help guys...its my first solo build

[rkilroy]

OK guys I need some help. This will be the first comp that I build on my own, so I am a little nervous. Could y'all just look at what I am planning to do and give me some advice and/or alternate suggestions?


CPU: NORTHWOOD P4 2.26 ($235)

MOBO: ASUS P4S533 ($99)

MEM: CORSAIR (OR SAMSUNG) 512 MB PC2700 ($150)

GRAPHICS: PNY VERTO GeFORCE4 TI4400 ($200)

SOUND: TURTLE BEACH SANTA CRUZ ($60)

DVD: PIONEER 16X ($45)


Well thats what I have for now. I also need some advice on a good mid tower case and PS, though. I have a HP CDRW and floppy that I will salvage from my old system, and a new WD 7200 40Gig HD. I know its only 40Gig, but hey it was free and still in the wrapper.

Thanks for your help.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Get a 300W PSU from Enermax, Antec or Sparkle. Stay away from Deer and Austin PSUs.

BTW, be sure to check out the Ampers capabilities of the PSU. I've heard of problems with ASUS mobos if you have low amps. But I don't know about this very well. I'm sure Cricket can shed some light on this matter.

[HAL9000]

I like the new Enlight 7252. It's a virtually screwless design now and finally has a bit more style than the 7237. It also has front USB/Mic/headset ports. As for power supplies, look at Antec, Sparkle, or Enermax (in no particular order) and get a 300-350w which is more than ample.

The rest of your parts all look good.

[Mr N8]

Looks pretty good to me. Stay with the corsair memory on this one. The floppy may not interface correctly with your new case, since hp usually has a different drive bezel or none at all on their floppies. For the case, I would recommend any of the Enermax or Antec cases. They come with a great power supply, and both have good features to them. Check out the cases at www.antec-inc.com and the enermax cases at http://www.enermax.com.tw/

Good luck on the new build!

[rkilroy]

Thanks guys...btw....what the hell is a drive bezel?

[doctorgonzo]

A bezel is the front plastic face of a component, usually a drive or the front of a case itself.

[rkilroy]

I found an Antec Performance Plus 660B w/ a 33W PS w/ dual fans. Do you think this will satisfy my needs? I found it for $83 from a company called EMS Computing. Has anyone ever dealt with this company? I have heard some really bad reviews about it.

[Alaron]

I would stay away from EMS. Heres EMS on ResellerRatings.com http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1892.html They only received a 5.7/10 and have numerous people complaining about them.

That case and PSU will work well although you might want something a little bigger. That is the smaller of the Antec line. I would recommend one of the 860s or the 1030s. Heres the link to the Antecs that Newegg.com has. They are an excellent company. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...ry=1516&DEPA=1

HTH

[Cricket]

Originally posted by rkilroy I found an Antec Performance Plus 660B w/ a 33W PS w/ dual fans. Do you think this will satisfy my needs? I found it for $83 from a company called EMS Computing. Has anyone ever dealt with this company? I have heard some really bad reviews about it.

The Antec Plus 660B is a really good case to go with. Good quality, solidly built, nice features and a good PSU. I've never dealt with EMS Computer, but if you've heard bad things about them I would steer clear. I'm sure Newegg.com carries that case.

Cricket

[doubledragon5]

Go to neweg.com for the floopy, they have a samsung for $8.00and has a 5 star rating. You also might want to check out the Enlight cases like hal9000 said, I bought one for $52 from newggg a few months ago when I built my kids first PC. When I did theirs I needed a case with lots of room for my build and the Enlight fit the bill. Case Enfligh/MID 300W EN-7237OX3C4,its not fancy but a good case anyway.

Also if your on a budget you might want to consider a MB/CPU combo, I'm sure you could find a good quality combo a lot cheaper.