Some computer build Q's

[Limited]

ok, first off, here is what I plan to be ordering:

mobo: CHAINTECH NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-152-049&depa=1
(yea, it's out of stock, wasnt when i chose it )

processor: Athlon64 3500+ Newcastle
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-463&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

HD: SAMSUNG 120GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=22-152-017&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

Case: ANTEC Life Style Series Black Case With 380W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-127&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

CD/DVD: Lite-On Black 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=27-106-932&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

floppy: Samsung Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-203&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

memory: Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-299&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

graphics: EVGA nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-130-214&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

Alright, first of all, I'm not even completely sure that the HD is compatible with the mobo, as the mobo seems is stating SATA2 in it's stats, but the HD is simply SATA. The mobo also comes with SATA2 cables. If these are compatible, will these cables work to connet the mobo and HD? (I'm not even sure what a SATA2 cable is and if/how it is different from a normal SATA cable.)

Second, are there any features of XP pro that I should be shelling out the extra cash for over XP home, which isn't stated on microsoft's site. I plan to mostly game, so I don't need things like remote access. Also, I have 98SE on this computer, would I be able to use this 98SE in order to use an XP upgrade edition(rather than full edition), hence saving more money? How would I go about doing that?

Thirdly, I chose the 3500 Newcastle over the 3200 Winchester, even though it is $33 more. It seems the 3500 has sufficient increase to justify the $33, but maybe I'm wrong. I don't really plan to upgrade, as I dont know much about it, plus my memory isn't too snazzy. So, basically, 3500 .13 or 3200 .09?

edit: If there are any flaws in my compnent selection, feel free to point them out, or any recommendations.

Thanks!

 

[Maxi]

NO UPGRADE WINDOWSES EVER!! Get an OEM version of XP home. Pro has no real benefits.

As for SATA2, I dunno what the differance is, but my guess would be that there is none.

 

[goss]

Limited that will be one nice rig mate! I'm going to get another 512mb ram so have will 1gig in total!

 

[[Matt]]

1. Sata 2 is backwards compatible with sata.

2. For a checklist of XP pro have a look here... http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

3. If you plan to overclock the winchester cores are the better choice as they can overclock more than the newcastle cores. If not and you can get them cheaply then the Newcastles are fine.

As for your parts selection theres nothing wrong with it. My suggestion would be to go for an SLI board to go with that single 6600GT however. A year from now you could buy another 6600GT when you have the cash for a free performance boost! More expensive initially but a year from now you could double your performance by adding that second card and by that time a 6600GT will probably have dropped in price by a half.

 

[Limited]

Ok, thanks.

Get an OEM version of XP home.

I will end up going with home. If I were to go with OEM, would I run into trouble with microsoft? I hear theyre being pretty skimpy when it comes to an OEM support. (ie. Thinking of making you purchase another copy if you upgrade mobo/cpu)

3. If you plan to overclock the winchester cores are the better choice as they can overclock more than the newcastle cores. If not and you can get them cheaply then the Newcastles are fine.

As is, I'm trying to decide between and 3200 winchester, and 3500 newcastle, but I'm having a real hard finding bechmarks that compare these 2 chips directly. With the 3500 newcastle being $33 more, it would be worth it if I don't plan to overclock. But if I plan to overclock, the 3200 winchester, whcih is cheaper, would be a better purchase. Is that correct?
Also, would my current memory selection be ok/good for OCing if I decide to down the road?

My suggestion would be to go for an SLI board to go with that single 6600GT however. A year from now you could buy another 6600GT when you have the cash for a free performance boost!

Is that something I could do down the road, and not be restricted by software or anything? (ie. Would the 2 cards simply act as 1?)

I see this card on newegg, and it is actually in stock:
ASUS "A8N-SLI Deluxe" nForce4 SLI
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-131-517&depa=1
It's $150 more expensive, worth it?

Thanks all.

 

[[Matt]]

I will end up going with home. If I were to go with OEM, would I run into trouble with microsoft? I hear theyre being pretty skimpy when it comes to an OEM support. (ie. Thinking of making you purchase another copy if you upgrade mobo/cpu)

I have OEM XP Pro and have no such issues. A total reformat will solve most things but of course after 8 formats you wil have to telephone microsoft for an activation key instead of over the internet.

As is, I'm trying to decide between and 3200 winchester, and 3500 newcastle, but I'm having a real hard finding bechmarks that compare these 2 chips directly. With the 3500 newcastle being $33 more, it would be worth it if I don't plan to overclock. But if I plan to overclock, the 3200 winchester, whcih is cheaper, would be a better purchase. Is that correct? Also, would my current memory selection be ok/good for OCing if I decide to down the road?

exactly right. The ram you intend to buy isnt really made for overlocking mind you. so its probably best to go with the Newcastle 3500+ as they can still overclock but not nearly as much as a winchester.

Is that something I could do down the road, and not be restricted by software or anything? (ie. Would the 2 cards simply act as 1?)

I see this card on newegg, and it is actually in stock:
ASUS "A8N-SLI Deluxe" nForce4 SLI
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-131-517&depa=1
It's $150 more expensive, worth it?

Thanks all.

Its a hardware limitation. The motherboard you originally chose only have 1 PCI express x16 slot so you cant do SLI mode with it. And it depends how much you wish to spend...