First time build.... need opinions?

E

Eagle156

2[H]4U
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Jan 21, 2006
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I am planning to do a major upgrade from my current computer somewhere around October. My budget is around $800-900 and this is the first time that I will do a new build. Normally I would do an upgrade with just replacing the mobo, CPU, and GPU but I hate the case I have now, it runs way too high, it's cramped, and generally crappy.

Here is the computer I have now:
AMD Athlon XP2800
nForce2
Corsair Twinx1024XL 1024 mb RAM
ATI Radeon X800XL
Audigy2 ZS
Samsung 940B 19" LCD
Antec Neopower 480W
Z-680 speakers
120gb PATA Seagate HDD

As mentioned I have never done a full build, although I have done minor things like replace video cards, optical drives, PSUs, sound cards, RAM... But I have never installed a mobo or a CPU, so any helpful tips and guides on this would be helpful.

Here is what I'm planning to use:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 2000MHz HT Socket 939 Dual Core Processor - Retail, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103547 - $357.00

eVGA Geforce 7900GT 256-P2-N563-AX Video Card - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130281 - $274.99

Thermaltake SHARK VA7000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133143 - $169.00

Is there anything wrong with the parts I've chosen? Perhaps you can recommend another reputable site with better prices?

I am not sure what mobo to use... basically I want a good rock solid mobo with atleast 4 slots for RAM, onboard LAN, and the usual stuff. I have no use for SLI as I'll never be rich enough to afford it, and IMHO it's alot better to buy a new GPU rather than 2X older cards. I also need it to be relatively cheap...

The rest of the system will be recycled off of my current rig to save money. Will my RAM and IDE hard drive be compatible with these new mobos?

Will my 480Watt Antec Neopower support all of this? I really don't want to upgrade my PSU as I really like this one and it would use up even more $$$.

Also, I am not really familiar with the whole software side of this. Would I need to reformat after replacing a mobo? I really wouldn't want to reinstall all of my games. A step by step procedure for how to do all of this would be appreciated.






:)
 
The Neopower will be enough to power this computer.

I personally like the Asus boards so I'm going to recommend the board I have in my sig
 
I recommend a fresh install of windows when you build the new rig. If you dont want to reinstall windows, you can do a windows repair but you may run into problems.

Your PSU is sufficient. Your old RAM should work fine in the new board.

I have the x2 4200 and have been very pleased thusfar.
 
If you dont want to reinstall windows follow these instructions.

1. Boot to CD with windows CD in the drive

2. Let the program load windows drivers. When it is done it will ask you if you want to install windows or repair *note* at this point there will be an option to repair windows...you do not want this...this will launch the windows repair utility...which is something different.
 The option you want is [install windows] not repair.

3. It will show you that there is already a windows install on the harddrive. It will then ask you if you want to repair the existing windows install. Choose the repair option.

4. Windows will now start reconfiguring itself and reloading drivers for your new hardware.

The rest is self explanatory.
 
Thanks for the replies. What knid of problems might I run into if I don't reinstall windows?
 
Thought about picking up alitte more RAM just to be safe with the speed increase.
 
I have not run into any problems the times that I have done this. I have read however that if you are coming from a board that has a nvidia chipset and going to a board that has a ati chipset (or vise versa) problems can arise.

If you are determined to do this, boot up your old machine one last time and remove the chipset drivers.
 
I see your old PC has nforce2 and your new one will most likely be nforce4 so I doubt you will have any problems.

Good luck
 
I am going from an ATI video card to an nVidia one though. Would I uninstall the GPU drivers and clean them with driver cleaner then?
 
Sorry for the noob post but should he try an AM2 socket mobo......does wanting to reuse the RAM prevent the switch to AM2?
 
In October, things'll be different from now. It would be wise to evaluate your choices nearer the time you'll actually purchase the system.
 
Do you guys know of any good guides that show how to install a mobo/cpu/ etc. step by step?
 
454Casull said:
In October, things'll be different from now. It would be wise to evaluate your choices nearer the time you'll actually purchase the system.
Click to expand...


QFT, Conroe will be out by then, as well as other new stuff that would probably be better
 
LongShotHero said:
QFT, Conroe will be out by then, as well as other new stuff that would probably be better
Click to expand...

exactly why he should wait...I would suggest waiting to see, but consider the possibility of selling the ram as well and moving to a DDR2 based system, possibly conroe ;).
 
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