First attempt to build a PC- Thanks in Advance!

[CaZeek]

** denotes changed from original post

Hello,

I already have some of the parts from my current computer. I bolded the items I would be purchasing. The primary use of this computer would be for gaming. I also am very big into video restoration / DVD creating, and that type of thing. Please let me know if you have anything listed is incompatible or not reccomended. I am begging for any suggestions whatsoever- I don't want to make any mistakes in this kind of investment. Thank you all so much!!

**Case: Thermaltake XASER, Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail

**PSU: Antec TruePower 2.0 TP2-550 EPS12V ATX12V 550W Power Supply - Retail

**Mobo: Intel BOXD955XBKLKR Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 955X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.20GHz

HDD: Several

**RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Unbuffered System Memory Model VS1GB667D2 - Retail [/URL]

Pri Optical: Pioneer 16x DVD +_RW DVR-109

Sec Optical: LG 16x DVD+_RW

Sec Optical: LG DVD-ROM

Sound Card: Probably upgrade in future, any suggestions?

Video Card: ATI RADEON X1900 XT (probably)

FDD:

Keyboard: Already own

Mouse: Already own

Modem: Don't want

Lan: On-Board

Monitor: Already own

Speakers: Already own

OS: Already own

[AMDnewbie2005]

You should've done your homework before you bought parts, i was originally going with a Pentium 4 for my new build, but i've looked around for months now and learned that the Athlon 64 is the way to go. Also get a Radeon X1900XT and OC it to XTX speeds if you're interested, but you won't be able to go Crossfire

[CaZeek]

Thanks for the reply and advice,

I actually didn't buy parts. I just purchased a computer about a year ago, and unfortunately did not make the best choices (no PCI Express slot for one). So I would like to use as many pieces from that as possible.

[not important]

I would suggest a differnt PSU. The video card selection would depend on what you intend to use the PC for. If you're not gaming then there are cheaper cards that would be more than adequate.

[FireByyrd]

You need a stronger power supply.

Go with the X1900XT theres not much difference with the XTX from what I heard.

[spartan015]

Originally Posted by FireByyrd You need a stronger power supply. Go with the X1900XT theres not much difference with the XTX from what I heard.

well besides the price lol

[CaZeek]

Thanks again for the replies..

I changed a few things in the original post, denoted by **. This case seems large, but is getting great reviews. I have two power supplies listed. The Antec one seems better, but should I use the same brand as my case?

[glc]

If you are going to buy an Intel processor and use an ATI video card, don't buy a Nvidia chipset SLI board. Buy an Intel chipset motherboard.

[CaZeek]

Didn't even realize that... I assumed "Crossfire" and "SLI" were the same thing. Ok, so it looks like the only compatible one that will work is this, but it's twice the price:

Intel BOXD955XBKLKR Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 955X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

[glc]

Are you actually looking for a Crossfire board? It's a bit early in the technology for that. The Asus P5LD2 Deluxe supports it if that's what you want. Exactly which processor are you looking at? 540, 540J, 541, 640, 641, 840, 840EE, or 940? The Asus supports all but the EE with bios 0415 or later.

You also don't need DDR2-667, DDR2-533 is the right match for a 800 FSB Intel processor.

[CaZeek]

I don't plan on using crossfire right now, but I'd like to have a board that supports it, seeing as though I'm investing in a new board anyway, and I would be purchasing an ATI card that is capable of it.

I already have the CPU in a computer that I bought about a year ago. I don't know if there's anyway to tell the exact model, but it's 3.2 GHz, 4x200MHz FSB (I'm getting this from a readout), so I assume that is the same as 800MHz FSB? I may actually open up my computer, but I have to remove the fan and everything (good practice I guess) to find the model number.

[CaZeek]

Ok, just checked, it's the 540J model (I'll edit the first post accordingly).

Edit: Nevermind, I can't =)

Also, I was looking for less expensive cases to cut the cost, how is this one:
ASPIRE X-CRUISE -BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

[glc]

Any case is fine, it's the power supply that's important.

[CaZeek]

Thank you everyone again for all of the help. I attached an Excel spreadsheet with the complete plan. If anyone would not mind going over it really quickly to see if there are any problems or ways they think I can cut the cost at all, I'd really apprecaite it. If all goes well, I'll probably make the purchases tomorrow, then bug everyone again when I screw up trying to install it