Newbie Builder Needs Help

[Huskiez]

Hi,

I have never built a computer before, but would like to build my first one for primarily work purposes, and maybe some gaming. I will be using two monitors.

I was hoping someone could comment on the parts and tell me whether they are compatible.

The asterisked items are the ones that I definitely am buying (because they were recommended by a friend) unless someone can suggest a better item. The main goal of the system is to be able to churn data quickly (hence the 15,000 RPM hard drives). I think the data is in the form of Access.

How much of a difference would be seen with 10,000 RPM and 15,000 RPM? Is it significant? If it isn't I think I would go with a cheaper 10,000 RPM HD. Would I need the SCSI controller then? My guess would be no. Also, is an SATA HD easier to install than a SCSI?

The unasterisked items are the ones I chose, and I hope they work.

Case: Antec Sonata

* Motherboard: Asus P4 Socket 478

* Processor: P4 3.0 GHz

* Memory: Might get two of these --

1GB (1024MB) XMS2-5400 (667 MHZ) CONSISTS OF (2) MATCHED CM2X512-5400C4 2X 240 DIMM 4-4-4-12 LATENCY DDR2 64X64 THAT HAVE BEEN TESTED AS A PAIR IN A DUAL CHANNEL ENVIRONMENT WITH HEAT SPREADER CORSAIR BRAND MEMORY

* Hard Drive: Will get two of these as well --

36.7GB 3.6MS/15000RPM (ULTRA 160 80PIN) 8192K 3.5"/HH (SEAGATE PRIVATE LABEL OEM 1 YEAR WARRANTY)

* SCSI Controller: ULTRA 320 SCSI (68 & 50 PIN) PCI 64BIT 133MHZ 160MB PER SECOND DATA TRANSFER RATE OEM VERSION

DVD Drive: Plextor PX-712SA

Graphics Card: Asus 6600GT

Floppy Drive: Floppy

General question: Will this case work? I would just like any case that the motherboard will fit in and be compatible with. I would guess a mid-tower or mini-tower.

Also, keep in mind that I have never built a computer before. I am using many websites' advice and going to refer to them when building it. Does this look like a computer that is moderately easy to build? I tried to pick a case with a built in power supply, a chip with built in heat sink, etc. so there wouldn't be too much additional work.

Also, is there a FAQ where I can find quality parts that people seem to like? (i.e. when it comes to the drives or memory)

Thanks again for any replies, advice, or suggestions.

EDIT: Also, is there any part I am missing?

 

[UsandThem]

Everything looks good, however you need the AGP version of that video card. That motherboard does not have PCI Express.

Get a motherboard like this Gigabyte with an Intel 865PE chipset.

Don't get a Intel P4 Prescott CPU. They run very hot. Get a Northwood CPU like this one.

As far as you ram goes, don't spend a ton of money on "elite ultra fast stuff". This Cas2.5 Muskin ram here would suit you fine. For 2 X 512mb PC3200 sticks you are at $130.00.

 

[nick1985]

it looks like an athlon64 would better suit your needs for office apps and gaming. have you considered an athlon64?

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

Naw, he needs to stay with Intel if it's for office work.
Just helped a friend build a similar machine. We went with the Asus P4P800E deluxe.
Same 3.0c Northwood CPU as the person up above recommended.
Adaptec PCI 29320A-R SCSI Controller
Seagate 73GB 15k Cheetah SCSI ST373453LW
Everything above was bought from Newegg.
I think we went with this memory, which is on sale today.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&depa=0

Since you have never built a computer before, there are some things you need to know. First, you'll need a boot disk unless you have a bootable Windows XP CD. You can go make one at www.bootdisk.com
Next, for the Adaptec controller, you'll need to install a SCSI driver as windows installs. Just after the install starts, XP asks if you have a 3rd party SCSI driver. That's when you put the floppy in and let it install. You get this driver from the Adaptec site.

I built a similar system 6 months ago, with SCSI and an Intel 3.4C northwood.
My latest system is an AMD FX53 and I have a web site that explains how I put it all together, but not for the Intel system. You may need your friends to help you, but it's not that hard and you'll learn a lot.
http://www.nogodforme.com/MyBabyTera.htm

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: NoGodForMe
Naw, he needs to stay with Intel if it's for office work.

oh?

 

[TheOasis]

i dont know if you need a 15k rpm drive for office work, maybe something like a regular 160GB 7200 RPM drive for a fraction of those 2 cheetahs?

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

That review tested each app one at a time.
It depends on how much multitasking he does for work.
Kyle Bennet over at the H said he would rather work on an Intel box at work, because the FX chugs when running multiple things.
And I see the same thing on my FX53 system. If I run more than one app, the system chugs and takes a while to get used too. The Intel system can run multiple things at the same time because of the HT.

He's already picked everything out and I doubt he's going to change it all now. He's almost ready to buy.

I wouldn't worry about 2 drives when using SCSI. One 72 gig Cheetah running at 15k will fly.

On the case, we went with the Antec P160-WF which has two fans and is a full tower case. You have to buy the power supply seperately, we went with the Antec True Blue 480W.

 

[Huskiez]

I have some changes to the setup, I will post them soon.

I by accident clicked the Reply button not realizing it was not the correct reply button.

I don't know how to delete posts. Otherwise I would delete this one.

 

[Huskiez]

I have made a few changes based on the suggestions here:

Motherboard: Asus P4P800-E

Processor: Intel P4 Northwood

Case: Antec Sonata

Memory: 2 Dual Packs of Corsair Memory -- 4 total 512 sticks

HD: Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10K RPM Retail or OEM

Had a change of pace with the HD. I think the 15K RPM and SCSI controller would be $400 more than this 10K RPM HD. I have a question: do I want to get OEM or Retail? Retail is $50 more.

Graphics: Asus 6600 GT

DVD Player: Pioneer DVR-108

Floppy: Sony

Do I need to get something additional for the processor (heat sink or fan)?

The power voltage in the case should be okay right?

The graphics card (PCI Express) will be okay with this motherboard right?

Is there anything I am forgetting to buy?

Anything else I should get from NewEgg that would help me in building this comp (tools, spray, etc.)?

Thanks again.

 

[UsandThem]

That Asus card you picked out is another PCI Express card that will not work with your board. Also get a 6600GT and not just a 6600. The 6600 is a dog.

You need and AGP version like this Leadteck.

I would recommend the Leadtek because of its cooling. You can read the review here about how some of the cards have major heatsink/fan retention problems.

I personally have the Leadtek card (PCI Express version), and it is a nice card.

Don't forget to get a good heatsink/fan for that CPU since that version is an OEM chip. I recommend getting a retail version of your Intel chip that includes the heatsink/fan and a 3 year warranty. OEM chips rarely have more than a 15 day warranty on them.

 

[Huskiez]

Thanks UsandThem for the reply.

Update my processor to the P4 3.2C Retail and the graphics card to the one you suggested, the 6600GT.

Everything compatible? Looks good?

I'll order it all tomorrow if you guys think it's good to go.

Thanks.

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: Huskiez
Thanks UsandThem for the reply.

Update my processor to the P4 3.2C Retail and the graphics card to the one you suggested, the 6600GT.

Everything compatible? Looks good?

I'll order it all tomorrow if you guys think it's good to go.

Thanks.

It looks good to me

 

[Huskiez]

Alright, we have a small problem. I think it would be cheaper just to go to Dell. I thought the whole reason to buy parts on your own was for it to be cheaper (and also to know what goes into it).

I made a very similar desktop at Dell (with 10K HD, P4 3.2, 2 GB RAM, DVD RW drive), and it would cost about 1000. The parts I listed would come to 1300.

Heh, was kind of excited to build a computer, but now it might have to be put on hold.

 

[Blain]

I would only populate 2 memory slots with 512mb each. No need for the extra GB of RAM.
You'll be paying $135 for the ability to brag about your system having 2GB of RAM. You can get a nice printer for that amount.

 

[WPFossil]

Agree about the RAM. You don't need more than 1GB

 

[WPFossil]

As far as building your own versus a Dell deal goes, remember that building your own gives you more flexibility and makes it easier to upgrade. You're also better able to service your own system down the road.

Dell uses a lot of proprietary hardware, so you may have to buy parts from them if something goes bad after the warranty is over.

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: Huskiez
Alright, we have a small problem. I think it would be cheaper just to go to Dell. I thought the whole reason to buy parts on your own was for it to be cheaper (and also to know what goes into it).

I made a very similar desktop at Dell (with 10K HD, P4 3.2, 2 GB RAM, DVD RW drive), and it would cost about 1000. The parts I listed would come to 1300.

Heh, was kind of excited to build a computer, but now it might have to be put on hold.

List the exact Dell specs and prices. I find it hard to believe that Dell can come in $300 cheaper, but it's definitely possible.

 

[Huskiez]

Motherboard: Dell 8400

Processor: Intel P4 540 with HT (3.20GHz)

Case: ??

Memory: 2x512M DDR2 SDRAM 533 MHz

HD: 74 GB SATA 10K RPM (I think you can get this HD on 8400 -- it's available on XPS)

Graphics: 128MB PCI Express ATI Radeon X300SE

DVD Player: 16X CD/DVD Burner DVD+/-RW

Comes to 1239 - 200 rebate + 140 (after getting 2x512 memory) = 1179. So maybe 200 less.

And there are much better sales than the $200 off. Hum..

Are these parts much worse?

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: Huskiez
Motherboard: Dell 8400

Processor: Intel P4 540 with HT (3.20GHz)

Case: ??

Memory: 2x512M DDR2 SDRAM 533 MHz

HD: 74 GB SATA 10K RPM (I think you can get this HD on 8400 -- it's available on XPS)

Graphics: 128MB PCI Express ATI Radeon X300SE

DVD Player: 16X CD/DVD Burner DVD+/-RW

Comes to 1239 - 200 rebate + 140 (after getting 2x512 memory) = 1179. So maybe 200 less.

And there are much better sales than the $200 off. Hum..

Are these parts much worse?

That included video card is a dud, you will be upgrading it soon after buying your system. However, Dell will have only included a 250w or 300w power supply, so it might not work with a higher end card that needs more juice.

Plus, Dells run hot. I mean they have the fan on the back for exhaust, a heat tunnel over the CPU covered with a passive heatsink. The rest of your system will run hot, as there is not much airflow.

 

[dev0lution]

Yeah, the X300 card isn't nearly as good as the 6600 GT and they're cutting costs by using cheap mobo, memory and PSU.

Not sure what ODD drives they're using at the moment, but my guess is that the Pioneer is a better drive than what they're putting in.