First Build - Advice

[BloodRav3n]

Was originally planning to go with Intel, now going AMD (friend's advice). I would like to spend around 700-800$ on it and I'm using it almost purely for gaming . I already have RAM and a monitor.

Case: AeroCool AeroEngineII-SSP Silver 0.65mm SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

PSU: Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, TUV, CB, FCC CLASS B, CUL - Retail

HDD: Seagate NL35 ST3250623NS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM

MotherBoard: ABIT KN8 Ultra Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0GHz / 512KB Cache / 2000MHz FSB / ClawHammer / Hyper-Transport / OEM / Socket 939 / Processor

Video Card: PNY VCG7900GXPB Geforce 7900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

Almost chose Asus motherboard but the reviews from newegg for A8N-E didn't look to great.

I'm not too sure all these components are compatible either.

-Thanks

EDIT:

Fan/Heatsink for Processor: Thermaltake VENUS 12 80mm Ball Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail

CD-ROM: LG Beige 16X DVD-ROM 52X CD-R 32X CD-RW 52X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE Combo Drive - Retail

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

[jayb1234]

That's an OEM processor. It will not come with a heatsink/fan unit. The retail version will have one.

Rosewill has a pretty poor reputation. This Antec would be a better choice.

Don't forget the OS and a floppy drive would be a good idea and might be needed during the setup.

[MakeYourslf2012]

Looks good with the exception of the PSU...

Switch to a more established brand that produces quality units

Try Antec, Enermax, or Forton

For a 550W, you will be spending the same amount of money of you go with one of the brands I listed.

You also need optical drive(s).

EDIT: The unit in jay's post would be your best bet - I suggest it.

[BloodRav3n]

Should I get this for my OS?

Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition OEM

[freakitchen]

I wouldn't recommend getting the x64 version of XP, poor support from hardware and software manufacturers means finding drivers and software that works correctly can be a problem.

XP Home OEM is the one to get, unless you need the advanecd networking features of XP Pro.

FK

[drew.]

everything looks great, besides the psu, which thoe others covered, and for the video card you may want to go with the eVGA 7900 instead of the pny, though not necessary.

[glc]

Don't buy an OEM processor, and don't buy a Clawhammer - it's old tech and runs quite hot.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103535

Same speed, newer and better core, and retail box WITH a heatsink/fan and a 3 year warranty.

[BloodRav3n]

If I wanted to replace the stock fan on that one could I replace it with the new fant/heatsink?

[MakeYourslf2012]

You could, but unless your doing some overclocking - its not suggested. It will void the warranty on the chip

the retail HSF gets the job done just fine.

For the OS, try this:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8&sku=M17-7500

[BloodRav3n]

ok, thanks a lot for the replies.

Final questions-

1. How about this OS? Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2 - OEM

2. Since I am not going to get a fan/heatsink for my processor now, I'm considering gettingAMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 E3 Processor - Retail instead of AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2000MHz HT Socket 939 Processor - Retail. Would there be a huge difference in speed?

[Alaron]

1. Good choice.

2. No, not a huge difference. If you are trying to save money, the 3200+ is still a great chip.