planned setup

[Casino]

hey guys just want a few comments on a new computer im planning to buy

tell me if i have missed anything and what you think

• Pentium4 2.4ghz, 800mhz FSB ht retail box c/w cooling fans
• GIGABYTE GA-8KNXP,Intel 875P 800FSB dual Channel Mem, dual power supply S-ATA, ATA133 Raid ,Intel 1gb LAN, Firewire 1395, USB2.0
• Seagate Barracuda IV 40GB ATA-100 7200 rpm
• 512 mb DDR 400 MHz PC3200 (x2)
• Logitech mx500
• Genius kb-09e Internet keyboard
• Case (http://www.stylespc.com/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=2145&cat=301&page=1)
• Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 5.1 DE Retail box – 6 Channels

I already have a Radeon 9700np 128mg and a 22inch monitor

Is everything compatible?
Any suggestions or changes that wont be to costly
If you need the prices let me know

[Evil-Elmo]

Perhaps a slightly bigger HDD? I know that 40gb wouldn't be enough for me! I struggle with 160gb! :)

[princexxx]

a 40gig will fill up rather quickly if yr gonna do a lot of gaming and goin to lans etc.

[Ragnor]

Don't skimp on the hard drive.. the one you've selected is old, slow and small. 80GB drives have a much better $ per GB ratio (120GB drives have an even better $ per GB ratio). ie: better value.

IMO you want an 80GB, with 8mb cache (rather then 2mb) preferably SATA (but IDE is also fine) to go with that system.

[g4a]

Just a question since we're on the topic.....personally do you find the 8 meg cache makes much noticable difference to the hdd performance?

[Casino]

Thanks for the comments
I already have 2x80gig and 1x120gig in other computers, which I have networked

As g4a asked is there much performance difference in the 2mb and 8mb cache?

Other than the hard drive how does the setup look,
I’m worried if the mobo is any good, cause its gunna cost 400+ dollars
But it does come with 1gig LAN so that cant be to bad

Is it worth getting 1gig+ ram?

Does the case look like it will be compatible with the rest of the components?
And Is it worth paying al little extra to get an audigy and not a sound blaster live?

Sorry for all the questions I just want to get everything right.
:)

[NTBlowz]

U can just get Audigy ES as the mobo have the firewire port already...

[Ragnor]

8mb cache does make windows generally feel snappier, to me anyway

Check www.storagereview.com for benchmarks etc

[Ragnor]

Originally posted by Casino
I already have 2x80gig and 1x120gig in other computers, which I have networked
Fair enough. Have you considered splashing out, going for pure speed and getting a 36GB WD Raptor, 8mb cache, 10000rpm?

I’m worried if the mobo is any good, cause its gunna cost 400+ dollars
But it does come with 1gig LAN so that cant be to bad

Most of the others that have gone for P4 systems have gone for the Abit IC7-G due to Abit's overclocking reputation and features. However the
Gigabyte is a solid board and you shouldn't have any issues with it.

Abit IC7 Max 3 has just come out, could be worth considering: http://www.sudhian.com/showdocs.cfm?aid=428

Gigabit LAN isn't a real factor in favour of the board unless you have a switch with Gigabit ports?

Is it worth getting 1gig+ ram?

Not really, not yet... unless a couple of seconds loading time in BF1942 makes a serious difference to you. OR if you use stuff like photoshop and 3d max heavily while doing a whole bunch of other stuff.

Does the case look like it will be compatible with the rest of the components?

I don't have personal experience with that case but it looks standard aka fine for the job.

And Is it worth paying al little extra to get an audigy and not a sound blaster live?

See what NTBlowz said. I would say "only just" worth getting over the SBLive. Audigy 2 is a bigger step forward.

Sorry for all the questions I just want to get everything right.
:)
No worries :D