building a computer

[PunkSktBrdr01]

I'm planning on building my next computer myself, and I've never done this before. I selected a bunch of parts on NewEgg, but I'm not sure if I have everything I need, and if it's all compatible. Also, I'm not sure whether to get Linux or Windows. I've never used Linux, but I'm getting into C, and I hear Linux is excellent for programming. Here's a link to my NewEgg wishlist:

http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishHistoryReview.asp?position=HISTORY&submit=VIEW&ID=356199

Thanks!

[PeOfEo]

Use windows xp. If you want you can get linux later but I would suggest keeping it on a separate hd.
Ok I suggesting using an intel system but thats my preference here are my suggestions for power can bang for your buck.
Mother Board: 64 bucks
http://secure.newegg.com/app/specification.asp?item=13-130-429 http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=13-130-429-05.JPG/13-130-429-03.JPG/13-130-429-04.JPG/13-130-429-02.JPG
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=11-144-001&DEPA=1 (I use this case myself it is very nice, very easy to get into and it is sturdy and cheap too, mine is blue though)
Processor: 182 bucks, this is a very nice processor though it is worth the cash. It is the last one on the 2.4 ghz pentium 4 list
Intel Pentium 4 / 2.4CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB - RETAIL
Specifications:
CPU: 2.4GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 800 Mhz
Socket: 478
Retail box (with Heatsink and Fan)
3-year MFG. Warranty- Model#: BX80532PG2400D
Ram: I would go to a local store for this, I generally buy samsung or something because it is pretty good and it is cheap. Kingston is good ram though you might consider them.
other good sites for you to look at
www.xoxide.com-The have nice cases and modding gear as well as cheap power supplies. I got mine from them for 25 bucks, had it forever its a 350 watt.
www.googlegear.com (I think they changed names)
I would get something like a ti4200 nvidia video card because they are only 120 bucks (ish) and they are better then a fx 5200 etc, they are a very good card for the price. Make sure it has 128mb ram though.
As you can see I try to be as cost effective as possible, I am a bargain hunter. The only thing I really splurge on is the processor. That is very good processor though, extreamly fast. I am saving so I can buy that right now. That mother board is what I am running now and as I said that case is what I use now, but in a different color. I also have a ti4200 video card.

[MotherNatrsSon]

Do not do Windoze if you can help it. Use it until you know Linux and then trash it, but only if you have to.......

MNS

[PeOfEo]

Originally posted by MotherNatrsSon
Do not do Windoze if you can help it. Use it until you know Linux and then trash it, but only if you have to.......

MNS what are you talking about? Yea try to game or do anything practical on linux. It is possible but it is a huge pain in the butt. Windows is the best thing out there, and I don't like how everyone trashes them. Windows is the most stable, easiest to use, and the most universtal. Linux has one thing on windows and that is speed and the reason for that is because it uses a whole lot less code because it is not designed to be as universal as windows (In a nut shell). Linux is fun to play with but you should definatly have windows.

[MotherNatrsSon]

Like I said, only IF you have to. And IF you know what you are doing, YOU DON"T have to......

Get a MAC I can run widows on my MAC with virtual PC and do anything a PC can do plus have a whole lot more secure and stable environment than Windoze ever will be and run Linux too.....

MNS

[starrwriter]

I suppose it depends on how talented you are with electronics, but a friend who built his own computer had nothing but trouble with it and swears he will never do it again. With prices as low as $400 for a complete system with monitor, you won't save that much money.

[pcbhall]

wow, a heated debate over linux vs windows. excellent.
Both have their benefits.
I agree stick with windows but learn linux. The time is drawing nigh for windows. Linux is coming of age.
Be aware though, building a new system you may, okay almost probably, will have problems with drivers for the hardware since linux is a little behind it that respect although manufacturers are catching on. dont be surprised if something doesnt work.
As far as building your own system, hands down go for it.
You can get a better system doing it yourself. You leave the door open wider for upgrading in the future. Plus you wont have to deal with all of that pre packaged bull@#$% software dell and everyone else jams down your throat. Re installing the os with that crap sucks, you spend more time going back and removing all the bloat. I sincerely believe you can get a better system and more bang for the buck by doing it yourself. Be careful, and read the manual. Dont be afraid to ask questions. it will save you much heartache in the future.

Good Luck.
pcbhall

[PunkSktBrdr01]

Okay, I think I'll go with Linux. I need the speed, and I'm getting sick of Windows. I added SuSE Linux 9 to my wish list. I checked out the SuSE site, and it says they have a lot of drivers, so that shouldn't be a problem. Now I'm just worried about hardware compatability. Can someone tell me if all of the hardware in my wish list is compatable? The link is in my first post.

[DaveSW]

I don't usually use p4s - I prefer AMD, but I think the system would work. However, you do have some potential imbalances in there...

P4 chip has FSB 800
Your mobo only supports 533/400. So you're running slower before you start. It's probably worthwhile switching to PeOfEo's mobo, which supports the 800 FSB. Also the sis chipsets are supposed to be better.

So, maybe ddr400 memory would be better. However, I have heard a number of people complaining ddr400 chips are unstable. Usual reasons for instability are overheating, so you might wish to consider getting a memory cooling kit.

Aside from that it's mostly personal preferences - like the graphics card. Bear in mind that slightly older technologies are cheaper and probably better developed. Basically you want a GeForce or a Radeon.

my 2p (we don't have cents over here!)

[PeOfEo]

Originally posted by MotherNatrsSon
Like I said, only IF you have to. And IF you know what you are doing, YOU DON"T have to......

Get a MAC I can run widows on my MAC with virtual PC and do anything a PC can do plus have a whole lot more secure and stable environment than Windoze ever will be and run Linux too.....

MNS Oh wow great, but you can't play any windows games with virtual pc. Virtual pc is basically an emulator and because of that trying to play mohaas or counter strike or something will not work because the emulation lag will kill the framerates
P4 chip has FSB 800
Your mobo only supports 533/400. So you're running slower before you start. It's probably worthwhile switching to PeOfEo's mobo, which supports the 800 FSB. Also the sis chipsets are supposed to be better
My mobo is cheap too! Rd ram in my opinion blows ddr away but rd is not very practical because you can just load up on high speed ddr and get the same power for a lot less cost.
Now about the hard ware compadability, this should not be an issue in reality. Some old, old hard ware might not be compadable with windows and linux etc but I mean all of your drives your mother board etc should not be a problem, I have never heard of anything like that causeing problems. The only thing I have ever had compadability problems with in all of my experience was an old (1995) xerox printer, but it was crap so I basically through it out of a 2nd story window.