Building a computer

I''m not sure this is the correct forum for this, but here''s a good start at picking compatable decent parts.

You need to decide on the processor. You have two choices AMD and INTEL.
AMD tend to be cheaper, but there are some problems with low quality RAM, and they had more heat output. Barton might be nice choice.
If you choose intel you have two choices. Celeron II 2.4 GHz, or Prescott. Both are low end processors that are reasonable quality, and works well.
Celeron II is cheaper of these two, and in my opinion nice enought for video and other tasks.
Prescott would be replacement for Celerons II. It''s hyperthread processor with 1 MB cache and better instruction cache. It''s somehow comparable to P4 Nortwood, in speed terms.
Some CPU comes with cooler, some without. Don''t burn CPU when mounting the computer.
MB don''t forget that if you''d choose AMD, you must have the right motheboard for AMD. If INTEL then motheboard for INTEL processors with the right slot. (My friend wanted to buy new processor and started to talk about AMD, Then he was rather stopped when I asked him if he planned to buy a new motheboard and memory.)
Amount of PCI slots is important. I would choose MB with 3 slots for memory. (So you could easily plug more later) Be carefull what are you buying. Of coures AGP 8x or better. Possibly S-ATA.
RAM you need at least 256 MB DDR 400. Or slightly worse speed, depends on price. I think livetime waranty is important for memory.
GFX card. You might go for cheaper with update in the mind. There are rummors about better slots for graphic, but AGP 8x would be here for long enought time. NVIDIA FX series. Deppends on your money. (My RIVA TNT2 works well even now, and worked with Morrowind.)

HD 120 GB S-ATA.
CD-RW/DVD-R or CD-RW + DWD-RW.
CASE. There are silenced types if you have the money. Some looks pretty weird. So ATX middletower, or bigtower. Don''t forget that some CASEs come without power source.
Additional cooler? (for example under HD, or in the CASE. Don''t screw it.)
Sound card, while MB comes with integrated (low quality/endurance) chipset, there is just one choice. You might plug it in later however. (Sound blaster series, advanced ones)

Keyboard, mouse, joystick and other things. You have no need for advice.

When someting breaks and you could return it to the seller, you should be sure you chosen seller that would do all tasks fairly quickly.

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Original post by Raghar
AMD tend to be cheaper, but there are some problems with low quality RAM

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That statement confuses me. You seem to be on the verge of balancing a pro with a con, when suddenly you veer off and talk about a completely different component. Could you clarify?

Moved to the Lounge.

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"Sneftel is correct, if rather vulgar." --Flarelocke

quote:

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Original post by Raghar
AMD tend to be cheaper, but there are some problems with low quality RAM

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I think he means that some RAM sticks refuse to work correctly with AMD processors. Its not limited to cheap stuff though, I''ve got a pair of matched low latency Corsairs sitting on my shelf waiting for a new PC. Although why the CPU affects the RAM I don''t know, I''d have guessed the motherboard would have more impact (The nForce 2 has a problem with dodgy RAM as well).

Jay