1st build, please double check my list, thanks!!

[yosh2000]

well, finally got the ok from the wife to build a new computer.

i will be using this computer for solidworks, dvd/cd burning, music, and misc internet and excell spreadsheets; thats about it, have no time for computer games besides solitaire while studying mech engineering!

Getting:
CPU - intel 6300 - http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115005
MB - Intel G965 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121048
(i am completely open to suggestions on this one! big difference on OEM vs. retail for this board?)
RAM - kingston 2GB (2x1GB kit) - http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820134046
(is there a big difference between 667 and 800 RAM in my application??)
PSU - Antec SP-500 - http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817103937
(i like the ability to only hook up the cables needed, makes for a cleaner and cooler case)

Already have:
HD - Seagate 160GB (PATA) - will get a convertor to connect to MB
OS - xp pro sp2
GPU - ATI FireGL V3100
monitor - HannsG JW199D (19" ws)
case - old gateway case until black friday when i can get some good deals!
DVD - light-on DL burner


my budget is as cheap as possible, while getting quality components (~$600). solidworks and maybe photoshop will be the most demanding programs i will use. as stated, i'm completely open to suggestions on the MB, although i am going for stability and i have been advised to stay w/ intel on the MB.

other than that, what do you guys think? thanks for any help you may give. hoping to order within the next week...

[DarkPacMan77]

That computer is going to do absolutely everything you want it to my friend, good build.

There really isn't so much of a ram difference from 667 to 800, but, it really depends on what you want. If you want "top of the line solidworks, dvd/cd burning, music, and misc internet and excell spreadsheets"... then get 800. 667 will be more than adequate for the type of computer you want to build. 1gb of ram should be fine, so if you are comfortable paying for 2 then you most certainly will not be disappointed. Dual-Channel ram is the way to go.

with the new intel processor...yea, it might be best to go with an intel board like you were advised.

The power supply is nice, as you already know.

The only red flag i see, has to do with Windows. I am not the most knowledgable person when it comes to putting an OS onto a system, as I have never done it. If your disk was used on a different system, I am unsure that you can use it on another... but i wouldn't know.

[yosh2000]

bump for glc or cricket responses!!

[DarkPacMan77]

they will most likely just say the same thing as me... also, to look for a cheap lite-on dvd drive with lightscribe, b/c you can find them cheap $29-35 usually. You've already specified lite-on, but, look for lightscribe as well.

good to get advice from them as well though.

[glc]

1. Retail only on motherboards. OEM has shorter warranty and may not come with all needed accessories.

2. 667 is sufficient.

3. PATA/SATA converters are not recommended for 965 boards. You have a 3rd party IDE controller on that board, use it, it's acceptable to slave the DVD drive to the hard drive.

[DarkPacMan77]

yea, basically the same... lol

just make sure you are comfortable with the OEM vs. Retail warranties and you should be fine. Basically, what glc and myself say, is all there is to be said

[yosh2000]

Originally Posted by glc 3. PATA/SATA converters are not recommended for 965 boards. You have a 3rd party IDE controller on that board, use it, it's acceptable to slave the DVD drive to the hard drive.

good to know on the converters.

so here is my final dilema, i have 1 dvd-rw write drive, 1 dvd-rom reader drive, and a PATA HD, but the board only has one IDE plug....to the questions....

1 - what is the best way to hook up all three of those to the MB???
2 - i was thinking of adding a PATA storage drive as well, so that will make four IDE drives, and only one IDE MB plug, what are my options w/ this setup??
3 - would these memory heat spreaders do anything for me? - http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835130014


darkpacman77 - i value your input, i was looking for 2nd and 3rd opnions as well as this is my first build, and i want my hard earned money to go as far as possible!! you did me good, thanks bro!

thanks for the help guys, this should be my last one, as i want to put the order in tomorrow (friday)!!!