New AMD build... suggestions please...

[SupraRXE]

Hi everyone! I'd just like to start off by saying that I'm new here and it looks like a very good place for info. :) Anyway, I'm going to be building a new computer soon and I just thought I could get some suggestions or comments here. I'm a moderate gamer (not going to run Doom3 or Quake4 on max settings) and would like to keep the comp. open for updates in the future (ie. dual-core, Win Vista, etc.). My budget is around $700-$800(MAX... and hoping I won't approach the latter end of this range). So here's what i have so far...

Raidmax RX-9 GT Black Mid Tower Case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811156057) - $130
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144701) - $88
ABIT KN8 SLI Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813127225) - $100
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice Socket 939 CPU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103537) - $113
eVGA 128-P2-N368-TX Geforce 6600GT 128MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card (http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130214) - $135
COOLMAX "SLI" CXI-500B ATX v2.01 500W Power Supply (http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817159054) - $65 (combo price)
A DVD burner - getting one from a friend for $25
Total so far: $656

I'm hoping that everything looks ok (cpu + mobo-wise) as this is my first AMD build... The mobo's supported FSB speed is 1000mhz and the cpu's HT speed is 2000mhz... are those two related or would they clash in any way(I really don't have any idea on AMDs... haha)? Also I wanted some suggestions on RAM. I want either 1gb (512mb x2) or 2gb (1gb x2) but I'm not sure about voltage settings. I don't OC but I might in the future. Any suggestions on a good pair of 1gb and a pair of 2gb would be very helpful! Thanks!!

[Wandrille]

seems alright to me but if i were you i would lower the budget on the case and get a better processor

[Deagle]

The HTT is 1000(200x5). As long as you don't go over 1000 it will be ok. Don't get the 6600GT, throw in about $40-$50 and get the 7600GT, twice the performance and runs cooler.http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[saphalline]

I'm going to give you the same speech I've been giving everyone else. At this point, I would highly suggest waiting! Intel and AMD are a just a few more months away from unleashing their new products. AMD is moving to a new socket and DDR2 support (in which case anything using Sockets 754 & 939 are going to be old news) and Intel is releasing an entirely new CPU microarchitecture (which makes the Pentium D Presler look like a big fat loser!).

The case, HDD, and PSU look good. And I heartily agree with Deagle on the 7600 GT. But for the core components, I would suggesting waiting.

[paul_]

I agree with Saph's POV, I made a mistake by building my new system this March. The AMD2 looks mighty sweet, and I also have that HDD, and it is fast, wonderful, and almost silent :cool:

[Boxo]

Waiting would be best.

My computer has both the AMD 3000+ Venice and the 7600GT. The 7600GT is a great card, probably the best you can get for under $200, the performance is great. The AMD 3000+ is a great processor and works very well, but with the new technologies just around the corner you should wait. Even if you don't get one of the new processors AMD and Intel are creating, the prices for the other processors will go down.

[jlreich]

Yes it's so close at this point you should wait.

I have an AMD 3000+ system and it runs great, but no use in building a lesser machine and start out a step behind what you will most likely be able to get with the same budget very soon. ;)

It's so close now can almost smell the silicon. :p

[TruthIs1]

When do you think processor prices will drop. Any idea of what month or anything?

Thanks

[hockey man]

Trying to ask for a month is not really possible. Saphalline would be able to give you the best Idea of what to expect price wise.

[saphalline]

When do you think processor prices will drop. Any idea of what month or anything?Already done. (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showpost.php?p=284745&postcount=6)