First time builder and poster (Help please)

[jmds]

While doing research for building my first computer, I came across this forum.

I guess I'll start with what I currently have.

Intel D845GVSR Socket 478, Intel Celeron 2.6GHz

512 PC2100 RAM * 2 kingston value ram (one of them is the original that came with the comp 3 years ago)

1GB PC3200 RAM (I purchased it a few months ago not knowing that my mobo wouldn't recognize it)

80GB Western Digital IDE (3 years old, came with the computer)

LG CD burner

onboard video/audio

WindowsXP Home

Needless to say, this is a very basic computer.

I use my computer for internet, downloading music/videos, light video/photo editing. I don't play any games or plan to any time soon.

Since this is my first build, I want to go slowly. I'm looking to only upgrade the mobo and CPU at this point and use my current HDD, RAM, CD burner. Once that is complete, I'll most likely add on a DVD burner and finally a SATA HDD.

I've been looking around at various online stores and reading dozens of reviews. It has led me to the following mobo/CPU combos.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...170&CatId=2018

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...?EdpNo=1959177

The reviews on tigerdirect and neweeg for the Biostar mobo are all very positive. The reviews on the AMD's are also positive. I'm not sure which AMD to go with. I know that most people would recomend the Dual Core and I am somewhat leaning towards it.

The powersupply I am considering is this one,

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...919&CatId=1079

I'm well aware that this isn't a well known brand. Really I am just going by reviews. 42 five star reviews seem pretty good to me. However, I am very much open to any suggestions.


Some questions. I looked at the biostar manual and it says that it supports PC2100 RAM. Will I be able to use the PC2100 RAM with the PC3200? Will this cause any problems besides performance loss?

I am aware that 939 is dead and AM2 is the future. The reason I am not going with AM2 is because I would like to use my current RAM.

Thank you.

[Cricket]

Do you do a lot of multi-tasking? If you do, get the Dual Core Athlon combo.

That power supply is fine.

I'd try to see if you can get those parts from another Canadian on-line vendor instead of TigerDirect. Did you check NCIX.com?

Cricket

[glc]

I would sell the PC2100 and use only the PC3200.

The combo with the X2 is the way to go. However, that power supply is garbage. HEC makes decent units, but the Orion is NOT one of them.

[jmds]

I've decided to go in a different direction.

Gigabyte GA-MA69VM-S2 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=23555


Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18729


AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ EE Dual Core Processor
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19785


Kingston ValueRAM KVR667D2N5/1G PC2-5300 1GB
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=22390


Thermaltake TR2 W0070 430W
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15489



Liteon LH-20A1S DVD+RW
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=22959


What do you think?

[Cricket]

The AM2 platform is really picky about the RAM you use. I think you need to use DDR2-800 RAM and you should confirm that the RAM you choose is compatible with that motherboard.

Cricket

[jmds]

I checked the product page on the gigabyte website. That RAM is compatible for that mobo.

Are gigabyte mobos decent?

[Staren]

Gigabyte is a reliable brand. Not the best top tier like Asus or DFI, but they are great for a solid mid range system. My main gaming build is Abit, but my home theater PC is Gigabyte and runs quite well.