Advice needed on very inexpensive workstation build

[Apopkasux]

I am currently running a Dell Dimension 4100 a Pentium III running at 867Mhz and maxxed out at 512k DIMM memory. Mobo is stock Intel Corporation D815EEA AAA10383-403 w/ 133 FSB. O/S is XP Pro.

Computer is used to surf the web, run Word, Excel, Money, and some stock charting software. Basically works OK, but can get bogged down pretty easy with XP + Zone Alarm and AV and Anti-spyware all trying to run w/ Money or Firefox.

I think my main issue here is the RAM limitation...I can't add any more.

I would like to do a new build (first one) that will eliminate the RAM issue, step me up a notch on CPU, but be as inexpensive as possible and use as much from the Dell for parts as I can. The new computer will not be used for gaming or any video editing, and I plan to use XP Pro as long as possible, then upgrade Mobo and CPU when it is time to dump XP. So, this is kind of a temporary build.

My thoughts are as follow and would like your input:

Case: Ultra X-Blaster. Just like the looks, like the USB and firewire at top, along with 3 1/2" floppy at top. Have plenty of 5 1/4" bays too. Seems like a case I could grow with.

http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?EDP=36819376

Mobo/CPU: Gigabyte GA-8I865GME ATX Motherboard w/ Intel Celeron 2.8GHz While this is a Micro ATX, it seems to have what I need for now with ability to handle up to two Gb of RAM. Plus it is inexpensive and includes a much faster/better chip than I have now. My understanding is that I should be able to put a Micro ATX board into an ATX case ( the case specs do say that). Also, this mobo has 2 IDE controllers, so I am thinking I can use the HDD and Optical drives from the Dell w/ no problem. No firewire port...I guess I can add a PIC card for that if needed???

http://www.surpluscomputers.com/stor...&item=MBB10544

RAM: Will start w/ 1 Gb, see how that goes. Kingston is on the "acceptable" chart for the Mobo, although the ! Gb module is not listed. Does anyone think that would be an issue? The chart and the memory I'm looking at are as follow:

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/...865gme-775.pdf
http://shop.kingston.com/partsinfo.a...VR400X64C3A/1G

CPU Fan: I have not idea is the mobo/CPU combo comes with a heat sink installed or not. Don't think I need a dedicated CPU fan??? The case comes with a back fan and a front fan, will those do the trick for this system with no discrete graphics card and only one HDD???

HDD would be from the old Dell: Maxtor 98196H8 [Hard drive] (80.00 GB). This thing is 7 years old and still running like a top. I know it won't last forever and do regular backups to DVD, but it meets my needs and I don't see any reason to buy a new one as long as this one is working. Question: Since this HDD has XP installed, can I just plug it in and be ready to go or do I need to buy a new XP CD???

Optical: Both will be salvage from the Dell. 1) NEC DVD_RW ND-3520AW (DVD Burner) 2) LG CD-RW CED-8080B (CD Burner) Both are IDE and work great.

Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor will just be what I'm using now. Mobo has integrated graphics and a VGA port, so I should be good to go there.

PSU: will use what's in the Dell. If I can't, I was looking at the Antec Truepower 650W is overkill for this system, but looking toward the future in case I decide to "really" upgrade. The PSU is 24 pin power connector, but it lets you remove 4 pins for backward compatibility.

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...er_Supply_Unit

So, I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice.

Thanks.

[mairving]

Personal opinion is that it isn't worth building low end machines. You can get one from Dell with a LCD monitor cheaper than you could build.

[minsonngo]

Mobo/CPU: Gigabyte GA-8I865GME ATX Motherboard w/ Intel Celeron 2.8GHz While this is a Micro ATX, it seems to have what I need for now with ability to handle up to two Gb of RAM. Plus it is inexpensive and includes a much faster/better chip than I have now. My understanding is that I should be able to put a Micro ATX board into an ATX case ( the case specs do say that). Also, this mobo has 2 IDE controllers, so I am thinking I can use the HDD and Optical drives from the Dell w/ no problem. No firewire port...I guess I can add a PIC card for that if needed??? http://www.surpluscomputers.com/stor...&item=MBB10544

Yes... a Micro-ATX board can fit into a case that supports Full ATX boards.

RAM: Will start w/ 1 Gb, see how that goes. Kingston is on the "acceptable" chart for the Mobo, although the ! Gb module is not listed. Does anyone think that would be an issue? The chart and the memory I'm looking at are as follow: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/...865gme-775.pdf http://shop.kingston.com/partsinfo.a...VR400X64C3A/1G

Kingston is okay... but their quality has gone down quite a bit. Go with Corsair... look at their Value Select or XMS2 selections.

CPU Fan: I have not idea is the mobo/CPU combo comes with a heat sink installed or not. Don't think I need a dedicated CPU fan??? The case comes with a back fan and a front fan, will those do the trick for this system with no discrete graphics card and only one HDD??? HDD would be from the old Dell: Maxtor 98196H8 [Hard drive] (80.00 GB). This thing is 7 years old and still running like a top. I know it won't last forever and do regular backups to DVD, but it meets my needs and I don't see any reason to buy a new one as long as this one is working. Question: Since this HDD has XP installed, can I just plug it in and be ready to go or do I need to buy a new XP CD???

If the CPU included is retailed boxed... it will include a heastink & fan already. The two case fans included with the case is good enough. One in the front for intake and one in the back for exhaust.

PSU: will use what's in the Dell. If I can't, I was looking at the Antec Truepower 650W is overkill for this system, but looking toward the future in case I decide to "really" upgrade. The PSU is 24 pin power connector, but it lets you remove 4 pins for backward compatibility. http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...er_Supply_Unit

Go with an aftermarket PSU... the DELL one may be proprietary or underpowered for your setup. Here is a good one that will run your system great and allow for upgrades down the road: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954



***But I agree with mariving... if your looking for a inexpensive build for light to medium use... its pretty hard to beat a DELL.

You can find decent systems for low cost at the DELL outlet: http://www.dell.com/content/products...=22&l=en&s=dfh

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Apopkasux I would like to do a new build (first one) that will eliminate the RAM issue, step me up a notch on CPU, but be as inexpensive as possible and use as much from the Dell for parts as I can. The new computer will not be used for gaming or any video editing, and I plan to use XP Pro as long as possible, then upgrade Mobo and CPU when it is time to dump XP. So, this is kind of a temporary build.

If this is to be a temporary build you might want to consider getting a modern motherboard now and use the cheapest CPU for it (it'll still be faster than your current computer). That way you won't have to replace the motherboard, just the CPU. Plus DDR2 RAM is ridiculously cheap right now, you could get 2GB of RAM for less than $70 and not have to worry about buying RAM at a possibly higher price later.

Originally Posted by Apopkasux Mobo/CPU: Gigabyte GA-8I865GME ATX Motherboard w/ Intel Celeron 2.8GHz While this is a Micro ATX, it seems to have what I need for now with ability to handle up to two Gb of RAM. Plus it is inexpensive and includes a much faster/better chip than I have now.

Is this a Socket 478 motherboard? If it is I think you should pass and get a LGA775 based motherboard instead...better upgrade path.

Originally Posted by Apopkasux My understanding is that I should be able to put a Micro ATX board into an ATX case ( the case specs do say that).

Yes, a micro-ATX motherboard will fit in any standard ATX case easily.

Originally Posted by Apopkasux Also, this mobo has 2 IDE controllers, so I am thinking I can use the HDD and Optical drives from the Dell w/ no problem. No firewire port...I guess I can add a PIC card for that if needed???

You could also add a PCI IDE controller card if necessary.

Originally Posted by Apopkasux RAM: Will start w/ 1 Gb, see how that goes. Kingston is on the "acceptable" chart for the Mobo, although the ! Gb module is not listed. Does anyone think that would be an issue? The chart and the memory I'm looking at are as follow: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/...865gme-775.pdf http://shop.kingston.com/partsinfo.a...VR400X64C3A/1G

I'd recommend against using Kingston RAM and go with Corsair ValueSelect instead. I've seen too many sticks of Kingston RAM go bad over the years to recommend them to anyone anymore. Since switching to Corsair VS RAM about 4 years ago I haven't had one go bad yet.

Originally Posted by Apopkasux CPU Fan: I have not idea is the mobo/CPU combo comes with a heat sink installed or not. Don't think I need a dedicated CPU fan??? The case comes with a back fan and a front fan, will those do the trick for this system with no discrete graphics card and only one HDD???

No, you cannot run a modern CPU without a heatsink fan installed. If you get a retail CPU it'll come with the proper heatsink fan unit for it. Never, ever run a modern CPU without the heatsink fan installed.

Originally Posted by Apopkasux HDD would be from the old Dell: Maxtor 98196H8 [Hard drive] (80.00 GB). This thing is 7 years old and still running like a top. I know it won't last forever and do regular backups to DVD, but it meets my needs and I don't see any reason to buy a new one as long as this one is working. Question: Since this HDD has XP installed, can I just plug it in and be ready to go or do I need to buy a new XP CD???

I'm not sure this will work but I don't have much experience with DELL computers so I'll let someone else answer this one.

Originally Posted by Apopkasux PSU: will use what's in the Dell. If I can't, I was looking at the Antec Truepower 650W is overkill for this system, but looking toward the future in case I decide to "really" upgrade. The PSU is 24 pin power connector, but it lets you remove 4 pins for backward compatibility. http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...er_Supply_Unit

Some DELL computers use a proprietary power supply that won't work with a standard ATX motherboard. You may have to buy the Antec.

If you do choose to go with that Gigabyte/Celeron combo you're basically building a brand new 3 year old computer...it's obsolete even before it's assembled. Tell us just how much you're willing to spend on this temporary computer and we'll help you come up with something better.

Cricket

[Apopkasux]

You're a;; right...just not even worth the trouble. Can get a new Dell box with 1 gb RAM and bigger HD, with Vista loaded, for $100 more that it would cost to cobble together these obsolete parts.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...=DDCWAA1&s=dhs

Thanks all.