1st build, components

[Zeppelin356]

Just wanted to know if the components I selected are completely compatable:

Case: PowerUp 2531 ATX Mid-Tower (link)
PSU: Ultra V-Series 350-Watt Power Supply (link)
Mobo+CPU: Asus A8N-VM NVIDIA Socket 939 MicroATX Motherboard + AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0GHz Processor (link)
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9500 LED (link)
Memory(RAM): A-Data Dual Channel 1024MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz (2 x 512MB) (link)
HD: Seagate / 160GB / 7200 / 8MB / SATA-300 / OEM / Hard Drive (link)
Optical drive: Sony DRU810A (link)
Video card: Diamond S120 Radeon 9550 (link)

I am most concerned about the PSU, I have heard a lot about having the right output voltage and current for different components, so I just want to make sure it will all work before buying everything. I am also wondering if the video card will be necessary or if there are integrated graphics that will be sufficient.

[Kulag]

That Mobo has integrated graphics.

What's this PC to be used for?

[Alaron]

Ultra power supplies are not high quality. I would change it. An Antec would be a better choice, and for that build a 400w would be fine.

Also, look at www.newegg.com instead of TigerDirect. They have a reputation for poor service. Newegg is top notch.

I would switch the hard drive to one with a 16mb cache instead of 8.

If you are using the PC for office and internet use, the integrated graphics will be fine.

[blue60007]

A seperate heatsink/fan is not necessary if you are getting a Retail CPU - A retail boxed CPU will come with a heatsink. Not using the stock one willl void your warranty.

[Zeppelin356]

I have changed the HD and the PSU:

HD: Western Digital / Caviar SE 16 / 250GB / 7200 / 16MB / SATA-300 / OEM / Hard Drive (link)

PSU: Antec SP-500 SmartPower 500 Watt ATX12V v2.0 PSU Power Supply (link)

[blue60007]

Normally I wouldn't suggest buying from Compusa because their prices aren't great - but, if you don't mind hassling with rebates then it looks like it might be a few bucks cheaper than Newegg.

You can get the hard drive for cheaper on Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144701

Don't expect great service with Tiger direct - especially with rebates - I've heard many horror stories and how it's a PITA. You can get the board and CPU seperately from Newegg - it's a few bucks more (than TD after rebate), but you'll save money right now.

The CPU cooler (which really isn't necessary) is much cheaper on Newegg. You should consider using Newegg. Compare ratings at www.resellerratings.com and you'll see why.

Also something nobody noticed before - the video card you picked out isn't compatible with the board. You'll need a PCI-Express video card (unless you just want to use the onboard). Keep in mind onboard is OK for office situations but not for gaming.

[Zeppelin356]

the ONLY reason I shop at Tiger Direct is because there's an outlet store near me (so I don't have to pay shipping) but if I can find something at Newegg and shipping isn't too much I'll definitely go with that

[glc]

Yeah, but you pay sales tax at the store. That balances out the shipping. Unless you are in CA, TN, or NJ there is no sales tax at Newegg.

[Zeppelin356]

After looking at Newegg more, I'm thinking about changing some things:

mobo: ABIT IL8 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard - OEM (link)

CPU: Intel Pentium D 805 Smithfield 533MHz FSB 2 x 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Dual Core,EM64T (link)

RAM: Patriot Signature 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM (link)

HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB (link)

will the HSF work on the new mobo?

[glc]

Well, I'd like to make some suggestions. An OEM motherboard is not a wise purchase - it may not come with the things you need like cables and an I/O shield, I'd get a retail boxed motherboard. I understand wanting to keep the cost down, but sometimes spending a bit more is better in the long run. Before getting the 805, take a look at the 915 - that appears to be a much better deal, it's got a faster FSB, faster clock, and twice the cache - and runs a lot cooler. No need for that Zalman fan - the stock retail Intel HSF does a fine job. Have you considered a Lite-On DVD burner instead of the Sony?

[Mr.Ferrari]

And to add, I would see if you can spend a few more bucks on something like a Asus p5ld2. Many people including me just dont trust abit's quality anymore. Heck they even came this close to shutting down last year. Some say they are making a comeback with the new Abit AB9 for conroe.

Also their US customer service sucks. I had to call UK to get any answers.

And only need for that cooler is if your overclocking, and even if you were, I would never suggest that cooler for the price. There are so many better things for much less. As in 20 bucks less.

[glc]

I was going to suggest the P5LD2, but it needs bios 1103 to see a 915.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Wow, didnt know! Thanks for the tip glc. Will keep in mind. I guess as long as your buying from newegg and have any problems with the abit in the first month or so they should take care of you.
I think as long as your not overclocking abit should do pretty decent stock.

[Zeppelin356]

changed DVD drive to: LITE-ON Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache ATAPI/E-IDE 16X DVD±R (link)

I already have the Zalman HSF, thats the only component I have. I might be able to return it, but I figure if I can use it then why not?

What mobo do you suggest? I don't really want to spend over $225 on a mobo+CPU but I will if I have to.
I don't do too much gaming, but I don't want just the basics.

Thanks for all the help



edit: How's this: ASUS P5LD2 (link) and Intel Pentium D 805 (link)

[Alaron]

The LiteOn DVDRW, P5LD2 and the Pentium D 805 are all solid choices.

If you don't do any gaming, a PCI-Express Radeon X550 would be a good choice.

If you do some gaming, I would look at the X800 or higher. The X1800GTO is a great value.

[glc]

The 915 is SO little more than an 805 though........