Will this setup work? 1st time builder

[INTI]

So, I am going to try to build my first computer. I have never done this before, so please hang in there with me.

What I plan to do with my new computer:

1) Microsoft Office, Internet, Email, real basic stuff...
2) Some moderately serious Graphic Design work
3) Running Decision Analysis applications (Processor and Memory Hog)
4) MP3s
5) NO GAMING

I also plan on installing Windows XP. I have DSL, so I will need a LAN. I already own an External TDK CD R/RW burner, USB 2.0 compatible, which I plan on using. I will need some other USB 2.0 ports for my smart card, memory stick and/or digital camera. I also have a pretty nice set of computer speakers, although a super nice audio is not necessary.

I checked out a few sites on how to build a computer. Since this is my first time I was hoping to get some feedback on what I have selected.

1 - INTEL PENTIUM 4 Northwood Processor
CPU 2.53GHz
Cache 512K
Socket 478
Bus 533MHz
With Heatsink and Fan
$191

1 - MSI 655 MAX-FISR (HT Ready) MOBO
Willamette 478 and Northwood 478 P4 Processor Compatible
From 1.3 to 3.6 GHz
Chipset SIS 655 BO Chipset
FSB 400/533MHz (100/133 MHz QDR)
RAM 4x DDR 200/266/333
Slots 6X PCI and 1X AGP 8X
Ports 1XFDD, 2XCOM, 1Xparallel, 6XUSB, 1XLAN, 2PS2, 2XIEEE
Onboard LAN/Audio
$185

2 - CORSAIR XMS Extreme Memory
DDR 256MB (512MB Total)
32MX8 PC-3200C2 Heat Spreader
400MHz
1 @ $67 = 2 @ $134

1 - WESTERN DIGITAL ?Special Edition? 80GB Hard Drive (WD800JB)
7200RPM
IDE ULTRA ATA 100
8MB Cache
$96

1 - MSI CD/DVD ROM Drive (MS-8216)
Interface ATAPI EIDE
$33

1 - ATI RADEON 7000 VIDEO CARD
Graphics Controller: RADEON 7000
Memory Config: 64MB DDR 64 bit
MAX Memory Interface: 3.2GB/s with 200MHz
Connector 15 Pin VGA Connector
$40

1 - EVERCASE ATX Mid Tower Case (E4252W005A)
Truely Screwless Case - Intel
Front USB 2.0 Optional IEEE
2 removable HD cases
10-bays
7 Expansion Slots
ATX MOBO (12 x 9)
Standard 1 Side Case Fan
Optional 1 Front Case Fan
Optional 1 Rear Case Fan
$23

1 - ANTEC 380W True 380 Power Supply
Form Factor ATX12V compliant for P4
+5V Stand by and Logic On/Off Antec Low Noise
$71

2 - COOLER MASTER TLF-R82-E! BLUE Neon LED FANS
80 X 25mm
3 Pinn Connector for mainboard speed detection
4-Pinn adaptor
12V .15A
1 @ $6.00 = 2 @ 12

1 - NEC/MITSUBISHI MultiSync 17? Flat Screen Monitor (FE770-BK)
Max Resolution: 1280 X 1024 @ 66Hz
Recommended Resolution: 1024 X 768 @ 85Hz
$153


As I mentioned, this is my first time building a computer and I am concerned about these components being compatible. I apologize if I either put too much info or not enough above. I also have these concerns:

Am I missing anything important (Thermal Compound, Connecting Wires, Static strap etc...)?

Are there any parts to this system that is overkill or underkill for my intended use (i.e. video card to much for the monitor or my needs)?

Do I have too much or too little cooling with 3 case fans and 1 processor fan?

Is my power supply ample enough? Can I add new components without worrying about power?

Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thank you for all the help I have already received on this board.

PS. I can get all this for just under $1000 including shipping.

 

[Buz2b]

Just a quick look but I would say you are a little weak in the video card and Power Supply areas. I know you said you weren't going to be gaming but even some "moderately serious Graphic Design" work deserves a bit better video card. You would be creating a "bottleneck" (in a small fashion) by not spending a few more bucks on this. The PS is probably OK for now but I would think about a bit more if you can afford it. It is fine for what you have and say you will be doing but I always like to build in a little headroom if possible.

Those are the only things that stuck out to me on first glance. Hopefully others will chime in and render opinions.

 

[littlezipp]

Originally posted by: Buz2b
Just a quick look but I would say you are a little weak in the video card and Power Supply areas. I know you said you weren't going to be gaming but even some "moderately serious Graphic Design" work deserves a bit better video card. You would be creating a "bottleneck" (in a small fashion) by not spending a few more bucks on this. The PS is probably OK for now but I would think about a bit more if you can afford it. It is fine for what you have and say you will be doing but I always like to build in a little headroom if possible.

Those are the only things that stuck out to me on first glance. Hopefully others will chime in and render opinions.

I would agree, you are putting some quality parts in your computer, so why skimp on the video.
Maybe look at a Geforce 4 ti4200 or something like that.

 

[oniq]

You say moderately serious graphic work, I'd bump up that graphics card a bit.

 

[INTI]

Much thanks for the suggestions. The power supply and the video card were two areas I also thought were possible ares for improvement. I had read that power supply is not something you should skimp on, but I wasn't sure how to size it out appropriately for the system. I will also take a look at those video cards.

 

[777php]

If you are gonna go with a 17" flat CRT I strongly recommend one with 1600x1280 resolution, especially if you are going to do graphic work.

 

[DaiShan]

Your PSU is fine, even overkill for your situation, you could easily get by on a quality 300 watt. The Antec True Power 380 is more than enough. For comparison, I used a 1.4 tbird @ 1.6 a cd-rom and cd-rw, 1 10krpm scsi drive, and 1 7200 rpm ide drive on an antec 300 watt, I've only recently upgraded as I have added more drives.