Compatibility check

[hypnoticvibe]

Hi. I want to confirm that all of these parts are compatible with eachother, and that it will form a fully functional computer:

• http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115005
• http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131046
• http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820141187
• http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144415
• http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136103
• http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814141037
• http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154052
• http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056

I have a monitor. Do I need a fan for the CPU? If so, could you please recommend me one? Thank you for any help.

[flanzig1]

The CPU comes with a heat/fan combo.
The PSU with that case is too small and isn't an ATX 2.0, which your system will need.
Don't get that video card, it shares system memory. Probably isn't much better that the on-board video.

[newbuilder14]

Get a Liteon DVD burner
Get Corsair ValueSelect PC5300 to ensure compatibility.
Drop the video card altogether until you can afford a decent one
Get a seperate power supply and case.

Will it be fully functional? Well, I suppose that depends on if you choice quality components and do a good job putting it together.

[hypnoticvibe]

OK then. Scratch that original post. Clearly, it's a bad idea. Could you pick build me up one for $630-690 total with all components essential, with the exception that I already have a DVD-ROM drive?
I don't need a fancy video card or DRD-R/DRD-RW drive. I'm not going to be gaming.
Thanks again for any support you can provide.

[newbuilder14]

I'd get this motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131043

And this case/power supply combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155

[flanzig1]

Motherboard is a good pick.
This psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103515
And a case something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156053
The two are close in cost to the combo you had.($20 more)

[hypnoticvibe]

$20 more sounds right in the price range I'm looking for.
Are you 100% that if I purchase that power supply + motherbaord with all remaining components I initially listed, everything is compatible and the computer as a whole will be fully functional?

[flanzig1]

For on-board video or a low end video card, 350w should be enough.
For the case, look through the cases that Newegg has in the $10 to $25 range and pick one that you like. If it has a PSU,don't use it and use the Sparkle.

[newbuilder14]

May want to look into 400w+ if you consider adding a video card at a later time.

[hypnoticvibe]

I think you guys are overestimating my electronics/hardware knowledge. I realize your (good) intentions are to try and give me some say as to what to pick while leading me in the general direction, but I'm quite a hopeless person to give several items to choose from to - rather than a specific one.
I'm not concerned about looks for the case. I trust your judgement. I just need a case compatible with everything else.
As far as a 350w vs. 400w power supply is concerned, as long as 400w doesn't exceed my price range I'll go for it. I'm most concerned about ordering the power supply and it not fitting the motherboard or an incompatibility issue like that.
Thanks again, and I'm sorry to ask such precise requests. I just don't know enough to decide these things.

[flanzig1]

Here's a quality 400w for about $3 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953
possible case :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811212034

[hypnoticvibe]

Awesome. Thank you. Here's the revision including the new parts:

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115005
Mo-board : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131043
RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820141187
HDD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144415
CD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136103
Video : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814141037
Case : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811212034
PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953
OS : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056

Is all compatible and will ready to go if I order it?

[flanzig1]

I would go with this card, won't use system memory and about the same price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121538
And this memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121538
With this you will be able to use the dual channel capablity of the mother board and a better quaity ram.

[newbuilder14]

You didn't take my advice on the memory, which you really should have, don't let the name turn you away, I have built 6 computers . The Corsair ValueSelect memory is about the first in its class when it comes to compatibility with newer chipsets. Do not even bother with a video card, your board has onboard video... wait until you can afford a decent one.

[hypnoticvibe]

The only reason I didn't incorporate the memory you suggested in my list is because I misread that post the first time.
I'm on this page:
http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Ca...17&name=Memory
and I see all kinds of Cosair squares leading to places that have technical model names and information I do not understand. Could you please link me up with the specific product you meant?
Thanks.

[hypnoticvibe]

@flanzig1:
I think you accidentally put the same URL twice. They both go to a page with a video card.

[andper10]

He probably meant to link to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145568 (Corsair Value Select DDR2 667). It is dual channel so that you will get a slight preformance boost. It is also a better brand than PQI. Other than that, it looks pretty good. Look at cases that you like. Cases are compatible with other components most of the time,l and if there is an incompatibility, we will let you know. It is your computer, so you should really get a case that you like the look of. The customer reviews can also be helpful when choosing a case, just remember that people will give a case bad ratings b/c it comes with a junk Power Supply, so you can overlook those bad reviews. Personally, I like this Rosewill budget case: (it is $30 + shipping): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147045 . Also, what are you using this computer for? If it is just basic internet and office, you don't really need a Core 2 Duo. Also, you could save some money by going with this motherboard instead: ($76)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131041 . It is different from your current choice because: 1. It has a older chipset that has been adjusted to work with Core 2 Duo; 2. it only has 2 ram slots, and they are limited to DDR2 667 (the other board can run DDR2 800, but it is gaming ram); 3. it has an older onboard video chipset; 4. It only has 6 Channel Onboard Audio with 3 ports (the other has 6 ports) (the other one has 8 channel, but unless you have a big speaker system to hook up, or you will be playing a lot of games, its not a big deal); 5. it doesn't have a firewire (video camera and external hard drive hookup) port, and it has 4 USB 2.0 ports (the other one has 6). If you are just borowsing the Web and using Office, a Pentium D 805 would probably be a better suited processor for you (it would work fine with all of your current choices): ($92) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116001 . Sorry if I just confused you more. I am just trying to let you know your options. Enjoy your buld!

[hypnoticvibe]

Originally Posted by andper10 He probably meant to link to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145568 (Corsair Value Select DDR2 667). It is dual channel so that you will get a slight preformance boost. It is also a better brand than PQI.

That Corsair Value RAM is 512GB per stick. I'd rather have a 1GB stick of RAM that only takes up 1 slot on the motherbord, even if has a slight performance cost.

Originally Posted by andper10 Also, what are you using this computer for? If it is just basic internet and office, you don't really need a Core 2 Duo.

I need a fast CPU to match the RAM when I upgrade it. Eventually, I will be using Windows Vista. I'll definitely be listening to music all the time. I'll be using Firefox, which is bloaty with all my extensions. I'll have an active spyware shield, anti-spyware, and ZoneAlarm (kind of bloaty) running at the same time as everything else. I have an FTP client running at all times. I use AIM + MSN Messenger and they run constantly. I leave Photoshop running 24-7.
I use file sharing clients. I like web design and end up checking web pages in Opera, IE (different versions too), and Firefox back and forth so I run them simutaneously. I generally have a text editor with 2+ files open. I'll probably end up using Flash, Adobe Acrobat, MS-Office apps, games once in a while, and possibly 3D rendering software. I may try to learn about Linux and install it.

Originally Posted by andper10 Also, you could save some money by going with this motherboard instead: ($76)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131041 . It is different from your current choice because: 1. It has a older chipset that has been adjusted to work with Core 2 Duo; 2. it only has 2 ram slots, and they are limited to DDR2 667 (the other board can run DDR2 800, but it is gaming ram); 3. it has an older onboard video chipset; 4. It only has 6 Channel Onboard Audio with 3 ports (the other has 6 ports) (the other one has 8 channel, but unless you have a big speaker system to hook up, or you will be playing a lot of games, its not a big deal); 5. it doesn't have a firewire (video camera and external hard drive hookup) port, and it has 4 USB 2.0 ports (the other one has 6). If you are just borowsing the Web and using Office, a Pentium D 805 would probably be a better suited processor for you (it would work fine with all of your current choices)

Hmmm. That sounds like a lot. I need a motherboard that is upgradable. I don't want to have to buy a new computer for at least 4-5 years.

Of course, nobody had a way of knowing any of that based on the information I gave. I probably should've mentioned why I wanted that CPU and a 1GB stick of RAM. The motherboard appears to be upgrade friendly ('though I'm not that literate to judge so I'm not sure what my vibe is worth). I don't need a lot of HDD space. I won't be gaming much but I don't want anything to use the onboard RAM so I like that $20 video card. I'm more just looking for a CD-R that functions and I only have to spend little on (without it being unreliable). The case apearance really means nothing as long as it's not a feminine color. The computer might not even be visible anyways. I was warned I need a power supply so I more than trust I need it.
Based on that, I propose this:
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115005
Mo-board : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131043
RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820141187
HDD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144415
CD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136103
Video : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121538
Case : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811212034
PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953
OS : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056

Are these all 100% compatible and ready to go if I order? Am I missing anything critical for it to function?

I apoligize if I seem so anxious/spontaneous. I have a time limit (long story) on ordering this in addition to Christmas coming up, and well, you know how shipping can go around that time.
Thanks again.

*edit
Reading the RAM review does make me want other RAM if you can suggest a 1GB stick that's compatible.

[glc]

My turn.

1. Processor: Good.
2. Motherboard: Good choice if you want onboard video. The G965 Intel onboard video is EXCELLENT for what it is. It's Vista-ready.
3. Ram: NO. Trust me, get a dual channel kit. The board has 4 slots, you can still upgrade later.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145568
Crunch your numbers carefully - if you can afford it (which you might be able to with my further suggestions) get this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098
4. HDD: Acceptable but not my first choice. Better drive, same price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148149
5. Optical: No, that one does not come with software. Get this one - it's SATA (a big plus) and comes with Nero:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106046
6. Video - hold off. Build it with the onboard, add a card later if needed.
7. Case: Coolmax cases are pure garbage. They are the flimsiest cases I've ever seen. Get this one, it COMES with a very serviceable and high quality 300 watt PSU which will handle onboard video and lower end video cards fine - and its very sturdy and well constructed:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153042
8. PSU: Redundant at this point in time, see #7.
9. OS: Good.

[hypnoticvibe]

Thank you. Here is the revised list:

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115005
Mo-board : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131043
RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145568
HDD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148149
CD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106046
Case : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153042
PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953
OS : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056

Are all components compatible with eachother and ready to go if I order? Is this everything I need for the computer to be functional (I have a monitor)?

[Alaron]

That all looks fine. The Foxconn case includes a PSU, so you don't need to buy the FSP. 300w will be fine for the build. You won't need a new PSU until you add a high end video card.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by hypnoticvibe Thank you. Here is the revised list: Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115005 Mo-board : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131043 RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145568 HDD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148149 CD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106046 Case : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153042 PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953 OS : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056 Are all components compatible with eachother and ready to go if I order?

Yes. In fact your computer is very similar to what I plan to build for myself sometime early next year.

Originally Posted by hypnoticvibe Is this everything I need for the computer to be functional (I have a monitor)?

Do you also have a keyboard, mouse and speakers too?

And like the others have stated, you don't need the 400 watt FSP PSU. The 300 watt FSP PSU will be fine.

Cricket

[hypnoticvibe]

Well, I'll go a bit over and buy a 400w power supply as long as you can confirm that it's definitely compatible with everything else.

[hypnoticvibe]

I'm just thinking that if this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953
is only $3 more and it saves me from buying a whole new PSU later if I decide to upgrade, why not?
Is it compatible?

[newbuilder14]

Still hold off, you'd want more than 400w even if you added a video card more than likely.

[Alaron]

If you ever plan on adding a high end video card, you would most likely need more then 400w, usually a minimum 450w, but sometimes 500+. So unless you want to shell out for a more expensive unit (~$100) now, stick with the 300w. It will be fine for what you have and then you when do decide to do an upgrade, we can point you to the correct PSU upgrade.

As it is the 400w FSP is a great PSU, but theres really no reason to spend the money for it right now.

[hypnoticvibe]

Ohhhhhhhhhh. This:

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

comes with a power supply. I missed that. Nevermind.

[hypnoticvibe]

What about all the internal cables to connect everything? I'm thinking of the gray ones that are wide. Don't these parts need cables to connect things to the motherboard and such?

Is the sound card built into the motherboard?

[hypnoticvibe]

Hmmm. I just went to place the order and that case + PSU is out of stock.
Could you find another compatible/reliable replacement?

[Alaron]

The cables you need will come with the motherboard. And you wont need the "gray wide" ones, your hard drive is SATA, which has a thin cable. But in any case, it will be in the motherboard box.

Yes, the motherboard has onboard sound.

On a side note, please use the Edit button when you have more to add to a post.