My planned build, without help from PC Mech E-Book

[Erin_Belli]

Okay, I’m following everyone’s suggestions from my last post, and have come up with a list of parts, instead of buying the PCMech byopc E-Book. First, here is my strategy for my planned computer build:

My budget is $1,000. The OS will be Windows Vista Home Premium (and I want to use all the Windows Aero “eye-candy”).

I plan to use this computer mainly for word processing and spreadsheet applications (MS Office), web browsing, listening to music CD’s, and light game-playing (rarely anything graphics intensive).

I want it to be somewhat future-proof, so my strategy is to go for a little overkill. But I doubt I need a lot of overkill, because my computing needs are rather modest compared with hard-core gamers and other graphics enthusiasts.

I will be scavenging out my modem, printer, scanner, speakers, keyboard, and mouse from my current computer.

My big concerns are: Does the mobo come with a good manual? And are all the parts compatible with each other?

Case:http://www.directron.com/sonataiii.html#caption

CPU:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...247&CatId=2328

CPU Cooling: Stock fan & heat sink. But I may build a temperature control kit, from heatsink-guide.com instructions.

Mobo:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?EdpNo=3514704

HDD:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...389&CatId=2458

Video:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...825&CatId=1560

DVD:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...683&CatId=1624

FDD:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...7232&CatId=287

[Alaron]

Very good parts list. You'll need RAM as well. Go with 2GB of DDR2-800. We recommend Corsair brand.

I'd suggest shopping with Newegg.com instead of Tiger. TD has a poor reputation.

Your floppy is an external USB model. Not sure if that was by design or not. If you want a floppy, I'd pick up an internal instead.

[Erin_Belli]

Hey Alaron,
Thanks for the heads-up on Tiger. I'll look at Newegg. As for the external floppy, that was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I was going with an internal when I realized that I hardly ever use a FDD. So why have that cluttering up the guts of my case? I did plan for RAM, but forgot to include it in my list. It was 4GB Crucial PC4200 DDR2 533 MHz Memory (2 GB each stick). I'm not sure how Crucial compares with Corsair. Anyway, you suggested only 2 GB of RAM. It's my understanding that a 32-bit system can access somewhere between 3 and 4 GB. Am I wasting money with 4 GB?

[Alaron]

Crucial is a fine brand as well. For your needs, 4GB is very overkill, but considering how low prices are right now, you may as well have extra. Yes, a 32bit OS will only see around 3.2GB.

Jump up the speed though to DDR2-800. It is a better match.

[Erin_Belli]

Originally Posted by Alaron Jump up the speed though to DDR2-800. It is a better match.

Thanks Alaron, I'll look into that.

[phigdon]

I would recommend this Mobo, it has an HD3200 integrated graphics with the 780G chipset on the SB700 south bridge. the newest from AMD. it will be a great work platform and if you want to upgrade the graphics it supports ATI's new Hybrid Crossfire. you put in an HD 3400 series and connect them for great performance. it wont be as good as the new ATI cards of course but the results are still impressive. I included a link to a review.

MOBO
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813128090

review
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=12116

HD3400 series card for hybrid Crossfire
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814102728

ASUS boards are notorious for memory compatibility issues make sure you do your research before buying. here is 4gigs of compatible memory for the board I recommended.
Memory
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820134582

CPU
I would go with that processor. most of the X2 dual cores on newegg have 512MB L2 cache where that processor has the 1gig. My 5200+ has the same and the next jump at newegg is the 5600+ for about $150.

Cooling Fan
I put this on my system and it never goes above 33C at full load. the computer typically runs between 19C to 25C.
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835103040

HDD
The 250HDD i listed below is a little more expensive but it has a 32MB cache where the one you listed is 16MB. I also listed a 32MB 500gig as well.

250
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148309

500
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148288

[Erin_Belli]

Originally Posted by phigdon The 250HDD i listed below is a little more expensive but it has a 32MB cache

Yeah the 32 MB cache seems to me like it would be a lot faster than an HDD with a 16MB cache. Might make for faster boot-ups and other improvements in speed. And for not much more moolah. I'll look into it. Thanx for the suggestion.