Computer Building Questions...

[Triple_7]

Well as most of you know we own a cursed computer that has not worked right sence day 1.

[4_Series_Scania]

For a start, for optimal performance, I'd completely forget about '98 - It can't handle over 512mb of RAM and is generally as stable as a house of cards.....

If your GeForce 4 is an "MX" then you'll gain far more by keeping what you've got and get a Geforce FX or 6800 series or the equivalent ATI card in its place.

If you need to ask how easy it is, I'd advise you find somebody who's got at least some basic pc know how to help you. $350 worth of dead kit is no fun, believe me, I've been there.....  ::)  ;D

Buying your RAM first may well limit your choice of Motherboard & consequently, your CPU (both of which you'll need)

$350 will get you a reasonable box of goodies, but saving an extra $100 or so will be the differance between a fair pc and a pretty good one.


Don't forget a decent PSU & case....

[Triple_7]

well....

I dont plan on buying extra ram till the computer is up and running.  Like in my list so far.  Already have a 256 MB DDR chip that i got awhile back.   so i at least already have one.     Im going to look around and see if i can find a case with a new mobo already built in.  Ive seen them on different websites ranging from 50 to 500 dollars.

The graphics card is an MX but it will do for now.   I have to use whatever i can to take the cost down.  I can always upgrade as i get money.  Most of the hardware is from upgrading this old 350 mghz IBM.  Its seen better days and i really have no use for it anymore other then a backup.  So might as well use what i can off of it.   My question now is.   Does the diferent mobos limit the processor i can get  i plan to try for at least something around 1.5 gig or preferably over 2      depends on what i can afford.  if possible i can always upgrade it later.  

I think i can find someone to help me if i get into to many problems... but i have to wait a couple weeks untill school starts again.  Im going to Vocational school for a computer graphics design and digital photography class.   the teacher is also the teacher for the computer building and programing class.    so if anything i might have one built even cheaper for the same as what i would probably pay more for on my own.   who knows.  ill have to see how it goes.   was just curious as to what i might be getting myself into

[congo]

Hi Triple_7,

You seem headed for disaster from what I've read, so here's the low-down.........

You need to take certain steps to avoid disappointment and wasting your money. I know you are on a tight budget, but if you screw this up, you may as well flush the cash down the drain. Don't be tempted to go with what you have and buy components to suit your current hardware. It's a big mistake.

Select your components based on careful research or informed advice, and then see if you have anything on hand that will be compatible with it.


PRIORITY ONE :

Select a suitable chipset ........ ie....this is your mainboard. You have many choices within two main groups, INTEL or AMD compatible. With your budget, AMD compatible is indicated as it is somewhat cheaper.

The mainboard will determine what components (CPU, RAM, HDD's, USB, Firewire, Sound, Video, etc....) will be compatible, the PC's POTENTIAL capabilities, and it's useful lifespan.

The more recent the chipset release, the longer it will be useful in the future, and it will have more features and support more modern hardware.

On your budget, you may as well go with an "nForce2 - Ultra400" chipset. There are bargain boards around with that chipset. Get a quality board like an ASUS or GIGABYTE, they both have excellent manuals.

DON'T GET ONE WITH ONBOARD VIDEO

[congo]

SOFTWARE :

[HeavyMetal]

You asked how easy it is build and program a computer. I have built 3 in the last couple years.  2 Pentiums and my recent AMD. I never had any previous experience with it. I am not mechanically inclined in any way. In fact, when I put anything together, I always have a pile of "spare parts" left over for some reason.
I honestly never thought I could do it, but with some encouragement from  co-workers I decided to give it a try.  I couldnt believe how easy it really was. Basically, you just plug stuff in.  Everything you buy comes with some sort of instruction. The motherboard comes with a large diagram that shows where everything plugs in. All you reallt need to know is whats required to make it go. ie: motherboard, ram, cdrom, harddrive, video card ect. A visit to the local parts store, and the clerk can help out lots.
Now, I cant even fathom spending 2000 bucks on a up to date system. I can build one for half the cost and completely upgradable without buying a whole new system every 2 ot 3 years. And knowing I put it together with my own hands makes it all worthwhile.

Good luck

Speedbird_1961