First Build: Opinions Wanted

[Mike Maloney]

Hi guys, I've decided it's time for a new computer, and I wanted to try my hand at building one. I've spent a lot of time on this site and these forums trying to learn about what I should be doing and what components are good and which ones aren't. I'm not looking for anything special, I do some Photoshop work and video editing on a fairly regular basis, and my computer now is just old and slow, so I wanted to get something faster, and not too expensive. Here is the list of components I'm planning on purchasing, and I would appreciate any feedback/alternative suggestions/any comments you might feel are useful. Thanks in advance.

Case:
ASPIRE X-CRUISE -BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Motherboard:
ASUS P5LD2 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU:
Intel Pentium 4 630 Prescott 800MHz FSB 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 EM64T Processor

RAM:
CORSAIR VALUE SELECT 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) System Memory

PSU:
Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 ATX12V 500W Power Supply 115/230 V TUV, UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3200822A-RK 200GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive (Already Purchased)

Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100112-BK Radeon 9250 128MB 64-bit DDR PCI Video Card

CD/DVD-ROM:
I/O Magic DVD Writer (Already Purchased)

Floppy Drive:
SAMSUNG Beige 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Model SFD321B/LEB

I think that should about cover it. Let me know how this looks.

EDIT: I also wanted to add that I already have a keyboard/mouse, monitor, and speakers, I'm just listing components for the actual box.

Also, I guess I know absolutely nothing about fans, what to do with them, how many I need, etc., so any advice in that area would also be appreciated.

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech.

Your parts selections look good, just a few things to tweak.

There's no need for DDR2 667. Drop down to DDR2 533. Stick with Corsair VS.

That video card is weak, and based on PCI. For your needs, you don't have to spend much, but I would go with a PCI-Express card with a bit more power. Something like this Radeon X550 would be a good choice. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102626

And don't forget an operating system. XP Home is fine.

As for fans, your case comes with a couple. You shouldn't need much. The front fan should be intake and the rear is exhaust.

[Mike Maloney]

Thanks for the feedback. I switched video cards per your suggestion, and changed out my RAM selection for this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145526

And I have a copy of Windows XP, thanks.

[MakeYourslf2012]

Looks like a good build.