Parts is parts?

[h2ologged]

Here's my proposed parts list...whadduyathink? Seems cheap, what am I missing?

1
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811119137
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$84.99
$74.99
1
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Item #:N82E16822136284
Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant
$119.99
$104.99
1
AFT XM-28U BLACK 28-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Card Reader
Item #:N82E16820176005
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$6.00 Instant
$35.99
$29.99
1
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820145184
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$25.00 Mail-in Rebate
$59.99
$54.99
1
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q
Item #:N82E16827151173
Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy
$25.99
1
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Item #:N82E16835100007
Return Policy: Consumable Items Return Policy
$8.99
1
EVGA GeForce GTX 260 896-P3-1260-TR Video Card
Item #: N82E16814130464
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy




CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817139001
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
-$20.00 Combo
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$334.98
$284.98
1
ASUS P5Q ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131295
Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy




Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
Item #: N82E16819115036
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
-$15.00 Combo
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate
$308.98
$293.98
Grand Total: $878.90

Am I missing a CPU fan or is it hiddin in here?

Can XP Pro see 4Gb of RAM? Can Vista?

Why did the other memeber choose a 3.5" FDD/card reader? I don't have boo on 3.5" anymore..

I just noticed the PSU looks small and I don't care what she says, size matters. Is it too small?

What is the unladened air speed velocity of a swallow?

Byron

[pam123]

If you're buying a retail cpu it comes with a heatsink/fan and pre-applied thermal paste so no worries there.

No XP pro can't see, and can't use, 4 GB of ram.
You need a 64 bit operating system for that so, unless you already have that OS (In which case install it and wait to see how the 64 bit version of Windows 7 shakes out before you upgrade to it.) it would be a better plan to buy the 64 bit version of Vista .

I'd have to check out the Monty Python movie for the answer to that last.

[h2ologged]

Is my PSU size OK?

Byron

[glc]

Minimum power requirements for that video card is 500w, so it's fine. 32 bit Windows will see about 3.25gb of that ram. No need for the Arctic Silver. Samsung optical drives have questionable reliability, a LG, Asus, or Lite-On is a better bet.

You WILL need a floppy drive if you want to install XP in AHCI mode (recommended).

[h2ologged]

What is XP in AHCI mode ? I didn;t really want to install an antique drive just for the build.

Although I hate Vista I am leaning toward Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM any thoughts?

And I cannot find an affordable light scribe optical by asus, lg or lite on. Any advice?

[glc]

AHCI is the recommended mode to set the SATA controller in for best performance. A combo card reader/floppy takes up the same space as a card reader. I hate Vista too. 32 bit XP will run fine, so what if it doesn't see all 4 gigs? Ram is so cheap it doesn't make sense to put in less.

A LG is the same price as the Samsung.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136153

[h2ologged]

Sorry to be repetitive but about the 3.5" FDD. From another site..

"To give Vista drivers for setup, you'd watch for this screen [graphic missing]. If you want to install Vista with AHCI mode enabled, you can put the necessary drivers on a USB drive or whatever. AHCI gains you advanced features, notably NCQ (native command queueing) and hot-pluggability of drives which are compatibile with those features. "

Not that I have a clue what AHCI or NCQ is but what good does a 3.5" dirve do me?

[glc]

With *XP*, you must use a FLOPPY to install the AHCI drivers, there is NO alternate method like there is with Vista.

[pam123]

In addition to to what glc has said the boot floppy is still an option, see memtest86 or a hard drive diagnostic, that may save you grief some day.
They're certainly on their way out but they're not gone yet and they're cheap insurance by any measure.

[h2ologged]

See above, I was thinking Vista Ultimate 64. An fdd seems so ancient.

[pam123]

No you don't have to have a floppy and yes they are ancient but they are still of use.
Still, it's your computer so if you'd just as soon skip the floppy then do so.
You won't need it for AHCI if you decide on Vista.

[borbos]

I believe the monty python reference was to the Holy Grail movie and the question was asked about European or African swallow and a pretty funny running gag in the movie. Sorry to be of no use to the discussion but felt compelled. Now I am off to find a shrubbery.

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by h2ologged What is the unladened air speed velocity of a swallow? Byron

We attempt to provide an answer to all questions, even those non-computer related ones.



http://www.ask.com/bar?q=What+is+the...adenswallow%2F

[garys1n2]

Hey Red...could you please translate that it non-supergeek speak? LOL!