missing a few parts

[mxalix258]

Hello,
Im just building a new computer and have all of the parts except for a graphics card, hdd, and an OS, I was thinking so that I could have a running computer and that the rests of these parts could be a few weeks before i get the cash again, that i could take the hard drive from my computer now, with its operating system installed on it, and just buy a graphics card until i buy my new hard drive and vista. will this work or is having the system installed somehow combined with the other parts like motherboard and wont be compatible if switched over, my other option would be to put the money i have now into a hard drive and operating system and buy a reallly cheap graphics card so I can have a working computer until i get the money to buy my much more expensive graphics card, or...of course just have the computer sitting there until i can buy each part individually, which i would much rather not do. let me know what would be the best option, or your input.

Thank you

[shadowpr]

what parts (brands/models) do you currently have for the new build?

what parts (brand/model) are you planning on getting?

and what parts were you thinking about transfering over for now?

[mxalix258]

Umm...I have an asus m2n-e, amd 64 x2 6000+, 2 gig g.skill ram, and a ocz 700w power supply for my new build and I want to buy an evga 8600gts 256mb, and bring over my ide hard drive that Im not sure of the model with windows xp on it.

[shadowpr]

i'm not 100% sure, but i think you should be able to bring over your ide hd and install that with XP on it. the only thing i think you will have to do, is a repair install once you connect everything.

that will allow you to save up for a newer sata HD and vista and your graphics card.

[Katreat]

If you are a gamer, try to get an 8800 GTS 320 in the budget. The 8600 is a nice card but a bit weak for newer games. It has performance around a 7600 level which is 2-3 generations older than even the best 9X cards. If not gaming big time then the 8600 is a very nice all around card and is 10x capable.

You did not mention a burner, so that is another item you will need to bring over or buy new. If buying new I would recommend Lite-on SATA retail for about $40. Retail because they come with Nero for about $2 more than OEM.

Kat

[Cricket]

I would just leave things as they are until you have all the parts for the new build.

Cricket

[mxalix258]

see I dont know what you guys mean about being too "weak" to play newer games, if by that you mean that I cant play brand new games on all the best graphics and all this other stuff then thats not a big deal, but if you mean i wont be able to play the games at all, thats a different story, I simply dont have a budget to spend 300+ on a video card. I will upgrade to the 8800 at some point but having to have my computer sit there till i get the money to buy an 8800 wouldnt seem worth it.

[Katreat]

The 8600 will play newer games, you will just need to turn down some settings. I was just suggesting that if it was within the budget the 8800 GTS would work alot better for gaming. Nothing wrong with the 8600, it is a good budget card and will work fine until you can upgrade. Was not meaning to suggest it would not work, just that if within budget the 8800 GTS is quite a large upgrade in performance for games.

Kat