starting to build

[kd2777]

I hava an old IBM with a P2 running at 350 MHz so I think it is time to upgrade. I also want to build this one but I don't know what to start with. I know I want a DVD-writer, 250 zip, floppy, NIC, Gefore4 4400 card, and a Sound Blaster Audiogy platinum. But I don't know what kind of backbone to put in the system. I don't know if the intel or amd is better, then what chipset to use, and then which motherboard to go with. Any suggestions would be great, I've been out of the computer world to long and technology has grown to much.

 

[Zlash]

Do you plan on overclocking?

 

[kd2777]

It's not overly important but I wouldn't mind if it helps the system, with out making it to unstable.

 

[evilOlive]

I would not buy a DVD writer *RIGHT* now, but since you have just started planning it will probably different when you buy it. I say this because DVD writers and standards are being fought over right now by companies so basically taking into account the brand of DVD writer you buy, it won't be able to play on all DVD roms.

The easiest way to do this is read Anandtech's weekly guides:
Start with this one which tells you about chipsets and chips: http://anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1569

For OC'ing just get proper cooling and make sure you board has FSB control (almost all do these days), or software switching is a nice feature too (adjusting FSB and Multiplier through BIOS rather than physical switches). Overall, as long as you have a good HSF (heat sink fan) and a decent motherboard, overclocking isn't a problem.

Instead of a GeForce 4, I'd get an ATI Radeon 8500.

 

[jcmkk]

It seems that the Pentium 4's are very competitive right now. Especially since they overclock so well and so easily. They are also very quiet. I still love the Athlon XPs though. They just seem to have so much raw power. They both are littered with many different chipsets and motherboard manufacturers. On the P4 side, I like the SIS 645 chipset since it can almost keep up with the i850, yet is much cheaper and has more new features. Most people really love the Asus P4 boards based on all of the different chipsets. I just ordered an Asus board based on the i845 chipset for my uncle since I don't want any trouble at all, but I'm planning on getting a Gigabyte board for my own P4 system. On the AMD side of things, i would suggest going with the KT266A or KT333 chipset. I know the KT333 is newer and a little faster, but the KT266A has really matured and you shouldn't have to hassel with it quite as much. I really like the Abit KR7A for its overclockability and features.