Gonna build my own PC...

[Greekguys]

Ok, I've read enough articles and now it's my turn to build me a PC. I'm done paying Gateway where you change one freakin thing then they will not provide support...

Now here are my questions:
1. Does an Intel P4 with 400mhz have any issues with the Bus Speed on my Motherboard/DDR DRAM at 266mhz?
2. Am I missing anything regarding parts or compatibility?
3. What would you rate this machine as far as performance and upgradeability?

I want to thank those that respond to this very long topic in advance.

Detailed PARTS I've ordered:
CASE -Enlight EN7237A4Z ATX Mid Tower 300w. Additional 80mm case fan.
MOTHERBOARD -Shuttle Computer Intl. VIA P4 MBD P4X266 W AUD FOR DDRAM,Ultra DMA 100, AGP 4x, BUS Speed-266mhz, Memory-DDR SDRAM, 1 AGP slot & 5 PCI's, PROCESSOR-Socket 478/Intel P4, Chipset-P4X266.
KEYBOARD/MOUSE -Logitech Cordless Freedom Keyboard & Mouse.
HARD DRIVE -IBM DeskStar 60GXP 40GB Ultra ATA/100 2mb 7200rpm.
MEMORY -Kingston 512MB 266mhz DDR PC2100 REG ECC DIMM.
DVD/CD-ROM -Pioneer DVD115 16x/40x Internal ATAPI DVD-ROM Drive.
CD/CD-RW - ACER 20x/10x/40x.

Planned PARTS to order:
CPU -Intel P4 1.8GHZ PGA478 400MHZ FSB, includes cooling fan & heat sink.
VIDEO - MATROX Millenium G550 Dual DVI, AGP, 64MB, RAMDAC 360mhz, TV Support, DDR-SDRAM Memory.

Still Searching for:
Monitor, Speakers, audio card (although Motherboard has one). Already have new scanner & printer.

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Captain, steady as she goes...

[Jumby]

I may be wrong, but Pentium 4 board will not use PC2100 SDRAM. PC2100 is for an AMD system, not Intel.

[kenja]

Intel has intimidated the major motherboard makers from using a VIA chipset for the P4.

Greekguys, you buy the motherboard and then ask about performance and upgradability? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by kenja (edited 11-13-2001).]

[digger]

Why would you bother building your own PC when you can buy one ready made like this cheaper? I got this for about £380 inc tax and delivered.

20 x AMD XP 1600 Base Unit
256Mb 2100 DDR memory
40Gb (5400 spin) UDMA Hard Drive
32 Mb GeForce MX 200 AGP Graphics card.
3.5" Floppy Drive
52 Speed CD Rom
4X AGP Port for Graphics Upgrade,
On-Board Sound
56k V.90 data/Fax Internal Modem
2 x USB Ports
This is housed in a Midi Tower ATX case with 300 watt PSU.
Speakers, Keyboard and Mouse included.

To see a similar auction go to this address, the bidding is at £200: http://www.qxl.com/cgi-bin/qxlhome.cgi/EN/QXL/PR/U1009402657/_21019541

[honourableprawn]

On the topic of the sound card, Try a Video Logic Sonic Fury PCI, you should be able to pick up an OEM version for around £50.

or try http://www.scan.co.uk

For the money, in my opinion, you won't find a better card......

[YODA74]

Sounds like a good system make sure you have all your ducks in a row before you build good luck need help post here any time.

digger I think the point is that he's tired of relying on support from a mfg.which is usually very poor at it's best.And just the pure satisfaction of knowing that you have build somthing like this and knowing that when you finish it'belongs to you,no matter what the cost I can definatly relate to the poor tech support from Gateway I own one and NEVER again will I. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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W/Me (memory eater)
Me Help (http://www.webtechgeek.com/center_Frame_win_me_tips.html)
BUDS TS. (http://www.geocities.com/~budallen/whatsnew.html)
answers (http://www.dewassoc.com/support/index.html)

[scroatbagg]

My only suggestion is but all the parts from one source if possible so if one is DOA you get some support. It very satisfying building your own (I have now built one from scratch and rebuilt another) and getting it up and running the first time. Best of luck..

Digger

Buying from an auction usually means you paid over the odds, if you can buy from an auction site it normally underspec gear. Look at what he is looking to build then look at what you have, no sound card, DVD,Rom, CD burner.

[Jumby]

Sorry, I didn't realize a P4 motherboard used DDR memory. I thought DDR was only for AMD. Yeah, yeah, I'm a d.a.

[BigBlue66]

Hey,

As for monitors, look into the lower-end View Sonics. I have had no problems with them and they provide decent resolutions.

As for speakers, I have the Cambridge Soundworks Microworks; two satellite speakers and a big-ass subwoofer. Did someone say volume? Whew doggies.

Have fun!

Big Blue 66


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Life = Karma, or is it, Karma = Life?

[Greekguys]

Hey guys and/or gals thanks for the replies. I know I'm most likely spending more than I would if I bought an already completed system, but what I'm looking for is the experience and to have quality parts with good warranties.

I will keep you posted and when I need some more help putting this thing together you will hear form me.

Again...thanks

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Captain, steady as she goes...

[mjc]

Video Logic Sonic Fury PCI = Turtle Beach Santa Cruz...for those of us here in the States.

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[chall67]

Hello Digger,

Sounds like you got yourself a pretty good system there, I just have one question, how much is 380 pounds in american dollars?
Also, even though I tend to agree that sometimes your better off just buying a pre-built system, there sure is a lot of satisfaction in building one with your own two hands. Take care. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[rond36]

Jumby Intel started supporting DDRSDRAM when they found that Rambus wasn't going to catch on they didn't want to miss the boat if you know what I mean. Why pay twice the price for a slight gain in speed.

PS Thanks for email with the link to Norton's site http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Alright who messed it up this time!

[BigBlue66]

To convert Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollars, an average exchange rate of 1.4 to 1.5 can be used.

So, 100 Pound Sterling equals approximately $140-$150.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


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Life = Karma, or is it, Karma = Life?