For gaming, I would like to change:

1) GF4 Ti4200 64M won't fit in future bill, at least, 128M is a must (see
how DOOM3 use both system and graphics memory like crazy, more games will
like that), so for better performance and better value for money, I would
get a ATi 9500 Pro (must be Pro!!!) 128M card.  consider a 9700 or 9700 Pro
if you like more performance for money.

2) at least 512M of RAM is a must, anything less that won't fit into
"gaming" (again, use DOOM3 as reference).  The best performance from AMD
system comes from nForce2 mobo with two sticks of RAM (twinbank), so I'd
pick A7N8X with 2x 256M RAM (use 2 x 512M would be smarter).

3) and last, unlike most people (here or anywhere else), I strongly disagree
to use Partition Magic, I'd perfer use least amount of software (only use as
needed, nothing funcy).  So, I'd plan ahead, make partitions during setup,
this will make the most clean & better system.

Jun Qian

PS: I follow the "KISS" rule, and think it is the best advise to all
problems.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Neal Collins" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2003 6:30 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Mainboard for gaming system


> Hey good folks,
> Going to put together a dedicated gaming computer and have narrowed
> everything down except the motherboard.
> System will for sure include:
> Antec case with 400w power supply
> Western Digital 80gb HD with 8meg cache
> Sony DVD drive
> Corsair memory...either 256mb or 512mb of pc3200 ddr ram
> GeForce4 Ti4200 64mb video card
> Will get a switch to share my existing monitor, keyboard , and mouse
> between the gaming computer and my current system (no desk room to add)
> Cpu will be an Athlon XP...1900+ or 2000+ or 2100+...depending on mobo
> cost
>
> The mobo's I have selected:  Asus A7V8X w/ Via Kt400 chipset, Gigabyte
> 7VAXP Ultra with Via Kt400 chipset, Asus A7N8X Deluxe with nforce
> chipset, or Soyo SY-Kt400 Dragon Ultra Platinum.
>
> I know I probably can't go wrong with any of them, but just looking for
> opinions on what you might pick and why.
> If you have suggestions on other changes, feel free on that also.
> Probably going to use Partition magic to divide up the hard drive into
> about 10gb for WinXP Pro, 65gb for data partition, and rest for swap
> file.
>

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