I'm in over my head...help.

[Brett257]

Hey all,

This is my first post and I have come to you for help. My Compaq computer is starting to make weird noises and I have decided to build a new one. I have everything picked out but the motherboard.

I don't know what to get. The computer will have the following specifications:

Antec Solo Case
Antec Earthwatts 500w
E6750
2GB RAM
250 GB Hard Drive
256 2600 XT Video Card
DVD Burner
Either Vista Home Premium or XP Pro
56k Modem

I need the computer to last 4-5 years or so. I use it for internet, Microsoft Office, music, photos. I'd like to play Microsoft Flight Simulator on it. I will not overclock. I will not play with the BIOS. Once it is in the case I will not take out, but I will clean it. I need something extremely reliable. I would like it to have Firewire because the case has a front firewire plug-in.

Thank you for helping. I'm very confused and frustrated by the overwhelming number of choices.


Brett

 

[o1die]

Read some faqs on building your own before you decide. Set a budget. Remember that you can play some games on oem systems by hp and dell if you upgrade the ps. Many of those motherboards have a separate pci-e slot now for adding a video upgrade. All you would have to do is change the power supply, which is easier than building your own the first time. Think about it. You can also go online and download the motherboard manual. Read the manual of the board you're interested in. It will give you tips on installing the memory, and the case connectors on the board. The abit ip35-e would suite you fine. Abit has good informative manuals with it's boards.

 

[NXIL]

Dear Brett,

you want a motherboard compatible with the E6750, good quality, with firewire, no need for on board video--that narrows down your choices a lot.

Newegg is a great place to shop when you need to search by different criteria:

Intel motherboard, power search:

http://www.newegg.com/Store/Su...ame=Intel-Motherboards

18 retail motherboards with P35 or X38 chipset, and one or two firewire connections:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...yCodeValue=749%3A20786

Filtered for better ratings: 4 + 5 eggs percentages about 80% or higher:

In your situation, I would choose this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128064

Note that some of the boards take DDR3 memory, which I do not think you need at all....DDR 2 will be around for a few years. DDR3 is very expensive now.

HTH

NXIL

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Brett257
Hey all,

This is my first post and I have come to you for help. My Compaq computer is starting to make weird noises

Thank you for helping.


Brett

most likely the cpu cooling fan[or system fan(s)] needs cleaning/oiling/replacing ..not to hard to do ..and Welcome to AnandTech !

 

[Brett257]

Thanks for all the replies. I have built a computer before. I just haven't paid attention to computers in a while and the hardware is so much more advanced.

I don't really think I need firewire. I also made a few adjustments to the list from above. I'm going with the E6550 processor. I think I have decided on the Gigabyte P35-DS3R. I'm also considering the Abit IP35.

Any thoughts on those two motherboards. I need to stay under $700 for the complete build.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Brett257
Thanks for all the replies. I have built a computer before. I just haven't paid attention to computers in a while and the hardware is so much more advanced.

I don't really think I need firewire. I also made a few adjustments to the list from above. I'm going with the E6550 processor. I think I have decided on the Gigabyte P35-DS3R. I'm also considering the Abit IP35.

Any thoughts on those two motherboards. I need to stay under $700 for the complete build.

http://www.clubit.com/product_...l.cfm?itemno=CA4841006