First time computer builder

[ATacoGuy]

Posted this on the tech support forum. Probably the wrong forum for that, so I'm reposting it here.

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)?

[Pyro]

Howdy ATacoGuy!!! Nice to have you on the forums. Building computers is not a difficult task. Well at first it is, though after you learn the basics its a piece of cake.

Thats a nice list of components you've got there.


Will I be ok with just the PSU fan and the processor fan?

I'd make sure to have atleast 2 case fans. Make sure one is blowing over the harddrive.

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.

Not too flashy and with good ventilation. Antecs are the way to go. Go
here and use the "advanced search" to fit your preferences. Then search for those cases at Fry's.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Look at Newegg.com's Enermax cases. Very high quality PSU's included (with most cases, it will say if they aren't), excellent ventilation, decent design, and VERY reasonably priced. The case in my sig was only $49 there, and its working like a dream, temps are quite low, especially considering how hot my room gets.
Its hard to imagine people spending well over $100 on a case, when something as basic as my enermax does just fine. Shop around, you really don't have to spend an arm and a leg for a good case. For a flashy case, maybe, but flashy doesnt equate to quality.