Long time lurker needs advice on first build

[Chessaroo]

Hi all
I've been lurking and learning around here forever and have decided it's time to build my first real system. I've built a few systems including this one from parts salvaged out of old boxes(iwill p55xb2 pentium 133@150 whoopee) . So I have a little experience? My main concern is stability and ease of setup. I've researched the nforce and sis735 chipsets but feel I'd be better off with a more mature chipset. I don't plan to oc but could use advice on hsf. I'll also be switching from dial up to dsl but know nothing about network cards so could use recommendations there as well.
Here's what I'm planning to order from newegg. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated.

Inwin atx mid tower 300w amd approved

Epox 8K7A

Duron 1gig

256 crucial ddr 2100

Seagate 40gb 7200

cool master EP5-6i11 ??

network card??? suggestions

visiontek xtasy geforce 2 gts-v (don't know just saw it on HD )

Thanks for your help.
ps don't have any need for this big of rig just rewarding myself for quitting smoking after 35yrs!!!!

 

[edjam]

Well, for ease of use, also if you are working within a budget, go with the ECS K7S5A. Take a look here for appropriate HSF combinations.

 

[Novgrod]

Welcome (although I'm really not in the best of positions to be welcoming you, rest assured it's not just me). Looks like a top-notch system. In my limited experience, any sort of network card will work just fine.

If you aren't so concerned with 3d performance, the nforce is a fine board and it comes with network goodies.

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

Welcome to the forums
Check out my rig (The workstation), I just built it last week.

- The ECS K7S5A is working very well for me so far.

- I used an Antec SX635: it's a fantastic case I highly recommend it, I also recommend the SX840 if you need more space and/or a bigger power supply.

- Maxtor HD's are generally faster than the Seagate, but they are definetly louder. I guess it's a question of priorities; they aren't that loud though.

- Network card <-- not needed with the ECS board but if you take a board without an onboard lan try the linksys ones, they are cheap and good.

- Don't know much about the GTS-V but I really like my Radeon 7500... OC's well and the 2-D and DVD playback are top notch.

- Duron 1 GHz is a nice choice

All that being said, it is very easy to setup a system these days. Also if you want to OC your processor, then the ECS K7S5A is not for you.

Good luck

-Ice

 

[FlippyBoy]

why not go with the 8k7a+? faster, fewer issues, and support for all your cpu needs to come! for the heatsink, the two top notch performers, i think, are the alpha pal8045 and the thermaltake sk-6. i am using the alpha, and love it. plus, it can be had for under $30 now. newegg has the 3com 3c905c for $35. that's a darn good network card for a darn good price. any inwin will serve you well - they make quality cases. as far as your hard drive, make sure you do your homework on storagereview.com, and you cant go wrong.

if you have any questions, or need help assembling, dont forget about us! we're here to help.

 

[Chessaroo]

Thanks for replies and that link. I had the MSI K7N420 ordered from newegg but voided it after reading that 98SE was not supported very well. I actually have the Leadtek 7350KDA on order now because I thought it might be a little better than the ECS K7S5A. I've seen so many horror stories about these boards on this and other forums that I thought I'd choose and older chipset with some of the wrinkles ironed out. I guess I'll have just make up my mind, order it, and then come back here when I run into problems.
Thanks again Bob

 

[Siddhartha]

From what I can tell from reading Anand's and other forums the main problems people seem to have in building or upgrading systems have been:
1. Using a powersupply and heatsink\fan which provide sufficient capacities. If you are going to use an AMD cpu use an AMD approved powersupply and heatsink\fan.
2. Correct installation of cpu heatsink\fan units.
3. Unplug the power cord before you start working on the system. (I know this sounds like a no-brainer but there have been a number of threads posted lately by people who write that their cpus burned up because they turned the power on without having a heatsink installed!)
4. If you go with a VIA chipset based motherboard, install the most up to date 4 in 1 drivers after you have the OS up and running.

Have you considered spending a little more money and getting more powerful cpu?

 

[John]

What do you plan on using the computer for? The nForce board works fine using 98SE. However if you have XP by all means use it. Check out the Chieftech DX-01BD-300W for 87.00 shipped. It is one of the finest cases available.

 

[Chessaroo]

Thanks again for all the replies. I've been out for awhile retrieving my retriever ( a 2 year old Chesapeake) hence the nic. John that is a great looking case and quality ps as well. The main reason I'm building the box is that my USB doesn't work on this old board and I'm thinking of getting a new dig cameral also. The nforce was my original choice along with a 1700 XP. Maybe I should just go all the way and upgrade to the XP OS while I'm at. Could anyone tell me is the XP software listed on neweggs site N09-00276 $88 is an upgrade or full oem home version. I asked them on the phone and of course they said all the imformation is on the web site.

 

[Krugger]

I'm in the same boat, and I've been checking out the Mobo/CPU combo at outpost, Duron 950MHz Boxed CPU w/ECS K7S5A Motherboard, only $99 at outpost
seems like a nice deal, great reviews on the mobo, duron is cheap but gets the job done for me. As for a case, i'm liking the EVERCASE E4252W005 from Newegg
a nice case for $22, $37 shipped; pretty great reviews just needs a power supply an maybe another fan or two. just sharing my results so far.
-----Krugger