Help a newbie out(thinking of building 1st computer and I'd like hardware suggestions)

[mutiny]

I'm pretty new to computer hardware stuff(i've swapped a few video and sound cards but that's about it) and I'd like some suggestions on building my first computer.

First off, I'm looking to build a fast and stable computer for gaming, and so far I'm planning on using an Athlon CPU. Currently I'm mostly clueless on motherboards, chipsets, etc. and I'd like some help on figuring out HOW to choose my hardware(though some suggestions would also be nice).

Thanks,
Michael
(if I missed a faq or guide somewhere that answers this question please tell me I'm a moron and show me it )

 

[saberry]

I am in about the same boat. I bought all my components from Newegg.com. I tried to look for products that had the most reviews and then see what was said about them. The decriptions given are pretty good for determining compatability. For terms or components I was unsure about, I would do a search on this site.

 

[SpecialEd]

Welcome to AnandTech!

For starters I suggest reading some of the hardware articles that anatech provides. Reading the lastest round up articles is a good place to start comparing hardware.
I'd suggest reading AnandTechs latest article about the new chipset released by VIA: KT266A. I think this should give you an Idea on whats hot in terms of motherboard chipsets out there. KT266A article

My one piece of advice is to ALWAYS to the research and ask for opinions before buying your parts!! If you get too impatient, you might end up with a crappy computer. Oh yeah.. when you do buy your parts.. go to www.newegg.com, they are a great place to start looking for hardware. Good luck!

Ed

 

[QuestionsandAnsweres]

if u cna wait a month u should.

but if u want to build RIGHT now i would get this

NEWegg.com:

ECS Socket A K7S5A SiS® 735 chipset $70 shipped
AMD Athlon Thunderbird 1.4GHz 266MHz Bus Socket A PGA Processor-Retail Box $136 shipped
CardExpert / Gainward GeForce 3 64MB $294 shipped
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy Xgamer (wont be out til lthe 10th or so) $100 shipped
Western Digital CAVIAR 40GB WD400BB $113 shipped
Teac 1.44MB 3.5 Inch Floppy Drive $14 shipped
Lite-On 16x DVD Model LTD-16301 Full OEM $56 shipped
Lite On LTR-1610B 16x10x40 CD-RW Driver Retail Box $91 shipped

MICROBARN.com:

Antec SX-1040, Beige ATX w/400w Mid Tower CASE $133 shipped

Crucial.com

512mb RAM $80 shipped


That would be one awesome system for ~$1100

 

[mutiny]

I'm sorry I forgot to add, it will be a month or two before I actually start with my computer.

 

[QuestionsandAnsweres]

well in a month or 2 post this again =P... because hardware will change alot.

 

[NelsonMuntz]

If you have that much time before you need to start building, then you have started looking around at the right time. Like someone else mentioned, the KT266A is just coming out and offers great performance at a good price point. Within the next two months there should be more information regarding nForce as well and how much that is going to set people back and whether it is worth your money. Read the reviews as they come out and look for products and prices that have the features you want so that you can get a good bearing as to what you are going to have to spend to achieve the performance that you want/need.

 

[TRUMPHENT]

I read previews of the VIA KT133A chipset and it took like 8 months it seems before they became available in the channel. My company copped a good deal on P3 900E so I got one of those instead for my existing BX based system. Today I would be inclined to wait for the KT266A chipset boards. I am not feeling upgrade pressure like I was when I got the P3. You just don't know how long you will have to wait for availability of something that just showed up as news today.