Is this machines spec ok

[gookeeper]

Hi all

 

I've got 1200 pounds to spend on a new machine and just wondering if this is good valve for money (as u guessed im in the UK).

 

Its a Carrera Octon 64 3000CB

AMD athlon 64 3400+ K85SX m/brd

400w PSU

80GB HD

1024MB ddr ram pc3200 400mhz

17" TFT monitor

nVIDIA Geforce FX5500 256mB graphics card

5.1 soundblaster 1024 + 5.1 inspire speakers

dvd/cd combo drive

sony DVDRW drive

windows xp.

Price £1162 excluding VAT(VAT i dont need to pay for)

 

Its will be a home machine, Running max 5 and viz 4.

 

The system is customizable but its the best spec i can find for the price.

 

It would be greatfull if you can tell me if this is a good choice, or should i wait a few months for a better deal.

 

Thanks Guy

[Greg Hess]

The spec sounds pretty good, though I'd throw out the motherboard.

 

Get an Nforce3 250 motherboard. It will be faster, have more features, cheaper, and more stable then the VIA solution.

 

Something like this...

http://usa.asus.com/products/mb/socket754/k8n-e_d/overview.htm

 

Or this...

http://www.giga-byte.com/MotherBoard/Products/Products_GA-K8NS%20Pro.htm

 

I'd also bump the Geforce 5500 up to a 5700...since its only about a 15 dollar difference.

 

I'd chuck the soundblaster too. I hate creativelabs with a passive. Look into a turtle beach Santa Cruz card (about 50 bucks), or something from terratec.

[serpico]

I agree with Greg on the motherboards and video, you can't go wrong with Asus or Gigabyte, and the small price difference to go to a 5700 is the way to go. In regards to sound, you can't go wrong with compatibility from creativelabs, but if sound is important, Turtle Beach is the way to go. Now you'll need some killer speakers!