Building A Computer

[GML3G0]

Hey. I'm planning to build my own computer since I see it comes out @ least $1000 cheaper.

I would like to ask for a little help. To start off, this is what I'm planning on getting:

Ultra Dragon Glossy Black ATX Mid-Tower Case with Clear Side, Front USB and FireWire

Asus K8V Deluxe Socket 754 ATX Motherboard and AMD Athlon 64 2800+ Processor

VisionTek Xtasy 9600XT / 256MB DDR / AGP 8X / VGA / DVI / TV Out / Video Card

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy OEM Sound Card

Ultra 2x512MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz Memory

Maxtor / 80GB / 7200 / 8MB / SATA-150 / Hard Drive

Plextor PX-712 12x4x16x DVD+RW 8x4x16x DVD-RW 48x24x48x CD-RW Dual Format

Ultra 5.25" Bay Freezer with 2 - 60mm Cooling Fans - Black

Logitech MX1000 Laser Wireless Mouse (Already have a keyboard)

JBL CREATURE II Powered Satellite Speakers & Subwoofer White

Around how much power you think I will need? 400 watts? 500 watts?

Now for cooling. I have the front Bay Freezer (I guess I will have to leave the front panel open).

Will I need rear fans as well or do you think that is sufficient? The Video Card has a fan, and I believe the power supply I will buy has one too. Does the CPU need a fan too? The motherboard claims to have ASUS Q-Fan technology. Does that mean it comes with a fan or will I have to buy one myself? I would have to buy the thermal grease seperately right?

I will be dual-booting WinXP SP2 and Fedora Core 2 (Maybe Core 3) Linux

This is a good system correct? Good enough to play Half-Life 2 and Doom 3? And it will last me a while.

[GML3G0]

Also, am I better off getting a P4 2.8 GHz with HT instead?

[nellie2]

You will need a heatsink and fan for your CPU... the Q-Fan Tecnology on your board monitors your fan and adjusts it

ASUS Q-Fan Technology 

Constant, high-pitched noise generated from heatsink fans are a thing of the past thanks to ASUS Q-Fan™. The ASUS A7N8X Deluxe with Q-Fan™ technology intelligently adjusts fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.

[Redhat]

I will be dual-booting WinXP SP2 and Fedora Core 2 (Maybe Core 3) Linux

This is a good system correct? Good enough to play Half-Life 2 and Doom 3? And it will last me a while.

I suggest core 3, there's been many improvements, so I've heard. I'm on Slackware myself.

And yes, thats a good system. Certainly good enough to play those games and yes it will last you quite a while :D

As to the processors.. it is up to you. Your AMD 64 can run 32 bit apps aswell but they won't run any faster. I haven't had any experience with running 64bit programs or O/S's , but I suggest if you get the 64, get the 64bit version of the linux distro you choose.

[GML3G0]

Ok, thanks. I will be getting an AMD Athlon 64 3000+. Sounds like the best buy w/ future support for 64 bit apps and OS. I will be getting the 64 bit version of FC3. Now I just have to look for a decent monitor and power suppy. Thx again.

[Chris]

Ok, thanks. I will be getting an AMD Athlon 64 3000+. Sounds like the best buy w/ future support for 64 bit apps and OS. I will be getting the 64 bit version of FC3. Now I just have to look for a decent monitor and power suppy. Thx again.

How far into the future are you thinking?

[GML3G0]

Well, I've decided to get the AMD Athlon 64 3400+ as I see it is way more powerful processor in the benchmarks. Regarding how far into the future, I'd say 6 years with upgrades along the way. I might way till AMD comes out with PCI Express...