Critique my build (upgrading computer)

[hansel]

I want to upgrade my custom computer that was built in 04. This is my current setup:

Windows XP Professional
Pentium 4 2.8 Ghz processor
Abit IC7 (-g) motherboard
1.5 Gb DDR SDRAM
NVIDIA Quadro4 580 XGL
Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC
Hard Drive #1 - WDC WD2000JB-00GVA0 (186 GB)
Hard Drive #2 - QUANTUM FIREBALLP AS30.0 (27 GB)
LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1693S

I plan to upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit and swap out some parts for:

ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

SAPPHIRE 100256L Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card

What do you guys think? Are there any compatibility issues that I need to know about?

I'm mostly going to use this computer for browsing the internet and watching movies, burning CDs/DVDs, etc.

[flanzig1]

Everything looks good so far but you will probably need a new PSU that is ATX 2.0. Another thing to think about are your drives, which are probably IDE. New motherboards generally only support 2 IDE drives, they are geared to SATA type drives.

[hansel]

Damn, I was hoping I could avoid buying new harddrives.

What do you think about this one I found on newegg.com?


HITACHI Deskstar P7K500 500 GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0 Gb/s

Any particular PSU you can recommend? Preferably inexpensive...

[shadowpr]

What is your budget?

I would recommend a seagate 7200.11 drive. 500gb is the sweet spot last time i checked. If not, the wester digital drives would be my second choice.

A Corsair 550 would be more than enough for that build.

If that costs too much, you could get an ocz. They seem to be running some good deals on psu's right now.

[hansel]

I found this package deal for $249.98 after rebates:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 + ASUS P5Q SE Plus

I found this PSU for $14.99 after rebates:

Thermaltake Purepower W0100RU 500W ATX 12V 2.0 Power Supply - Retail

I figure I might as well get a new case while I'm at it so:

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

All together, I'm spending about $500. Any opinions on the parts I selected? Any compatibility issues.. or better parts I should be getting?

[hansel]

Originally Posted by shadowpr What is your budget? I would recommend a seagate 7200.11 drive. 500gb is the sweet spot last time i checked. If not, the wester digital drives would be my second choice. A Corsair 550 would be more than enough for that build. If that costs too much, you could get an ocz. They seem to be running some good deals on psu's right now.

I guess I'll go with this Seagate for $59.99:

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

What's "OEM?" Does that mean it only comes with the hard drive... no cables?

[not important]

Correct, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means you will receive ONLY the Hard Drive.
I have read some reviews on Newegg that say they received an SATA cable with the OEM Seagate.

[shadowpr]

Those parts should be good.

Personally, I wouldn't go with that psu, but it's not bad, but it's not one of the best either.

[Doom]

- Corsair PSU's are great... and Antec gets high marks also.
- For a case... also check out the Cooler Master CM 690... it can run a few dollars cheaper and is just as good. If you want a clear side to see the internals and lots of LED fans... the Antec 900 is pretty much the best one out there and the one I have for my first build. Highly recommended.
- Your mobo should come with all the SATA cables you need... so even if the HDD doesn't come with one you'll be set.