Thread: My first attempt at buying a computer piece by piece

  1. #1

    My first attempt at buying a computer piece by piece

    Could anyone make sure to me that these pieces are really compatible?

    Processor: INTEL PENTIUM 4 520 2.8Ghz LGA775 1Mb BOX
    Intel Pentium 4 520 2.8Ghz Socket LGA 775, Prescott Core w/ Hyper Threading (HT) Technology 800Mhz FSB, 12K+16K L1, 1Mb L2 Cache Retail Box Model# BX80547PG2800E

    Motherboard: Asus P5P800

    RAM: Geil 512MB Value Dual Channel

    So the motherboard is for socket 775, and it compatible with the processor I guess. But I'm not sure if the RAM is... from what I read not only the DDR matters but also things like buffered or unbeffered and other things I donīt understand.

    If anyone can help I appreciate


    Edit: Add HD, now I'm not sure itīs compatible either - Seagate Barracuda
    Last edited by the dead tree; 12-19-2004 at 01:15 PM.

  2. #2
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    The mobo and processor are compatible, but I think you're overspending on the DDR. It is compatible with the system, but you can find a better deal. Heck, I just bought 1Gb of PC3200 DDR for $160 w/ shipping and heat spreaders.

    The HD should also be ok, but I have to ask, why aren't you getting a PCIexpress motherboard and upgrading your video card? You're putting yourself behind the 8-ball if you don't and limiting your future upgradability.

    I'm 2 days away from having all the parts for my new pc too, and my system isn't far off from what you're building (although a bit faster).

    http://www.flashdaddee.com/forums/sh...threadid=11149

    That's a link to the description of mine.

  3. #3
    </life>
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    Might want to have a look at some of the motherboard bundles from novatech...

    http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/bundles.html
    Microsoft is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistant one.

  4. #4
    It's full of stars adrianxw's Avatar
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    That MoBo looks like it is SATA only. Be careful when buying a Barracuda, there are a lot of IDE versions around, many being offered as "good deals".
    Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.

  5. #5
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    Nah... there's 2 IDE slots on that board. I have yet to see a board with only SATA support.

  6. #6
    Thanks a lot guys

    Ober, I did consider buying PCI express, but buying a good new video card now would be very expensive and I donīt need a new one until Oblivion ( The elder scrolls IV ) comes out.
    I could buy a cheap PCI now, but itīs best to change my motherboard and video card in the future.

    Also, I live in Brasil, and I'm really thankfull I actually found most the hardware I wanted... ( specially the motherboard that is the only cheap one for socket 775 that I found ). Itīs been hell to shop here, all the stores had very limited items.
    And also, dollar is worth 2.8 our currency, and imported items will add from 60% to even 200% in taxes.
    Highly expensive to buy a computer here , although I could get on a neighboor country for cheaper, but only older technology.

  7. #7
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    Ok, makes sense. I didn't know where you were from.

    But just so you know, I wasn't planning to upgrade my video card either. But I just got a 6600 for $120 which is fairly cheap for a good video card. And the base 6600 will run fairly well against other high-end AGP cards.

  8. #8
    New computers are fun

  9. #9
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    For the most part, yes

  10. #10
    </life>
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    nowadays its just like putting together a lego model...

    Actually a good challenge would be putting a pc a together blind folded and timed. that would be fun.
    Microsoft is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistant one.

  11. #11
    A challenge is buying something here.. having problems again. The store I found most of the stuff likes to watch customers wait 1 month or more for their 12 day orders ( and who knows if I'll really get ).
    But now I got someone trying to find me everything on São Paulo... third biggest city in the world, he must find it

    You guys are lucky

  12. #12
    The C-er
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    Actually a good challenge would be putting a pc a together blind folded and timed. that would be fun.
    No problem ! - fancy a challenge anyone?

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