New Build for General Use

[irmo123]

I was tempted to go with a Dell, but when you price out the equivalent components its still a little cheaper ($67) this way. Am using a very low budget case. One question I have is can I just reuse my existing Dell PIII case if I gut it and replace everything including the PSU? It's a Dell Dimension 4100.

I plan to use the computer for gerneal use, email, spreadsheets, home finance, picutres, some video editing, and occasional games that I borrow rom my son (Oblivion, medal of honor, that kind of thing.)

Regardless, Here's the build:

Rosewill R6425 BK Black SGCC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

COOLER MASTER eXtreme RP-500-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 500W Power Supply 90-132V/180-260V Nemko, TUV, cUL, CE, BSMI, FCC, CCC - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-945P-S3 LGA 775 Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6320 - Retail

Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/2G - Retail

Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

HIS Hightech H165PRF256N-R Radeon X1650PRO 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 CrossFire Ready Video Card - Retail

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner included extra White bezel, with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black IDE Model LH-20A1P-186 - Retail

Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM

ViewSonic Optiquest Series Q20WB Black 20" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 - Retail


Thanks in advance for your input!

JB

[flanzig1]

would look to the Corsair Value Select ram, Kingston has had quailty problems of late.
Cooler Master are an OK PSU maker, but would recommend a unit from FSP/Enermax/Antec.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by irmo123 I was tempted to go with a Dell, but when you price out the equivalent components its still a little cheaper ($67) this way. Am using a very low budget case. One question I have is can I just reuse my existing Dell PIII case if I gut it and replace everything including the PSU? It's a Dell Dimension 4100.

No, don't use a case designed for a PIII if you're using one of the current processors and video cards...cooling requirements were different back then and you need a case with much better cooling now. And the DELL case probably uses a one piece front panel connector so hooking the buttons and LEDs to a new motherboard isn't possible unless you take the one piece connector off and replace it with several 2 pin connectors...not easy to do since you don't know what wire is for which function.

Buy a new case.

Cricket

[irmo123]

Thanks for the comments. Good points on re-using the Dell case. I also remembered that one of the reasons I'm upgrading is that I'm tired of reaching around to the back of the computer everytine I want to plug into a USB port. No front ports on the old case.

I will swap out to the Corsair Valuselect. It's actually a few dollars cheaper...thanks for the savings! I'll also shop around for a PSU, but the newegg deal seemed really good.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...bfrom%2bfactor

JB

[shadowpr]

check out zipzoomfly for the PSU. I found them to be cheaper the the others. Hopefully you can save a few bucks that way. And they have free shipping too.

[irmo123]

Thanks, I usually do comparisson shop at Zip Zoom and Fly once I start buying components.

Any comments on the cheapo case? Like R U OUT OF YOUR MIND? Once I place the PC I don't move it or sit on it and it is doesn't need to look purty. SoI'm hoping it will be OK.

JB

[maxnik]

Originally Posted by irmo123 Thanks, I usually do comparisson shop at Zip Zoom and Fly once I start buying components. Any comments on the cheapo case? Like R U OUT OF YOUR MIND? Once I place the PC I don't move it or sit on it and it is doesn't need to look purty. SoI'm hoping it will be OK. JB

check Fry.com for really great deals on cases. I just bought Antec Sonata II for $30

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by irmo123 Any comments on the cheapo case? Like R U OUT OF YOUR MIND? Once I place the PC I don't move it or sit on it and it is doesn't need to look purty. SoI'm hoping it will be OK.

I would stay away from SGCC steel cases...those are really light and flimsy. Look for a case with SECC steel as they're a little more sturdy and feel like they got some weight to them.

Cricket

[freakitchen]

How about the Antec Sonata III case? Top quality case AND power supply - a cut above the Coolermaster you originally chose.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2bsonata%2bIII