2 replies to this topic

[Robbie.Knox]

Hey guys,

I'm kind of a beginner when it comes to hardware so I'm looking for some help.

I want to build a new system that I can upgrade, seeing as my current computer doesn't support more than 2gb of RAM or Dual-Core, so I would like to get a computer to last a long time. I was just wandering if anyone could answer my questions and perhaps check my set-up is all compatible with each other please? Now I've been looking for a motherboard that supports Dual-Core and AGP (as my current video card is a 512mb ATI Radeon AGP which I don't fancy replacing) and I haven't been very successful (only found several). Here are the components I'm planning on getting:

Graphics Card: Already bought. (ATI Radeon X1650 Pro)
Motherboard: http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/in...pe=ZXh0ZW5kZWQ=
RAM: http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs...A96A794A5CA7304
Processor: http://www.komplett.....asp?sku=331491
Power Supply: http://www.ebuyer.co.../product/102993

• Is there anything that I've missed out (other than hard drive, dvd drives and case)?
  
• I don't really understand dual-core, I've just heard that they're very good. I currently have a 2.8ghz Celeron. Is a 2.3ghz AMD Dual-Core better or worse than this? I take it the dual-core means that the 2.3ghz AMD will be more like 4.6ghz.
  
• Is there a huge difference between say a 2.2 ghz dual core and 2.6ghz?
  
• With regards to the case, will all my components fit neatly inside no matter what case is bought. I mean is there like an industry standard or will I have to check?

Sorry if my questions are very basic, everyone has to start somewhere.

Thanks a lot

Rob

[rc69]

Oddly enough, a store, tigerdirect.com, is actually quite informative when it comes this (i know because i recently built myself a new computer).
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...p?EdpNo=1645071 Other then the fact that, that is the processor i got, it shows a basic diagram of what dual-core processors do. Then, under "supported accessories" a little further down the page is a tips/tricks link (it uses non-IE compatable JS, so you may have to use FF to view it).

They're also hella cheap, bought all my parts from them

[LkuHomer]

Don't forget about your sound card, I didn't check any of the links, just because I am lazy right now. Some motherboards have sound jacks, but they aren't spectacular. If you don't care then it wont matter. Make sure you processor comes with a heat sink, if not, make sure you get one. Also make sure everything you get has the proper connectors. Make sure your case can be well ventilated, one thing that causes short life of your hardware is too much heat. Don't forget about your network card, if your motherboard comes with one, who cares. Those NICs fail in a short period of time, and NICs don't run you too high.

**EDIT**
One thing I forgot to mention. If you plan on swapping the hard drive with the OS on it, you may have some problems. Windows XP, Home and Pro edition, creates a hash value when sending the activation to Microsoft. This hash value holds the hardware data from your machine. If the hardware around the OS changes substantially, the hash value falls out of allowable limits and you will have to reactivate Windows.

Edited by LkuHomer, 14 March 2007 - 11:30 AM.