component compatibility for new build

[paJAMbla]

Hi, just joined forum and I'm sorry if there is a place to find this info. but after doing several searches and coming up empty thought I'd post it. My son wanted to learn how to build computers so I thought it would be a great hobby for the both of us to dive into together. I've been reading lots of "how to" guides on this site and others. Finally to a point where we are going to buy components but need confirmation to make absolutely sure the components are compatible. We are starting off for our fist practice run with less than top of the line components. Here they are:

Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160023A 160GB Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer

Antec Solution Series SLK2650BQE Quiet Mid Tower Case (Black) 247064 w/psu

Asus P5P800-MX 865GV P4/Celeron 800FSB LGA775 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, LAN, Serial ATA 80826

Intel Pentium® 4 630 Processor Prescott 3.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, Socket 775, 2MB Cache 83750

Patriot Signature PSD1G400K 1GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 Memory

These are all on zipzoomfly...if you have any other suggests feel free to offer them up. Thanks for any help...I hope I have enough info.

[Alaron]

Welcome to PcMechanic.

All of your parts look good. My only suggestion is to switch the hard drive for one that is SATA.

And don't forget optical drives and Windows XP.

[paJAMbla]

thanks!!! I guess I assumed it was compatible with the motherboard cuz they both said ATA.

[paJAMbla]

I was looking at the motherboard and I can't fine whether it has AGP or PCI-E video card slots. Maybe someone could tell:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=247064

[jayb1234]

Neither one, it just has integrated video and 3 pci slots. No AGP, no PCI-Express. Specs are here.

[Alaron]

The Ultra ATA drive is compatible, I just suggest the SATA because that is the new standard, it uses a thinner cable and has a faster speed.

The board you chose does not have AGP or PCI-E. If you plan on upgrading video to play some games, you'll need to look for a board with a PCI-Express slot for a new card.

[paJAMbla]

I think I need to start over. Thanks for your assistance...if you don't mind I'll come up with a different package for you to peruse.

[Alaron]

No need to start over, if you need more video, just switch out the motherboard. Try this Asus P5GD1-VM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131520

It has onboard video for now, but it also has a PCI-E slot for a future upgrade. All of the other parts you chose will work with it just fine.

[paJAMbla]

How's this look:

Antec Solution SLK1650B Black Steel ATX Mini Tower Computer Case 350W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: SLK1650B
Item #: N82E16811129150
In Stock
$62.99 -$5.00 Instant $62.99

ASUS P5VD1-X Socket T (LGA 775) VIA PT880 Ultra ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: P5VD1-X
Item #: N82E16813131566
In Stock
$57.99 $57.99

Intel Pentium 4 630 Prescott 800MHz FSB LGA 775 EM64T Processor Model BX80547PG3000F - Retail
Model #: BX80547PG3000F
Item #: N82E16819116198
** This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only.
In Stock
$179.00 $179.00

Patriot Signature Series 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model PSD1G400KH - Retail
Model #: PSD1G400KH
Item #: N82E16820220037
In Stock
$77.50 $77.50

Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 SATA NCQ 3Gb/s ST3160812AS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3160812AS
Item #: N82E16822148105
In Stock
$83.00 $83.00

XFX PVT42EUDE3 Geforce 6800XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: PVT42EUDE3
Item #: N82E16814150130
in Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$134.00 $134.00


LITE-ON Black ATAPI/E-IDE DVD Burner With LightScribe and 5X DVD-RAM Write Model SHM-165H6S - OEM
Model #: SHM-165H6S OEM
Item #: N82E16827106019



I only see the need for one DVD/ Writer in case someone wants to watch some type of DVD or listen to and burn CD music. Would that be accurate?

Thanks again for any input on compatibility, etc.

[Alaron]

If you can swing a few extra dollars, the P5GD1 that I linked to earlier would be a better choice. You can't beat the stability of an Intel cpu on an Intel chipset.

The one drawback to having a single dvd drive is that you won't be able to copy discs as quickly, since they will have to burn first to your hard drive and then to disc. But if that's no problem, one drive will be fine.

Otherwise everything looks good.

[paJAMbla]

Yeah... I was trying to go cheaper just cuz this IS a practice run and probably a a computer I'll just give away or sell for the price of parts.

RE: the DVD, I just thought one would be okay cuz whenever I burn music or something it seems I have to put it on my hard drive anyway...at least with Sonic Record Now. If you wanted to burn faster from disc to disc what drives would be the best way to go?

Thanks again!

[Alaron]

If you were to add a second drive, I would get a plain DVDROM. Paired up with the DVD burner in your list, you can make direct copies with any kind of media.

[paJAMbla]

Okay...just a couple more questions. I see the acronym IDE a lot. What does that mean and is it something I need to be concerned about when matching components?

also, will all the right connectors and cables come with the case/psu and motherboard, etc.?

Newegg has a refurbished Asus motherboard you recommended... should I stay away from refurbished?

Is there a cheaper place to buy instead of Newegg...or is that about the best?

[kodmaster]

1. Ide is just a type of interface between motherboards and drives don't worry about it

2. Most likely they will (you shouldn't need any cables/connectors unless your getting OEM parts)

3. No idea

4. About the best I know unless you don't live in the US (like me)

[paJAMbla]

I see the Seagate hard drive I've selected is OEM. Does that mean it will be short something important?

[kodmaster]

No your sata drive should be fine because the motherboard usually comes with SAta cables and you don't need a power cable because the power connecter is just one like a CD (I think) anyone else know something different. Usually you might get problems with CD and DVD drives that are OEM

[mmendoza27]

OEM is just for out-of-box devices or hardware. It's cheaper, it's what is sold to manufactuers. It's just a HD within ESD wrapping. It doesn't usually come with a manual or anything, but buying one that's retail can be pricy, so it's what is important. I'd go with an OEM HD, you have everything usually with the motherboard purchase.

[glc]

If you are going to get a video card right away, save some $$ and get this board: (Asus P5GPL-X)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131576

[paJAMbla]

Thanks GLC. That's a good cheap option. The reason I picked what I did is that it has pci-e and agp. I happen to have the agp video card I took out of my current computer and thought I might use it in the one I'm building. It's only a 128mb FX5400 (I think) but it worked alright for most games. Thanks everyone who has helped. I'm glad I have a place to go once I get into this. I noticed when I registered I was asked if I wanted to give my I.M. address. Is that something a lot of people use on this forum? That would be a great resource while building my first computer if anyone out there is willing to dialogue with me IF needed.

Thanks again.

[glc]

The 6800XT is going to blow away any low end FX card. If there is gaming intended here, go with it and retire the AGP card. You will have the advantage of Intel on Intel stability with the board I suggested.

[paJAMbla]

yeah this computer is my first and I'm just going to give it to someone in the family who doesn't play games. Maybe low end games will be played on it but it will rarely be used for that. But, the next computer I will definitely go higher end on the motherboard AND video card. Thanks.

[glc]

Okay.......that being the case let's go back to what you were originally thinking. Get an Asus P5P800 SE motherboard and reuse the AGP card. You were real close the first time except you looked just a bit low - the MX doesn't have an AGP slot.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131574