First timer- just verifying

[aohc]

I've been doing months of just looking around now for parts and what not and I've decided to upgrade my old computer instead. I'm planning on getting a new MB, RAM, CPU + Heatsink and a new case perhaps with pre-installed PSU. I'm just wondering whether I'd be able to just transfer existing components from my new computer to this new build. Things I'm worried about are compatibility issues, seeing as how the old computer I had was a DELL Dimension 8100. Keep in mind I'm also trying to keep this upgrade a low budget one.

My system build would be as follows:
CASE + PSU: ASPIRE X-Navigator ATXA9N-BK/500 Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case ATX 500W dual fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144164

MOBO: ASUS P4S800D-X Socket 478 SIS 655FX ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131527

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.0E Prescott 800MHz FSB 1MB L2 Cache Socket 478 Processor - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116175

CPU Heatsink: ZALMAN CNPS7000B-ALCU 92mm 2 Ball Cooling Fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118112

HDD: Maxtor 120GB (already have)

RAM: CORSAIR XMS 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145449

DRIVES: (already have)

VIDEO: GeForce 6200 GT OC (already have)

AUDIO: Audigy 2 ZS PCI (already have)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Gizmo]

First thing I would do is drop the XMS RAM, that type of RAM is made for overclocking, it will work but it's unneccessary and you will save money if you go with this set. I would also drop the PSU that comes with the case, Aspire doesn't make very good stable PSU's and you'll be risking parts by using it. Go with this PSU for your build.

Apart from that, I don't see anything else that could change. You shouldn't have any issues if you transfer other parts from the Dell. You'll only have issues if you transfer parts to the Dell.

EDIT: I was going to see if there were any other items worth changing to save money but Newegg seems to be down at the moment.

[aohc]

Thanks for the input! I actually meant to click on that RAM in my bookmark- I have so many in my favorites, hehe. But concerning the new PSU- should I just scratch the case and find one without a PSU and get that PSU you recommended seperately? It seems like I'm also paying for the PSU when I buy it with ASPIRE case. I'm cheap, lol.

[jayb1234]

You will also have to buy a new copy of windows. The Dell copy is only liscensed for use on the original Dell configuration and can not be transferred to a new build.

[aohc]

But the OS is on the HDD that I'm transfering onto the new build. Why would I need to buy another copy of Windows, if I'm just transfering the copy I have, that's in the HDD that I already have into a new mobo?

EDIT:
One more question, which bay does the HDD and Optical Drives go into, between the 5.25" and the 3.5". I never understood those measurements.

[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by aohc should I just scratch the case and find one without a PSU and get that PSU you recommended seperately?

Yep, I would.

Originally Posted by aohc Why would I need to buy another copy of Windows, if I'm just transfering the copy I have, that's in the HDD that I already have into a new mobo?

Before transfering the hard drive, change the hard drive's driver to standard dual PATA (IDE), that way, after Windows has loaded, it will start installing generic drivers for your new hardware. Have the motherboard chipset drivers CD handy though, just in case.

5.25" bays are for the old style floppy diskette drives, the 3.5" bays are the ones you'll use.

[Panama Red]

Some more input for ya to consider. The 478 socket boards are pretty much obsolete given that the Northwood processors are no longer being produced. The Prescott core cpu's, like the one you've selected, run very hot in a 478 configuration. Instead, I'd suggest you consider an LGA 775 socket mobo and cpu combo. And if you think you'll ever have a need/desire to upgrade your video, go with a PCI-E mobo. Also, buy a retail cpu so you can utilitze the stock hsf. This will allow a 3 year warranty on the cpu. Dump the Zalman.

[aohc]

One last question, if you will. Does any speed of RAM work with any FSB on the processors. Say like a 533Mhz FSB processor matched up with a DDR 400 PC3200. Would that work?

EDIT:
The only processor cores that come up in NewEgg for the LGA 775 socket are the Prescotts. Been also reading some reviews that people also have rather above normal temps. on the CPU.

[blue60007]

Originally Posted by aohc One last question, if you will. Does any speed of RAM work with any FSB on the processors. Say like a 533Mhz FSB processor matched up with a DDR 400 PC3200. Would that work?

Yes, it should. I've got a 533MHz FSB CPU with DDR400 RAM. The RAM downclocks to PC2700 speeds.

Originally Posted by aohc EDIT: The only processor cores that come up in NewEgg for the LGA 775 socket are the Prescotts. Been also reading some reviews that people also have rather above normal temps. on the CPU.

Intel wouldn't sell a CPU if it was running hot to the extreme of being damaged. The retail cooler is enough to cool it (again, Intel wouldn't package an insuficcient cooler). The Prescotts run hotter than their AMD counterparts, but they are designed to run a bit hotter. With proper cooling, the temps shouldn't get near 70C, at which point thermal throttling kicks in, slowing clock speeds down to cool itself. If the CPU gets too hot, it'll shut down.

[Panama Red]

The 775 Prescotts are fine. It's the 478 cores that run very hot.

[aohc]

Ok, I think I've found a processor and a mobo I could settle on:

MOBO: ASUS P5P800 SE Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 865PE ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131574

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 630 Prescott 800MHz FSB 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 EM64T Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116198

I've already got the PSU and memory. I just need to find out what case would fit this configuration best. If the dimensions of a case for motherboard compatibility is larger than the actual size of the motherboard, will I still be able to place the motherboard in there somehow?

Thanks for everyone's help so far!

EDIT:
One more thing, Gizmo. I didn't really understand what you meant here, specifically, on how to do it:

Originally Posted by Gizmo Before transfering the hard drive, change the hard drive's driver to standard dual PATA (IDE), that way, after Windows has loaded, it will start installing generic drivers for your new hardware. Have the motherboard chipset drivers CD handy though, just in case.

[blue60007]

What are you doing with this computer? If you are gaming you should seriously consider going with PCI-E boards and a PCI-E video card. However, if you are just using this a basic internet surfer, you should be fine. AGP is going to seriously limit the upgradability (although, there are still decent upgrade options, if you can find them in stock).

Don't use the power supply in that case. Aspire's are horrible quality. Check out an XClio 450W (it's about $50 on newegg).

The motherboard is ATX (12" x 9.6") and you just need an ATX case (the dimensions of the case are much larger than the motherboard). Just avoid microATX cases - that won't work.

What memory did you decide on? You won't need the XMS RAM - just some Corsair Value Select.

Don't forget an OS (like XP Home OEM). You can't re-use the copy from the Dell, it is legally tied to the Dell machine.