Hey everyone... first-time builder here. I've put together an idea of my setup, but I have a few questions. I am also NOT planning to overclock this system, so keep that in mind. I'll be gaming only casually, but for the most part, I just want a fast/powerful/stable system that will last for a while and be capable of doing most everything, ideally $1500 max. Setup: (from newegg)
CPU: AMD X2 4400+ (retail) = $497
HD: Maxtor MaXLine Plus III (OEM, SATA, 300GB, 16MB cache) = $128
VIDEO: Sapphire Radeon X800GTO (256MB, PCIE, 12 pipelines) = $159
RAM: 1 or 2 GB... Recommendations?
MOBO: will not overclock... Recommendations?
CASE/PSU: Recommendations?
DVDRW: Recommendations?
1) What do you guys recommend for the things I haven't decided on yet?
2) See anything wrong with what I've decided on? Or better options?
3) How strong of a PSU do I need? And should I buy a case that comes with one already?
4) RAM: should I buy value RAM or low-latency type? And do I really need 2 gigs?
5) Any other accessories I'll need? I know I'll need an SATA cable, for example.
6) Since I'm not OC'ing, will I need to buy extra fans/heatsinks/etc?
7) I'm a bit scared of applying the thermal paste (ArcticSilver, right?) and whatnot... should I be?
8) Anything else I should know? I'm a newb builder, so do you have any tips or warnings?
I hope that wasn't too long. Major, major thanks in advance.. =)
CPU: AMD X2 4400+ (retail) = $497
HD: Maxtor MaXLine Plus III (OEM, SATA, 300GB, 16MB cache) = $128
VIDEO: Sapphire Radeon X800GTO (256MB, PCIE, 12 pipelines) = $159
RAM: 1 or 2 GB... Recommendations?
MOBO: will not overclock... Recommendations?
CASE/PSU: Recommendations?
DVDRW: Recommendations?
1) What do you guys recommend for the things I haven't decided on yet?
2) See anything wrong with what I've decided on? Or better options?
3) How strong of a PSU do I need? And should I buy a case that comes with one already?
4) RAM: should I buy value RAM or low-latency type? And do I really need 2 gigs?
5) Any other accessories I'll need? I know I'll need an SATA cable, for example.
6) Since I'm not OC'ing, will I need to buy extra fans/heatsinks/etc?
7) I'm a bit scared of applying the thermal paste (ArcticSilver, right?) and whatnot... should I be?
8) Anything else I should know? I'm a newb builder, so do you have any tips or warnings?
I hope that wasn't too long. Major, major thanks in advance.. =)