New Build - Questions

[CitizenCain]

First of all, let me say that I've done this a few times before, but I've been out of the loop for a while. A long while. The desktop I'm currently using is a 700 Mhz AMD something or other (or a blazing 0.7 GHz, if you prefer), and it was bleeding edge when I built it, if that's any indication of how up to date my technological knowledge is. So, for obvious reasons, I'm planning a new build.

But, because I've been out of the loop for so long, I need some advice, so I don't end up building something that Alienware might sell. So please, feel free to give me any feedback you may have.

Monitor: Got a 17" Samsung LCD during the Thanksgiving day sales for $200... 1280x1204, 8ms response, .264mm pixel pitch. Beats my old CRT, looks fine, I think I'll stick with it.

-------------------------------------------

RAM: 2 GB, SDRAM, Patriot
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220079

I honestly know next to nothing about memory. I've read that SDRAM provides a performance increase, so I thought I'd go with it. I know it must be installed in identical pairs, and that it's 184 pin memory... as is my desired Mobo. However, is SDRAM compatible with just any DDR Mobo, or do I need a board specifically built for SDRAM? And while I'm at it, should I buy a different brand name, or will this be OK?

-------------------------------------------

HD: I'm thinking about getting whatever brand name I can get cheap with all those manufacturers rebates going on until Christmas - 100+ GB (and yes I do need that much space) 7200 RPM, 8 MB cache, etc.

Is there any manufacturer to avoid? And do the larger hard drives still need that irritating PCI controller card in order for Windows to see the whole drive?

-------------------------------------------

Video Card: PNY Geforce 6800GS 256MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814133159

Seems like it should be good... and I don't see the sense in paying extra for a 7800, as I don't care that much about my frame rate anyway.

-------------------------------------------

Sound card: None/cheap, if Mobo doesn't have onboard sound.

My hearing sucks anyway. No point in paying for improved audio quality if I can't hear the difference.

-------------------------------------------

CPU: AMD Athlon 64x2 4200+ (dual core, Manchester, socket 939)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103547

-This is has a decent performance/price ratio, right? Or should I consider stepping down a level or two?

-------------------------------------------

MOBO: ?????
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813123236

This is where I'm stuck. This one seems to have all the features I want - a PCI-Ex16 slot, 4+ expansion slots, onboard USB and firewire (1394) and 4 slots for RAM, with a 4 GB max. I'm not going to be going for RAID, so I don't care about that.... but I don't want to pay more because it's on my Mobo, and I really don't want to have to screw around with a lousy BIOS... is there a better board out there for me?

And while I'm on the subject, onboard USB and/or 1394 connections don't provide the same craptacular performance that onboard sound or video do... right?

-------------------------------------------


Well, sorry for the long post, but I have a lot of questions. Hopefully someone will be able to help me, and thanks in advance.

 

[sbcirclepants]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136163

heres a WAY better mobo...http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136163

dfi is the best brand imo...some1 else here mite have a better choice of a dfi 4 u im not into the specifics/compatabilities lol