Newbie's wishlist. Are these good components for a 1st build? (Part two)

[la_citrull]

Some weeks ago a posted a thread listing the components I was planning to buy for my 1st build and asked opinions on them. All comments were appreciated, but I soon found that some money I was counting on spending would not be available to me until some weeks later. Now that I have the resources I wanted to ask for your help again. I need help checking to see if everything is compatible and if what I list is realiable and a good buy. Here is basically were I left off:

(These prices are from Newegg.com)
-Asus A7N8X - X nForce2 400 ($70)
-ATI RADEON 9800 PRO/380MHz ($199)
-ANTEC Black Solution Series ATX Case w/350W Power supply ($79)
-AMD Athlon XP 2600+ "Barton" FSB 333 ($90)
-Western Digital 120GB 7200rpm 8MB Cache Hard Drive ($69.99 after some mail-in rebates).

I have some comments though: I already bought the hard drive because it was one sale, so I'd like to keep that. Also, the video card is OEM, and I rather buy retail since its my first build, so does anyone know of a good 9800 PRO under $200 retail? Also, since I'm trying to keep costs low, I was going to reuse several components (like monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers) from my older system and upgrade them later. I wanted to reuse my RAM memory but I don't know if that'd be wise. Its 256MB SSRAM... I highly doubt it would be compatible, but I'm not sure. what do you guys think? If not, I'll try to get fifty more dollars to spend on RAM.

[kram 2.0]

Very nice. Just one suggestion. I think the 350 watt Power Supply will be insufficient for the system - it might barely do it, but best be on the safe side - I'd say more around 370 watts. Make sure your HDD is an Ultra ATA interface, as the motherboard does not have onboard Serial ATA controller card.

Hope that helps,
kram

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by la_citrull I have some comments though: I already bought the hard drive because it was one sale, so I'd like to keep that.

Sure, that's fine. Nothing wrong with that hard drive.

Originally Posted by la_citrull Also, since I'm trying to keep costs low, I was going to reuse several components (like monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers) from my older system and upgrade them later. I wanted to reuse my RAM memory but I don't know if that'd be wise. Its 256MB SSRAM... I highly doubt it would be compatible, but I'm not sure. what do you guys think? If not, I'll try to get fifty more dollars to spend on RAM.

You can't use SDRAM with that motherboard, it only supports DDR RAM. You'll have to buy new DDR RAM.

Cricket

[Alaron]

For the RAM, grab one of these sticks: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...141-425&depa=1
Later on when you can afford the upgrade, grab another of the same. Then you'll have 512megs and be able to use Dual Channel on your mobo for a performance boost.

Looks like a nice system.

[Encabis]

Nice layout, but yeah you will need to get some DDR. I recommend Mushkin its a affordable brand and can take a beating and still perform.

Usually can snag 512 sticks for 80 to 120 each if you shop around

[la_citrull]

Thanks for the comments!

How can I make sure that my HDD is an Ultra ATA interface? I don't really know what this is for, but if its needed I can maybe get another motherboard... What do you say?

[kram 2.0]

Originally Posted by la_citrull Thanks for the comments! How can I make sure that my HDD is an Ultra ATA interface? I don't really know what this is for, but if its needed I can maybe get another motherboard... What do you say?

Well, you can post a link for us to Newegg - ion the description, the interface should say something like "Ultra ATA/100" or something. If you should get Serial ATA as a mistake, not to worry - just get a SATA Controller Card for your MOBO, and shouldn't cost a fortune.

Hope that helps,
kram

[Hi Ho]

I think the 350 watt Power Supply will be insufficient for the system

350 watts is plenty. 350 watts will actually do for almost any system if it is a good quality power supply. Going retail on the video card isn't going to make any difference because you are new at building. The only difference will be that you won't have the fancy box.

[la_citrull]

The technical specifications on the box say:

UP to 100 MB/s data transfer rate using Ultra ATA/100

is that what you meant kram8806?

[Hi Ho]

The technical specifications on the box say: UP to 100 MB/s data transfer rate using Ultra ATA/100

That is an Ultra ATA hard drive, not SATA (Serial ATA).