Need input on new computer

[THC]

I'm in the process of buying a new computer and would truly appreciate some input on the system I had in mind. I have really tried to do my homework, but I have probably overlooked a few things since I am no expert.
I will mostly use the computer for low-performance stuff but still want a powerful box since I will play some games and also do some video-editing. I am very uncertain to what videocard I should get and feel like a sucker because "4" sounds more than "3"... The videocard in the configuration below is probably not my first choice and would rather get the Gainward Pro/600TV but the place that I have been looking at doesn't currently carry this card. However, I would like to keep the videocard below $150.
Other than that, do you think this is a good system, or could I get better components for the same price?
I know most people would recommend an AMD based system, but I chose Intel anyway for a number of reasons (where some don't make sense).
I will run RAID-0 to boost performance.

Processor: Intel Pentium IV 2.0A ghz (2000mhz) 512K Cache .13 Micron (Socket 478) Retail
Motherboard: Abit TH7II-RAID
Memory (RAM): 2x(RIMM PC800 256MB RAMBUS, GOLD CONTACTS - SAMSUNG)(512mb)
Hard Drive: 2x(IBM 40GB ULTRA 100/ATA66 2MB 7200RPM DESKSTAR 60GXP)(80gb)
Video Card: Chaintech GeForce4 64MB MX440 A-G440 DDR AGP, VGA, TV-out (1024x768), RETAIL BOX
CD-ROM: Pioneer (DVD-116) 16x DVD ROM Drive - IDE (40X CD-Rom), Tray - OEM
CD-ROM2: NEC (NR-7800a) 16x10x40
Sound Card: Creative Labs SoundBlaster LIVE! 5.1
Case: Enlight EN-7237 0AZ Mid Tower w/ P4 340W PS (ATX), 7 Bays (4- 5.25 inch, 3- 3.5 inch)
Network: 3COM 3C905C-TX with Wake On Land (PCI) - 10/100mps Network Card

The place I've been looking at will build this system for $1329 and ship it for $50.

Thanks!!

[aglio412]

first off, i'd dump the intel processor and get an athlonXP, which would then require another MB, but there are a few out there with RAID (i noticed the 2 HDs and RAID MoBo)

second, you'll prob be fine with a gf3, unless you're a crazy gamer.

and from personal preference, you might be happier with an audigy card, and it has built in firewire.

[Grimm]

1) Forget RAMBUS memory Get a MB that supports DDR

2) Forget the high end processor. Go with something a little more economical. Unless you want a screeming game machine 2Ghz is way out of line. Consider that a P4 1.7Ghz costs less than half as much for only a 15% perfomance hit. 15% that you don't even need!

3) Splurge and get the slot loader DVD-ROM. They are just wasier to use and harder to break.

4) It's a judgement call as to what CDRW to get, but I would get a Plextor. Lite-On or AOpen if I wanted to save money. Abd I would go for a 24x, you dont save enough money to make a 16x worth the difference.

Just my 2 cents.

[Leon]

Hmm... Video Editing...

Let's see now. If you're 100% set on an Intel, then go for it. BUT in the case that you are only 99% set on an Intel, let me say that you should probably try to go for a Dual Athlon setup, which will be spectacular for video editing. But if you must get Intel, it should be fine.

For your hard drive, I would suggest staying away from the 75GXP and 60GXP models. I had to RMA my 75GXPs, and my 60GXPs are on their way out. Their failure rates are mind boggling, so I suggest a different model. I don't know what to recommend because I went with SCSI hard drives this time around.

[xsiled2]

Originally posted by aglio412
first off, i'd dump the intel processor and get an athlonXP, which would then require another MB, but there are a few out there with RAID (i noticed the 2 HDs and RAID MoBo)

second, you'll prob be fine with a gf3, unless you're a crazy gamer.

and from personal preference, you might be happier with an audigy card, and it has built in firewire.

why get amd when you can get a northwood 1.6 that ocs to 2.5... its only $150 :P

[Hoser]

I'd look for a motherboard that supports ATA 133 and USB 2.0. Don't skimp on the motherboard if you can help it. A good motherboard can last for years. I've always had good luck with Abit motherboards.

[Hoser]

Do you want to get everything from one place, or will you shop around? You'll probably be able to get a better total price shopping around, but you'll have to search for the best prices on each item from multiple sites. If you save money shopping at different sources, you can always buy something else for the computer (like speakers) and still stay under budget.

[DREDD]

actually DDR has gone WAY WAY UP in price...RAMBUS has come way way down in price. So much so that you can get 256Mb RAMBUS from some places for $30 less than 256Mb DDR.

[THC]

Thanks a lot for all your input!!
I was looking at memory prices and Rambus isn't all that more expensive than DDR. DDR is even more expensive when looking at quality sticks (edit: As Dredd pointed out while I was typing:-)). Difference between cheapest DDR and chepaest Rambus at pricewatch is only 25% (only like $35 extra on this system). I also chose Rambus after reading this article http://www4.tomshardware.com/column/02q1/020215/index.html
Funny thing is that I talked to a sales rep where I might to buy it and he also suggested the DDR setup... Is there something fundamental that I'm not getting here? $40 on a $1300 system doesn't seem very expensive to me, especially since the rep suggested that I got DDR memory that was more expensive than the rambus...

As for the HD, I listed the wrong one, I intend to get 2 x IBM 40GB ULTRA 100/ATA66 2MB 7200RPM DESKSTAR 120GXP (adds $14). Problem is that I can't find a motherboard with the 850 chipset (rambus) that will support ATA 133. Is ATA 133 worth it?

And I think I will have someone build it... Since I've never done it before it will probably cost me more in time than the savings I will make, even though I would learn a lot. I havn't ruled out this option however.

Again, Thanks!!

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by THC
Is ATA 133 worth it?


The difference between ATA 100 and 133 is not worth fussing over. You probably won't see a difference.

[bachviet]

Since you are doin' video editing, I suggest the P4 instead of the Athlon XP... I just built my XP 1700+ computer (last week) and I'm happy with it! I got the 40G IBM DESKSTAR 60GXP and it haven't failed me yet! I have 3 years to play with it so I don't mind! I should have gotten a better motherboard (Iwill XP333-R or SOYO Dragon+) but I don't wanna spend too much and I'm not much of a gamer! Yeap memory prices go skyrocketted and I paid $67 for my 256MB PC2100 Micron memory!

[ramazank2]

My TH7-II raid works great. I love the board. Rambus can be a little tricky.

[Heihachi]

Still curious on why you'd go Intel vs. AMD.

really?.. 1.6 to 2.5 ghz? Air cooled?

[THC]

I'm leaning towards building it myself... never done it before and know that I will regret it...
I was wondering about the comment about the power supply. How will I know what is enough? I thought 340W was quite a bit, but maybe I need 400w?

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by THC
How will I know what is enough? I thought 340W was quite a bit, but maybe I need 400w?

I think that you could possibly run your system off of a 300W P/S, but it would be wise to get a 400 watt just in case. That way, you can be certain you have enough power. It would be really bad if you got all of your parts, put them together, and then find out that your P/S isn't strong enough.