Okay, now I want to BUILD one!

[drdan]

Well, a couple of months ago I was on here trying to find out about the computers I bought on ebay. They all seem to be doing all right but I finally figured out that I could probably build one with much higher quality parts for about what I paid for these. It's probably my ignorance talking but it doesn't seem that hard to do. It also seems like it would be fun (hopefully I won't look back on THAT statement with a bitter laugh).

I am still woefully ignorant about what really makes a difference and what doesn't. I want to build a really fast computer to replace my 566 emachine at home. I think I want 512MB of DDR memory, at least 1.4Ghz Athlon, CDRW, DVD-ROM and an IBM 7200rpm harddrive. I currently have a PC Chips M810LMR motherboard with onboard sound and video with a 1.2Ghz Athlon and 384MB of PC133, running w2k. I am pretty satisfied with it actually, so I'm not sure how much I would need top of the line video and sound. This is for fun though so I want it nice. I'll run w2k or XP on it.

I was going to try to acquire the parts over time ( a couple of months or so)as I found good deals. Any suggestions on what to start with and how to determine if the parts are all compatible with each other? I want to keep it under $700 for the tower (I have everything else).

[ranchdog]

drdan....

Let's say you have made a decision on the case you prefer. It needs a
stout power supply.

The cornerstone of any PC is the Motherboard. Browse the Mfg's websites and determine which board really suits your plans. And needs.

Once the Motherboard is chosen the rest is easy.

You have the six P's in motion. Prior Planning Prevents P Poor Performance.

Luck.

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......Indecision may or may not be my problem......
...... Kickin' A Rock....

[drdan]

Does someone else agree that the motherboard is the place to start? If so any opinions on these two choices to go with a 1400-1700 Athlon:

Asus Via KT266 Chipset A7V266

MSI K7T266 Pro (MS-6380LE) VIA KT266 Socket A

What about DDR memory, is it better and is it worth it?

[JL275]

I haven't had experience with those boards but they will both probably suit your needs. About the DDR, with RAM prices so low it'd be foolish not to go with it. I've built a few computers and have gotten alot of my parts from Newegg.com. You might wanna check them out.

[diurnal]

Get the msi, i used both boards and the msi is better in my opioion. One the asus runs hotter and 2 the msi can take more ddr ram than the asus board. But they are both top of the line.Another the chipset in my opioion is better, via versus ali.

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Sledgehammer will save the day!