Building a first computer

[alex666]

I want to build my first computer. I have done a lot of upgrading to my present computer, having added a video card, hard drive, memory, modem, CD-RW. I'm not afraid to dig in. Okay, having done some homework, it seems I will get the most bang for the buck going with an AMD system using a kt266a mobo with ddr ram (I'm open to other suggestions if this assumption is incorrect). So, what would be a good mobo/processor/case combo for a first self-built system? What would be the easiest combo to assemble, requiring the least experience for success? Say that money is no object for these core components. Also, say that I want to start with an athlon t-bird in the 1.2 - 1.4 mz range. The system will be used for some gaming, work, music, and digital photography. I don't think I want to attempt a RAID system. I probably will add a 40 gig hdd and a reasonably-priced video card for starters (but one that's good), would prefer one that runs two monitors. I will have to add a modem as I live rural and broad band is not available. Sound card is not a priority at this time, on-board audio would be okay (but not on-board video). Mostly, I want as fast a system as possible but one that I could probably assemble successfully and upgrade the processor to maybe an athlon XP in the future. Thanks in advance.

Marty

[Gallaeglagh]

Everything starts around your case so you want to make sure it'll take care of your future as well as present needs. Basicly it needs a good power supply and ventilation. I wouldn't rule out a raid setup, you can get a decent performance boost nor would I rule out Intel's Pentium 4 especially if money isn't your main priorty. I have an Athlon XP but I just don't seem to trust it as much as my other Pentium systems for durability or reliablity.

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When in doubt search on Google

[fixrupr]

Alex,
Some companies have a history of releasing products prematurely.
This results in endless bios flashes, driver updates.
Therefore, do your homework before choosing a motherboard.

IMHO, a raid board is the only way to go. Having 4 IDE channels available is an advantage that is not often discussed here at the forum. Some of the problems thrashed out here would not exist if the system were based on a raid mobo.

I do not use “Raid” per se`, but only use 4 IDE channels aspect.
Used thusly, the only setup required was the installation of drivers to activate the additional controller. Really quite simple.

My first build was an Abit KT7A-Raid. With no outside help, I was able to get it configured by following the manual, and taking my time.

Only one more bit of advice. Gallaeglagh is right on target. Get a big case, with big power supply. Even consider a full tower, if space is not a concern.
The rewards for the extra $50 bucks spent here might not be immediately evident, but are many.

You possess a major advantage that I did not have on my initial build. You are aware of the PC forum, and the kind folks here, that will advise re any murky issues.

[ranchdog]

Alex...

What can I say. You seem to be pretty well versed about a PC.

The rub I have on building a P4 system right now is the upgrade issue.
Early next year Intel is going to market their new Northwood CPU.
And it will require another new Mboard as the pin array for the
new CPU will be different. Better bandwidth is the goal with the
Northwood. Not to say the P4 chips won't be around for a long time
but its a thought at looking down the road.

Its a crazy cycle. What you purchase today, you can give to your
kid brother tommorrow and start over. ie: The video and sound cards
to say the least.

AMD is going to market the new Hammer series CPU in the first quarter
of 2002. With the increased bandwidth support, etc. This CPU is
designed to fit present day Mboards because the pin array remains
the same as the XP/Athlon/Duron chips.

Setting up an XP CPU is no different than setting up an Athlon. The
XP is a tad more expensive but you'll get more bang for the $$. And
the XP loves to work with DDR. The performance/price solution
right now is the XP1700

Reliability should be high on the priority list with anything you
decide to put together. Naturally hardware that doesn't take a PhD.
to assemble runs a close second.

With all that being said here is my $.02.

MSI Mboard.... XP1700 CPU... Antec Case w/Enermax PSU


Good Luck. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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....How long is a minute... depends on which side of the Bathroom door you're on. ......Indecision may or may not be my problem......
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