How about some suggestions

[BobbyB]

Hello!

I just found this site and it’s seems to be just what I need to get through my next adventure.
After a couple of months of contemplating on building a computer, I decided to try to build one.

I really don’t know the difference between a CMOS and a BIOS, but I’m sure I’ll get bitten by both of them before I’m finished with this project. In fact I don’t even know how to get access to my computer information. Would you tell where to find it.

I’m not a gamer and I don’t want to spend $$$$$ that is going to be wasted, but I do want a smokin’ machine.

I’ll be using the machine for copying movies, music and web surfing.

I don’t know the compatibly of the components when ordering parts and I hope you guys and gals can set me straight.

First the list of what I’ve already ordered:

1- Hard Drive: 2- Western Digital HD 250GB|WD 7200RPM 8MB WD2500JB
2- DVD Rec. Drive: 1- Plextor 12X DVD+/-RW Drive, Model PX-712A Black, Retail
3- DVD Rec. Drive: 1- Plextor Black 8X DVD-RW/+RW Drive, Mod PX708A
4- ZipDrive: Iomega Internal IDE 3.5inch 250MB Zip Drive, Model Z250ATAPI,
5- Floppy Drive: Alps DF354H21F
6- Card Reader: Atech USB Digital Card Reader/Writer INTERNAL/EXTERNAL, Model PRO-9.
These are the parts that I’d like to order this week but I’m confused as to what to buy---I could use your help here.

1- Thermaltake Case: VA3000SWA (At least a 2wk wait).
2- CPU: Intel Pentium 4/ 3.4C GHz 800MHz FSB, 512K L2 Cache, Hyper TT
3- MOBO: --- HELP: Need suggestions
4- Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy ZS Platium
5- Video Card : --- HELP: Need suggestions (I’m looking at Radeon 9800PRO 256 MB DDR or X9800 XT model.
6- Power Supply: I have no idea of what I need for a power supply. I would prefer to go a step higher than what I need.
7- RAM: I’m completely lost to what I should install.
8- What else will I need to get this machine up and running?

If you see something on the list that is not compatible with the rest of the list, would you please let me know!
I’m sure glad I found you experts.
Thanks

[PCgeek]

Ok Heres what u want.

First of all u don't want TT cases, they suck. Look into something made by chieftec, coolermaster, antec or lian-li
Second you might want to go with an A64. They are cheaper and faster. If you decide on the athlon64 I suggest the A64 3200 with a Chaintech NF3-250GB pro motherboard. If you decide on intel then u hafta wait for an intel guy to suggest a mobo lol
For sound I like the M-Audio Revolution 7.1, awesome quality. But you do lose 2-3fps in games for the quality, so its your choice, the audigy is a nice card.
For a video card, the Radeon 9800pro is the best value right now. the 128MB 256-bit core version goes for 200 beans. (Do not get the 128-bit core version, its a ripoff) or if you want the best, the x800xt goes for 425 at gateway.com, but there is a 3-5 week wait, plus you said you are not gaming so the 9800pro will be more than enough.
Powersupply I suggest the Aspire 500W, it comes with a window, it lights up, has plenty of power, and its stable as a rock. And all for 60 bucks ;)
For RAM it depends on a lot of factors. If you go with the A64 then you should get 512MB or 1GB of low latency PC3200, same for Intel if you are running stock speeds. But if you are overclocking get PC4000 or something similar. We need to know what ur getting b4 we can tell u exactly what to get.
I guess if you already have monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse then you got all you need. :)

P.S. - I hope I didn't come out as being pushy, I just like to make people see things from my point of view, I can't help it I'm sorry :(

<b><font size=7>WELCOME TO <font color="orange">PC<font color="blue">STATS</font>

[Doc Timbo]

man..that's some big wrting

[BobbyB]

Geek,

Thanks for the suggestions! Looks like I won't get any on the Intel parts.

Are the parts listed below the one's that you suggested? Do you see anything else I need.

Thanks,
BobbyB



1-Aspire Turbo Case Series 500W 12V Blue Aluminum Power Supply, Model "ATX-AS500-BL 12V"

2-M-AUDIO 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card, Model "Revolution 7.1"

3-SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800PRO Video Card, 256MB DDRII, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "ULTIMATE RADEON 9800 PRO"

4-AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Processor Socket 754

5-Chaintech ZNF3-250 nForce3 250 Athlon 64 Skt754 DDR ATX Motheboard w/Audio, Gigabit LAN, RAID/Serial ATA

[PCgeek]

Yep thats them. I just built a rig with that mobo and cpu, kicked @$$!!!
RAM I used <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-209-042&depa=0"> This PMI stuff </a>Its a 1GB kit, pretty cheap and nice timings if you are not gonna overclock.

EDIT- There are 2 nForce3 250 Chaintech mobo's. Just to clarify <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-152-042&depa=0">This is the one I'm talking about</a> Its more expensive than the other one, but its got more features. Especially the sound, the motherboard onboard sound uses the same chip as the M-Audio revolution. The DACs on the mobo are of slightly lower quality, but not something someone other than an audiophile would notice, you might just wanna stick with the onboard lol, and that way save some money ;)

EDIT(again)- BTW buy all your stuff from <a href="http://www.newegg.com">newegg,</a> its the best ;)

EDIT(once again)- Actually that video card is on the expensive side and wont be much faster, if at all at stock speeds, than <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-131-238&depa=0">This one</a>
Then again you will propably wantr to upgrade the cooling on it later so maybe <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-161-109&DEPA=0">This</a> would be a better choice, its not that much more...

[BobbyB]

Geek,

I took your very much-appreciated suggestions and ordered what you recommended.

The PIM Memory wasn’t in stock. I guess I’ll to wait on that unless I can find any place that sells it. I’ll look tomorrow. The case is also back ordered and won’t be here until three weeks.
I don’t know what you mean when you say that I should get additional cooling. Could you explain that for me?
Can you think of anything else that I may need? Like, wire or ribbons.

I have XP as an OS. Could you tell me where to go to find out what this computer has in it?


Thanks for the help.

Bobby B

[PCgeek]

Well I meant if u got into overclocking you might wanna upgrade your video card cooling, but that card comes equipped with all the cooling you need. The RAM doesn't have to be PIM, you can order something else with similar specs. Anything from Kingston, OCZ, Geil or Corsair is good ;)

[BobbyB]

Geek,
Thanks again for your help.
Could tell me where to go to find out what's in this computer? WindowsXP

[PCgeek]

what do you mean find out whats in that computer???

[gokusimpson]

I would have gotten a 3400+ instead of the 3200+. The 3400+ has a larger L2. (1 MB vs 512k)

[gokusimpson]

Oops. I did a little research and i did find out that there are 2 versions of the 3200+, a 512k L2 and a 1Mb L2. I hope you got the 1Mb version for better performance

[BobbyB]

Geek,

What I mean is there a place on this computer that will list the components that are inside the case, such as the parts that I just ordered for the one I’m about to try to build.


Ogokusimpson

The parts for my project have already been ordered from Newegg.com and you know their policy. So, what I ordered is what going into the box. I would have nice if you were a day earlier so that I could have watched you and Geeek14 debate all the pros and cons of each idem. I may have learned a little more that way.

Please don’t make feel bad by telling I should have gotten one thing over another. If I could have afforded it I would have bought the best of everything.
I'm going to need your HELP, not your should of bought this instead of that.

Thanks Guys.

[PCgeek]

Well you could go to the device manager, but you cant really get all the info. The best way to know whats in the case is to open her up and write down model numbers, then do a google search ;)

Sorry Bobby, I haven't checked on the 64's in 2 weeks, and whadda u know, thye come up with a 512Kb version lol, but thats no big, benchmarks show that the cache slash makes almost no impact on performance ;) Plus the 512Kb 3200 is actually clocked 200MHz faster, so if you got that it would be faster, But no matter they are both insanely fast ;)

[BobbyB]

This is the one I ordered:

AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 1 MB L2 Cache, the Only 64-bit Windows Compatible Processor

- Specifications -

Model: AMD Athlon 64
Core: ClawHammer
Operating Frequency: 2.0GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/1024K
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 754
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Packaging: OEM(Processor Only)

Model#: ADA3200AEP5AP

You guys have to handle me with kid gloves. I don't know computer terms or joggen. When you throw numbers at me give a part name to relate it to.

Thanks
Bobby B

[PCgeek]

The L2 cache, don't worry that's the right one ;)

EDIT- And don't worry, you will learn all about our "foreign language" We were all n00bs once dont worry ;)

[BobbyB]

I'm looking for a web site that sells neon lighting for the inside of my case.

Any suggestions on where to look for it?

Thanks

[PCgeek]

svc.com, xoxide.com, google search...

[BobbyB]

Geek,

I ordered my lights from Xoxide.
Thanks for steering me in right direction

Now I need to know if this is the right card for the router (Linksys BEFW11S4).
LINKSKEY 10/100Mbps PCI Ethernet Card, Model LKF-5100+


- Specifications -

Standard: 802.3, 802.3u
Data Transfer Rates: 10/100Mbps
Connectors: RJ-45
Bus: 32-bit PCI 2.1
LED: Three LED indicators(100/10, Active, Link)
Special Features: Optional remote boot function, Built-in FIFO buffers reduce overload of memory transfers, Support full-duplex function for send and receive

Model#: LKF-5100+

[PCgeek]

that will get the job done :)

[gokusimpson]

Sorry about the "buy this instead of that" post back there.
You got lucky on your purchase and good luck with your new 1337 rig!

[BobbyB]

gokusimpson,

What's a 1337 rig?

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

I need to buy a heat sink and fan for MOBO. --Chaintech--Zenith--ZNF3-250. What do you recommend?

I've already bought one that didn't fit. I would like to get the right one this time.

Thanks Bobby B

I expect to get started on this project new Friday, July 22nd. The case is due to arrive Thursday.

[PCgeek]

If you mean a heatsink and fan for the CPU then u want the <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=35-109-114&DEPA=1">SLK948U</a>

[Ginsu543]

BobbyB,

What gokusimpson meant by 1337 is "LEET" (the numbers represent letters), which is geekese for "elite" meaning "great" or "awesome." The same kind of language is used for your title, which is that gibberish under your name every time you post. It should say "NEWB," which obviously stands for "newbie." The gibberish under PCgeek's name means "MEDIUM GAWD."

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

I got a little rambunctious and ordered a heatsink/fan before I received your recommendation. The one I ordered is the Thermaltake # A1838. I hope it fits. If it doesn't I'll order the one you suggested.

Thanks for your advice
Bobby B


http://www.ateck.com/viewItem.asp?idProduct=453056699

[BobbyB]

Ginsu543,

Thanks for that bit of information. I would have never figured out what Gokusimpson meant with the 1337 remark. I'ts not easy being old and uninformed.

Thanks

[PCgeek]

yeah, well you should have waited. As I meantioned above TT sucks. I use the SilentBoost only cause it was a gift. I changed the fan on it though. I couldn't care less about the noise. I just put my headphones on and put on black sabbath really loud lol. But yes that will fit. It will be ok. The only decent heatsinks they have is the silentboost and volcano12

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

I need your expertise again.

I've installed 2 DVD Drives and 2 HardDrives. I also have a Zip drive that I want to install but don't have a place to connect it to. Do I have to purchase another card? If so, what do you call it?

Also, I purchased my case from your favorite manufacturer (thermaltake) and it has some outlets on the top that I can't find a place on the MoBo to connect them to. Do I have to buy a card for them also. If so, what would it be called.



Thanks,
BobbyB

[PCgeek]

They are called Hard Drive controller cards. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=15-104-214&DEPA=0">This one</a> should be fine. connect your zip on there cause the PCI bus is too slow for harddrives and such.
And I need to know what case ur talking about.

[BobbyB]

Thanks for bailing me out again. This is the case I have: http://www.thermaltake.com/xaserCase/tsunami/swa/swa.htm

thermaltake VA3000SWA Aluminum Computer Casepad

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

Another question: Since I've installed the Revolution 7.1 sound card will I also have to install the CMR (Chairtech Multimedia Riser)?

Thanks,
Bobby B

[PCgeek]

No, the multimedia riser is only if you use the onboard sound, you can leave that out ;)

Ok the connectors on top of the case are the same as the one's that are on the Cbox3, so you have a choice of using the case connectors or installing the motherboard's Cbox3. And btw I hate that case cause all they did is steal CoolerMaster's <a href="http://www.coolermaster.com/index.php?LT=english&Language_s=2&url_place=product&p_serial=TAC-T01-E1C&other_title=+TAC-T01-E1C+Wave%20Master">WaveMaster Case</a> TT sucks, so don't let them be your favorite manufacturer, they are just copycats ;)

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14

Actually that WaveMaster was my first choice but I couldn't find it with a see through side.

I'll put Thermaltake way way back in my Cranium and only pull it out when I'm desperate. This is my first time so I've got alot to learn.

I'll be assembling these parts over the weekend---Don't venture to far from your computer. I know I'll need help somewhere along the line. LOL---Many thanks.

[PCgeek]

I'll be here, I always am ;)

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

Well, I did it. I created a disaster all by myself.

I managed to get XP installed but that's all. Nothing else works.

Windows named my "C:" drive "I:" and won't recognize any other drive. I think I should have started by assembling a $250.00 computer instead of a $2500.00 one.

I hope that you can bail me out once I give you more information---I could bring it to the computer man but I won't learn anything that way.

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

OK, All drives are working expect for the Zip Drive for which I'm waiting for the controller.

Problem is now I can't get into windows because I have a missing or corrupeted file. ( hal.dll ) Can anyone tell me what my next move should be?

[PCgeek]

You should repartition and reformat your drives, then reinstall WinXP

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

You must remember who you're talking to. ( |\|3\/\/|3 ). How about a step by step of how to format my hard drive. Or, send me to a site that caters to Dummies.

It ( the computer ) says it wants to format in FAT32 file system and I don't want that system. Will I be able to reformat to get the NTFS file system back or will I be stuck with Fat32.

I wish I knew what the heck I did to screw up.

MESSAGE:

Your computer has NTFS partitions which may require large drive support.
If you are using another operating system, such as Windows NT, which support large drives you should enable treating these partitions as large. NOTE: If answer "Y" and the partition display looks incorrect or a hang or crash occures do nothing, run FDISK again and answer N to this question.

Should NTFS partitions on all drives be treated as large [Y/N]? [Y]
Thanks,
Bobby B

[BobbyB]

My CD-ROM Drive won't read --- any suggestions?????

[Nova]

smak it, break it, replace it, it worked for me :P try looking inside your computer to see if everything is properly connected (take wires out put them back in) if it still doesnt work, most likely something inside is out of place (inside the cd-rom drive)

[BobbyB]

Nova,

I've already stripped it back down to the powerplant and mobo. It would read when I frist installed it. I tried to change the drive letter by resetting the CMOS and it hasn't worked since. The machine is newly build and awaiting WindowsXP to be installed again. The drive won't read the WindowsXP CD. Any suggestions? I know I can take to the computer repair shop but I wanted to assemble the computer myself. If I hadn't tried to change the drive letter---ALL would have been OK.
Thanks
l\l3VVl3

[PCgeek]

Have you tried clearing the CMOS??? Look into the motherboard's manual to find out how to clear the BIOS. Its a jumper that youu have to switch.

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

Yes, I have cleared the CMOS. I believe that clearing the CMOS is what got me into this perdicament. Any other suggestions? All would be appreciated .

[BobbyB]

I have a Chaintech ZNF3-250 Zenith MO with a CBOX-3. I can’t get the two USB ports on the CBOX to work.

Any suggestions?????????


Also, I would like to change my second hard-drive letter from F to D but don’t know where to go to do it. Hope someone with some knowledge can bail me out.

Thanks

[ADRAMELK]

I think you should start a little slower maybee.

Just hook the critical items first. CPU - RAM - HD - Video Card - 1 Optical Drive

Go through the manual for your MB and make sure all the jumpers are how the should be.

Be sure to have the jumpers on your HD set to master. Are you using IDE drives? I just read the last post.

Once you get windows up and running, start adding everything else one at a time. You'll feel less overwhelmed. :)

Heres microsucks guide to changing drive letters once youre in windows:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307844&sd=tech

[BobbyB]

ADRAMELK

I have everything running except for the CBOX--It looks as though I have everything connected correctly but the USB Port , Mike and HeadPhone jacks don't work. Any suggestion.

[ADRAMELK]

None of your USB ports are working? Or just the ones in the front. There is a review of your MB here:

http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Motherboards/Chaintech-ZNF3-250-Motherboard-Review/2/

Im not sure if I am reading it right or not, but it seems that you cant use two USB's at the same time as the flash card reader.

Are you using the onboard sound or do you have a sound card?

BTW I like that CBOX3, the code display is awesome, I'd never heard of it - its cool :)

[PCgeek]

No u can't use the front panel USB if you use the CBOX...

[BobbyB]

PCgeek14,

It's the CBox that I want to use---I don't care about the outlets on the top of the case. The wire from the top of the case arn't connected to anything.

I do want to use the CBox. Once I get the CBox operating I can close the case and start using the computer.

I hope you can help because I'm at a lose -- I went over the direction at least a dozen time.

Thank

[PCgeek]

I don't know man it was pretty simple from the manual. Just read closely and look at the charts. They kinda dlip things aorund in the manual a bit. Gotta look up connector numbers in the mobo pic they give u...

[Doc Timbo]

i know i'm late to this discussion... when Bobby says he's using it for 'music' does he mean using pro-audio software and producing/writing music?