Help? First build

[raidersfann26]

Hey guys, Ive been looking at barebone kits, motherboards,processors and all that good stuff. In sort my current computer is an emachines that was the cheapest one i could find (350 for the package) here are the specs

-Intel celeron d 325 processor/2.53 Ghz/ 256 L2 cache/533 Mhz fsb

-512 Mb pc2700 DDr Sdram

-60 gb HD (i added on another 80 later so 140 all together)

-48x cd rom/16 max read dvd rom (i added on a dvd +/- rw later)

- Windows XP home Ed

Okay.. honestally ive been looking around for a year or so now... looking at the tutorials and everything... i have no idea what im doing... i have a budget of about 500 right now... but have much room to expand later... what i want ina pc is

- windows xp media center edition (must have).. im not sure if i can get this with a barebone

- 1gb ram

- Smaller than my huge computer right now (like one of the little cube barebones)

- a faster processor (not sure if mine is good or not)

- at least 4 usb hubs & firewire

- Also there is soo many processors out there how do i know which one would be the best?.. i use my computer mostly for surfing the web and all my media

Loooking at some barebone kits ive seen one with media center edition on tiger direct (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...352&CatId=1210) ... i have a few questions tho before i order anything...

Do any of the barebones come with the os or do you have to get them separetly?... if so is it possible to get media center later?

also i have the original disc my emachines came with with windows xp on it... if worst comes to worst and i dont have any os on my new build could i just use that disc to restore windows xp?

also could somebody specify all the parts needed?... ive noticed each barebone comes with different parts. here is what i know i need so far


-Hard drive
-Processor
-video card
-ram
-motherboard

... most of this stuff comes with the barebones on tigerdirect but not on new egg... why is that and which site would be a better investment?...

also my last and final Q is.. can i use the parts from my old computer on my new build?.. such as the motherboard... processor if its possible...?... thanks for whoever answers!!! im soo lost!!!

[doctorgonzo]

Barebones computers are real barebones - no OS.

No, you can't use your eMachines Windows CD. It will only work on your eMachines computer, it won't work on anything else.

Those are the main parts you need for a computer, yes. Different sets have different components.

You can use some of the old parts from your current computer. DVD-ROM definitely. Processor if you wanted. Probably not the motherboard if you want a tiny case. Possibly the RAM, though it is a bit slow.

[Amazin Caucasian]

for the system you are looking to build, your best bet may be to wait until you have more money....especially if you want Media Center and a mini-ATX system...thats my two cents