New project

[sassie05]

Please, will someone check on these components for compatibility before I place an order I will really appreciate your help on this.
Thanks in advance.

Ok here is my new project.

AMD Sempron 64 3000+ Palermo 800MHz FSB Socket 754 Processor Model SDA3000BXBOX - Retail
Model #: SDA3000BXBOX

ABIT NV8 Socket 754 NVIDIA nForce4-4X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: NV8


CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model VS1GBKIT400 - Retail

SAPPHIRE 100118L Radeon X550 128MB DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: 100118L

Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: WD800JD

LITE-ON Black IDE DVD Burner Model SOHW-1693S Black - Retail
Model #: SOHW-1693S Black

RAIDMAX Scorpio ATX-868WSP Silver 0.8mm SECC Gaming Case Computer Case 420watts PS2 ATX12V Power Supply - Retail
Model #: ATX-868WSP

Thanks again
AZ

[poppy]

One of the things I would be concerned about is the PSU that comes with it. I'm just a little leary of only 13A rating of the +12V rail. But this is usually the case (no pun intended) with less expensive cases. The other thing I noticed in the picture is that it looks like the I/O backplane is non-removable which could pose a problem for installation of the mobo.

[sassie05]

I forgot to add in the PSU because I think everyone can read my mind :D . I have ordered this PSU:Antec TruePowerII TPII-430 430W
for a project that was put on hold for awhile. So, I will have that on-hand. I have asked about swapping out the PSU's for a different model Raidmax case. Saphalline says no problem but, what about the case in this list? Also if you could recommend a case that would be great. I picked this case as this system will be a xmas gift for my 13 yo daughter. Thought it would be uh cool!

[poppy]

That's cool that this will be for your daughter! :cool: The PSU you have on hand will be better and I'll have some time tomorrow to browse through some cases and come up with some that may be similar just to give you some options. I just think that if the I/O backplane is non-removable that can be a hindrance if the ports don't exactly line up with your motherboard.

[sassie05]

Ok thanks Poppy
I took another look at that case and it seems the I/O plate may be rivited in??
I came across this case RAIDMAX Scoprio 668WBP Black 1mm Brushed Aluminum Gaming Case Computer Case 420watts PS2 ATX12V Power Supply - Retail
It seems this may be rivited also??
I look forward to your suggestions on the morrow! :)
Thanks again
AZ

[jlreich]

I could be wrong but I don't think they have made a case with a non-removable backplate for quite a few years(1995-6?). It just doesn't make sense to have one. Even for the big OEM's it doesn't make sense. It cost a lot more to manufacturer a case for each specific model that uses a different mobo but same case style, then to simply make a $0.05 per dozen custom backplate.

I will admit from the picture it looks like it is part of the case, but these things are so thin it's hard to tell until you get right down close to look at it.

I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure it's removable. If it wasn't they would have to list what mobo's it is compatible with. ;) Just doing the research would cost them more than the custom backplate.

Actually I have often wondered why the case manufactures even include a backplate when you get one with the mobo. :confused:

[poppy]

I went back and read some of the reviews on Newegg. One of the reviewers made mention that the I/O panel was not removable, but this was in 2004. They may have made some changes since then.

I downloaded the manual and this is what it says:

3.3 Motherboard installation
1_configure motherboard according to manufacturer
provided manual
1a_you may need to mount the processor and
processor fan prior to mounting the mother
board in the chassis
2_install mounting screws onto motherboard panel
accordingly
3_install I/O panel provided by the mb manufacturer
4_place motherboard accordingly on mounting screws
and align I/O panel
5_put washers provided on screws then screw in the
motherboard accordingly
6_plug in power and reset switch according to mb specs

[saphalline]

Yes, that backplate is removeable. I used one of Raidmax's Scorpio 868 series case for my brother's gaming system. I also used Chaintech's VNF4/Ultra mobo. Since the ports on the case's I/O panel and the ports on the back of that mobo don't match, I assume I swapped it for the one that came with the mobo.

For the most part, jlreich is correct, they don't make standard cases anymore without removeable I/O panels. It just wouldn't make sense. But there are still some OEM and thin client cases without removeable I/O panels.

I really liked that case for a value gaming system. My brother's budget gaming system came in slightly under $800 (not including monitor) - A64 3000+ Venice, that mobo & case, 1GB kit Corsair VS DDR400, GF 6600 GT, 160GB SATA hard drive, Enermax 465W (I think) NoiseTaker PSU, wireless M$ mouse (on clearance for $5), basic Logitech PS/2 keyboard, and WinXP Pro. I managed to time some of those items on sale or clearance, so the total was quite acceptable for his low budget (he's only 14). He paired it with a decent CTX 17" CRT monitor that he got last year for an old secondary computer, and used his hand-me-down Bose headphones (that cost $150 new! :eek: ) for audio. All in all, it's very powerful for a budget gaming system, and I was glad that Socket 939 fit into the budget once the sales and clearance items were factored in.

For Xmas, I'm getting him one of these (http://www.xoxide.com/12linespcoca.html)! :cool: Xoxide has all sorts of cool lighting gizmos and other gadgets. If it fits in your budget, I'd recommend picking something up. LED fans are common-place now, but 12" cold cathodes of different colors or even sound-activated are still rare! And for a case with a window, why the heck not? $15 gets you a cool night-light. :D

EDIT - Sorry, that particular page on Xoxide is really slow to load for some reason. If you have the patience, let it load then download the 4MB video file. It's awesome! :D Otherwise, here's (http://www.xoxide.com/coldcathodes.html) their full listing of cathodes.

[poppy]

originally quoted by saphalline

EDIT - Sorry, that particular page on Xoxide is really slow to load for some reason. If you have the patience, let it load then download the 4MB video file. It's awesome! Otherwise, here's their full listing of cathodes.
I don't know what the issues are but some of their pages have been really slow to load especially when you select to view all of their cases. The latter part of last week was really bad and I have broadband cable. Couldn't imagine someone with 56K dial-up! :eek:

They are just completing their move to their new facility and all of this is probably related.

So sassie05, go with the case if it is to your liking and it is not that bad of a price. ;)

[sassie05]

:cool: Wow :cool: I may just need to pick that up. The lighting is way cool! So is the caffine ;) .
Thanks for all your help everyone. I will be ordering parts today. I think I may go with the more expensive case in my previous post!
Thanks everyone
AZ

[sassie05]

:D UPdate: Components ordered! :D

[poppy]

Great! :cool: Did you order any of the caffeine products from Xoxide so you can stay awake through the night as you assemble the system? :D

[saphalline]

Candy is always helpful, too. Not chocolate, though, that makes your fingers icky. I like Starburst and Skittles and stuff like that. M&M's are safe because the chocolate is surrounded by a candy coating. Or licorice. Or cake, because you can eat it with a fork and keep your fingers clean. But not pizza! Pizza is bad for computer components! Pizza comes during the Windows install, not during the hardware assembly.

A full complement of screwdrivers is handy, too. Philips, regular, and torx - of various sizes. Magnetic ones are the most handy. Pliers sometimes come in handy, but you don't need them. And of course I never run any computer without at least a surge protector, preferably a UPS.

Any more builder's tips out there? ;)

[hockey man]

Magnetic ones are the most handy.

How does magnetic screwdrivers and hds go together?

[saphalline]

How does magnetic screwdrivers and hds go together?As long as nothing is plugged in and turned on, magnetic screwdrivers are perfectly safe for all computer components. Floppy disks are another matter, but HD's are shielded and the media itself (which is now coated glass platters) is much more resilient than the plastic crap inside a floppy disk. Remember that hard drives can operate just fine inside a computer, even with all those wires and potential RF noise, and even considering that HD's today can store up to 500GB of data on a total surface area far less than a small pizza! :eek: That level of accuracy at modern speeds of 50-70MB/s would be impossible if HD's were so sensitive that a magnetic screwdriver could corrupt the data when the HD is off. So magnetic screwdrivers are perfectly safe.

[sassie05]

Thanks evryone :)
please keep the tips coming :cool:
A long time ago, when No-Doz first came on the market. I had bought a box and took, I think half of them, made me soooo sick! I may not order caffine :p .
Question about using anti static mats; ok to use one under my feet and over the carpet?
Thanks
AZ :)

[hockey man]

Thanks Saphalline. I learn something new every time I visit.

[sassie05]

Here is an update!
I have completed my frist build. Everything seems to be running great.
Big thanks to everyone for all your help.
My daughter is a very happy camper. She is loving her early Xmas gift. She doesn't know of the rest of the presents that will go along with her PC, an LCD, wireless networking and a very small desk for her very small room.
This was a great project and learning experience for my research assingment.
Again, thank you all very much for your help.
AZ

[poppy]

Your welcome and I think that's why we are all here - to help and share our ups and downs in the PC world. :)

Cool! :cool: Glad your first build went well and again what a nice gift for your daughter!

[saphalline]

Awesome!! First build done! It's the most difficult one. :D

And for your daughter, no less! :eek: What's she gonna use it for? Games and chatting online with boys? ;) Just make sure she does a little homework, too!

So what sort of lighting extras did you end up getting? Cold cathodes? UV reactive cables? A cheap 60W bulb? :p Haha!

[sassie05]

You hit it on the head. Games, chat etc.
Nah, I did not get any extra light effects for her I need to save up funds for the rest of the stuff to go with it, the new screen, wireless network (so we can move her rig into her room), and the desk. She is excited about her PC. When she gets the rest of goodies for xmas we will never see her. Hmmmm not a bad plan after all, hee hee.
Thanks
AZ

[saphalline]

Hey, here's an idea! Show her the cool lighting stuff on Xoxide and ask her is she wants to buy anything!

Hehe, I can see her thought bubble now... "Cute new skirt or cold cathode? Hmmm...." :D

Oh man, she's going to go crazy when you roll out the rest of the goodies! What are you going to do, set it up for her to find when she comes home from school? Just be ready with those ear plugs. ;) Screeching girls... ugh...

[sassie05]

Hmmmmmmm cool lights, I like it.(Her reaction)
She'll get to open up the rest of the goodies on Xmas day.