Cheap Computer - Built to Experiment

[x86angler]

I've suffered with Compaq, IBM, and HP for long enough. I've decided to try this whole computer building thing. With some spare cash, I plan to build one heckuva cheap machine. No use spending alot of money just to screw up and break stuff, right? Figured this would be better to get me more familiar with the process. I also want to try my hand at overclocking. Cheap and dirty sounds like the best way.

What I'm asking from you experienced techies is, how does this system's compatibility look? I'm also wondering if you know of any good n' cheap cooling systems and/or fans I could stick in for some overclocking. Even though I plan on using the allmighty Google, if you do happen to know of any good online PC building or Overclocking (besides the pinned thread) tutorials it would be great.




Motherboard = PCChips "M811LU" KT266A Chipset
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-185-010&depa=1
Had some good reviews. 25 bucks. Supports PCI. Integrated audio.

Processor = AMD Athlon XP 2700+
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-342&depa=1
I don't need no 64 bit! At least not now. 2.17GHz clock speed. Includes heatsink and fan. "Thoroughbred"

Video Card = Prolink nVIDIA GeForce FX5200
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-108-129&depa=1
DX9 support... but no shaders! Just wondering: can I use a GPU that has a PCI-E x16 bus with my motherboard? It's not crucial, but if I can get shader support I'd like it.

Memory = Rosewill 184-Pin 512MB
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-223-003&depa=1
It's 512MB.

Hard Drive = Maxtor 40GB 7200RPM IDE
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-140-133&depa=1
I hear Maxtor is a good brand. Plus, it's 40 gigs for $47.

Case = DYNAPOWER ATX Mid Tower Case w/ 430W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=11-138-042&DEPA=1
Cheapo case that looks pretty cool, includes a power supply!
Dimensions: 7.8" (W) x 16.3" (H) x 18" (D)

CDRW Drive = Rosewill White 52X32X52 CDRW Drive
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-190-011&depa=1
52x...


Grand Total = $351.24 (w/out shipping and stuff, of course)


So, can I hook all these bad boys up?



-x86

 

[Sh0r_ty]

if you wanna oc then you will need a better motherboard NF7-S rev2 is what most people seem to have round here that and a mobile chip. and you might want to buy better ram if you want to oc but then again who am i to talk bout good ram lol im useing value ram and running it 3-3-3-6 1t at ddr474 (not stable in prime but can do doom3 so im happy) part from that all looks compatible good luck

 

[aj2003]

look at the mobile xp chips i dont know how much they are but they will o/c much further than that thoroughbred.

 

[x86angler]

if you wanna oc then you will need a better motherboard NF7-S rev2 is what most people seem to have round here that and a mobile chip. and you might want to buy better ram if you want to oc but then again who am i to talk bout good ram lol im useing value ram and running it 3-3-3-6 1t at ddr474 (not stable in prime but can do doom3 so im happy) part from that all looks compatible good luck

The NF7-S's are all out of stock. :-/

ty for the compatibility check. That's what I was most worried about. I heard Mobiles were great for OCing but....

look at the mobile xp chips i dont know how much they are but they will o/c much further than that thoroughbred.

I checked them out, and they're all OEM's with no heatsink and fan. :amazed:


Any ideas about a PCIe video card on that motherboard (unlikely probably), or cooling/fans?



-x86

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

If your overclocking defiantly get a 2400XP mobile, nubious has his competing hand in hand with a 3.8ghz intel, their's just a slight price difference (of a thousand dollars or so, whatever an intel is)

Overclockers need different heatsinks and fans, get an OEM and buy a decent fan \ heatsink combo.

And please, get a motherboard that will likely turn on.

 

[x86angler]

If your overclocking defiantly get a 2400XP mobile, nubious has his competing hand in hand with a 3.8ghz intel, their's just a slight price difference (of a thousand dollars or so, whatever an intel is)

Hmm... yes, let's compare prices.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-116-190&depa=1

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-400&depa=1

*laughs at Intel*

(p.s. How's that AMD look?)

Overclockers need different heatsinks and fans, get an OEM and buy a decent fan \ heatsink combo.

Heatsinks and fans seem to be pretty cheap.

Would somethin' like this work?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-114-009&depa=1

And please, get a motherboard that will likely turn on.

Suggestion?



-x86

 

[aj2003]

bit more exensive than the board u listed but ALOT better and top quality if ur gonna o/c

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-136-153&depa=1

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

That heatsink looks a bit wimpy. I believe the Volcano 12 are for socket A and their a great heatsink (got myself the Venus 12, which is a SKT 939 version)

For the mobile overclockers the Asus A7XXX seem to be popular as well as some of the DFI boards and the Abit NF7 I think.

Since I am not a socket A person, im not sure about the best mobo's for socket A.

 

[ekÆsine]

choose a different motherboard, it is the most important hardware in your computer. don't get a piece of crap like the PCChips "M811LU" KT266A Chipset.

if you want to save money do not buy an fx5200 video card and get the BIOSTAR "M7NCG 400. it comes with a built-in GeForce4 MX video card

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-138-234&depa=1

also you need a better power supply. $28 for both the case and power supply ...you are risking your entire computer with a cheap fire hazard

 

[x86angler]

So, that motherboard is a piece of crap. Should have expected as much, but I took a chance.

if you want to save money do not buy an fx5200 video card and get the BIOSTAR "M7NCG 400. it comes with a built-in GeForce4 MX video card

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-138-234&depa=1

also you need a better power supply. $28 for both the case and power supply ...you are risking your entire computer with a cheap fire hazard [/B]

Dang... thank you! This will be perfect!

Power supply: the mobo says MicroATX, so I'm guessing I'll need a MicroATX PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-154-008&depa=1

If not, can I go with somethin' like this?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-181-102&depa=1


About the heatsink and fan, how do these look?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-106-041&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-106-030&depa=1

Obviously I'm more inclined towards the cheaper one, but I sure as hell wouldn't want a fire hazard on my hands.



Kudos to all the help you've given me so far.



-x86