Simple Questions for First Build

[WerdNerf]

Hello all!

I've been lurking for a bit trying to learn as much as I can. Tom's and this forum have been a great resource for my first build. I've been thinking on and off for about 10 years about doing a build, but for my last desktop I went for a new system, and for my recent upgrade I went with a notebook. Every time I decide on potentially building, all the standards have changed so radically, it's like relearning components all over again. I won't try to ask you all to build my system for me, but I do have a few general questions I was hoping someone could clarify:

1) Is there any logical reason at all for having integrated graphics if I already know I'll be going with a dedicated card?

2)As a first builder, will going for an open box MoBo confuse the hell out of me, or can I manage just fine with online support and resources ,meaning it's a good way to save $20-$30?

3) I've counted out MSI boards because most of the non integrated graphics MoBo options are Mini ATX form factor. Is that being anal? Practically speaking, does ATX really offer that much more flexibility down the road?

4) Is back compatibility a problem, or have issues cropped up regarding running XP, or older spec components in concert with newer MoBo's that are "Certified for Windows Vista", implying that they're built to run Vista. I have no plans and am in fact opposed to installing Vista. Vista came with my notebook, and I'm less than pleased with the performance, even graphically dropped down to classic mode.


I'm not necessarily soliciting input for my build specs, but I feel like I should elaborate on my needs:

I'm going for a build of an old Compaq system, probably transferring into an older Dell case if an ATX proves to be the tight fit that I expect it to be (plus I'm subscribing to the bigger is better mantra for the first build.) It's intended to be a multi-tasker: An office browser that can do light video editing with Vegas 7 as well as some casual gaming (some by me since I can't game on my relatively wimpy notebook). It's my fiance's machine and she doesn't need much, so I really am trying to keep the upgrade around $200 for the time being, adding more storage with a bigger internal, or versatile external HDD down the road in a few months. Here's the component list so far:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2.0GHz

GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX
OR
BIOSTAR TForce TF570SLI AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX
but leaning towards the Gigabyte for better layout and generally more positive reputation

OCZ NVIDIA SLI Ready 2GB ( 2 X 1GB ) PC2-6400 800MHZ DDR2

Foxconn 8500GT-512 GeForce 8500GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported

Any inexpensive 400W power supply

The SLI ready across the board is unintentional, but I figure it can't hurt. I'm really just harvesting the best bargains I can find while trying to maximize the performance to dollar ratio according to current prices, discounts and rebates. I'm planning on pulling the trigger in the next day or two so I don't lose the current deals and have to start scrounging all over again. ANYTHING will be an improvement over her 6 year old Celeron 2.4 and a GeForce 5700FX though.

Any input on the questions is welcome, and if you feel like commenting on the system as well --let er Rip!

Thanks!

 

[robertito]

Don't wimp out on the power supply, make sure it is a reputible brand.
The 8500GT pretty much sucks, there really no nice way to say it. If your budget can fit it try for something a little better like an 8600GT.

 

[iMAKEtheDEVIL CRY]

OK Please tell me your budget coz then i'll be able to hook you up.If you're planning on playing any game look away from that 8500GT.
For the processor you should go for E2160 and overclock it like F**K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116036

Get the Abit IP35 Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127031

Some good PC-6400 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134012

His IceQ3 HD3850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161216

Seagate 7200.11 500GB Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

Corsair 450 watt PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

Tuniq Tower 120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154001

Antec solo case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129018&Tpk=antec%2bsolo

That s a pretty nice pc for $608 inc MIR

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Agreed on the PSU and GPU.

@OP: What is your budget for everything?

Open box items do not contain the manual, cables, etc. They contain only the motherboard. I recommend you DO NOT go for open box.

 

[dagger]

Open box items are things other costumers RMAed for various reasons. The item is then briefly tested by the seller, and if it powers on, put back on sale as "open box" items. I wouldn't put too much faith in those things. People do get buyer's remorse, but still, most of the time, they will only return items if there's a problem. It may not be a fatal problem, and the mobo will still power on, but still a problem. Buy one and find out what it is and whatnot...

 

[WerdNerf]

The budget's in the first post, but it's kinda buried in the exposition. Budget for the components listed above is just over $200, and that's about as high as I can go. Cheap as hell I know, but it's not my machine, and I can't manage to justify talking her into going higher considering her needs. Even full retail for all the above, sans rebates and discounts would only be around $300

As far as the Nvidia 8500 vs the 8600- I agree and I'll admit the 8500 is pretty crappy, but the closest 8600 is $40 more than the Foxconn 8500, which is 20% of my whole budget, so I can't really justify it for extra 20-30 fps on Oblivion or HL2.

I'm partially treating this as a low budget learning experience, so I can go balls out down the road on a machine of my own.

Thanks on the open box sit. That's what I thought, but it's good to hear confirmation. I'll avoid open box.

 

[uguv]

Just a heads up - most Dell cases are not made for ATX boards. I wouldn't count on being able to re-use the Dell case unless you can confirm that it will work with an ATX or mATX board.

 

[WerdNerf]

Just a heads up - most Dell cases are not made for ATX boards. I wouldn't count on being able to re-use the Dell case unless you can confirm that it will work with an ATX or mATX board.

Funny I was just looking at that 5 mins ago. It's an old OptiPlex GX1 mini-tower (former university machine) with this heavy ass expansion card cage on the interior floor. It doesn't even look like BTX, it may be totally proprietary.

I realized last night that it wasn't going to work directly, but I want to see what the mounting options are once I get the old Pentium3 board out. It might still have ATX mounts on the inside wall.

The back's a different story. With the expansion card all the PCI slots are vertical rather than horizontal.

I may still be able to fit the ATX into the old Compaq case. I have an old Gateway to that might work too. Otherwise I may try and have fun trying to hack up the Dell case with a dremel. I do like the mini tower size for air flow, and the swing out PSU cage (if my PSU will even fit). I think it might be an interesting project. And if I wind up slaughtering it or it looks like a POS. and I end up buying a bare case, I won't mind throwing it out. I'll only save $30 or so, but I like to recycle and I enjoy the DIY challenge.