First build questions

scriptorex · Mar 26, 2013

Hi,
I want to build my first pc, I have an old pc that stopped working after a lightning strike that has been laying around for two or three years. I would like to use the case, dvd drive and perhaps the hard drive from it to save some cash, it is a compaq sr1630nx.
Since this will be my first build, I have a few questions;
What should I know about the fact that a lightning storm ruined this pc? Will the case be ok to use? Hard drive?
How do I know whether I should get a micro or regular atx board, I plan on using an fx 6100 or maybe a 4100, further, how do I know if the cables from the case will fit the motherboard, I am thinking of getting a cheap 880 board or possibly a 760. here's a pic of the cables;
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q316/lordariete/DSCF0046_zps5b463344.jpg
How do I know if the hard drive will work? I have read that windows from one motherboard will not work on another

I am also interested in overclocking for the first time, but i am not sure I should bother due to turbo, a 6100 is 3.4 and turbos to 3.9, I want to OK with just the multiplier, does it make any sense to do so, say OK to a safe 4.2 or so?

P.S. here's a link to the motherboard from the old pc; http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...roduct=1122478

And no, I do not wish this to become a get an intel thread.

snoogins · Mar 26, 2013

What are your plans for the computer? Will you use a discrete gpu? I believe there is a sticky that will give us answers to those and many more questions that we would need to help you out about.

Wolfshadw · Mar 26, 2013

Given the age of your system, it's possible that none of your old components are salvageable. You will need to check what type of connections your hard drive and optical drive use (either SATA or IDE). If they're IDE, you'd need to find a newer motherboard that supports those older standards (may not be possible). If they're SATA drives, you can use them in your new system. The hard drive would still be usable, but you would be required to also purchase a new operating system, format the old hard drive and install the new operating system.

Re-using the case may not be a good idea either. While the front USB cable connectors generally have not changed, the front Power/Reset/HDD Activity light connector likely won't fit a newer motherboard. Breaking out the individual wires and insulating them just isn't worth the time and effort.

If you do decide you're going to use the old case, count the number of expansion slots it has in the rear. If it only has four expansion slots, then you can only use a MicroATX motherboard. If it has seven expansion slots, you can use either a full ATX or MicroATX motherboard.

-Wolf sends

inzone · Mar 26, 2013

Because a lightning strike surge cause the Pc to become unusable there's a good chance the the hard drive and dvd are toast as well. While you may be able to use the case there is also concern with the wireing so maybe the best situation would be to start out all new and see where it goes. You have mentioned saving money so from that and your wanting to use some of the old parts I get the impression that your on a low budget and it would be a good start to let us know that budget so we can see what can be done.

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