First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help.

Moomatron · 03-29-2009, 03:43 AM

A lot of questions here, I don't expect them to be answered but it's worth a shot..

Long story short, I'm a hardware noob and the most complex thing I've done before was install a new PSU into my old pre-built computer. I'm wanting to build my own, but I don't know if this is everything I need, or if it's all compatible with each other.

If anyone could go through each item and make sure it will all work with each other, I would VERY much appreciate it, plus I'll love you forever.

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811215012

Dvd drives: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118030

Hard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136283

Sound card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102021

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171032

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145236

Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150259

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115054

CPU fan: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835106114

And the motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121338

Is that EVERYTHING (Even things like extra wires that don't come with the items) that I need, other than the obvious mouse, keyboard, monitor, and OS (Which will be windows vista 32-bit), to build my own?

1. Are all the different things compatible with each other?

2. Is that power supply strong enough to power everything, or should I get a better one? Also, will it work fine with the other components in terms of voltage and everything?

3. Will that motherboard attach to that case? Never changed computer cases, so I don't know if everything is a standard size and fits in any case, or what.

4. Should I decide I want to go back to windows XP, is DDR3 ram compatible with that OS? Stupid question, but I've heard it's not.

5. For things like the dvd drives I have listed, it doesn't actually say that it comes with anything but the dvd drive itself. Do I need to get any other wires to hook it up?

6. Does that PSU have enough cables to connect to everything listed?

7. Since I am new to this...if by chance I got a component that was dead on arrival, how would I know that it's actually dead, and not that I'm just doing something wrong?

Also, is it going to be very difficult to build it for someone like me? I hear people say it's so easy, but I doubt it will be for me. I could always just have some computer shop set it up for me if I have to, I suppose.

Tumbleweed36 · 03-29-2009, 05:12 AM

Here is a better power supply at a cheaper price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

I personally am not fond of the Intel motherboards. I think the Asus models and the Gigabyte models are way above the performance quality (performance/stability) of the Intel boards. Here is a possible similar board alternative:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128332

There are many other comparable motheboards out there that IMHO are better, like the Asus Rampage series, etc.

**wrench97** · 03-29-2009, 05:18 AM

Couple of problems here
The Ram is for the new i7/x58 tri-channel motherboard cpu set up
If you want a x48 set up look at the Gigabyte/Asus boards but I think the P45 is just as good if your not going to run ATI Xfire Video cards.

The E8600 is a good CPU but over priced for the speed increase over the E8500

The 8800GT is out dated if your looking to buy a video card if you already own it lets us know that.

Then there's the case normally a case is not the most expensive part of the PC but that's really a buyer decision.

Quote:

Is that EVERYTHING (Even things like extra wires that don't come with the items) that I need, other than the obvious mouse, keyboard, monitor, and OS (Which will be windows vista 32-bit), to build my own?
The motherboard will come with drive cables usually 2 sata and a IDE today

1. Are all the different things compatible with each other?
No see above

2. Is that power supply strong enough to power everything, or should I get a better one? Also, will it work fine with the other components in terms of voltage and everything?
For a single 8800GT yes

3. Will that motherboard attach to that case? Never changed computer cases, so I don't know if everything is a standard size and fits in any case, or what.
Yes ATX is a standard size

4. Should I decide I want to go back to windows XP, is DDR3 ram compatible with that OS? Stupid question, but I've heard it's not.
The OS doesn't know if they are DDR, DDR2, or DDR3

5. For things like the dvd drives I have listed, it doesn't actually say that it comes with anything but the dvd drive itself. Do I need to get any other wires to hook it up?
Depending on the number of Sata cables that come with the motherboard you may need Data cables, see the spec tad at newegg for what the MB ships with

6. Does that PSU have enough cables to connect to everything listed?
Yes

7. Since I am new to this...if by chance I got a component that was dead on arrival, how would I know that it's actually dead, and not that I'm just doing something wrong?
There are troubleshooting procedures depending on what the pc is doing or not doing.

Also, is it going to be very difficult to build it for someone like me? I hear people say it's so easy, but I doubt it will be for me. I could always just have some computer shop set it up for me if I have to, I suppose.
We can walk you through the setup it is not hard.

See I don't always type that fast

Moomatron · 03-29-2009, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrench97

Couple of problems here
The Ram is for the new i7/x58 tri-channel motherboard cpu set up
If you want a x48 set up look at the Gigabyte/Asus boards but I think the P45 is just as good if your not going to run ATI Xfire Video cards.

The E8600 is a good CPU but over priced for the speed increase over the E8500

The 8800GT is out dated if your looking to buy a video card if you already own it lets us know that.

Then there's the case normally a case is not the most expensive part of the PC but that's really a buyer decision.

See I don't always type that fast

Wow, I didn't actually expect someone to answer everything. Especially the stupid questions. Big thanks to you.

So about the ram, this kind will work fine right?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820161283

Money isn't really a problem for this, so I'll take that cpu over the other one, and I already have my 8800gt gpu in this computer, I don't really feel like I need a new one yet.

And as for the SATA cables, like I said, I'm not very good with hardware so I'm not sure what exactly I'll be using them for. Do I only have to use them to connect the dvd drives, and the hard drive to the motherboard? So will I only need 3 of them for the entire system?

And other than that, there aren't any problems? Voltage for everything is fine?

Also, one last question. That case I have listed has several built in fans, how exactly are they going to be powered? Do I have to directly connect them to the PSU, or do I connect them to the MB, or what? I want to be sure that the PSU I'm getting has enough cables for everything.

**wrench97** · 03-29-2009, 06:52 AM

Try these for Ram with the Intel board> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...W3X4G1600C9DHX

Also I would use this CPU cooler as there is plenty of room in the case the low profile one isn't needed> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118019

The case comes with 2 long Sata cables for the CD/DVD drives.

The other thing I would consider is in the future when you want to upgrade the video card the 700w PSU will not be large enough it would be better to buy the larger one now so you do not have to rebuy a larger one a year from now. > http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139007

**wrench97** · 03-29-2009, 06:54 AM

The fans are speed controlled by the case so they will hook up directly to the power supply.

Moomatron · 03-29-2009, 07:04 AM

Ok, so do I need to get another SATA cable to hook up the hard drive? I don't suppose you could link me one (prefer on newegg) that would work with it?

And again, I know I'm kinda repeating myself but I want to be as thorough as I can, and make sure I don't mess this up, but...if I get that power supply that you listed, does that have enough cables and outlets to support everything listed, including the fans for the case?

Other than that, that should be everything I need to know for now. Thanks a ton for the help so far.

**wrench97** · 03-29-2009, 07:10 AM

The motherboard comes with 4 Sata cables so you should have plenty.
The power supply will have more then enough connectors.

Can I ask why you want the Intel x48 motherboard?

Moomatron · 03-29-2009, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrench97

Can I ask why you want the Intel x48 motherboard?

Heh, actually....I don't know. I just figured that intels a pretty trustworthy name, so I figured I'd go with it. Is there anything wrong with it? I'm fine with switching to another one of you think it would be better, as long as I know that I'll still have enough cables for everything, and it's compatible with everything.

**wrench97** · 03-29-2009, 07:22 AM

The Intel boards are Ok though they always seem to be a couple of steps behind the vendor chipsets I prefer the Asus and Gigabyte boards but if you want DDR3 Ram Asus would be the only choice as the Gigabyte x48 DDR3 has already disappeared in favor of the X58 boards, > http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131334
Even is Asus is down to making 2 of them, they are going EOL fast.

Moomatron · 03-29-2009, 07:26 AM

Hm...I think I'll stay with the Intel one as long as it doesn't have any glaring problems with it.

Hopefully I'll be back within a week or two to ask for help with actually setting everything up if I get it. Thanks for the help.

**wrench97** · 03-29-2009, 08:22 AM

We'll be here.

Moomatron · 03-31-2009, 09:04 AM

Hey, don't know if you'll still be here to read this, but I'm looking at this case instead of the other one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112159

The only thing is...uh...where exactly would the dvd drives go? There doesn't seem to be any place for them that I can see.

And also, are these the sata cables I need to hook the HDD up to the mb?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812816031

What about power for the HDD and disk drives, do I need any particular cable to connect them to a power source, or will that come with them? Or...do the sata cables also power them?

Again, sorry for the massive amount of questions.

**wrench97** · 03-31-2009, 12:01 PM

The DVD drives go behind the door the mesh looking things are the drive bays.

That is a Sata cable, 3' is a little long, the cables that come with the motherboard should work.

Moomatron · 03-31-2009, 05:24 PM

Ok, thanks again.

03-29-2009, 03:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
Moomatron Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 27 OS: XP	First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. A lot of questions here, I don't expect them to be answered but it's worth a shot.. Long story short, I'm a hardware noob and the most complex thing I've done before was install a new PSU into my old pre-built computer. I'm wanting to build my own, but I don't know if this is everything I need, or if it's all compatible with each other. If anyone could go through each item and make sure it will all work with each other, I would VERY much appreciate it, plus I'll love you forever. Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811215012 Dvd drives: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118030 Hard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136283 Sound card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102021 PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171032 Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145236 Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150259 Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115054 CPU fan: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835106114 And the motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121338 Is that EVERYTHING (Even things like extra wires that don't come with the items) that I need, other than the obvious mouse, keyboard, monitor, and OS (Which will be windows vista 32-bit), to build my own? 1. Are all the different things compatible with each other? 2. Is that power supply strong enough to power everything, or should I get a better one? Also, will it work fine with the other components in terms of voltage and everything? 3. Will that motherboard attach to that case? Never changed computer cases, so I don't know if everything is a standard size and fits in any case, or what. 4. Should I decide I want to go back to windows XP, is DDR3 ram compatible with that OS? Stupid question, but I've heard it's not. 5. For things like the dvd drives I have listed, it doesn't actually say that it comes with anything but the dvd drive itself. Do I need to get any other wires to hook it up? 6. Does that PSU have enough cables to connect to everything listed? 7. Since I am new to this...if by chance I got a component that was dead on arrival, how would I know that it's actually dead, and not that I'm just doing something wrong? Also, is it going to be very difficult to build it for someone like me? I hear people say it's so easy, but I doubt it will be for me. I could always just have some computer shop set it up for me if I have to, I suppose.

03-29-2009, 05:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,647 OS: XP Professional	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. Here is a better power supply at a cheaper price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 I personally am not fond of the Intel motherboards. I think the Asus models and the Gigabyte models are way above the performance quality (performance/stability) of the Intel boards. Here is a possible similar board alternative: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128332 There are many other comparable motheboards out there that IMHO are better, like the Asus Rampage series, etc. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread. Last edited by Tumbleweed36; 03-29-2009 at 05:32 AM.

03-29-2009, 06:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. Try these for Ram with the Intel board> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...W3X4G1600C9DHX Also I would use this CPU cooler as there is plenty of room in the case the low profile one isn't needed> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118019 The case comes with 2 long Sata cables for the CD/DVD drives. The other thing I would consider is in the future when you want to upgrade the video card the 700w PSU will not be large enough it would be better to buy the larger one now so you do not have to rebuy a larger one a year from now. > http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139007 __________________ Power Supply and Selection

03-29-2009, 06:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. The fans are speed controlled by the case so they will hook up directly to the power supply. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

03-29-2009, 07:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
Moomatron Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 27 OS: XP	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. Ok, so do I need to get another SATA cable to hook up the hard drive? I don't suppose you could link me one (prefer on newegg) that would work with it? And again, I know I'm kinda repeating myself but I want to be as thorough as I can, and make sure I don't mess this up, but...if I get that power supply that you listed, does that have enough cables and outlets to support everything listed, including the fans for the case? Other than that, that should be everything I need to know for now. Thanks a ton for the help so far.

03-29-2009, 07:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. The motherboard comes with 4 Sata cables so you should have plenty. The power supply will have more then enough connectors. Can I ask why you want the Intel x48 motherboard? __________________ Power Supply and Selection

03-29-2009, 07:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. The Intel boards are Ok though they always seem to be a couple of steps behind the vendor chipsets I prefer the Asus and Gigabyte boards but if you want DDR3 Ram Asus would be the only choice as the Gigabyte x48 DDR3 has already disappeared in favor of the X58 boards, > http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131334 Even is Asus is down to making 2 of them, they are going EOL fast. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

03-29-2009, 07:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
Moomatron Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 27 OS: XP	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. Hm...I think I'll stay with the Intel one as long as it doesn't have any glaring problems with it. Hopefully I'll be back within a week or two to ask for help with actually setting everything up if I get it. Thanks for the help.

03-29-2009, 08:22 AM	#12 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. We'll be here. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

03-31-2009, 09:04 AM	#13 (permalink)
Moomatron Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 27 OS: XP	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. Hey, don't know if you'll still be here to read this, but I'm looking at this case instead of the other one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112159 The only thing is...uh...where exactly would the dvd drives go? There doesn't seem to be any place for them that I can see. And also, are these the sata cables I need to hook the HDD up to the mb? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812816031 What about power for the HDD and disk drives, do I need any particular cable to connect them to a power source, or will that come with them? Or...do the sata cables also power them? Again, sorry for the massive amount of questions.

03-31-2009, 12:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. The DVD drives go behind the door the mesh looking things are the drive bays. That is a Sata cable, 3' is a little long, the cables that come with the motherboard should work. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

03-31-2009, 05:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
Moomatron Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 27 OS: XP	Re: First time building my own, need some (read as: LOTS) help. Ok, thanks again.