Everything Compatible?

[fleeingpepper]

I have a computer that I built last October, it was my first build and has treated me well, but I am ready for something better. Since I already have a working computer, I think that I will slowly get the stuff, I believe that I will keep my 120 gig IDE hdd, unless you think it's worth it to upgrade to SATA. I will probably keep hy hdd, dvd and cd drive, floppy drive, RAM (probably get a little more in time) and heatsink, which is still compatible with the new cpu's socket I'm getting, and if it isn't the case can definately keep it cool with it's fans (you'll see). I will keep my video card for now, because it works for the motherboard and will upgrade it when I have the money. (I'm only 14)

So here's what I'm thinking
Xclio case
ASrock socket 939 mobo XClio 450 Watt PSU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester 2.0GHz Socket 939 Dual Core Processor

heatsink that may work, not sure though

About that processor, Manchester isn't the newest core right? I should still get good performance though. Also, I really like that the motherboard has both AGP and PCI-E so I don't have to upgrade my video card right now, if you specify another mobo I should get, please refer one that has both PCI-E and APG.

[freakitchen]

First off, going socket 939 for an AMD system is a good choice. The newer socket, AM2, isn't stable enough for me to recommend yet.

I can see why you want a motherboard with both PCI-E and AGP slots, if you have an AGP card that you don't want to upgrade yet. Unfortunately, the ASRock motherboard isn't a quality one, and because boards like it never became popular, it is virtually the only one of its type. Nor would I trust the uLI chipset it uses.

Ideally, you should wait to build this system until you have money for a new video card. Socket 939, however, is being phased out - so on the other hand it makes sense to build now.

I recommend you go for the ASUS A8N-VM CSM motherboard. Top quality manufacturer with a top chipset and great features - including a PCI-E x16 slot for a video card. It also has good onboard video - fine for anything but gaming - to tide you over until you can afford a dedicated video card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131570

Your processor choice is fine, but to say you're on a budget, that case is rather expensive for one without a power supply. I suggest you go for the Antec Sonata II case - it comes with a quality 450w power supply for less cash than your Xclio case!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155

You don't need an extra heatsink - your processor comes with a good one.

You mention re-using your RAM. That's fine if its DDR400 (PC3200), but anything slower will bottleneck your system. Keep in mind also, that the DDR format that socket 939 requires is being phased out in favour of DDR2, so if you want more, buy some now. Let us know your current brand and spec RAM and we can advise you better here.

FK

[fleeingpepper]

Well, I just checked the RAM, one is PC3200 Corsair, and that would make only 512 mb, so I would buy some more. About that mobo, I have a micro atx motherboard right now and I'm really not a fan of it. If there's a good priced one that's standard ATX and have 8 channels for sound would be preferred. I have surround sound and like to have a microphone plug without having to change settings.

I'll think about the case and PSU, I'll think about that, but I'm a sucker for big fans and LEDs.

And the heatsink, I did more research, it fits socket 939, so I have a backup in case I'm unhappy with the stock one.

Thanks

Edit: what are everyone's thoughts on the NVidia nforce 4 chipsets? And the case is probably the last thing I'd buy since I can reuse the one I have now.

[glc]

The NF4 is the most stable AMD chipset out there.

[fleeingpepper]

That's great! If it was bad, then that would've made a bunch of possible motherboards I'm thinking about not that great. I wanted to make sure in case it was bad so I wouldn't have to throw bad ones at you. I'm thinking about this mobo.
Asus with nf4

[freakitchen]

That's a top quality motherboard, but it doesnt have on-board video. That would mean you HAVE to buy a video card immediately. My suggestion of the A8N-VM CSM, allows you to hold off on that purchase until you have enough cash to get a good gaming video card.

I've done a good few builds with the A8N-VM CSM, and it's a top quality board with LOTS of features given its small size, PCI-Ex16, 4xSATA ports, 2xIDE channels, DVI and VGA out for video, Surround sound built in. The only thing it lacks in comparison to the A8N5X is more standard PCI and PCI-E x1 slots. But wih so much on-board already, do you really need more of these?

By all means re-use your existing case, or buy a flashy one. In that case, the X-Clio power supply you picked out is a top quality one.

FK

[fleeingpepper]

That's my pickle, but with the video card, there's two options: use my existing computer for a time, or I could just get a cheap PCI video card I have lying around my house somewhere. I don't expect to buy all the parts at once. My plan for that whole thing is buy the stuff in stages, what I can afford, then buy more each time I get payed for something. When I have enough, I can build it.

And the mobo, as I said, my current is micro-atx, and I am not a fan of it, I like more spacious things, more room for everything. I'm still thinking about getting the A8n-VM CSM, haven't ruled that out yet.

[freakitchen]

The PCI-Card idea is a good idea if you want to avoid m-ATX. In that case, the A8N5X would be the board to get.

Buying parts in stages is fine, but as 939 is phased out, you'll find parts increasingly difficult to find, or more expensive. I'd suggest getting another identical stick of your Corsair RAM right away (prices are increasing daily), preferably an identical one to ensure dual channel operation. Then get your processor, followed by the motherboard. Power supply should be your last purchase - since it's unaffected by the phasing out process.

FK

[andper10]

Originally Posted by fleeingpepper My plan for that whole thing is buy the stuff in stages, what I can afford, then buy more each time I get payed for something. When I have enough, I can build it.

I just finished building my first PC that way (and I'm about your age). I would NOT RECOMMEND doing it that way. When I was building, I would buy things, and while they were sitting waiting for the other parts, their retail price would decrease. And then the parts that I had left to buy would go up in price.

I know it seems like a good idea to buy part by part, but just put your money somewhere that you can't spend it and wait until you have enough. You will get quite a bit more PC for your money that way, I know from experience.

However, the more for your money applies to the "current technology". If it takes a year to save up, the Core 2 Quad will be the cutting edge, and a Core 2 Duo Build will probably be cheaper (and obviously better) than a 939 because the 939 will be phased out. I would recommend DDR2 memory personally, but if you need more DDR, GET IT NOW. My particular DDR went from $67 to $120 over the summer because DDR2 is taking over. If you have any more questions about building part by part, feel free to PM me. I would be glad to give you my opinion on them.

[coryt]

I'm not saying thats a bad case but if you like to read a better details on that case here is a link for ya.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apluscase/TwinEngine

[fleeingpepper]

Wow! After looking at those specs of the case and changing it to pounds, it says that it weighs 25 pounds! That could be good or bad, I don't move my computer that much, but wow, 25 pounds!

[glc]

The onboard video on an A8N-VM is better than most PCI video cards.