[stingray2772]

Ok, so lately I've been noticing I'm running behind with my only computer being a laptop, at that its a P4 2.2 GHz with a gig of ram. I need to be able to run linux, as well as windows which my laptop can not do. That being said, I'm building a computer. It's been a while, but after some research I think I want to go with AMD. I'll probably have between 5-700 to put into it, for now let's consider it 500, with option to buy more later. I'd like to be able to play newer games, run windows and linux as well, program with various languages, back up dvds, and be able to watch tv on my computer, as well as back up tv shows on to my computer. Since I have 500, for now we'll forget about tv. One of my first questions is, I notice on PSU they have 20 pin, 20+4 pin, and 24 pin. I take it 20+4 pin would be the best. On second thought, I'll show you what I have in mind, I'm not sure if I need this stuff yet, or if I can get something better for less, if you guys know anything, post it up..

This is my first computer build, however I am going through school for programming and had to take hardware classes a year or two ago, most of that was 'learn it n burn it'.

Case: Remember my budget, I'd prefer a side window, but I want a case that will hold at least 3 5.25 bays, and a floppy drive, and 4 hard drives

Apex basic case

Coolermaster w/o side window

Coolermaster w/ side window

PSU: I have no idea what to get here, I think I am going with PCI Express, does it have its own power plug?

Rosewill 450 watt

CPU: I Think I want to go AMD Athlon 64, but I'm not sure what to go with. I looked on tomshardware.com and looked up, I think the san diego 3700+ is what would be best for me, but I have no idea.

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego

Another San Diego 3700+ ???

MB: I'd like to feel safe if a bios flash went bad it could correct itself, I'd also like to have 4 slots for memory, and obviously 939, at least be able to hook up 4 ide and 2 sata devices, as well as floppy, built in sound is ok, prefer not built in video although i'm not struck against it. I really don't know what I need, I don't want to lock myself out of the future. Is PCI-Express needed, is it worth it? I doubt I will go SLI. I would prefer if onboard video is suggest, that it has its on set aside memory with at least 128, or 256.

Gigabyte GA-K8NF-9

EPoX EP-9NPAJ

BIOSTAR N4SLI-A9

DFI nF4-DAGF
RAM:

MISC:
Artic Silver 5 Thermal Compound

As far as anything else goes, I have no idea. I looked at PCI-Express graphics cards, but most of those are a pretty penny. So... if any of you have kept up with hardware, and can give me some pointers, post up, or if you can, contact me on AIM.

This post has been edited by stingray2772: 25 February 2006 - 06:17 PM

[stingray2772]

PSU now changed to FSP Group (Fortron Source) 400 watt

[Thorian]

I would go with the DFI mainboard they can be a bit picky on PSU's though

for specifics on the DFI mainboards here is their Support forum.

I run a DFI lanpary SLI-DR and after I got a worthwile powersupply it rocks.

DFI-Street