My First Build

[Jbc223456]

Hey everyone, registered to this forum ages ago, but never really happened to take a peek around. Liking what I'm seeing.

Anyways, I've been taking tech classes at my high school, getting to the know the basics of circuitry etc for two years now. I've got this real nice cutsom built computer (built by a guy I've known for awhile as he owns his own computer repair/build shop). I like it, but it's just a little too slow for me (only 160GB HDD, 2GB RAM, etc). I'm thinking about plunging in to build my own pc in a few months and just thought I should pop in and ask if the parts that I want are compatible with eachother. If not, I'd really appreciate feedback on alternatives. Below is a list of the components that I'm looking into buying. Btw, my budget is $600-700.

Computer Case: Rosewill Challenger
Mobo: ASUS P5G41-M LE/CSM (LGA775)
CPU: Intel Wolfdale E5300 Pentium-Dual Core @2.6GHz
PSU: AZZA Dynamo 500, 500W
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB, 7200 RPM SATA
RAM: G.SKILL 2GB (2x1GB)
GPU: MSI N8400GS GeForce
DVD: ASUS SATA Burner
FDD: BYTECC 1.44MB
OS: MS XP Professional SP3 32-bit

P.S. I'd like to increase my RAM to 4GB, any suggestions that wouldn't overput my budget would be nice. Also, I'm not sure that my GPU is compatible or not, so I'd appreciate input on that (if you can suggest a cheap GPU that would perform better, that would be great; I can't afford the ATI Radeon 5700-5900 series =\).

Thanks a ton!

[jdeb]

Welcome

I would change that power supply to a antec basic 500w, more reliable, high quality, less money
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371004

Change the hard drive to a caviar black, more reliable and faster
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136320

You can use that video card but I prefer this one, I usually use these in my non gaming builds
Asus 4350
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121310

everything else looks great, if you plan on adding more memory just buy a single stick of 2gb. you only have 2 banks. Just buy the same type when you are ready to upgrade
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...VR800D2N5%2f2G

if you are gaming let us know

[glc]

You can save about 40 bucks with XP Home instead of Pro. Try the onboard video before buying a video card - it should be as good as a cheap card. Why do you need a floppy drive?

[Jbc223456]

Thanks for the input you two .

This computer isn't for gaming, it's just a basic internet browsing, youtube watching, multi-use computer.. Not going to be editing video/pictures, etc.

I was also unsure if I needed a video card or not, since it's not really going to be a gaming computer. I think I will go use XP Home SP3, seeing as it's $50 cheaper now. I need a floppy drive because the bank I get bonds with put all my statement information, etc on floppy drives, so I need the FDD.

[glc]

Then the onboard video will be plenty good enough.

Save even more with a Basiq 430.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371023

If you can afford it, get the 4gb of ram now. With what you are saving with no video card, you might be able to do it.

[Jbc223456]

Alright, totals so far with the suggested adjustments so far is about $550, which is way under budget (which makes my wallet feel a lot better :P). Does anyone know if it'd be wise to go with Dual-Channel 4GB RAM, or just stick with 2 sticks of the Kingston 2GB?

[glc]

I would buy a dual channel kit.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184

Take any extra money and upgrade the processor.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116091
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116093
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115056

[Jbc223456]

Thanks for all the help glc!

I think I've finally made up my mind on what I'm going to go with.

Everything I posted on my first post is going to stay the same, except for the PSU, CPU, HDD, RAM, and OS. I am completely removing the GPU.

For PSU, I'm going to go with the Antec Basiq 430. CPU is Intel E6300 @2.8GHz. HDD WD Caviar Black 500GB, RAM is the Corsair XMS2 Dual-Channel Kit (4GB). OS is going to be XP Home SP3. Total including shipping has come to about $600 even, which is a great price for me (might be able to spend the extra cash for a new monitor as well!) Again, I appreciate all the help!

P.S. Is the stock thremal grease on the Heatsink & Fan that comes with the CPU okay, or should I look at replacing it with Arctic Silver?

[glc]

The stock thermal interface material is designed for the processor and heatsink. The only reason you would need Arctic Silver is if you have to remove and replace the heatsink later.

[Jbc223456]

Okay, thanks. I was just wondering because a friend of mine told me the stock thermal grease was crap compared to what you could use.

[glc]

Intel has been using a metallic-based compound for several years now.

[Jbc223456]

Ohh, I didn't know that! Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll be all set to go.. Just have to wait for a few more paychecks before I can start ordering (I want to order everything in one go and get it at the same time than ordering different parts at different times).

[glc]

Check back just before placing the order for possible updates. Parts availability and prices change constantly.

[Jbc223456]

Ohh, just another quick question (I know, questions get annoying :P).

Is Corsair XMS2 4GB (2x2GB) compatible with my motherboard? I went through ASUS P5G41M-LE/CSM QVL and it didn't list that model number.

[David M]

If its not on their Qualified Vendors List (QVL), then I would not purchase it. They should have plenty of other excellent, tested and reasonably priced RAM on their QVL. Why take chances? Or you can check with Crucial which has checked their RAM's compatibility with your motherboard.

[glc]

I have used that exact ram in several Asus motherboards, and it works fine.

[Jbc223456]

I'm going to contact ASUS and Corsair and see if it's compatible or not. I'm one of those people who like to be more safe than sorry, especially on his first build. ^.^

[Jbc223456]

Looks like glc is right again! Corsair just got back to me and said that the Corsair memory is compatible and I should have no problems running it with that motherboard.

[Jbc223456]

Had a little setback... Irl stuff has gotten in the way, so I've got to wait until Spring Break to purchase and build my computer. XD

[Jbc223456]

I've heard a lot about the AHCI and Windows XP. I've read glc's post but still don't clearly understand it. Could anyone shed some light on what it actually does, system wise or speed wise?

[glc]

AHCI enables native command queuing and hotswap. It does perform very slightly better than IDE mode. The only downside with XP is you need to have at least SP2 on your install CD, and a floppy drive is required to install the required drivers during setup.

[WalterK]

GLC's post regarding AHCI driver installation on XP caused me to look at various motherboards to see if they supported a floppy drive. I don't think the board you are building with has a floppy interface on it, so you're likely wasting your money buying a traditional FDD.

I looked into getting a USB floppy drive from a retail outlet, but ultimately concluded that eBay may be the best bet. Seems like I came across a new external Mitsumi FDD there for around $15 shipped.

[glc]

Newegg has USB floppy drives.

[Jbc223456]

The ASUS P5G41-M LE/CSM Mobo does have an IDE/PATA connector, so it does have a connection for a FDD. I'll make sure I grab some blank floppies as well.

[glc]

No, it does not have a floppy connector. Floppies use a 34 pin, IDE uses 40 pin.

[Jbc223456]

Can anyone suggest a good motherboard for the cpu listed above that has a floppy connector? It's really preferred to have an internal FDD.

[glc]

The board you have chosen uses ICH7, which does not have AHCI. Do you still need a floppy? You won't need one to install XP.

[Jbc223456]

The FDD either way is a must. My dad has tons of information stored on floppies (he will be using this computer occasionally) such as bond information, etc..

[glc]

Gotcha.

ASUS P5KPL-CM LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131288

If you need DVI or HDMI, then get a cheap video card such as a 4350.

[Jbc223456]

Thanks so much glc. That'll be what I've been looking for. Just to double check, that Mobo will be okay with the planned Intel Pentium Dual-Core E6300 and Corsair XMS2 (upgraded to 1066MHz of course)?