Need Help Buying Hardware for new Motherboard

[Mtnwife46]

I just bought a new Motherboard (listed below). This is the first time I've tried to put together my own computer. As you can see the CPU is an Intel Celeron D, etc. I realize this motherboard supports more. Also listed below. One of my questions is: in order for me to get the most out of this motherboard, do I need to buy an upgraded CPU? Such as Intel Core 2 Extreme? It supports Quad Core Kentsfield processors. Do I need to buy another CPU, or can I build on what I've got? More questions later on!

Intel Motherboard Combo
++
Motherboard, CPU & Fan

HERE IS WHAT IS INCLUDED:

1) Intel Celeron D 326 2.53GHz Socket 775 64Bit
256K 533MHz FSB
2) Intel Heavy Duty Approved Heatsink & Fan
3) AsRock 775I65G Socket 775 Motherboard
2 DDR / 8X AGP / 3 PCI / SATA / VIDEO
4) Motherboard Manual and Driver CD
5) Floppy / IDE / SATA Cables

Other than what is listed above ... what exactly do I need to buy to get this thing up and running, whereas I won't have to replace hardware later on. I want to buy the biggest and best parts I can now, as to save money later. And so you know, I am somewhat familiar with computer basics, but that's about it. I know what a CPU, modem, memory card is ... but, when you start talking about graphics, video, LAN, slots, chipsets, etc. ... I'm lost. Okay, listed below are the specifications.

775i65G
LGA 775 for Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Duo / Pentium® XE / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® D, supporting Quad Core Kentsfield processors
Intel® 865G Chipset
Supports FSB 1066MHz for external graphics (by overclocking) and FSB 800/533 MHz for Internal graphics, EM64T CPU and H-T Technology
Supports Dual Channel DDR400 (DDR x 2 DIMMs)
Untied Overclocking : During Overclocking, FSB enjoys better margin due to fixed AGP/ PCI Buses
1 x AGP 8X slot
Supports Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics 2 and DirectX 8.0
Hybrid Booster - Safe Overclocking Technology
2 ports of SerialATA 1.5Gb/s, 2 ATA100 IDE ports
5.1 Channel Audio, 10/100 Ethernet LAN
ASRock I/O Plus: 6 ready-to-use USB2.0 ports



General
CPU - LGA 775 for Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme* / Core™ 2 Duo* / Pentium® XE / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® D, supporting Quad Core Kentsfield processors
- FSB 1066** MHz for external graphics (by overclocking)
- FSB 800/533 MHz for internal graphics
- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology
- Supports EM64T CPU

*Only supported with PCB version R2.00 or higher, and BIOS P2.80 or higher.
**FSB1066-CPU is supported by overclocking only when you adopt an external VGA card and DDR400 CL2.5 memory modules.

Chipset - Northbridge: Intel® 865G
- Southbridge: Intel® ICH5
Memory - Dual Channel DDR memory technology
- 2 x DDR DIMM slots
- Supports DDR400/333/266
- Max. capacity: 2GB
BIOS - 4Mb AMI BIOS
- AMI Legal BIOS
- Supports "Plug and Play"
- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
Audio, Video and Networking
Graphics - Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics 2
- DirectX 8.0
- Max. shared memory 96MB
Audio - Cmedia 9761A 5.1 channel audio CODEC
LAN - Realtek PCI LAN 8101L
- Speed: 10/100 Ethernet
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
Expansion / Connectivity
Slots - 3 x PCI slots
- 1 x AGP 8X slot
- 1 x AMR slot
Connector - 2 x Serial ATA 1.5 Gb/s connectors
(No Support for "RAID" and "Hot Plug" functions )
- 2 x ATA100 IDE connectors (support 4 x IDE devices)
- 1 x Floppy connector
- 1 x IR header
- 1 x COM header
- CPU/Chassis FAN connectors
- 20 pin ATX power connector
- 4 pin 12V power connector
- CD in header
- AUX in header
- Front panel audio connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports; 2 of them are shared with USB4_5)
Rear Panel I/O ASRock I/O Plus
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x VGA Port
- 1 x Parallel Port (ECP/EPP Support)
- 6 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
- Audio Jack: Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone
Other Features / Miscellaneous
Hybrid Booster - CPU Frequency Stepless Control
- ASRock U-COP
- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version)
Accessories - Quick Installation Guide, Support CD, I/O Shield
- Floppy/ATA 100 cables
- 1 x SATA data cable (Optional)
- 1 x SATA 1 to 1 power cable (Optional)
- 1 x COM port bracket
- 1 x AMR card (Optional)
Hardware Monitor - CPU Temperature Sensing
- Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU Overheat Shutdown to Protect CPU Life
- CPU Fan Tachometer
- Chassis Fan Tachometer
- CPU Quiet Fan
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore
Form Factor - Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.0-in, 24.4 cm x 20.3 cm
OS - Microsoft® Windows® 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, MS WHQL

Hope this isn't too much information, but I'd like to get it right the first time. I would like to get 2GB memory, and if I have to buy another CPU to get this right, I'll do that too. Hopefully, I can add? Are there any particular things I should stay away from? Such as buying AMD? or SODIMM instead of DIMM? I know with the CPU I've got now I've been told to by DDR333, instead of DDR400. That is unless I upgrade. Anything you can help me with I'd sure be greatful!

[whubbard]

Okay,
You still need
1) Case
2) RAM
3) Hard Drive
4) Power Supply
5) Operating System (unless you have a one lying around)

I'm assuming that the mobo isn't very high end (graphics are DirectX 8!!), so I'm not really sure how much the C2D is going to help. So will it be better, yes, but the Celeron D should be fine for now.


If i were you I would let us set you up with a good new C2D system (which can be done for about at the least 600), but if you need less a computer for less than that, get a dell.


Here is a link to the Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157091

Here is a link to the processor: (well the closest I could find)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819112206

[minsonngo]

What do you plan on using the system for?

If it is for light to medium usage... the Celeron and onboard video will be fine. You need to purchase a QUALITY PSU, memory, a HDD, a case, a optical drive, and a OS CD.

[Mtnwife46]

Thank you for your quick reply. I have a case, it is an Ultra Wizard Mid-Tower ATX Case ULT31584 that supports an ATX motherboard with "Up-Font" USB & Firewire, 9 Drive Bays, Front Panel Vent System, Front Locking Bezel Cover, Adjustable CPU Air Duct.

You mentioned HDD & Ram. What about power supply? And what kind of HDD would I be looking for? And would it hurt to put in 2GB Ram?

Thank you.
Debbie
Mtnwife46@aol.com

[minsonngo]

MEMORY:
1GB Kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440

2GB Kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145579


The more memory... the better. So pick one that 1GB or 2GB depending on your needs and budget.

HARD DRIVE:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148139

POWER SUPPLY:
This one will be fine for your current setup: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954

OPTICAL DRIVE:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106045

OPERATING SYSTEM:
Pick one that suits your needs.

I would go with XP: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056

[Mtnwife46]

Thank you minsonngo! This was great information. Guess I'm on my way (finally) to putting together a good system.

[minsonngo]

No problem.

[whubbard]

are you really sure you wan't this setup? You can get quality for not too much more...