First Time Computer Builder

[ATacoGuy]

I'm taking on the task of building a computer for the first time. I've got a couple questions, but I'll just give a tentative component list so that you know what I'm going to be putting in the thing first.

Motherboard: MSI K7N2-L nForce2 Motherboard
Processor: AMD 2800+ (in box w/ stock cooling fan)
RAM Memory: 2 sticks 256 MB Crucial DDR 3200
Hard Drive: Maxtor 40 GB 6E040L0 diamond Max Plus 8 UATA133
Sound Card: Integrated on Motherboard
Network: Integrated on Motherboard
CD-RW: Lite-On CD-RW 40x/12x/48x
Video Card: Radeon 9700 Pro

I'm trying to spend the money on the core components, as I'm not too interested in peripherary stuff like sound (I don't really give a damn if a new game has 6.1 Surround Sound, I'm not going to be using it in a dorm room) or DVD viewing/burning. There's the potential that the processor will get a bump up to 3000+ and the video card to the 9800 Pro, but that's only if I'm lucky. My main concern is with cooling. I know absolutely nothing about the subject, and I don't want a new system that I just built to be fried because I wasn't cooling it properly. I'm am not, repeat NOT, going to be overclocking. Will I be ok with just the PSU fan and the processor fan? Also, I'm looking for a case that's functional, not too flashy (a silver metallic look would be about as flashy as I would get), and has good ventilation. Any recommendations (preferably something I could walk into Fry's and buy, since that's where I'm going to be getting most of my components)?

[FunctionX]

In addition to your CPU and PSU fan, you should get a 80mm case fan. They are cheap, easy to install, and will greatly reduce your temps.

[Blue_MiSfit]

My suggestion is to ditch the fan the Athlon XP comes with... Go with the OEM version of the chip which doesnt come with a fan. Get a decent Heatsink/Fan to go with it. I reccommend a Thermalright SK-7 with a good 80mm fan on it, but that might be a little bit of overkill. Thermaltake makes good aluminum/copper hybrid sink/fan combos.


good luck

~MiSfit

[BlueOval]

If you're not going to be OC'ing, the HSF that comes with the retail version of the chip will be just fine. Also, again if not OC'ing, you can get away with using PC2700 to save some cash since it runs at 333 and will be in sync with your proc.

Go with FunctionX' advice and put the case fan in the rear. If you're concerned about noise, check out a Panaflo L1A or a Vantec Stealth. I'm not up with the stock at Fry's, so can't help you there. However some things to look for in a case besides good ventilation would be a removable mobo tray, rounded edges so you don't cut yourself, # of fans if any, and whether or not it comes with a quality PSU.

Not to steal OS-Wiz' thunder, but he recently suggested the following case to someone else building their first sys:

ANTEC PERFORMANCE II WORKSTATION TOWER ATX Model# SX835II (BEIGE) w/350W SMART POWER ATX12V P4 COMPLIANT POWER SUPPLY - RETAIL
Special features include the Smart Power power supply that runs cooler and quieter, front USB/Firewire ports, and washable air filter on the front.
Specifications:
Material: 1.0mm SECC
Drive Bays: External 3 X 5.25" - 2 X 3.5" Internal 3 X 3.5"
System Board: Fits standard ATX / Pentium 4 Up to 12" (W) x 9.6" (L)
Expansion Slot: 7 Slots
USB/IO: 2 Front USB port, 1 Front IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port
Standard Fan(s): 2 X 80mm (rear)
Optional Fan(s): 2 X 80mm (front)
Dimensions: 20.6" (H) x 8.1" (W) x 18.6" (D) 440 x 206 x 472 mm

You might see if Fry's has it in stock. You can get it from Newegg for $75 + $18 shipping.

[proxops-pete]

Originally posted by BlueOval
If you're not going to be OC'ing, the HSF that comes with the retail version of the chip will be just fine. Also, again if not OC'ing, you can get away with using PC2700 to save some cash since it runs at 333 and will be in sync with your proc.

Ditto that. Get a retail version of the CPU and you should be set... Same w/ memory. Unless you wanted to wait till 400 MHz FSB CPU's came out and then would need PC3200 memory. 8) But then you'd need different mobo as well...

[ATacoGuy]

I don't know much about the RAM part of it, and I was just proceeding on the larger number = better assumption (i.e. 3200 = better than 2700). So is the difference between the two that the 3200 runs at 400 MHz and the 2700 at 333? The motherboard I'm going with supports 400 MHz RAM, or so I thought, so is the problem the fact that the 3200 would be overkill because it would be out of sync with the FSB speed (which I believe only runs up to 200 MHz on this particular board)? Also, thanks BlueOval for the case rec, that's actually exactly the case I'm going to get if it's in stock.

[Lord Vetinari]

You are correct about the memory. If you do not intend overclocking the FSB above 166 then you may as well stick with PC2700. Running the memory asynch at 166/200 CPU/Mem is actually slower than running synch at 166/166.
The only plus side on 3200 Ram is that it will give you a bit of future proofing, allow you to overclock the FSB even if you do not OC the CPU (by dropping the Multi) plus may allow you to run at faster memory timings at 166 FSB.