Resolution? Build a new PC.

[Spriggan_one]

I feel weird with my threads scattered all over the forum, but,

My PC has been on the fritz this last few days. And I don't foresee it getting Better.

I had a worm (resycle\boot.com), trojans, and who knows what else get at my computer this last week.

I've come to the conclusion I will buy an HDD Case, and internal HD to fill it. I have about 200 gigs of Movies/Music and that's all I will save.

I am looking to keep my 2 160GB Sata II HDD's (Reformat or similar?), also looking to keep Antec 550W PSU, and IDE CD/DVD R/RW drive/burner (I can buy Sata? Drive/burner if necessary (any Recommended?)

I am looking for 1 thing: Reliability.

My PC has 1 purpose: Gaming.

My PC will be using Nvidia 9800 GTX card, I figure I will purchase this MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299 (unless there's something faster/more reliable? any?)

I am also looking at purchasing this CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...%20duo%20e8500

and for the external case with internal HD I'm looking at a seagate w/ 500+GB Which ones most Reliable? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nd&Order=PRICE

I will have to get a new OS disc, and I am looking at windows XP - is there a benefit to get 64bit version over 32 for this PC - And Home or Pro? (for Gaming)

I will also be getting new RAM (brand/type; recommended? undetermined)

Now is there anything special I have to do to install new Mobo+ OS? I'm looking to install SP2 NOT 3 (a Review says this mobo's chipset doesn't work with SP3?)


All in all, What HD is most reliable in External case?
How do I properly clean my 2x 160gb Sata II Drives for new OS install?
What do I have to do to get my PC running with this new Mobo?
What is the best RAM for this new Mobo?
Where's the best place to get Windows XP SP2 disc? :P and should I go with 32bit or 64?

I think that covers it. Oh, and I bet this is important!

Will it all fit in my case? hehe: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151

Uh oh, noticed Mobo spec vs Case spec: Mobosize=12" x 9.6" while CaseSize= 11" x 12" mmm? I would most like a better, fittable mobo rather than new case (if this mobo don't fit).

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Spriggan_one I feel weird with my threads scattered all over the forum, but, My PC has been on the fritz this last few days. And I don't foresee it getting Better. I had a worm (resycle\boot.com), trojans, and who knows what else get at my computer this last week. I've come to the conclusion I will buy an HDD Case, and internal HD to fill it. I have about 200 gigs of Movies/Music and that's all I will save. I am looking to keep my 2 160GB Sata II HDD's (Reformat or similar?), also looking to keep Antec 550W PSU, and IDE CD/DVD R/RW drive/burner (I can buy Sata? Drive/burner if necessary (any Recommended?) I am looking for 1 thing: Reliability. My PC has 1 purpose: Gaming. My PC will be using Nvidia 9800 GTX card, I figure I will purchase this MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299 (unless there's something faster/more reliable? any?) I am also looking at purchasing this CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...%20duo%20e8500 and for the external case with internal HD I'm looking at a seagate w/ 500+GB Which ones most Reliable? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nd&Order=PRICE I will have to get a new OS disc, and I am looking at windows XP - is there a benefit to get 64bit version over 32 for this PC - And Home or Pro? (for Gaming) I will also be getting new RAM (brand/type; recommended? undetermined) Now is there anything special I have to do to install new Mobo+ OS? I'm looking to install SP2 NOT 3 (a Review says this mobo's chipset doesn't work with SP3?) All in all, What HD is most reliable in External case? How do I properly clean my 2x 160gb Sata II Drives for new OS install? What do I have to do to get my PC running with this new Mobo? What is the best RAM for this new Mobo? Where's the best place to get Windows XP SP2 disc? :P and should I go with 32bit or 64? I think that covers it. Oh, and I bet this is important! Will it all fit in my case? hehe: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151 Uh oh, noticed Mobo spec vs Case spec: Mobosize=12" x 9.6" while CaseSize= 11" x 12" mmm? I would most like a better, fittable mobo rather than new case (if this mobo don't fit).

What is your budget?

the board you chose is a good choice

memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148212

case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

power supply: yours meets minimum should be ok depending on the mode consider this...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

Stick with seagate hard drives: they were in your link that you provided

hdd enclosure with HD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005

64 bit OS utilize over 2gigs of ram, so yeah it is a good option... If your into the eye candy, look into vista ultimate 64 but be aware that a lot of software that you used in xp, might not work in vista. you have to do a little research...

i am sure there could be better ways to clean up your hard drives, i always boot up from the os cd and use the supplied fdisk to format the drives. maybe use your old pc and clean the others up prior to installing into your new build. IF you didn't want to do that you can download this for free http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/, it also has some nice tools that come with it.

the cpu you choose is fine, one of the best

i think i covered all your questions

[not important]

The links that jdeb have provided are good.
I'd go with this RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184
Build your own external drive..this enclosure and a Seagate HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817362002

[Spriggan_one]

I already had that HD Enclosure in my shopping cart. I don't (yet) know how to get my HD's ready for the new mobo.


And is there anything special I have to do to get the new mobo to recognize all my hardware? 3x HD's (1 being external), video card, RAM, CPU, I have an Aegia Phsyx card, and I Don't think I'll use my SB Live! Sound card with new mobo.

Edit: The Seagate HD's although my Primary choice! the "Reviews" leave me worried, most of them are from "this month" and report from DoA's to HD's failing I dunno which one to get because of this.

Will this mobo fit in my case? (Linked in first post)

Whats the difference between the corsair XMS and the crucial ram? Would the "timings" or voltage make much of a difference?

I'm not sure what you meant by what Mode i'd run my PC in, but I will only be using 1 video card.

I'm trying to keep my budget as low as possible with No skimping of course!

This is kind of "after" the fact of getting my PC upgraded - but I would like to either re-fit my dad's Dell with my old hardware (mobo/CPU/Ram), Or make my old hardware operational as a "running" PC to sell to my dad, or gift to a friend.

[not important]

To start your build: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409
Seagate HDD's are good.
Corsair is excellent RAM and it will be fine for your build.
What Motherboard do you have? The "specification" section on Newegg tells you what size MOBO's the case will accept.

Originally Posted by Spriggan_one sell to my dad, or gift to a friend.

LOL

[Spriggan_one]

My current mobo is Asus P5nD2-SLi (non deluxe) Adobe PDF manual for my mobo says ATX Form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (which is same size as mobo I've selected to buy; Yay!) That explains the tight squeeze when putting the wires in the proper places =O

After looking at windows xp 64bit vs 32bit I'm worried between 2 things: Will core 2 duo work (use both cores) properly on 32bit home/pro? and I read alot about how many games I own have issues or don't run at all on 64 bit! Not to mention all the programs I have that won't work =/ So which is my best windows XP option for gaming? 32 bit Pro?

If all I gotta do is assemble the PC and see that it all runs (aka no hardware failure) then pop in the Windows XP OS disc, that'll be easy I hope XP doesn't provide a confusing amount of options when installing it though.

Whats so funny about gifting or selling? My dad's PC sucks, he knows it, so he said he'd buy my mobo/processor/ram (or maybe he said I'd "give" it to him =/ ) - my Friend on the other hand hasn't had a GOOD PC in many Years and he misses the internet deeply. My old hardware would definitely make him happy (so long as I get it running)

[shadowpr]

I would get xp home 32. If you want 64 bit, then get vista home premium 64.

Also, give us an updated build list, just in case you've made any changes.

And feel free to list all unanswered questions after the build list.

[not important]

Originally Posted by Spriggan_one Whats so funny about gifting or selling? My dad's PC sucks, he knows it, so he said he'd buy my mobo/processor/ram (or maybe he said I'd "give" it to him =/ ) - my Friend on the other hand hasn't had a GOOD PC in many Years and he misses the internet deeply. My old hardware would definitely make him happy (so long as I get it running)

Not disrespect intended. I just found it somewhat ironic that you would charge your Father (the person that presumably raised you) yet give it to a friend.
Best of luck on your new build.

[Spriggan_one]

updated list, hasn't changed much:

Parts I have:
Aspire case
550W Antec PSU
2x 160gig Sata II HD's
IDE CD/DVD R/RW Drive/burner (Do All )

Parts I am buying:
USB to IDE adapter for my IDE CD Drive http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=2020&cat=HDD

HDD Enclosure http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nclosure%203.5

HDD for HDD Enclosure (This one seems to have least DoA and bad reviews vs other seagates) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148335

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299

CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036

Thats $520 more or less right there

That didn't include: Windows XP SP2 Home 32bit OEM (Can someone help me find this for sale online?) Looking for under $100

I was thinking maybe I'd get a 2nd (same) seagate HD and put them in Raid 1 (they're 640 GB, that's a lot of space, Raid 1 should make it... safe?)

My current PC's 2 160 GB HDD's used to be in Raid 1, but after my PSU died, they separated, and I didn't know how - or have the proper disc (for repair re-install) to put them back into Raid.

Question 1: How do I prepare my 2 current 160 GB Sata II HD's for the new mobo?

Question 2: Is there anything special I have to do to get the mobo running for the first time Besides properly install 1 type of all basic hardware?

Question 3: With the USB to IDE adapter for my CD/DVD Drive, will it work as fast/properly/reliable as it does now - attached to my mobo? (As Primary) I couldn't navigate Newegg and find a CD/DVD R/RW Drive/burner combo =/ (That is, if I need to buy one)

Question 4: How much of an improvement will I be seeing over my Asus P5ND2 and 3.6 P4 CPU?

Thats around $630 hmmmmm I was hoping to do this around $400 but I kept forgetting New Ram + OS + Backup HDD =

Question 5: Anyone have any newegg coupons/promo codes? :P Thats it for now

Edit: Anyone foresee any helpful price-drops on these parts in the next TWO months?

[not important]

1 No preparation is needed for the HDD. Install 1 drive and use the OS disc to format it.
2 No prep needed for the MOBO either.
3 I'm a little confused about what you intend to use the IDE to USB adapter for? Those are commonly used to attach a HDD to a PC to format or pull data from it.
Your CD/DVD drive will get you going. I linked to two excellent DVDRW's if you want one.
LG SATA DVDRW: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136152
Lit-On SATA DVDRW: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106263
Both of those come with burning software. The LG comes with more.

[shadowpr]

I would just get this if going 32 bit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116480

SP3 isn't bad. The only problems I've heard about it and mb are for those that run amd.

1) If you want to start fresh with those two drives, I would wipe them clean with dban on the ultimate boot cd: www.ultimatebootcd.com

2) The mb should work fine. All you would have to do is install everything. Might want to try this to avoid fustrations: PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

3) That adapter is good for a temporary use, but not practical for use all the time. NI has linked some good drives.

4) You should see a nice improvement.

5) As for promo codes, and sales, it's ayones guess what will happen with prices. I'm personally waiting to see what sales newegg has for after Christmas.

[Spriggan_one]

Happy Holidays

All sounds great, One question, if I bought XP SP1 would I be able to ever repair-reinstall or reformat from the PC's updated SP2 with that SP1 disc?

[not important]

Every place that I am aware of sells XP SP2 only. You can do a "slipstream" and make a your own SP2 disc using the SP1 disc and a download of SP2.
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp

[Spriggan_one]

Purchased this drive over making the external Apricorn/Seagate one (totals $130+) with this Western Digital External Hard Drive ($87)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136324

It only has a 30 day RMA/refund policy with newegg, but a 1 year warranty with manufacturer.

I can only hope I don't experience a failing hard drive. I am going to move my Movies/Music onto this drive, and see that it continues to run and hopefully prices drop soon on newegg ~ my list is ready to be ordered.

Found a 32bit Windows XP SP2 OEM for $96, not the cheapest, but its what i'm looking for.

My PC lately has been randomly freezing now, and I don't think it has much more left in it =/ I can't believe that the trojans/worm even after disabled then deleted, and scanning my PC with various programs (finding it clean) that my PC is really spinning down the toilet.

Guess it had to happen sometime.

[not important]

Originally Posted by Spriggan_one Purchased this drive over making the external Apricorn/Seagate one (totals $130+) with this Western Digital External Hard Drive ($87)

The prebuilt external drives can be cheaper at first but when the HDD fails you have to buy the whole thing again. When you assemble your own external drive...you are only required to buy a new HDD when the drive fails. That is why it is always suggested to assemble you own.

Originally Posted by Spriggan_one My PC lately has been randomly freezing now, and I don't think it has much more left in it =/ I can't believe that the trojans/worm even after disabled then deleted, and scanning my PC with various programs (finding it clean) that my PC is really spinning down the toilet. Guess it had to happen sometime.

Have you considered reformatting your present PC? That will assure that you are rid of any infections.

[glc]

Most prebuilt drives only have a 1 year warranty. It's just as likely, if not more likely, that the internal interface card will fail instead of the drive itself. Opening the case to remove the drive to recover your files will void the warranty. With a build it yourself, the housing has a 1 year warranty, but the drive will be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Also, with a build it yourself, you can replace the drive with a larger one at any time if needed.

[Spriggan_one]

Originally Posted by not important Have you considered reformatting your present PC? That will assure that you are rid of any infections.

I need an XP OS disc yes? I don't have one. I will probably purchase it within a week from here: http://www.royaldiscount.com/wixphoedsp2f.html

I did like that idea of slipstream of SP1 > SP2 updates disc, but I'd hate to possibly find myself with any problems (with OS disc) when I have my new parts installed and trying to put new OS on.

Originally Posted by glc Most prebuilt drives only have a 1 year warranty. It's just as likely, if not more likely, that the internal interface card will fail instead of the drive itself. Opening the case to remove the drive to recover your files will void the warranty. With a build it yourself, the housing has a 1 year warranty, but the drive will be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Also, with a build it yourself, you can replace the drive with a larger one at any time if needed.

I will purchase my mobo/cpu/ram/CD-DVD Drive within 15 days - I may still make the Apricorn/Seagate combo as well

What's the proper way to power down External drives when PC is turned off? The Apricorn case has a power button, however the WD I bought has no power button and is powered by wall outlet.

[glc]

Shut the computer down first, then power the external down. Power the external up first before powering the computer up.

XP OEM is cheaper at Newegg.

[Spriggan_one]

Whats the difference between DDR2 800 and DDR2 1200 besides the voltage? What makes the performance difference? I am still looking to pick up 4gb even if windows xp reads 3gb~ish I am looking to make a performance improvement between my current, and new setup.

The timings of my current generic 2gb ram is 5-4-4-14 (4x 512mb sticks)

So for the WD external HD i'm getting, I unplug it from the outlet after powering down PC? (since it has no power button on the HD case)

My two 160 GB HD's seem to "not" have a problem holding data (besides my PC being messed up), why do so many reviews for all HD's tell about them crashing?

- if the "internal interface" of the external HD failed - would I be able to remove the HD from casing and still use it for my PC? (Sata cable or something?)

if I buy a new XP disk, would a repair re-install stop random crashes, lockups on start-up/restart or should I continue with full re-format since using new hardware?

Once I install new hardware, and new OS disc into my drive, my PC will load up from/install the new OS or does it do it like installing a program from the current OS?

Edit: Good news, ordered External Hard drive the other day, and OS today. I'll be buying the parts (mobo/cpu/ram/CD-DVD drive) this upcoming week with my next paycheck.

[glc]

DDR2/800 is all you need for any processor made running stock speeds and overclocked up to 1600 FSB.

Yes.

They are not one of WD's most reliable models.

If the SATA to USB card in the housing fails, yes.

Repair reinstall will be necessary, a reformat is even better.

Boot with the XP CD to do either a repair reinstall or a total wipe and reinstall.

[not important]

Originally Posted by Spriggan_one I did like that idea of slipstream of SP1 > SP2 updates disc, but I'd hate to possibly find myself with any problems (with OS disc) when I have my new parts installed and trying to put new OS on.

Making a slipstream disc will not affect your original disc. You make a separate disc that will have the original OS (XP SP1) with SP2 included.

[Spriggan_one]

Does the Core 2 Duo E8500 come with a thermal compound already applied? I am looking to raise it from 3.16ghz to at least 3.6ghz - should I buy high % rubbing alcohol and Artic Silver 5 for preparation?

I'm unsure what type of DDR2 Ram I want to get - what exactly does the "mhz" 800 - 1200 mean/do?

If I buy Ram that uses above 1.9 voltage, how do I turn on the computer for the first time with the higher voltage ram installed?

The only thing I can think of as a "goal" in this performance upgrade is to have Crysis with DX10 shaders run as smooth as possible with highest FPS (DX10 shaders are enabled via text commands in .cfg file)

Edit: I think I ran into a snag. I don't know if this is "true" but here's the info: I was told that if I bought these parts, I wouldn't be able to upgrade CPU and be limited on any newer parts because of mobo.

I would most definitely be looking to upgrade parts within 2+ years or when my PC doesn't seem to run programs (games etc.) as well.

Whats a mobo option that I can "upgrade" my parts in the future? If there are not many upgrade options for newer boards then I'll just stick with this one and the C2Duo.

[Alaron]

The heatsink that comes with a "Retail" CPU will have a thermal pad applied to it already. If you plan to overclock at all, Arctic Silver is a good idea, though you might even look into other heatsinks that cool better. Keep in mind that voids your CPU's warranty.

For the E8500, DDR2-800 is fine. Anything higher is overkill. The number is simply the speed in Mhz that the RAM runs at. However, performance is best when matched to the CPU, thats why going higher is unnecessary.

The current Socket 775 is going out of production in favor of the new i7 chips that use the Socket 1366. You would get plenty of use out of your current list, no worries, but if you really want to future proof, look at the i7 920 CPU, Asus P6T Board and a Triple Channel kit of RAM.

[Spriggan_one]

@ Alaron that is some crazy equiptment right there. I'd rather spend less now, and upgrade down the road. My older parts always have someone willing to give them a new home.

I should get most of my stuff by or before this friday, and I'm going to order parts when my pay comes in probably tomorrow;

Edit: Read multiple reviews/websites of the ram I selected not working with P5Q mobo, may have been user error, but I wouldn't want the hassle

After re-reviewing reviews and looking up info on the ram and mobo, I've decided to buy these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148212

[Alaron]

That RAM will be fine.

[Spriggan_one]

I just got a copy of windows XP sp2 32 bit in the mail today and my WD Elements External HD came in as well!

I was thinking of trying a Repair Reinstall using the product key that's already on the side of my PC.

Can I do that?

I still want to install this new XP OS and re-format my PC before putting in new hardware during the following weeks.

My copy of XP says Version 2002 in bottom right corner of package, I believe its OEM, as it says "For distribution with a new PC" on the package's border.

Heres the one I received today:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=270323751326

So much for Plug and Play - had to use Windows new hardware wizard to get the PC to recognize it (downloaded USB Mass Storage driver and Disk Drive driver from internet automatically)

(Tried following the Sticky in Drives and Storage forum - my HD didn't show up in the Disk Management tab)

Its in FAT32 - 596 of the 640 gigs show up - why? I noticed on my 36gb portable HD it too has 2-4 gigs "removed" for boot space or something?? I want my HD space! on both of em what do I do?

I'm running Avast, Spybot S&D, and Malwarebytes on my data (Drive F) before I put it onto the WD External (Drive E)

I will probably end up using this WD external HD on my PS3 for "Backup" when it arrives (PS3 uses Fat32). Can I set an 81gb partition on it for FAT32, and have the rest of the HD partitioned to NTFS?

Do I have to "Safely remove hardware" each time I turn off or restart PC? I also noticed (first time around during WD HD Driver install) when I turned off my PC, the WD HD turns itself off (spins down) shortly after my PC turns off - What is the correct way? It has no power button

a single file can only be as large as 4GB on Fat32? So much for Blu-ray DVD backups. What if I have a (over 4gig) CAB32 program installation part/file in a folder that I want to put onto the fat32 HD - no go?

How do I keep my windows secure from issues/attacks when connecting to the internet to update my new install or re-install of windows XP SP2 version 2002?

My internet is a Cable modem, hardwired to my PC. I can turn it on and off with the flick of a wall switch I was thinking of downloading the newest version of mozilla firefox and putting that on my external HD to install before connecting to the internet with the new OS. Tips?