*gulp* Nervous about first build

[Kareeser]

Hey, everyone,

I was thinking of assembling my first PC, but the more I look, the more I find that the parts may not be compatible!

I just have a really generic question here, which is:
Do the Processor Chipset and the Motherboard Chipset have to match?

For example:
The Pentium 4 630 supports: Intel® 925XE Express, 925X Express, 915G Express, 915GV Express, 915GL Express, 915P Express, and 915PL Express Chipsets.

I have no idea what those mean, but the motherboard I selected:
The Intel D945PSNLK, seems to support only the 945P Chipset.

I'm nowhere near the buying stage, so opinions are always welcome =)

Help!
- Karee

P.S. While the 630 is only 3.0 GHz, keep in mind that I'm upgrading from a 1.4 GHz computer

[doctorgonzo]

Processors don't have "chipsets". I think what you are asking is whether that processor will work in that motherboard. In which case, the answer appears to be yes: that chipset supports Pentium 4 6XX processors according to the specs.

[Kareeser]

Thanks for the quick reply, Doctor,

If the two aren't directly related, I'm now beginning to wonder why it was included in the specifications at all...

The Motherboard


The Processor


The information on each is listed at the bottom of the page.

If you're also up for it, I can post my current "setup" I have in my head, for the experts' approval... =)

Again, thanks, and thank in advance!

[doctorgonzo]

They are directly related in that the chipset has to support the processor. The processor information may be a bit outdated, though, since the 945P chipset is newer I believe. Here is the list of processors that can go in that board; as you can see, the 630 is on that list.

Go ahead and post your complete system for comments.

[Kareeser]

I see, that clears it all up, Doc. Thanks!

Here is what I have in mind:
Motherboard: Intel D945PSNLK
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 630
Memory: Corsair XMS 2 TWIN2X Matched Pairs 2x512MB
Hard Drive: Maxtor DiamondMax 10
Case: Antec Sonata II - Comes with a 450 W PSU
CD/DVD-ROM: LG (CDR-8162B) 16X DVD-ROM

As always this isn't a definate list, and suggestions are appreciated!

- Karee

[doctorgonzo]

I'd get a DVD burner instead of a DVD-ROM, they aren't that much more expensive. You will also need a video card, since that board doesn't have onboard video.

Other than than that, looks good. Don't forget an OS!

[Kareeser]

Thanks for the info.

I forgot to mention that I have an extra keyboard, mouse, monitor, and video card lying around.

Thanks for your help!

---

Above, I chose an intel motherboard, but I was also wondering if there was a better one that you experts here can recommend. Intel, I chose for reliability, but also because I am very unknowledgeable in regards to other brands.

I'm open to suggestions
- Karee

[blue60007]

The premium RAM is a waste unless you plan on overclocking. You only need some Corsair Value Select, DDR2 533 (if you aren't going to overclock).

Intel probably makes the best boards out there. If you want to shop around, also look at ASUS. They are the next best.

What video card do you have? It needs to be a PCI-Express card, it can't be AGP.

[Kareeser]

Now I'm glad I decided to come here...

I actually have an AGP Card (Radeon 8200). I suppose that means I'll have to buy a video card too. Thanks for the heads up!

Also thank you for the RAM info. I've opted for the value select RAM instead.

[blue60007]

Are you going to be gaming? If not, something basic should do. (yep, you'll need a PCI-E card)

[Kareeser]

I'm thinking of playing Age of Empires III, so while it's not graphically intensive like Doom 3, it still demands quite a bit from the video card.

I'm not exactly looking for top-of-the-line either, so I was thinking of settling for a $100 graphics card, and upgrading later on down the road...

[blue60007]

Not sure if this'll be in your budget in your currency, but look at the 6600 GT's. They are a pretty good mid level card.

[Kareeser]

I'll take your word for it, Blue =)

Looking at a 6600, I found both 128 Mb and 256 Mb... I've opted for the 250 Mb one, as the investment will last longer in my eyes.

One other question:
Does the Pentium 630 come with a cooling solution, or do I have to buy that as well? It's in a retail box, according to the website, not OEM.

Thanks!
- Karee

[glc]

Retail box processors come with a heatsink/fan assembly.

The Asus equivalent of that motherboard is the P5LD2.

[Kareeser]

Thanks, GLC! It turns out the Intel board is less expensive than the P5LD2. I'm under the impression that Asus has had a good reputation, but I've also read several bad reviews about one of their motherboards. I'll stick with the intel.

Thanks again!

[Kareeser]

One more question, since this is the thread about my proposed build:

I read in another thread that some Case/PSU combinations don't supply quite enough power for cards like the GeForce 6800...

The Antec case comes with a 450 Watt power supply.. is that good enough?

Thanks in advance!

[blue60007]

Yeah, it should be enough for the 630 and 6600GT.

Usually the power supplies that are bundled with cases are just plain junk. Antec is an exception.