P4P800 -- Once again . . . . .

[Jim]

Nathan --

Diales convinced me to post this question.

Some background first: I've been trucking along with computers -- or least with software -- since the early 70's. I've owned a bunch of computers over the years, but I have never built one myself. My real concern is that I have practically zero trouble shooting skills and I have limited time. Also, I use my computer daily for my job (I am a university prof) for tons of wordprocessing and desktop publishing, and I use it a lot for Dragon Naturally Speaking. So my machine can't be down for long.

So, as you can see, I'm between two worlds: being your basic computer user (but one who knows more than your average user knows about how the machine works) and someone dying to move into the building and tweaking world but who is hesitant at this point to do so..

This brings me to the ASUS P4P800 question. I've read the other threads, and I understand you recommend the Abit and other boards for their tweaking capabilities, which is what you guys are all about. At present I am heading in the direction of purchasing a computer (from pcsforeveryone in Boston, who have been very dependable people in the past) and the ASUS P4P800 (and the ASUS P4C800) are their top of the line mob offerings. So, I am still interested in any thoughts you can offer regarding the ASUS for a guy like me.

At present, I am leaning toward the following system:

1. ASUS P4P800 800 FSB
2. Intel 2.4c (thanks to your recommendation, Nathan)
3. 512 OCZ Dual Channel PC-3200 (256x2) (in stock)
4. ENERMAX A106-USB w/350w supply (though I an open to suggestions)
5. 80G WD800JB Special Edition w/8MB
6. ATI Radeon 900 All-in-Wonder 64mb (again, thanks to your review, Nathan)
7. Samsung CDRW/DVD Combo Model SM-352BRNS
8. SB LIVE 5.1 SB0226
9. WIN 2000 Pro w/service pack 3 (Full OEM version). I'm going for WIN 2000 because I want to upgrade the OS on two other machines with it. I'll upgrade to XP later.

Last but not least, I am toying more and more with the idea of building my next computer. (Diales pointed me in the direction of the excellent pcmech article on the subject.) But at present, pcsforeveryone will build my system for about $300 more than I can, and of course they warranty it and offer good technical support for the life of the machine. And I am tempted to take this path because I really don't know anyone around my town who could help me if I had any problems (and I sure don't want to "beat up" on good guys like you).

Well, there it is. I am really enjoying tweaknews.net. I'll keep reading and learning.

Thanks for whatever suggestions you guys have the time to offer.

Jim

[Google]

[Diales]

Electronic static

Every time you play with any internal computer parts, firstly touch with both hands for 5 seconds the metal case of your computer. Otherwise, you may cause the components or add-on cards to malfunction or be damaged.


I would recommend to build you computer your own. Computer support costs a lot later.


In my opinion:

1. ASUS P4P800 (865PE Springdale chip) ~126$
--> it might be better Asus P4C800 (875P Canterwood, a newer chip. but expensive). If it should be a low-cost one, what about:

a) DFI PS35-BL ~108$ ?
http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_product_spec_details_r_us.jsp?PRODUCT_ID=1549
b) MSI 865PE Neo2-S MS-6728, Intel 865PE ~140$
http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_detail.php?UID=433 --> DDR400
c) Gigabyte GA-8KNXP, Intel 875P, ~200$
http://tw.giga-byte.com/MotherBoard/Products/Products_Spec_GA-8KNXP.htm

2. Intel 2.4c (thanks to your recommendation, Nathan)
--> o.k. Intel 2.4C HT boxed (means with cpu cooler/fan - tray is without cooler/fan), 800 FSB (you can overclock later, if you're interested)

3. 512 OCZ Dual Channel PC-3200 (256x2)
--> Which one would you guys take? OCZ PC3500 Basic Series DDR RAM (not dual channel) ~55$ / OCZ Dual Channel PC3200 EL DDR SDRAM or better go for Corsair TwinX 3200 (dual channel)?

4. ENERMAX A106-USB w/350w supply
--> Enermax is reliable. It can also be an other 350w trademark, because you don't overclock - you don't need a too expensive power supply (or it's just in Europe expensive? :-) ).

5. 80G WD800JB Special Edition w/8MB
--> 8MB cache Special Edition sounds good

6. ATI Radeon 9000 All-in-Wonder 64mb (again, thanks to your review, Nathan)
--> no remarks

7. Samsung CDRW/DVD Combo Model SM-352BRNS
--> Samsung SM-352BEN, 52x24x52x16 CDRW/DVD Combo, CD-W 52x , CD-RW 24x, CD 52x, DVD 16x, 130 ms, 2MB, Nero 5.5, PowerDVD. Should be o.k.

8. SB LIVE 5.1 SB0226
--> Motherboard onboard sound might be enough?

9. WIN 2000 Pro w/service pack 3 (Full OEM version). I'm going for WIN 2000 because I want to upgrade the OS on two other machines with it. I'll upgrade to XP later.
--> I guess HT (Hyper Threading) feature does not work with Windows 2000, just with XP Home & Professional.

10. Do you need a new computer case? Some case include a power supply.
--> What about CHIEFTEC Dragon Midi-Tower DX-01B-D-U /black?

11. In Europe we sometimes don't receive thermal paste when we buy a new Intel CPU (processor) --> you may ask your supplier.
--> Arctic Silver 3 would be a good choice (is more for overclocking)

If you buy something in "bulk" it's cheaper, but normaly you don't get any software, drivers, manuals ... the opposite is "retail".[/list]
_________________
Malware: http://www.tweaknews.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3395 | https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/main-nf.htm

Benchmark Software: http://www.benchmarkhq.ru/english.html?/b_e.html

How to build your own computer: http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

[alexvdl]

I would let them put it together. What that does is let you have the peace in mind that if it doesnt' work you don't have to tear our hair out. You go back and say, HEY... blah blah blah doesn't work. Then they fix it. Always support the little guys. If you don't feel comfortable building it yourself, I would DEFINITELY recommend that they do it for you. If you're a professional and have the three hundred to spend, I'd say go for it.
_________________
__________[(Crayola)]>_____________
Althon xp 2100+ @ 2100+, DFI LANParty nForceII Ultra Rev. B, 512 of Kingston, and an Evil Wizard Radeon 7500!

[Jim]

Thanks for the review of the specs, Diales. I greatly appreciate your time. I will carefully review your suggestions.

And Alexvdl, your point is well made. I was thinking that maybe I would get the next computer made for me, and, then, try and rebuild my old intel 733 (Asus P3V4X mobo) with inexpensive parts as a learning experience. I could do this with my son. If be bomb it , we bomb it. But it would be a good "dry run" for a later more serious effort.

Thanks guys.

Jim