First Time Builder

[Wicked15]

I'm building my first system on my own and I have two questions. I want to know if my specs seem okay, and I'm also having trouble deciding on a case.

This is the system I plan on buying:

Intel "D865PERLL" i865PE Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU

Intel Pentium 4/ 2.8C GHz 800MHz FSB, 512K Cache, Hyper Threading Technology

Kingston 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail

ATI RADEON 9600SE Video Card, 128MB DDR, 64-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP

Western Digital 120GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD1200JD

SONY Black 52x32x52 Internal IDE CD-RW Drive
(and/or)
Sony Beige 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive, Model CRX320E
(plus a floppy drive)

I'm considering this case: Linkworld Black/Silver ATX Mid-Tower Case with Clear Side Window and Neon Fan, Model "F3131-C2628-P4" http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-164-004&depa=1

Is 400W adequate for my system? Do I need more/less?

Any feedback is much appreciated!
Thanks!!

 

[GameGURU]

Yes 400watt will do. The system looks pretty good. If I were you I would go for another case

 

[Wicked15]

This case looks pretty sweet! I skimmed through the reviews....I shouldn't have any problem fitting an Intel board, should i? Also, what do you think about the video card? Can anyone explain the features of the video card to a newbie like me?

 

[GameGURU]

It is an ok card, should get you going for a year or so...bring your price up to $145 and get this one for longer use and better performance. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-131-236&depa=1

If the case is ATX (it is) and the mobo is too (it is) everything should be fine.

I will warn you though, not to use the Power Supply that comes with the case...stay with the one that you have and you will be fine. Case PSU's can be kinda cheesey.

 

[beedubaya]

Is that Kinston HyperX RAM or Kinston Value? Believe me, you don't want Kinston Value Memory, get HyperX.

 

[Wicked15]

I'm actually not sure, this is the information from the website: Kingston 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Kingston
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 3-3-3
Support Voltage: 2.6V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: 64M x 64 -Bit

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-424&depa=0

I've been working on getting the right parts for months while i save up the money I'm still in debate about the case...I'm not sure if I prefer a cooler looking case to a simple/sturdier case...

 

[GameGURU]

dude, go with the kingstonn, great and fast

 

[..>Lost<..]

I would go with THIS case and that memory is fine. I have the same and it runs great, you don't have to waste ur money on "HYPEr x" You it makes a difference but not that much. You won't be missing out, Oh and i thought they had both 3.0 models pretty cheap.

 

[Soloman02]

ok for the memory, get a stick of this http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-219&depa=0 its cheaper, and the timings are much better. for the case, if you don't need a jazzy looking case, get this one http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-150-017&depa=1 it has good airflow. for the "cool case" part of you, here is a good selection of them http://www.xoxide.com/allcases.html

Now, for the PSU, don't get one that comes with the case, get a thermaltake or antec. ( those are the two that i have heard of the most) I have a TT 420watt PSU and i have had no problems with it other than the connectors are very long, so that creates a airflow problem in a mid tower case ( easily fixed with some patience and alot of electrical tape)
here is a good one http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-153-005&depa=0 I can't remember why active PFC is good, refresher anyone?

oh, and I would not go with the case lost suggested based solely on the fact that it has only ONE fan. other than that, it is a nice case.

edit ------
NVM, after reading the reviews, it has 2 120mm fans, it is a good case.

 

[Wicked15]

WOW, that is a HOT case!! But it's a bit expensive for me, especially without the PSU...I think I may stick with what I originally chose...at least for now! ( http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-164-004&depa=0) It'll be a good few weeks before I start buying all the parts so there's still time to decide...