My sisters computer - again!

[bm]

Evening all - when evening comes this evening

Some of you may remember a while back I was planning to build a computer for my sister . I recieved lots of help for which I am very greatful for. I never did order the bits though! - Anyway Im ready now!



Those are the specs Im planning on ordering. I have a couple of questions though.

Will that be everything I need to build the computer? What other tools and materials should I have?

Would that be sufficient cooling? Just one 80mm fan and the PSU fan? If not I think I'd need a better case.

Thanks,
Birdman.

[ozzy72]

That should be sufficient cooling unless she puts it somewhere daft like next to a radiator or in a wardrobe or something.
You'll need a PSU! For some reason that ain't appearing on the list properly
The only other thing you'll need is an anti-static surface to assemble everything on. Best bet is to slice open an anti-static bag and balance the rig on it
Will your sister be needing internet access?
And err soundcard to go with the speakers?

Happy building
Ozzy

[bm]

The case comes with a 300 Watt PSU http://www.microlandtechnology.com/prod ... cnumber=99
I haven't a clue whether the bits'll fit in that thing as there aren't any decent specs around for it!

Will your sister be needing internet access?
And err soundcard to go with the speakers?

All fine for the soundcard - Mobo comes fully loaded with 6 channel sound. I think I have a pile of internet PCI modems somewhere, I have no use for them thankfully with broadband!

[quote]The only other thing you'll need is an anti-static surface to assemble everything on. Best bet is to slice open an anti-static bag and balance the rig on it

[ozzy72]

If the motherboard isn't wrapped in one I'd consider sending it back. If you have a nice sheet of rubber that works just fine. I used a wetsuit once..... And that PC is still working, my friends use it And its a good 9 years old now!!!!!!!!

[congo]

Remember, the video card is the weakpoint in that system. Also, shop for a XP2800+, maybe the price has come down on those since you last looked.

If you plug the PSU into the wall socket and turn the power OFF using the wall switch, the case will be earthed and safe to install components, particularly if your skin is earthed to the case while working. Make sure the power is switched off on the wall though!

The worst time for static damage is when the air is extremely dry, like a clear winter day. In reality, technicians I've seen working rarely take any precaution for static damage, except to be aware of it and keep components out of electrical fields etc.

[Jared]

Looks like a pretty good list...

I've had really no problems with zappign components as of yet...

everything has always worked for me...:-)

[bm]

I'll get the 2800 - its only

[congo]

The LCD screen is Trendy.

You pay through the nose for trendiness.  ;)

[bm]

Well i've got the case! I decided if I got the case it might make me pluck up courage to get the other bits to put in it! The local computer shop had it but none of the other items on my list

The case is the same as my old computer but in a more stylish Black and silver livery. The only problem with the old one is when you start-up the PSU makes a dreadfull racket! Can I run the PSU that came with the case without connecting it to anything to see if its the same? If it is I'll have to get a different one!

[quote]The LCD screen is Trendy.

[Delta_]

The only problem with the old one is when you start-up the PSU makes a dreadfull racket! Can I run the PSU that came with the case without connecting it to anything to see if its the same?

Not that i know of, the only thing i can think of is to set it up run it with the PSU if it makes lots of noise take it out and put a new one in that is a lot more quieter.

[bm]

I've ordered all the bits at last!!!

I managed to work out what the noise was in the old computer. I've always assumed it was the PSU but in actual fact it was the seperate 80mm case fan! - I never thought anything that small could make a noise so big! (although thats what I thought about my Chinese painted Quail!) It just seems to vibrate like crazy for a couple of minutes then settles down.

I plumped with the retail 2800. If everything is too loud i'll get a quiet heatsink and fan, quiet PSU, quiet case fan and quiet anything else I can think of! I thought id have a go with this acoustic matting from overclockers to see what it does,  http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Case_Accessories_36.html
Ill let you know if it works!

I hope I did the right thing with the RAM, I just got really confused with all the different makes! I ordered  GeIL 512MB PC3200 Value CAS2.5 - Will that work ok!!!

It should be quite a good little computer! And i'm adding an FX5600 Should be enough for playing simcity!

[congo]

Sounds very good Birdman.

These systems work better with CAS 2.0 ram, but Sis probly doens't need it, My ram is Kingston CAS 2.5 and it runs fine at CAS 2.0, so cross your fingers and try it, you'll have to reset the bios to default using the mainboard reset jumper if it doesn't work.

Also, those mainboards run ram in dual channel mode if two identical sticks are fitted, so 2 x 256mb sticks would be better, or Sis can add another 512mb stick later .(same exact stick, that's why it's better to buy them together.)

The stock AMD CPU fan and heatsink is fine as long as a case fan or 2 is properly fitted.

Have fun building it!

[bm]

The stock AMD CPU fan and heatsink is fine as long as a case fan or 2 is properly fitted

Its just the noise: http://www.quietpc.com/uk/products.php
They seem to have some decent stuff - I thought i'd just get everything working before I add any fancy stuff!

Sorry for being ignorant but what on earth does CAS do??? I don't fancy messing around with that kind of stuff

Its a shame about the Dual channel RAM! I just got one stick - is it the end of the world? Perhaps when DDR400 is considered redundent (ie. next week) i'll get an extra one. Blast it - I knew id get something wrong!

[Pinchaser...]

If you think the noise from an 80 mil case fan is bad... you should hear my case. 3 80 mm's Thermaltake volcano 7+, and a PS fan. The thermaltake itself runs at i believe 49dB.  :D

[Jared]

Sounds like a decent system, don't forget to have fun while building it!

As for the fan noise I had similar problems that were solved when it was replaced a few months ago...