For any computer geeks out there...building a comp.

Sploke

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Oct 20, 2005
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Matt
I'm planning out a build for a home computer. I've never built one from scratch, so I wanted to get some feedback about my hardware choices and see if there's anything that looks problematic. Its going to be used for a lot of music/video, although not editing, some gaming but not a ton, and possibly will get a TV tuner added at a later date and use the computer as a Tivo as well. I'm still split on OS, I will either be running WinXP SP2, or going with a linux build like redhat or Ubuntu or something. Still researching that. Anyway, here's the component list, if anyone has ideas or suggestions or warnings, I would appreciate it.

Case - Antec Performance 1 P180B
Mobo - ECS GeForce6100SM (thought about upgrading this and going with the Asus M2N32 nForce 590, but not sure if the extra money is worth it yet. comments on this appreciated.)
Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X32 3800+, or 4600+
Power supply - Antec Earthwatts EA500, 500w
RAM - OCZ Crossfire 2x 1GB, DDR2 800, PC2 6400
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200, 320GB SATA
Burner - Lite-On DVD+-R 20x burner
Sound card - Sound Blaster X-Fi
Vid card - GeForce 7600GS
Misc - Koutech USB card, Netgear ethernet card

Right now total cost is right around 800 bucks, which isn't too bad considering it looks to be a fairly impressive machine (by my standards anyway). So, any tips or advice greatly appreciated.
 
Ok so I just realized that the mobo has usb and ethernet on board, so I can scatch those off the list...
 
If you're going to game you need a cooling unit. My bro in law games and his cooling unit keeps his comp at about 80 degrees.

Looks cool too, I'm not sure if its water or antifreeze but it runs through hoses throughout his comp.
 
def. go with a bigger power supply.. if you have enough fans running thru, you won't need watercooling.. my machine got a bit warm, and i spent 8 bucks for some insulated dryer ducting, and ducted cold air straight from my air conditioner to the main intake of my tower.. brought down the ambient temp from 105F to 70F.. did WONDERS for my video card.
 
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