fun times with compatibility

[kar22]

*wave*

Yes, it's another one of those threads. Sorry in advance.

So I, like many others around here it seems, want to attempt to build my own computer for the first time. I've been trying to read as many guides as possible and talk to anyone I know that is knowledgeable about the subject, but I'm always looking for more tips/opinions.

I recently dug around Newegg and put together a list of parts based on reviews people have posted there and what I think will keep me happy for a while (which will prolly be almost anything compared to my current 5 year old Dell...lol). One thing I'm still not positive about is compatibility. I think for the most part I found parts that go together, but I want to be 100% before I start putting money out. (My budget's around $800, btw.)

I'd appreciate it if you guys looked over my list and let me know what you think. Please mention any compatibility issues or problems I might have. Also any comments/opinions on parts would be appreciated. If I'm missing anything important please feel free to mention that too, heh. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: I'll be keeping my current monitor, keyboard, and mouse, btw.


Processor - AMD Athlon 64 3700+

Motherboard - BIOSTAR TForce6100 Socket 754

Video Card - Geforce 7600GT CO 256MB 128-bit

Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 160GB

Memory - CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB)

CD Drive - SONY Black 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM

Case and Power Supply - Antec with 450W

[juppy]

Well, the one major incompatibility I see is that you've got a socket 754 motherboard paired with a socket 939 processor. Any particular reason you're wanting to go with a micro ATX motherboard instead of a full size ATX? I'm not overly crazy about Biostar to begin with, but for a cheap board they are better than some. I looked for something better with the right socket for that processor and about the cheapest I could come up with is still around $35 higher than that Biostar is. Here's a link to it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813123236
It's a full size ATX too but that case will take it just fine and all your other stuff should go in fine as well. Only other thing I see is that CD drive. With Sony you're paying for the name and they're no better quality than others. Lite-On is a cheap yet respected brand. Here's a couple different drives.....one is a combo burner and the other is the equivalent of that Sony you were looking at.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106029
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106028
Other than that, everything looks okay to me.

[kar22]

Thanks for the info!

Like I said, first time builder, and I didn't even check for the sockets (and no idea about the micro thing). I still wasn't positive on the CD drive either, so thanks for the suggestions!

Also, completely forgot to mention that this computer will be for gaming almost entirely.. for anyone else who reads this.

[blue60007]

I'd recommend the ASUS A8N5X - it's cheaper and is one of the best brands out there.

[juppy]

Hey, good find, blue! I looked all over Newegg last night for an Asus board that had all the features the previous board had, but I couldn't come up with one for less than like $110. Must've had something in the search function that didn't agree with that board you found. So yeah, kar22, that Asus board will be better and cheaper yet.