new system build

[averyroberson]

Ok ive currently got an old dell p4 1.6ghz, 512ram, geforce fx 5200. I recently planned on building another computer and bought a Geforce 7600 GT, I was wondering If i can use my old dell computers case, ethernet modem, pretty much everything but the motherboard, processor, vid card, and ram. I wanna buy a new motherboard, processor, some ram, and put in the 7600 gt if that would work to save me some money because im on limited funds. I dont know which motherboard, processor, or ram to buy. I wouldnt mind spending more of my money on the motherboard because i want something easily upgradable and that will last awhile. I dont wanna spend over $340 for the motherboard, processsor, and ram. i dont mind using 1 gig of ram for now since it is easily upgradable. i mainly just worried about getting a decent motherboard that will last awhile. I want to also make sure I will be able to use my other old parts as well.

thanks for the help guys

 

[Onus]

I'm not sure that budget is quite enough. The PSU in your Dell is probably not up to the job.

Here is an Intel option:

Case:
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068
No tools, front and rear fans. I've used three of the slightly cheaper Elites, and been happy with them; this is a tiny step up, adding a front fan that is optional in the Elite.

PSU:
FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX400-PN ATX12V 400W Power Supply 120/220 - 240v NEMKO, TUV, CSA, IEC, UL, CE - Retail $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104953
This one can handle your current system. A major GPU upgrade (e.g. to a 8800GTS) would need something bigger.

mobo:
BIOSTAR TForce TP35D2-A7 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138075
P35 chipset means it will support upcoming 45nm CPUs and the 1333 MHz FSB.

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail $121
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115013
Easy to chuck or pass along when newer, better, faster, cheaper comes along.

RAM:
A-DATA 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail $49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211064
This is 2x512MB. If you anticipate a near-term RAM upgrade, either do it now or change to a single stick.

Total without any rebates or shipping is $360

This does not consider the upcoming price cuts, and some of the items have rebates. An AMD option would be cheaper, but likely regrettable after the price drops.
This is also a minimum. If it were me, I'd want a bigger PSU, more RAM, and an e6x50 CPU, but that's more money.

 

[Onus]

I also assumed that the 7600GT you bought is PCI-X16, not AGP.

Most (if not all) motherboards these days have built-in Ethernet.

 

[averyroberson]

yeah the 7600 gt is pc-x, thanks alot for the help, btw what is the e6x50 CPU? ive been currently working everday to try to make some more cash, but i dont see myself getting much over $400. nice choice on the cpu, its exactly the kind i was looking at. i dont mind not having a top end cpu since they are so easily replaceable, and only a gig of ram because i can make 60 bucks and get another 1gig stick of ram, so the motherboard listed above will support high end quadcores as well ?

 

[averyroberson]

also what benefits do u get from having a better Power suppy? sorry im completely new to this stuff.

 

[Onus]

That mobo supports the new 45nm CPUS with the 1333 FSB. The 6x50 (6550, 6750, 6850) are the new G0 stepping CPUs that can operate at that buss speed.

As to the PSU, cheap ones tend to not be up to their specs (especially under real world conditions of temp and load), and are more likely to prefer not dying alone when they go.

 

[averyroberson]

thanks alot for the help jtt, im so new to this and am so confused 99% of the time.

 

[averyroberson]

Which 1gig sticks do u recommend? and do all motherboards have 2 or 4 slots for ram ? and im hoping to upgrade to atleast 2gigs by mid october

 

[Onus]

Most mobos have 4 slots, but some still have just two. Pairs of RAM can operate in "dual channel" mode, which is faster (3%-5%?). I'll check some RAM when I get to work in another hour and a half. I think there might be some threads here on choosing it; on timings and latency. I'm not really awake yet or I'd remember or find the ones...

 

[averyroberson]

ohh ok thanks, yeah i think ill want a board with 4 slots and eventually run 2 sets of dual channel for 4 gig total. but for now would it be faster to run 2x512mb dual channel? then when i need an upgrade buy a 1 gig stick?

 

[Onus]

A pair of 512MB sticks will be slightly faster than a single 1GB stick. If you can stretch your budget a little, get two 1GB sticks.

 

[gators1223]

ya and super talent 2gb are only $85 at newegg right now http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609226