First Build, Seeking Advice on Components

[JS]

This is the first computer I've ever built, and I'd appreciate any
feedback on the components I've chosen. Does everything appear to be
compatible, and/or am I missing anything? I'll primarily be using the
computer for schoolwork, browsing the Internet, and downloading music.

Processor:
Intel Pentium 4 w/ HT Technology - 2.8GHz Processor
(2.8GHz, 1MB, 800MHz FSB, Socket 478)

Motherboard:
Asus P4C800-E Deluxe Motherboard
(Pentium 4, Socket 478, 875P, ATX, 4GB DDR, 800MHz FSB)

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE 200GB
(EIDE, Ultra ATA/100, 7200 RPM)

Video Card:
XFX GeForce4 MX440 Video Card
(64MB, AGP 8X, 2D/3D w/TV-Out)

Memory:
Kingston 512MB PC3200 DDR DIMM Memory

Floppy Drive:
Sony 3.5in 2HD Floppy Drive Internal 3 Bezel Colors Windows Retail Box

DVD-RW/CD-RW Combo Drive:
Plextor PX708A DVD±RW Writer
(8x/4x/12x DVD+RW, 4x/2x/12x DVD-RW, 40x/24x/40x CDRW)

Case:
Antec Super LANBoy Aluminum ATX Mid Tower

Operating System:
Windows XP Home

 

[DJS0302]

This is the first computer I've ever built, and I'd appreciate any

feedback on the components I've chosen. Does everything appear to be
compatible, and/or am I missing anything? I'll primarily be using the
computer for schoolwork, browsing the Internet, and downloading music.

Processor:
Intel Pentium 4 w/ HT Technology - 2.8GHz Processor
(2.8GHz, 1MB, 800MHz FSB, Socket 478)

Motherboard:
Asus P4C800-E Deluxe Motherboard
(Pentium 4, Socket 478, 875P, ATX, 4GB DDR, 800MHz FSB)

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE 200GB
(EIDE, Ultra ATA/100, 7200 RPM)

Video Card:
XFX GeForce4 MX440 Video Card
(64MB, AGP 8X, 2D/3D w/TV-Out)

Memory:
Kingston 512MB PC3200 DDR DIMM Memory

Floppy Drive:
Sony 3.5in 2HD Floppy Drive Internal 3 Bezel Colors Windows Retail Box

DVD-RW/CD-RW Combo Drive:
Plextor PX708A DVD±RW Writer
(8x/4x/12x DVD+RW, 4x/2x/12x DVD-RW, 40x/24x/40x CDRW)

Case:
Antec Super LANBoy Aluminum ATX Mid Tower

Operating System:
Windows XP Home

What about a sound card? Also, although you may already know this, I don't
think the case you've chosen includes a power supply.

 

[DJS0302]

What about a sound card? Also, although you may already know this, I don't

think the case you've chosen includes a power supply.

One more thing, does the processor you plan on buying include a fan and
heatsink assembly?

You'll probably get a lot of conflicting opinions on the components you've
chosen but don't let that phase you. Unless someone comes along and says that
one of your components isn't compatible with the others or if everybody on here
tells you that a certain product sucks then I would stick with what you have.
I'm sure you've already read several reviews for the components you've chosen
otherwise you wouldn't have chosen them in the first place.

I built my first computer this past Spring. I didn't want a super duper
computer, I just wanted something decent. Putting the thing together was
actually pretty easy. The hardest thing for me was figuring out how to connect
the front panel LED connectors and power and reset switch connectors to the
motherboard. For example, the reset switch connector was supposed to be
attached to pins 5 and 7 but I wasn't sure which wire was suppose to go on pin
5 and which wire was suppose to go on pin 7. Finally I found a diagram on the
motherboard itself that showed which pins were the positive leads and which
pins were the negative leads.

 

[me!!]

Ok

Ok

Id be tempted to get a maxtor drive or if youre flush a sata raptor
drive

Fine for most games at low settings and fine for everyday pc use

ok

ok

excellent choice if you intend to do karaoke cds, if not then id get a
NEC ND2510A dual layer drive for half the price. ( 8x DVD +/-, 4x
DVD+/-RW, 32x12x40 cd )
Not sure

Ok

What about a sound card? Also, although you may already know this, I don't
think the case you've chosen includes a power supply.

Sound should be buit into the motherboard, if not then if you can
afford it get an audigy card.

 

[JS]

Thanks for your help. The motherboard does come with an onboard sound
card. I haven't extensively researched power supplies yet, but I've
read a couple of times that 480 watts is a good match for this
processor and case. I'm still open to any suggestions on that, though.

One more thing, does the processor you plan on buying include a fan and
heatsink assembly?

Yes, it does. But good ventilation temperature control are concerns I
have, since I've read in numerous reviews how hot this processor runs.
The case I'm planning on ordering also comes with 2 fans, but I don't
have any prior experience to know if that will be sufficient.

You'll probably get a lot of conflicting opinions on the components you've
chosen but don't let that phase you. Unless someone comes along and says that
one of your components isn't compatible with the others or if everybody on here
tells you that a certain product sucks then I would stick with what you have.
I'm sure you've already read several reviews for the components you've chosen
otherwise you wouldn't have chosen them in the first place.

I built my first computer this past Spring. I didn't want a super duper
computer, I just wanted something decent. Putting the thing together was
actually pretty easy. The hardest thing for me was figuring out how to connect
the front panel LED connectors and power and reset switch connectors to the
motherboard. For example, the reset switch connector was supposed to be
attached to pins 5 and 7 but I wasn't sure which wire was suppose to go on pin
5 and which wire was suppose to go on pin 7. Finally I found a diagram on the
motherboard itself that showed which pins were the positive leads and which
pins were the negative leads.

Assembling it all will definitely be a learning experience for me.
I've already lined up two of my techie friends to help just in case I
get lost halfway through and decide I need to get bailed out of the
whole project! (Which hopefully won't happen...)

 

[DaveW]

It's a fine looking system, EXCEPT for the slowww video card you've
selected. I hope you don't plan on playing any modern games with it. (It
is a mis-match in speed with the rest of your system.)

 

[JS]

Id be tempted to get a maxtor drive or if youre flush a sata raptor
drive

Thanks for your advice. Are these better quality brands in your
opinion?

Fine for most games at low settings and fine for everyday pc use

That's pretty much what I figured. I'm not into games (at this point),
so I didn't see the point in splurging on an expensive video card. If
I change my mind, I can always upgrade.

excellent choice if you intend to do karaoke cds, if not then id get a
NEC ND2510A dual layer drive for half the price. ( 8x DVD +/-, 4x
DVD+/-RW, 32x12x40 cd )

Thanks, I'll have to look into that.

 

[)-()-(]

This is the first computer I've ever built, and I'd appreciate any
feedback on the components I've chosen. Does everything appear to be
compatible, and/or am I missing anything? I'll primarily be using the
computer for schoolwork, browsing the Internet, and downloading music.

Processor:
Intel Pentium 4 w/ HT Technology - 2.8GHz Processor
(2.8GHz, 1MB, 800MHz FSB, Socket 478)

I wouldn't get that Processor if that's what you expect to use the
computer for.

I'd get something like a plain Northwood 2.4Ghz .
They run cooler and I think quieter .

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-116-157&depa=0

 

[JK]

This is the first computer I've ever built, and I'd appreciate any
feedback on the components I've chosen. Does everything appear to be
compatible, and/or am I missing anything? I'll primarily be using the
computer for schoolwork, browsing the Internet, and downloading music.

Processor:
Intel Pentium 4 w/ HT Technology - 2.8GHz Processor
(2.8GHz, 1MB, 800MHz FSB, Socket 478)

Why? Why not an Athlon 64, or if you want to save money an Athlon XP?

Motherboard:
Asus P4C800-E Deluxe Motherboard
(Pentium 4, Socket 478, 875P, ATX, 4GB DDR, 800MHz FSB)
Why?



Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE 200GB
(EIDE, Ultra ATA/100, 7200 RPM)

Video Card:
XFX GeForce4 MX440 Video Card
(64MB, AGP 8X, 2D/3D w/TV-Out)

Memory:
Kingston 512MB PC3200 DDR DIMM Memory

Floppy Drive:
Sony 3.5in 2HD Floppy Drive Internal 3 Bezel Colors Windows Retail Box

DVD-RW/CD-RW Combo Drive:
Plextor PX708A DVD±RW Writer
(8x/4x/12x DVD+RW, 4x/2x/12x DVD-RW, 40x/24x/40x CDRW)

Why not get a Lite On drive instead? LiteOn drive are great and cheap.

 

[Moderately Confused]

Why? Why not an Athlon 64, or if you want to save money an Athlon XP?

Because some people like Intel. Why an AMD? Do you work for them? Is that
why you always suggest an AMD?

 

[me!!]

Thanks for your advice. Are these better quality brands in your
opinion?

I think maxtor are better value than WD, unless of course you want
super fast 10,000 rpm drives like the raptors

 

[JK]

Because some people like Intel.
Why?

Why an AMD?

AMD processors provide better performance at each price point for the vast
majority of applications. In Doom 3, it takes an $825 P4 3.2 EE to come
close to the performance of a $160 Athlon 64 3000+.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2149&p=7

In Business Winstone 2004, it takes a $250 P4 3.2 ghz to come close to
a $105 Athlon XP 3000+.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2065&p=6

Do you work for them?
No.

Is that
why you always suggest an AMD?

AMD processors provide better performance at each price point
in the vast majority of applications than Intel processors. Why pay
more than you have to? It is the reason that I advise people to
buy Lite On drives rather than Plextor drives. Plextor drives are
good, but LiteOn drives are also good, and typically much less
expensive. I also like to root for the underdog.

 

[Dave C.]

AMD processors provide better performance at each price point

in the vast majority of applications than Intel processors. Why pay
more than you have to? It is the reason that I advise people to
buy Lite On drives rather than Plextor drives. Plextor drives are
good, but LiteOn drives are also good, and typically much less
expensive. I also like to root for the underdog.

That's too simple, JK. At some specific performance points, Intel -can-
provide better value in terms of bang for buck. Take my last build, for
example. In the price range I was aiming for, I could afford ~low-end
Athlon 64 or a ~mid-range Intel Pentium 4 Prescott. Their performance (for
the ones in my price range) were virtually identical in games and windows
apps, which is all the intended owner of the system cared about. And of
course, since I had a specific price in mind, the price was identical for
the processor. Then I looked at motherboards, and found a really good one
for the P4 at fifty bucks brand new retail price. The closest (decent
quality) motherboard I could find for the Athlon 64 in terms of features was
quite a bit more ($80 and up).

So you can't just look at the processor performance and price. You have to
consider price, quality and features of a mainboard to match it. Only then
can you determine what is the best value, and that won't always be
MD. -Dave

 

[JK]

That's too simple, JK. At some specific performance points, Intel -can-
provide better value in terms of bang for buck.

In certain niche applications like video editing, they sometimes do.

Take my last build, for
example. In the price range I was aiming for, I could afford ~low-end
Athlon 64 or a ~mid-range Intel Pentium 4 Prescott.

Which two chips? Was it an Athlon 64 3000+ vs a P4 Prescott 2.8 ghz?

Their performance (for
the ones in my price range) were virtually identical in games

Did you look at these Doom 3 benchmarks?
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2149&p=7

Did you see these other gaming benchmarks?
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2065&p=8

and windows
apps, which is all the intended owner of the system cared about.

The Athlon 64 3000+ beats the P4 3.0 ghz in Business Winstone 2004
by a large margin. It even beats the P4 3.2 ghz Prescott by a significant
margin.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2065&p=6

For running business software, nothing beats the Athlon XP
chips for value. A $105 Athlon XP3000+ beats a $250 Pentium 4
3.2 ghz in Business Winstone 2004.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2065&p=6

 

[DJS0302]

One more thing, does the processor you plan on buying include a fan and

Yes, it does. But good ventilation temperature control are concerns I
have, since I've read in numerous reviews how hot this processor runs.
The case I'm planning on ordering also comes with 2 fans, but I don't
have any prior experience to know if that will be sufficient.

Are you getting the Intel 2.8E Ghz processor or the 2.8C GHz. processor? The
"E" version is the Prescott processor which from what I've read tends to run
hot. The "C" version is the earlier Northwood version which runs much cooler.
I have a 2.6C GHz. processor in my computer and the hottest I've seen it is 112
degrees F. (44 degrees C) It supports hyperthreading, has an 800 MHz system
bus, and has 512 KB L2 cache.

 

[Moderately Confused]

In certain niche applications like video editing, they sometimes do.


Which two chips? Was it an Athlon 64 3000+ vs a P4 Prescott 2.8 ghz?


Did you look at these Doom 3 benchmarks?
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2149&p=7

One game, no big deal. Every chip has it's own speciality. Some perform
better in different ways.

Did you see these other gaming benchmarks?
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2065&p=8

Again, no big deal. The difference in FPS is marginal, at best.

The Athlon 64 3000+ beats the P4 3.0 ghz in Business Winstone 2004
by a large margin. It even beats the P4 3.2 ghz Prescott by a significant
margin.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2065&p=6

For running business software, nothing beats the Athlon XP
chips for value. A $105 Athlon XP3000+ beats a $250 Pentium 4
3.2 ghz in Business Winstone 2004.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2065&p=6

And again, you are qouting only one bit of software, and it's business
related. Do you work for www.anandtech.com? How about an across the board
benchmark. As in the other thread you started, while the AMD 64bit line is
cheaper, in gaming when you raise the screen resolution, the performance of
the processor falls much quicker that that of a P4, as shown by the Doom 3
benchmarks.

 

[JK]

One game, no big deal. Every chip has it's own speciality. Some perform
better in different ways.


Again, no big deal. The difference in FPS is marginal, at best.


And again, you are qouting only one bit of software, and it's business
related. Do you work for www.anandtech.com? How about an across the board
benchmark. As in the other thread you started, while the AMD 64bit line is
cheaper, in gaming when you raise the screen resolution, the performance of
the processor falls much quicker that that of a P4, as shown by the Doom 3
benchmarks.

That is probably due to the limitations of the video card. Even in the higher
resolution, the Athlon 64 3000+ still beats the P4 3.2 EE in Doom 3.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2149&p=7

 

[Moderately Confused]

That is probably due to the limitations of the video card. Even in the higher
resolution, the Athlon 64 3000+ still beats the P4 3.2 EE in Doom 3.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2149&p=7

You missed the whole point. And it's still only one game that you are
providing benchmarks for... The performance rate drops much more that of an
Intel chip.

 

[Lenny Vaz]

You might want to check into the AMD processors, you can save some $$ that
way.

 

[JK]

Using an AMD chip isn't necessarily to save money, it might be to get
much better performance at the same price.