in blue I already have, what's in green is on order, and what's in red has yet to be purchased. Prices shown include S/H, if any.

- Fong Kai FK-333 Case $134.31
- Seagate 160GB SATA HDD w/8MB Cache (OEM) $106.99
- Misumi Floppy/USB2 Flash Card Combo Reader $28.99

- PowerColor ATI Radeon 9800PRO Video Card (retail) $159.00
- VGA Silencer Rev. 3 for ATI Radeon $22.98
- Antec TPII 380 PSU $85.99
- 1GB Corsair Value Select PC3200 (2x512MB) $87.00
- ASUS A8V Deluxe motherboard $125.50
- Windows XP Home Edition $88.95

- AMD 64 3200+ Winchester Core (retail)
- Some aftermarket HSF unit - undecided which one
- Plextor 16x Dual Layer DVD Burner (SATA)
- Microsoft Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
- LG Flatron 1980Q 19" LCD 8ms Response

I opted for the PowerColor ATI Radeon 9800Pro Retail (128MB, 256 bit) instead of the equivalent Sapphire card. The price was quite a bit better, and the reviews are excellent. I also decided to go with the AMD 64 3200+ Winchester instead of the 64 3000+.

The LG Flatron monitor will most likely be purcased locally. I also decided on the LG 1980Q instead of the 1980U. The "U" has a response time of 12ms, whereas the "Q" sports 8ms for pretty much the same price. All else is the same.

[Carskick]

The Winchester uses less power and runs cooler, so I reccomend going that route, as I hope to.

I considered switching out my case and PSU I recently purchased for that PSU, but it would end up costing me too much just to get an unnecessary upgrade to PCIe. It should serve your purposes well. The RAM you ordered is also the RAM I am looking at, great choice. All in all, I really like that system. I personally would get an Nforce mobo and an NEC DVD-burner, but I understand why you opted otherwise. Plexors are very good, and the SATA cleanliness is nice.

[Igloo]

looks nice to me, i second his advice on the winnie core, :)

Igloo

[scuzzy]

Uh, I am selecting the Winchester core. As a matter of fact, I already bought it. Here's another update:

[size=0](What's in blue I have, green is on order, and red isn't purchased yet. Prices include S/H, if any.)[/size]

- Fong Kai FK-333 Case $134.31
- Seagate 160GB SATA HDD w/8MB Cache (OEM) $106.99
- Misumi Floppy/USB2 Flash Card Combo Reader $28.99

- PowerColor ATI Radeon 9800PRO Video Card (retail) $159.00
- VGA Silencer Rev. 3 for ATI Radeon $22.98
- Antec TPII 380 PSU $85.99
- 1GB Corsair Value Select PC3200 (2x512MB) $87.00
- ASUS A8V Deluxe motherboard $125.50
- Windows XP Home Edition $88.95
- AMD 64 3200+ Winchester Core (retail) $190.00
- Zalman CNPS7000B-AlCu HSF $43.99
- Vantec "Stealth" SF12025L 120mm Case Fan $16.98

- Plextor 16x Dual Layer DVD Burner (SATA)
- Keyboard & Mouse
- LG Flatron 1980Q 19" LCD 8ms Response

I had hoped to order the Plextor 16x SATA burner today, but it wasn't available at NewEgg. I may get the rest of what I need locally just to get this finished.

[Carskick]

I'm sorry. I saw that, and I meant to type I'm glad you are going that route, as I hope to. My fault.  ;)

Anyways, good luck with the system. Continue keeping us updated!

[scuzzy]

I picked up a Plextor PX-716A "E-IDE" 16x dual-layer DVD burner instead of an "SATA" model. As it turns out, an SATA optical drive won't work well with the ASUS A8V Deluxe motherboard I selected. According to Plextor, hooking up an SATA to the RAID controller (VIA VT8237) used by my mobo "Operates in PIO mode only--can not achieve optimum performance." (Click here for more info) An aftermarket SATA controller (PCI card) would have worked, but it defeats the purpose of a cleaner layout inside the box. I might have considered it if there was a significant performance boost, but such is not the case.

I also picked up the last LG 1980Q LCD monitor (8ms response) that my local Best Buy had. With tax, it came out to about $644, and came with a $70 mail-in rebate. Of course, I have as much faith in mail-in rebates as I do in magic potions.

[Bill]

This is turning out to be one heck of a graduation present!!

You sure this isn't for dad with a "currently owned" notebook for the new Doc??

Bill

[Mark H]

Hey Scuzzy!

My wife's birthday is next Tuesday, so how about building an AMD64 machine for her? Then we can have two AMD64 machines at the price of one (the one I built a few months ago).  ;D

[scuzzy]

Nope, not a birthday. The system is a present for her graduating from LSU (Louisiana) this upcoming August. She will be a Physician Assistant, and she gets married the week after the graduation.

[scuzzy]

Okay, first Bill says "great birthday present" then corrects it, making me look like I don't know what I'm talking about. Next, Mark wants me to foot the bill for his wife's computer. Plus, he wants me to do all the work.

Come on, Mark. It's really for you, isn't it? ;)

[Chandler]

An aftermarket SATA controller (PCI card) would have worked, but it defeats the purpose of a cleaner layout inside the box. I might have considered it if there was a significant performance boost, but such is not the case.

True, an add-in SATA PCI controller would probably perform worse than an IDE drive using an onboard controller.  The onboard IDE controller will be off the PCI bus so it has it's own share of bandwidth.  A PCI SATA controller uses a significant portion of PCI bandwidth (in fact they are easily capable of saturating it).

If you use "cable-gami" you should be able to get a neat layout with IDE.