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Would this make a good computer?

M

Mike6789

n00b
Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
24
I'm not sure if this is the place for posting this. But I'm building a computer for my parents. and I'm researching parts for my computer. Right now I'm using TigerDirect.com exclusively for the parts. If you find something to be wrong or something needing change then please help me out!

I call myself moderately computer literate. I built the computer I'm on right now for gaming, and looking to get more practice in on building one for my folks.

Now keep in mind this computer is not made for performance but for word processing and internet surfing. So please no suggestions on any real beefy parts.

Ok well first, this is a replacement computer. Meaning we have a monitor, and speakers, plus keyboard/mouse and DVD drive. from the old computer.

Well first is the case.
Powmax Micro ATX case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=664836&CatId=0
-It comes with a power supply. I'm not sure whether to trust it so if you have a good power supply then please refer me to it! (also how can I tell if this case's power supply is a 20 pin and not a 24?) And I can just stick with the basic. If it has problems I could always use the one they currently use.
Now for the Mobo/CPU
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2297576&Tab=0&NoMapp=0
-and heatsink for the CPU http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=685519&CatId=795
RAM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=586829&CatId=147
HDD 1
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1645319&CatId=0
HDD2
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1175100&CatId=522
- This hard drive will be used for backing up files on the computer. Its at my dads request. And since I'm getting 2 hard drives those cant both fit into the Micro tower so I'm buying an HD enclosure.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1215794&Tab=0&NoMapp=0
As I said they have a Monitor, speakers, DVD Drive, amd CD Drive already so no money needed there.

Am I missing anything or need to change anything?

please note graphics and sound are integrated onto the mobo.

Please help me out! And thanks for any help. :)
 
I would get a different case. Powmax's PSUs are notoriously low-quality anyway (tons fail after only a few months). Although if you do intend to stick with this case, it is worth noting one thing - you CAN fit more than one HDD in it. Simply put the HDD in one of the external 3.5" bays but keep the cover on.
 
There really isn't any point in getting the 20gb hd. Spring for another 80gb or something like that. It is only another $15 or so and you get 4x the space.

Definately get a quality psu, it is always worth the extra investment.

And shop around for the parts.

www.newegg.com and www.zipzoomfly.com are the top dogs.
 
Alright! Thanks for the help so far!

I think I'll stick with the case and just find another PSU to use. I'm already skeptical about the PSU. With the parts I've shown you, what do you think its total amount of power that will be used and how can I determine that?

As for the 2nd HD in the case. Thats great to hear, and can save a little bit of money. Thanks for the info!

How would this be for a PSU?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1582830&CatId=0
 
I'm going to put in a vote for Newegg as well.

Take a look at Antec cases. Some of them (such as the Sonata II) come with power supplies which will serve you well.

Why are you getting another CPU cooler? A retail boxed CPU has a cooler already (OEM CPUs have lower warranties). If you have to get a 3rd party cooler, check out Zalman.

TigerDirect is notoriously bad with rebates. In other words, if you stay with them, forget about that deal as you probably own't see the $40 discount.

If you stick with Intel, try to stay with socket 775. If you want to save a little bit of money, go with a socket 478 with a Northwood processor, if you could find one. eWiz had a few decent processors at decent prices a while back, and might have some still. Socket 478 is old stuff. I built a system using socket 478 two years ago and a comparable system four months ago. Why? - because I had spare parts and saved a lot of money than if I went with socket 775. Since you're building a new machine, try to go with socket 775.

With memory, you may want to stick with reputable brands such as Kingston, Corsair, or Crucial. Also, you're going to want two ram sticks to take advantage of dual channel mobo capabilities.

As for HDs... the first one you chose is alright. The second is not, mainly because it was of 5400 rpm speeds. For similar performance, you can get a laptop drive and a smaller more portable enclosure.

Figure out a budget. Determine what an ok system will cost you. Don't forget to factor in a new license of Windows if the system it's replacing is a Dell or Compaq (etc.).

To be perfectly honest though, for internet browsing and word processing capabilities, you might want to consider getting a dell for them. A DVD reader is worth less than $30 these days, with a recorder about $50. Standard wired keyboards and mice are cheaply replaceable as well. If your parents have a CRT, it might be the time for them to upgrade to a flat panel.

My parents have a 17" CRT and keep it at 800 by 600 resolution. On a 19" LCD, they'd be able to have the same icon/text size but with 1024*768 resolution - a resolution that web sites prefer better these days. BUT my parents are really stubborn and sticking with what they have (a middle-ranged Dell).

I utterly despise Dell (although I'm typing this post on a Dell laptop), but their prices cannot be beat when it comes to general purpose machines. For enthusiasts, Dell offers lousy value, but for basic use, their value and savings cannot be beat. It's worth a consideration, and you'd be using newer technology at a much cheaper price.


Edit: No, you want an ATX or an ATX 2.0 power supply. Everyone has their own preferences as to which brand to use (I prefer Antec), but there are a handful of reputable brands to choose from. (Fortran, PC Power and Cooling, Antec, to name a few).

Also, when considering a case that seems to be very affordable, remember that in a lot of cases you get what you pay for. A cheap case will definitely be flimsier than a case from a more reputable manufactuer. As far as affordable cases go, Antec and CoolerMaster has several very affordable offerings.
 
Thank you for the long reply Stuey83! A lot of help there.

But I feel that some of it was performance driven. For one that I'm aware of the low RPM speed on the 2nd Harddrive. But let me clarify that the drive is being used soley for backup storage. Mainly just for itunes music and any photos and such. I just dont feel the need to get a beefy HD or a large one if its going to be used rarely and just hold information. And if it can fit in the second external drive bay then I will not have to buy an enclosure.

And I believe you when you talk about the tigerdirect rebates. i know when I built this computer I bought some of the parts off there with the rebates and mailed them in and yet to recieve any rebate. That was 4 months ago.

As for power supplies. I'm looking at ATX ones at the moment. Zalman is a bit pricey for what the computer needs to do. Although I'm looking at this coolmax one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817159011
now this may sound stupid but this would fit in the microtower sized case I plan on getting. correct?

Edit: Oh and I also forgot to mention the part about me getting a new fan with the processor. If you check the current CPU I plan to get, in the detailed specs it lists the fan as not included despite it saying so. What is that about?
 
It is always nice to have extra speed in your harddrives. Anything that you have to do on the harddrive will be faster. And it doesn't cost that much more.

80gig 7200 rpm WD harddrive

That drive has 4 times the capacity of the one you are looking at, and it is a 7200rpm drive for only $7 more. The difference is even less if tigerdirect charges for shipping.

There is absolutely no point in buying a 20 gig hd anymore. 80 is the bare minimum to get your money's worth (not even at then really but if you will never use the space...), and I wouldn't recomend less than a 120 or a 160 because you can get double the space for $15-$20.

If you get the 80, you can do full system backups if you want to. And it is only $7 (probably more like $2) more.

edit: Coolmax is not a good PSU company to use. Try one of these:
Fortron 180w microATX PSU $24.00

A quality 180w psu will probably be more than you need for this system. You might shop around for a better deal on shipping, but don't get the coolmax.
 
I think a celeron will do the trick for the type of computing they need. I dont need a high performance PC because the computer is lightly used by them.

I've updated the list of parts.

I'm sticking with the case http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=664836&CatId=0
But using this PSU for it (its the one that Tman1876 posted) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104981

As for Mobo I still prefer the one I chose but am looking into the other ones you posted.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104981
and for RAM I'm using
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145479 Forgive me for my stupidity but the RAM I have from Newegg now is DDR 400 SDRAM. What does SDRAM stand for and is it compatible with the current mobo selection?
I plan to use a 3rd party heatsink due to the hope of it being a quieter one, this one is the one I've chosen. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1504108&Tab=11&NoMapp=0
I have a masscool for my AMD 64 Athlon 3000+ I have in this computer and I'm happy with it so I'm going with this one.
And for the HDD's I guess I'll just get two 80 gigs of the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148095
Also I will most likely just buy an external enclosure as it would be more convenient for my dad as he could then back things up on this new computer as well as his work computer.

Now I'm still up for improvement posts but I also would like to know if all these parts are compatible! I'm sure they are through my research but as I said, I'm not a pro at computer building only doing it once before so I dont want to make mistakes!

Thanks for the help!
 
I'll look into it. I know Sata is out there and its coming to be standard but in my parents situation, they wont want to upgrade but keep this computer for about 4 or so years before buying a complete new one again. So upgrading and keeping to the current standards isnt really needed for their situation.

My main question is with the RAM vs. mobo now. Are they completely compatible?
 
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