First build

[DDSlash14]

I've never done anything like this before and I'm not sure if I have all the parts I need, but here's what I've found. Are these compatible and good? What other parts do I need to get a working computer?

Case:
XION II XON-103 Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 450W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811208008

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128359

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale 3.33GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115054

Memory:
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184

Video Card:
MSI N8400GS-TD512 GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Low Profile Ready Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127366

Sound Card:
SIIG IC-710012-S2 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface SoundWave
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829270006

CD/DVD Drive:
LITE-ON Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model iHDP118-08
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106275

I'll use the monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse from my Dell computer. If I use my HDD from my Dell computer does that mean I don't have to get a new OS?

Thanks!

[tomtoon]

Budget?
Main use of pc?

[jdeb]

I would order a different case or replace the power supply in the case. You should always use a quality power supply. Antec is a good brand power supply.

Your video card is fine but don't expect a high level of gaming with it, it is an entry level video card which is fine if you are not a gamer.

You may also consider the onboard sound and save 35.00, you could always add the card later if you are not satisfied.

Change the cd / dvd to a sata drive, better performance and you are limited with ide slots on the new boards

I assume the hard drive from your dell is ide as well, you should go with sata if you can afford it.

I would purchase a fresh copy of your OS or pre download a copy of windows 7 rc1 and it will give you around 11 months of free use. Choose the 64 bit version.

[LeftyAce]

I'll echo others: What's your intended use for the computer? Gaming, multimedia, video editing..?
We tend to recommend Asus motherboards; Gigabyte is fine quality, but they've been having spotty customer support lately.
Unless you're an audio fanatic, you probably don't need a sound card. Onboard sound built into your motherboard should be fine.
Finally, you can't re-use the windows install from the Dell, so you'll need to pick up a fresh OS.

[teddy3254]

why can't u re-used the window install in the dell hdd?

[glc]

1. That violates the EULA.
2. It's keyed to a Dell bios, it will not reactivate.
3. The different motherboard chipset will cause a boot failure if you just try to use the old hard drive.