Some questions about a new build

[dmj611]

I'm working on building my first computer right and I have a few questions about the compatibility of certain parts that I'm considering.

To begin with, I'm planning on getting a BioStarTForce6100-939 MB and a fairly cheap Rosewill R-Y862 case. Looking at the motherboards specs it says that it features a 24 power pin, while the power supply that comes with my case is listed as having a 20+4 main pin connector. So my first question is would the power supply on the case be sufficient enough for my motherboard.

I'm also curious about whether or not I can save some money by using the RAM and HD from my old computer in my new one. The RAM in my old PC is 512MB of PC2700 Ram and the motherboard I'm looking at takes PC3200 RAM, and I'm wondering if the difference will prevent me from using using the old RAM with my new motherboard?

As for the HD, it's a stock 80GB HD that came with Presario I bought about 4 years ago. Again, I'd like to know if I'll be able to use the older HD in the new comptuer without causing any problems.

[freakitchen]

Welcome to PC Mech!

The 20+4 pin description on the power supply does indicate a 24 pin connector, that is backwards compatible to 20 pin motherboards. Whilst compatible, however, Rosewill aren't a quality brand, and I'm willing to bet that the unit isn't ATX2, which comes highly recommended for a PCI Express build, even though you're using onboard video.

I'd seriously consider getting a case without a power supply and buying a quality unit. I'd recommend this Fortron unit, which is a bargain price for its features:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104901

Your old RAM will work with your new PC, but will give you a performance hit versus using PC3200 RAM.

You should have no problem using the Compaq hard drive. You won't, however, be able to use the Windows Operating System on that drive in the new computer, since it will be tied to the Compaq.

FK

[pam123]

A stock 80GB will run fine in that board but you're going to have power supply problems with that Rosewill.
See psu info here : http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

As for the ram, download the manual and find out first hand what the board will or will not run.

[glc]

If you are looking for an inexpensive case that comes with a suitable power supply, here is the one I use for budget PCI-E builds. It has a quality 300 watt ATX 2.0 dual rail power supply which will run onboard video or a low to midrange video card fine. I've used it with Radeon X700 Pros with no problem.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153042

You will probably have to zero fill the hard drive and reload it from scratch - and you will need a new copy of Windows. Compaq has a habit of putting proprietary partitions on their hard drives, which will not get along with a different motherboard.

I'd buy new ram - you wouldn't be saving that much trying to recycle a 512mb stick, and the Compaq spec ram may not work right in that motherboard. You can get a dual channel 1gb pair in the $80 range.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440

[dmj611]

Originally Posted by glc If you are looking for an inexpensive case that comes with a suitable power supply, here is the one I use for budget PCI-E builds. It has a quality 300 watt ATX 2.0 dual rail power supply which will run onboard video or a low to midrange video card fine. I've used it with Radeon X700 Pros with no problem. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153042 You will probably have to zero fill the hard drive and reload it from scratch - and you will need a new copy of Windows. Compaq has a habit of putting proprietary partitions on their hard drives, which will not get along with a different motherboard. I'd buy new ram - you wouldn't be saving that much trying to recycle a 512mb stick, and the Compaq spec ram may not work right in that motherboard. You can get a dual channel 1gb pair in the $80 range. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440

Thanks, this is exactly the sort of case I was looking for. One question though, the specs claim that it is compatible with an ATX MB, will I be able to use a micro-ATX MB or would I have to choose a new one?

[jayb1234]

Yes, a micro-atx board is compatible with an atx case.