new build

[bearcreek]

Need to know if there are any compatibility problems or suggestions for the following components. I have a Seagate 10g hd and plan to only serf the internet with this computer. Any suggests are welcome, thankyou.


Antec Solution SLK1650 Beige Steel ATX Mini Tower Computer Case 350W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: SLK1650
Item #: N82E16811129149



AOpen FM56-SVV 56Kbps Modem - Retail
Model #: FM56-SVV
Item #: N82E16825131005


ASUS K8V-MX Socket 754 VIA K8M800 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: K8V-MX
Item #: N82E16813131549



LITE-ON Beige IDE CD-ROM Drive Model LTN-527T - Retail
Model #: LTN-527T White RT
Item #: N82E16827101205


MidiLand NB-03 2W 2.0 Speaker - Retail
Model #: NB-03
Item #: N82E16836151042



CORSAIR XMS 256MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered System Memory Model CMX256A-3200C2 - Retail
Model #: CMX256A-3200C2
Item #: N82E16820145415



AMD Sempron 64 2800+ Palermo 800MHz FSB Socket 754 Processor Model SDA2800BXBOX - Retail
Model #: SDA2800BXBOX
Item #: N82E16819104245

[blue60007]

Is that a 7200 or 5400RPM drive? If it's a 5400RPM, you should get a cheap 7200RPM drive, otherwise that will really hold you back.

On a budget build like this, there is no need to get expensive XMS RAM, just get the cheaper ValueSelect.

What OS is going on this?

[bearcreek]

Thanks for the fast reply, the os will probly be WinXP. The drive speed I do not know because I am not at home, but I will take your advice if it is 5400. Would there be a problem with keeping the XMS ram for it is only $34? If there is anything you think I should upgrade, please say so. Thank you.

[blue60007]

If you are going to run XP, you need more than 256MB, I wouldn't run it on anything less than 512MB.

Well, for $38 you can get 512MB.

XMS RAM only does you good if you have an expensive CPU, motherboard etc, and you are overclocking. You wouldn't notice any difference between the Value stuff and the XMS.

If one thing had to be upgraded, I'd double the RAM to 512MB for $4.

[bearcreek]

Thanks again for the fast reply, I will use your advice. With this motherboard I dont need a video card do I? The reason for the cheapness is it is for my brother and he doesn't need a powerful computer.

[blue60007]

That board has onboard video. And it has an AGP slot, so an AGP video card can be added if needed.

[bearcreek]

Thank you, I thought it did but I wanted a second opinion. That should be all my stupid questions for now.

[myrgo_31]

well if you want, and this is just my opinion... if your looking for a cheap comp for just internet use, you can get a good deal at dell, and it usually includes a monitor.

[jayb1234]

If his internet is cable, you can ditch the modem.

Buy the OEM version of XP, it's about 100 bucks cheaper than the retail version.

[bearcreek]

I checked into dell, they have a computer for $350 after shipping and $50 mail in rebate. I have the moniter, mouse, and keyboard. Wouldn't this be a better computer if he would decide to do a little more with it? The total price for the built computer is around $312 shipped and that is with the ram changed to 512 mb.

The specs on the dell are:

Intel® Celeron® D Processor 325 (2.53 GHz, 533 FSB)

Video Card Integrated Intel® GMA 900

256MB DDR SDRAM at 400MHz

40GB3 Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive

Single Drive: 48x CD-ROM Drive

[jayb1234]

That Dell should be fine for basic stuff like internet, email etc.

[bearcreek]

Which would be the better computer though?

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by bearcreek Which would be the better computer though?

Dell puts in real low end hardware in the machines they make. I have had so many friends and family regret ever buying them. That computer is a dead end. You can't even add an AGP card to it. I would try and find a local system builder somewhere and they can probably build you a nice little computer with upgreadable motherboard and such. I would stear away from the likes of Dell, Compaq and eMachines.

[Cricket]

If it's only for surfing the net, I'd say it's a toss up. Get the DELL if you don't feel like building your own computer. Or build the Sempron 64 computer if you feel like building your own.

The Sempron 64 would probably allow you to do more with it if it has the right amount of RAM. Performance would probably be snappier too.

Cricket

[arix]

If u are only going to surf the net u dont need xms try the value pack it will save u some bucks.

[bearcreek]

Thanks for the replies. The computer is for my brother, and he is a cheap ass, but he will pay a little more for the better computer.

[jayb1234]

One other thing to consider is that the Dell will have some sort of warranty and you can tell him to call Dell if he has any problems.

The quality of Dells components is actually pretty good, but the entry level machines aren't designed to allow much upgradability.