First Time Building, Check My Build Before I Order.

[Yakyu Spirits]

I've never built a PC before, and this will be my first time doing so. I'd like to keep the price to about $500 - $600, since its my first time. Basically, I came here to see if all my parts are compatible and to know whether it will be able to handle the things I do on the computer. I like to do casual to moderate pc gaming, nothing too hardcore. I don't really care too much about the games running at max graphics, I just want them to run smoothly without lag or problems. So far without the monitor and XP, it'll come out to about $536

http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...Number=7734647

1.) Is my PSU powerful enough?

2.) Good enough Graphics Card? I don't need to play on max, just want something that'll allow me to play games smoothly. I mostly play Counter-Strike.

3.) Is my Processor good enough?

4.) Am I skimping out on the HDD?

5.) My PSU, Case, Graphics Card, and Processor all come with a fan/cooling device. Is this enough or do I need anymore?

6.) I plan to work in the Basement on a wooden table. This is the safest place correct?

7.) IS ALL MY STUFF COMPATIBLE?

Any response (except flaming) is greatly appreciated. Thank you

[catacon]

1) Yes, 500W will be enough. However, Rosewill power supplies are junk. Look for a quality brand like Antec, Fortron Source, Enlight, PC Power and Cooling, or Sparkle Power. This should work.

2) That card should be fine.

3) "Good enough" is a matter of opinion, but I believe for what you are planning to do it will be fine.

4) 160GB is a good starting point. Some people may say to go with 250 or 320, but you should be fine. Hard drives are easy to add on later if you need more space.

5) As long as you are not planning on doing any major overclocking, you should be fine.

6) That will be fine. Just make sure you ground yourself to the case to avoid any static discharges.

7) Looks good. I'm not sure how good the motherboard is, but wait for some else's input, I have no experience with it.

[Yakyu Spirits]

Ok...so change PSU.

I don't plan on doing any Overclocking. I have bad luck, and I know I'll end up frying something.

How do I ground/discharge myself? I know they have bracelets for anti-static, but I'm kind of confused on the whole grounding, discharging thing.

[catacon]

You can just touch the case. You can use the bracelets, but I find them to get in the way. Just make sure to not wear socks and rub them on carpet before you work.

[Yakyu Spirits]

Ok thanks a bunch. Just a few more questions lol.

How do I get a boot disc so in case my computer messes up, I can reload it.

Also, I have a Norton 2007 CD. Should I install that first before doing anything Internet related? My friend told me that you can get a virus in a matter of seconds by using the Internet w/o virus protection.

[jer888]

You may want to go with a basic intel build so you can upgrade to Core 2 Duo or Penryn. Going socket AM2, you don't have anything to look forward to or upgrade to, because socket AM2 is going to be replaced with socket AM2+ soon, and after that, next year, socket AM3. The basic Asus P5K paired with a lower end Core 2 Duo or Pentium D would probably be a better idea from a upgradeablity (sp?) standpoint. Otherwise, you'll be sort of stuck if/when you want to upgrade.

[Yakyu Spirits]

The ability to upgrade is important to me. I'm glad you brought it up.

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115014
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813130060

How about these?

[jer888]

They will proabably work, but the Intel P35 chipset on the P5K is extremely stable, and is compatible with the new Intel processors coming out. It is alot more expensive, but believe me, that difference is money well spent.

ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail