Building a new PC! Need help!

[idgamerd]

Ok I right now what DELL Dimention XPS T700r it has PIII 700mhz 384 sdram, geforce 3 ti200, sb live!. I feel that I am kinda behind with all the new 2.0ghz computers and all and I dont want to waste money on dell again. I was thinking of just upgrading my motherboard for my DELL and adding a new pentium 4 but then I found out that the case and wires and what ever (i dont know much about building) are not standart. I dont know what part of the forum to post this so I decided here :) So on with it.

I want to build a new computer and I dont need much all I want is higher procceser and maybe more ram. Here is what I would like to know. What is the best avraged prices case out there? I dont care about looks at all and I dont need more then 2 bay's for my cdr and cdrw, I also would like it to be very cool, I dunno what it depends on but I want to have a very good cooling system. Advice?

Ok now for the case I need a new mother board, I ask you again for advice. Are all motherboards standart? I mean will it fit into my case? I saw on www.pricewatch.com motherboard combo's.. are they worth buying? or it better to buy motherboard and a chip and stuff seperatly? What chip should I get what is better for gaming ADM or Inter or something that I didnt hear about :P

I also would like alot of fas to keep my computer very cool at all times. So any recomendation's?

[Wa11y]

Welcome to the Madness, idgamerd. We'll not only help you build a new computer, but void the warranty on it as well!

Most likely, you'll have to replace the case as well. Most new processors require 300W or above on the power supply. And unless your case is a mid-tower or better, it'll be too small to fit a standard ATX motherboard. Most Dells use microtower cases with either flex- or microATX motherboards. Basically, you'll have to build a new system from the ground up.

It's not that expensive, really. If your keyboard, mouse, and monitor are still decent (monitor should be 17" or more. Reduces eyestrain), you can reuse them, and save some cash (a used 17" monitor can go for about $100). The rest of the box you can build for anywhere from $500-$700, depending on what you want in it. How much money are you looking to spend? Are you familiar enough to put it all together? Have you read the newbie guides on the front page? Those tend to be very helpful.

[idgamerd]

Well I read them briefly. I intend to keep my sound card, video card, motinor (17") keyboard, mouse, speakers. Basically I just want new hardware like preccesor and stuff like that. I am willing as less as possible :) hehe but 1,000$ is the limit. I'm sure putting it together isnt that hard, atleast that wasnt my concern yet. By biggest concern is what case/motherboard and where to buy. I am just little scared that if I buy a motherboard on my own it might not fit a new case.. So can you give me maybe some links to good casses? Also I want to keep my system really cool. So what motherboard do you suggest? what chip for procceser do you suggest? Is it best to buy a combo motherboard or everything seperatly. :) that's it for now.

[Cooler666]

I built my computer this week without any problems, connecting everything is easy enough :cool:

[Wa11y]

Originally posted by idgamerd
Well I read them briefly. I intend to keep my sound card, video card, motinor (17") keyboard, mouse, speakers. Basically I just want new hardware like preccesor and stuff like that. I am willing as less as possible :) hehe but 1,000$ is the limit. I'm sure putting it together isnt that hard, atleast that wasnt my concern yet. By biggest concern is what case/motherboard and where to buy. I am just little scared that if I buy a motherboard on my own it might not fit a new case.. So can you give me maybe some links to good casses? Also I want to keep my system really cool. So what motherboard do you suggest? what chip for procceser do you suggest? Is it best to buy a combo motherboard or everything seperatly. :) that's it for now.

What do you plan on using this computer for? I'd hate to help you build a l33t gaming rig so you can just check your email and surf the internet. Nothing worse than wasted potential.

Which Dell specifically do you have? can you post pic of what it looks like, inside and out? That would really help figure out what you can and cannot salvage from it. Most Dells (heck, most prefab computers) I've seen have just about everything on board, which means you can't use it without using the mobo.

[idgamerd]

Well I want my rig for gaming :) Now i dont know what pics you wanted but here is what I made.. http://photos.yahoo.com/idgamerd2002

I have DELL Dimention XPS T700r

[Yodums]

Originally posted by idgamerd
Well I want my rig for gaming :) Now i dont know what pics you wanted but here is what I made.. http://photos.yahoo.com/idgamerd2002

I have DELL Dimention XPS T700r

What kind of components are in your system and what do you want as your future ship as in does any processor come to mind that you like?

Because Dell usually give out like TNT2 or something low quality if you don't ask for anything.

If you can sell your computer for the price which will go for lots or something off Ebay except monitor etc. A whole new computer would be roughly 700-900 Dollars then shipping so your looking to 1000. And you'll probably have extra cash from your pocket from that Dell.

[Wa11y]

Well, the links to the pics didn't seem to have anything. So I soiled my hard drive, and visited Dell.com. But I wasn't able to find your machine. So I'll just walk you through checking a few thing. It may help.

How tall is your case?
How many 5.25" drive bays are there?
What does the power supply say on it for watts?
Is it an ATX power supply?

Once we get these answered, we should be able to help you out more.

Looking back at your first post, though, I saw more info that I did the first time. Your video card should be plenty good. I still use a 32MB GeForce2 MX 400, and it's got plenty of beef. You sound card should also server you well. If you want to upgrade it anyway, go for the Live! 5.1 or the Audigy.

For a mobo, I would recomment the Epox 8KHA+, and about 512MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM. OS is up to you, but I still prefer 98SE.

Processor is really up to what you want to spend. Then 8KHA+ will run AMD XPs, so spend however much you want to on it. But just bear in mind: the PR rating (1800+, 1700+, etc) IS NOT THE ACTUAL SPEED OF THE PROCESSOR! That is just a comparision as to how fast of a Pentium IV it can keep up with. The 1800+ are 1.53GHz. Also get a good heatsink. If you're looking for a darn fine heatsink, go for the Swiftech MC462. There's a few different version. I have the MCX462. Skip had the MC462A. The only difference is the MC462A comes with a rheostat for turning down the fan.

[Yodums]

Originally posted by Wa11y
Well, the links to the pics didn't seem to have anything. So I soiled my hard drive, and visited Dell.com. But I wasn't able to find your machine. So I'll just walk you through checking a few thing. It may help.

How tall is your case?
How many 5.25" drive bays are there?
What does the power supply say on it for watts?
Is it an ATX power supply?

Once we get these answered, we should be able to help you out more.

Looking back at your first post, though, I saw more info that I did the first time. Your video card should be plenty good. I still use a 32MB GeForce2 MX 400, and it's got plenty of beef. You sound card should also server you well. If you want to upgrade it anyway, go for the Live! 5.1 or the Audigy.

For a mobo, I would recomment the Epox 8KHA+, and about 512MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM. OS is up to you, but I still prefer 98SE.

Processor is really up to what you want to spend. Then 8KHA+ will run AMD XPs, so spend however much you want to on it. But just bear in mind: the PR rating (1800+, 1700+, etc) IS NOT THE ACTUAL SPEED OF THE PROCESSOR! That is just a comparision as to how fast of a Pentium IV it can keep up with. The 1800+ are 1.53GHz. Also get a good heatsink. If you're looking for a darn fine heatsink, go for the Swiftech MC462. There's a few different version. I have the MCX462. Skip had the MC462A. The only difference is the MC462A comes with a rheostat for turning down the fan.

But his PSU isn't recycleable as Dell uses their own PSU w/ their own motherboards and the PSU has an extra pinning. The case that they have can only fit Dell mobos too.

[idgamerd]

Ok the pics are now.. I hope they are dunno why they went down.. here is the link http://briefcase.yahoo.com/idgamerd2002
I dunno much about computer or what a heat sink is =/ but I do know a diffrent mobo wont work with my case and power supply wont work with any other mobo =/
What do you mean 5.25 Check the pics maybe you can see them, I have 5PCI 1AGP.. but I dont think that is what you are looking for..

[idgamerd]

Oh and another thing I live in NY, USA and will probobly be buying my stuff online :) so if you know good web sites to buy the stuff that you mention let me know

[diehrd]

I am so lost here how can a case be only usable for DELL.

I may have misread but all a case does is hold components and the wires and switches on a dell do exactly the same as any other.

So why is it the case you have cannot be used with other hardware ????????

[phungilax]

I dunno much about Pentium 4's, and assuming that is what you want, i cannot help you out in the mobo and processer area. the AMD processors however come highly recommended from computer experts and overclockers all around.

I would definately upgrade on the ram and hard drive and other components except for the video card. you're video card should be fine for now, unless you are into high end graphic design or gaming, you should upgrade.

operating system....2k or xp

case....any case will probably do, just a personal preference type thing. just make sure to get a beefy psu to suit all your needs

good luck

[Yodums]

http://www.newegg.com is a very good online vendor.

die:

It is because they use different thing as they are an OEM company. Like their board will only fit in their case. Like you can't fit a slot computer in a socket.

[diehrd]

I dont buy that I just built 2 systems and used there cases.

1 gateway
1 dell

It is unfathomable to think thay have motherboards made to fit a unique case.Howerver a unique bios I understand but not a special way to screw it to a darn box.Or special wires for power.Or unique locations to plug in a mouse.

There called proprietary{OEM} but thay use boards from the same makers as the boards we all buy.I cant agree that case will only hold dell parts.

HOWEVER I do agree you cant use different generic parts like ram but the case aint proprietary. That is simply silly info stated to this guy/read his post he dosent say how he knows it but I bet someone told him that and it aint true.

[idgamerd]

ok.. I didnt mean to start an argument.. Basically I dont care about dell or anything like that I just want a new rig that's all. Just to confurm what wally set is Epox 8KHA+ good? Will it work with Athlon XP 2000+ 1.67GHz 3D NOW! (Socket-A) 266FSB Processor?

If I just buy both online will I just be able to hook it up? Or do I need more wires?

Next I want my system cool and I need a new case!!! Please give me advice on a case! Also advice on extra fans or what ever to install..

Thank's.

[idgamerd]

I got a better idea could someone from http://www.newegg.com/ advice me on what part's to get for my system? Like what case, motherboard, power supply, what ever! So when I get the stuff I can just put it all together and play? I will spend no more them 1000$ and I dont need a Video Card, Sound Card, HD. I would really apprishiate this!!

[71skylark]

Get an 8kha+ (make sure it has the +), an athlon 2000+ with a millium glaciator 2 heatsink, an antec sx1000 case, and a enermax 350 or 431 power supply (for the extra $30 the 431 is really worth it). Crucial PC2100 ram is the best available with 256mb for about $75 at the moment. This is the basic CPU/mobo upgrade kit. Use pricewatch to find the best prices and check the seller out at resellerratings.com before you buy to make sure they are good and reputable.

[idgamerd]

Just to confirm here is what I found. EPOX EP-8KHA+ VIA

KT266A/686B AGPset 200/266MHz FSB 3DDR/6 (32-bit)PCI/1AGP MOTHERBOARD for 97$

AMD ATHLON XP 2000+ 1.67GHz OEM SOCKET-A PROCESSOR
(what is this OEM I could not find anything under AMD Retail Box there where only going up to 1900 is that ok if it's OEM?) $ 263

SX1000 10BAY WORKSTATION SOHO FILE SERVER NO POWER SUPPLY (Do I really need so many bay's?) $57.97

ENERMAX EG465P-VE (FM). 431W Power supply for AMD K7 & Pentium4. Meet ATX 2.03 & ATX +12V 1.1 Version. Pentium 4 supported ! Compliant with AMD K7 80$ (I see many types of this one is this one good?)

I could not find millium glaciator 2 heatsink to buy anywhere did you mean that it comes with a mobo or seperatly? Either way can you give me a link, thank's!

[iggybaseball]

just built my 2nd computer this year. Take a look at my sig:)

[Wa11y]

Originally posted by idgamerd
Just to confirm here is what I found. EPOX EP-8KHA+ VIA

KT266A/686B AGPset 200/266MHz FSB 3DDR/6 (32-bit)PCI/1AGP MOTHERBOARD for 97$

AMD ATHLON XP 2000+ 1.67GHz OEM SOCKET-A PROCESSOR
(what is this OEM I could not find anything under AMD Retail Box there where only going up to 1900 is that ok if it's OEM?) $ 263

SX1000 10BAY WORKSTATION SOHO FILE SERVER NO POWER SUPPLY (Do I really need so many bay's?) $57.97

ENERMAX EG465P-VE (FM). 431W Power supply for AMD K7 & Pentium4. Meet ATX 2.03 & ATX +12V 1.1 Version. Pentium 4 supported ! Compliant with AMD K7 80$ (I see many types of this one is this one good?)

I could not find millium glaciator 2 heatsink to buy anywhere did you mean that it comes with a mobo or seperatly? Either way can you give me a link, thank's!

Actually, my roommate has that exact same case. I'll check out the power supply when I get home, but I think that case is just a standard ATX case. What you might wanna do, idgamerd, is look at your power supply, then go to a local computer store, and look at some power supplies there, and see if they are the same. If nothing else, you can swapout the power supply with a bigger one. I'd recommend 350-400W. Yes, you do need a power supply with that much beef. And that Enermax you found looks pretty good.

As for the case, it's up to you to buy it. First, like I said, do some visual comparisions to see if a normal ATX power supply will fit, so you can keep your case, just upgrade the power supply. I'll also check out my roommates computer.

The heatsink can be found at Millennium Thermal (http://www.millennium-thermal.com). There are a few other places to get it, but they're pretty much small time for now. But they're good heatsinks. It's about $35. Be warned: that thing is HEAVY. Pure beef. And they work well, and usually come with a pack of Arctic Silver II (I say usually, because when I bought on, it didn't.) And be sure it's the Glaciator 2.

And yeah, that's the right mobo. Just be sure to get DDR SDRAM (PC2100). SDR SDRAM (PC100, PC133) won't work in that board.

[idgamerd]

Since I am serios about upgrading I went and talked to my friend who has build a couple of systems. Well the items he recommeded made the price to go to total of nearly 900$ here is what he recommended:

ABIT KR7A MOTHERBOARD ATX RETAIL 300 ($116.00)

AMD ATHLON XP 2000+ 1.67GHz OEM SOCKET-A PROCESSOR (270$)

Silver Pro Gamer case with 400W Fortron-Source ($208.00) website is http://www.coolerguys.com/cpucool/alum.shtml

Thermaltake Volcano 7 ($23.00) website http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thervol7.html

Major Brand (Micron): PC2100 256MB (62.00)

Ok so any opinions? suggestions? Can I get anything cheaper and better? (I dont want cheaper and a little less quiality I want the best :P) Anyway this comes out to 679$ without shipping so like with shipping it will be like nearly 800$!! Please advice this is good stuff :P

[lonewolf1983]

sounds pretty good to me

[Yodums]

Originally posted by idgamerd
Since I am serios about upgrading I went and talked to my friend who has build a couple of systems. Well the items he recommeded made the price to go to total of nearly 900$ here is what he recommended:

ABIT KR7A MOTHERBOARD ATX RETAIL 300 ($116.00)

AMD ATHLON XP 2000+ 1.67GHz OEM SOCKET-A PROCESSOR (270$)

Silver Pro Gamer case with 400W Fortron-Source ($208.00) website is http://www.coolerguys.com/cpucool/alum.shtml

Thermaltake Volcano 7 ($
23.00) website http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thervol7.html

Major Brand (Micron): PC2100 256MB (62.00)

Ok so any opinions? suggestions? Can I get anything cheaper and better? (I dont want cheaper and a little less quiality I want the best :P) Anyway this comes out to 679$ without shipping so like with shipping it will be like nearly 800$!! Please advice this is good stuff :P

Hmm you can go better though.

Heres my suggestion:

Shuttle AK31 Rev. 3.1
AMD Athlon XP 1600+
Crucial/Corsair or Kingmax PC2100
Antec case w/ at least a 400-450watt PSU.
Millennium Glaciator II

This rig will save you tons of money starting with the mobo I think Shuttle is the best brand you can get for the AMD Now.

The price differs from the 1600 and 2000 XP alot and the 1600 will overclock very well and if you can settle for like a 100-150mhz difference and save lots of money I'd go for the 1600.

The case is up to you but I'd take an Antec with a 450 watt Antec PSU as Antec is a good name brand and you get what you pay for from them as well as their case are very well designed and very good airflow case.

All those rams are good nothing to say about that but their good.

That heatsink personally I love. Its quiet and its efficent and overclocking ready..



I don't like Enermax really they have 5v rail issues and I heard they aren't very friendly with Epox boards.

Yodums

[idgamerd]

I feel stupid asking this since i'm a total newbie at making compuers... but is a heatsink? Is this it "Thermaltake Volcano 7"?

[1Time]

Yes, that's a heat sink. I'm using an Alpha PAL8045. I think it can be bought now without a fan for $30.

[Beelzebub]

The heatsink is that large metal thing sitting on top of your processor to draw out the heat away from the processor. The fan cools off the heatsink, so the heatsink can draw more heat away from the processor.

Hope that helps :D

[idgamerd]

You make a very good point Yodums! It saves over 300$!! As a newbie I will I ask again just to confirm the mobo will fit the case? I like this case ANTEC Workstation Tower Model SX840; Antec Original P4 400 watt Power Supply-Retail. Also is the powersupply good for the motherboard. Another thing I started lookining at mobo forums and it appears that some people have problems =/ I dont need problems because I really hate sending stuf back... what other mobo under 100$ can you recommend? Also I'm going to get Athlon XP 1800 since it's only 30$ more

[idgamerd]

Ok I'm about to make my final decision please advice :)

Ok for the case ANTEC Mini Tower ATX Case Model SX635 with 350 Watt Power Supply (the only thing that keeps scaring that on all cases it say's "For Pentium 4" will it work AMD? Oh and is 350W enough? I plan to run cdr, cdrw, sb live, gf3ti200, althlonxp 1800, 512ddr ram, and some 80gig hard drive)

EPOX EP-8KHA+ VIA Apollo KT266A (VT8366A) 200/266 MHz Motherboard - For AMD XP, Athlon & Duron Socket A. Retail Box (looks like everyone is saying good things about it)

That's the only 2 things I have my dought about since the CPU (AMD Althlon XP 1800 are all standart, and cooler (heatsink) people already recommended)

[1Time]

The reason it says for Pentium 4's is so Pentium users will know if they can use the case; it doesn't mean AMD users can't use it. As you can see in my sig I've got the Antec SX635 tower and the Epox 8KHA+ mobo. They work fine for my set-up and from what your's is looking like it there's no reason it wouldn't work for yours as well. It's compatible with your set up and has enough bays for some expansion beyond what you'll be starting with.

If you're trying to save money and won't be into overclocking that much, then this is a good choice. However, if you're going to get into a lot of overclocking, you'll definitely want to get a larger Antec tower. I like my Antec SX635 tower and I'm not having any problems with the little overclocking I've done so far. However, if I were buying another tower, I'd get one of the larger Antec models since they cool better.

And, whether you overclock or not you're main concern with your power supply should be if it's listed in the AMD recommended power supply list found here: http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_869_1039%5e1053,00.html If it's listed here, then yes a 350w power supply is enough so long as you're not going to overclock a lot. If you will be overclocking a lot, then it would be best to be more selective with your purchase of a power supply.

[idgamerd]

Overclocking what, CPU? I never really overclock anything but I have the money and I WOULD overclock if it was worth it. The reason why choose that ANTEC is because I could not find any better case!! and ANTEC comes with a Power Supply. I seen some cases like LIAN-LI but they come without Power Supply and cost ALOT of money. Like I said I have money to spend but I dont wana buy a case for 300$ =/ Any case that you can recommend that is very cool and comes WITHOUT power supply?

[1Time]

Sorry, I'm sure you can find a case without a power supply, but I don't know of any. Here's some nice Antec towers but they have power supplies in them. I'd go for the black one with a 400w power supply. http://www.antec-inc.com/product/cases/sohoser.html

And, although it's twice the cost of the SX635, I can't help but think you'll like this larger Antec tower better, and you'll be better set to overclock should you later decide to. My opinion on overclocking: it is by no means necessary or even practical with an Athlon XP, but it is a nice little hobby. :)

[idgamerd]

It's good and all but it's too big, it has 10bay's!! I only need 2 bay's :P So I'm probobly going to go for ANTEC Workstation Tower Model SX840; Antec Original P4 400 watt Power Supply-Retail 140$

[1Time]

That's exactly what I said when I first saw it... way too big and more expensive. But now I wouldn't mind having it. Another thing, my SX635 is a good size if you want to carry it to LAN parties. Otherwise, sounds like the SX840 would be a good choice.