First Time build need info please http://forum.pcmech.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[SteelXVII]

Hello im going to build my very first computer, I am a novice at this. What I have now is:
Intel Celeron Processor-Windows Xp sp 2
Mobo unknown, hp page for this isnt up.
512 mb of ram
60 gb hd maxtor
Disk drive
1 optical Drive- Phillips cd-rw dr. and dvd reader
Nvidia 5500 fx pci
-----------------------------------------------
Im only buying 3 items as of now.
AMD Athlon 64 3700+
ASUS A8N-SLI Premium Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard
Also a new case.
-----------------------------------------------
I understand many people have first time bootup problems with there existing hd. Im not going to buy a new hd since i dont want to swap my data. I have lost my xp cd also. Im going to use all my old componets except the mobo and processor (ofcourse) and the power supply. I was wondering if I should buy a new xp cd and or a new hardrive too? I dont want to get the hardware and not be able to run it. THanks for your time, Please help.

[flanzig1]

You will need to buy a new XP cd. Also, about to only thing that you will be able to use from the old PC are the HD and optics. The ram may work if the new mobo supports it. A PCI video card is going to run games about the same as your existing system. Need to look at getting a PCI-express video card.

[SteelXVII]

Ok thank you for that insight. Now do i have to buy the home edition then the proffessional edition, Or can i just buy the proffesional edition. Does the proffesional edition just come with everything? Also the sp 1 issue, you can just download the updates for it to get sp 2 for free right? Or whats with this.

[flanzig1]

Get the XP Home OEM. Most versions sold today have SP2 on it. OEM will run about $85 to $95 depending on your favorite online seller.