First time Build

[convo]

Hey Everyone,

I'm thinking about building my own computer. I been reading up on building comps for a few months now. I get a lot of it but there are a few things i'm not sure of. I have a few questions I hope a few of you could help with. I'm probably gonna use a 6400 conroe, 2gigs of ram and a 1900XT 512 Vid card. I'm really not looking to spend a ton of $$ on this since it's my first build. Also I don't plan to OC anything cause I don't know how=P

What would be a good MB for a first time builder? I read up on a few but is it better to wait till more come out for the conroe? If so anyone have an idea when new boards will be out?

I want to use my old hard drive and add another to the build. What do I need to do if anything to make this work? Would i have to reinstall my OS in the new hard drive? I'm sure i could be more clear with this but i'm confused myself so hard to put it in words.

Thanks in advance, I can figure anything out with a general knowledge but i want to be clear on this kinda stuff before I buy. Hah and please remember I really am a noob to this stuff.

 

[mikeny]

Fellow newb

I started my first build last week with the e6300. Is yours going to be a gaming machine? I tried to stay on budget but went a little over. Ive heard the Gigabyte 965p-DS3 is good to start with. I dont plan on doing raid or overclocking also. The DS3 is finiky with RAM if you decide on the ds3. The mobo supports memory with 1.8v. I went with corsair ddr2-533 (1.8v)

I did some mail in rebates with newegg also. I listed the parts and got the thumbs up:

WD SATAII 250GB 16mb cache for $67 (mail in rebate included)
Saphirre x1900xtx $329 (mail in rebate included)
x16 DVD-RW-R Lightscribe $39.99 (mail in rebate with microcenter)


And the one Im annoyed at because I missed the sale
$129 Soundblaster X-fi XM but newegg had a sale a week later for $71

Sorry, about the HDD's I don't know. I bought 2 new HDD's. Existing ones im not familiar with.

 

[NMDante]

If you're going to use your old harddrive, I'm assuming it's an IDE drive, then your concerns will be availablity of IDE connections, since newer boards are mostly going SATA.

As for a board, depends on budget. If you're not going to OC, then an Intel P/G965 chipset board will work. Or even the ASRock 775 will work.

I would recommend a fresh OS install after a build.

Are you planning on using your existing case and PSU, as well?

 

[convo]

Thx for the replies. I'm building a comp for gaming. I need to get a case and a PSU. I was looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119042 for the case. Anyone know how good this case is for a first time build? Enough fans to keep my CPU and GPU cool? I figured the extra room would only help me. Still not sure on PS. I was thinking a 500W plus PS? I have no intentions on OC so I guess the MB's you guys listed will do. Maybe I'll forget about the harddrive since my comp is about 4 years old. I might just grab a 250mb for a HD. I want to run the newer games coming out on full settings so I'm hoping a build like this will do it.

 

[NMDante]

If you're gonna run a bare system: CPU, mobo, video, 1-2 HDs, DVD/CD and soundcard, then a 500W PSU should do fine.

The case is pretty large, are you planning on adding more stuff or going H2O cooling? I have the original CMStacker, and I use it for my file server with multiple drives in it. And it still feels open and barren in there.

The ASUS P5B Deluxe is a good board, same with Intel's 975xbx, or any of the 975x chipset boards. The P965 is also very good, and has QC compatiblity, supposedly. Take a look at some of the review/comparasion sites for C2D motherboards for your choices. If you're not going to overclock, then the Intel P965 chipset should be a good choice.

The only real concern would be getting a decent PSU, and make sure it has all the necessary connections you need. Good with a brand name, Antec, Enermax, or PC Power and Cooling (if you have the cash).

Good luck with the build.

 

[convo]

I don't have to have a large case i just want a case that will be easy to use for a first time build. I don't plan to load the case up with stuff. I'm going with AIR cooling and maybe 2 Harddrives.

 

[NMDante]

I don't have to have a large case i just want a case that will be easy to use for a first time build. I don't plan to load the case up with stuff. I'm going with AIR cooling and maybe 2 Harddrives.

Well, the CMStack is overkill then. It's a huge full tower case, and it stands pretty damn close to 2 ft tall in height.

A smaller case is doable, for sure. As for air cooling, the stock HSF with the retail should be good enough, but if you get an OEM chip, you're gonna need a HSF setup.

Good luck.