Choosing a motherboard

[nshresth]

Hello,
I need help in choosing parts for a computer.
I am trying to built a computer--
Please help me choose the following parts--
Please mention the brands, and model, and other details


I use computer for internet, recording music using "Cakewalk Software", Photoshop, along with other basic stuff.
My budget is $550.
Also I am looking for at least 4 USB ports.

i)Motherboard
ii)Processor--has to be either P4 1.7 GHz or AMD XP 1700+
iii)Memory--has to be 512mb DDR
iv)Network Card--Prefer 3com
v)Hard Drive--around 30-40 gigs--7200 rpm
vi)Modem
viii)Operating System--
ix)Case
x)Fans
xi)Sound Card
x)video Card--medium
xi)DVD combo(both CDr and DVd)

Thank you..

 

[Vette73]

First thing first. A P4 1.7Ghz is over twice as much as a Athlon XP 1700+. So this is what I would do...

CPU = Athlon XP 1800+ $ 70
Motherboard = EPOX EP-8K5A2+ Has onboard Lan, Sound, Raid, and 4 USB2.0 Ports $110
Network Card = On-Board $ 0
Sound card = On-Board $ 0
Hard Drive = Maxtor 40gig 7200 RPM $ 80
Ram = 512mg DDR PC2700 $120
Modem = Cheap V.92 PCI $ 15
Video Card = Radeon 8500 $ 90
OS = Windows XP OEM $ ?? Check eBay


This is a good start. As for a Case find somehting that looks good and has at least a 300Watt power supply.
Here are some good ones for cheap....
And best to get a seperate DVCD-rom and CD-Burner. Will be cheaper and easier to keep up.

 

[Insane3D]

Marlin1975 put togehter a nice configuration for you there. One little correction though, the Epox actually comes with a USB header with two more ports, bringing the total to 6 USB 2.0 ports.

 

[judgmentday1]

I'm going to save that configuration to have it handy for a friend's new computer.

 

[eclectro]

I would check the various hot deal forums and shop for the hard drive, because if you do you can get them for $1 per Gig after MIR without trying too hard. Just one thing -- stay away from IBM deskstar drives. Alot of people have been having them die three months down the road, and the replacements they get die too. Do a thread search for more info if you must.

 

[nshresth]

Thanks guys,
What about this?
motherboard--abit kx7-333 w/via chipset(refurb)
What about video card as well???

 

[CaptnKirk]

Outstanding MoBo - get the ATI Radeon 8500 for about $ 89 for the AGP Video card
Also has the ZIF mounting holes by CPU, will support the bid APLHA PAL8045 Heatsink
best to use a Panaflo 46.9 CFM fan - quiet