Need advice on building a comp.

[ankitpayal]

I am building a new computer that will use some things from my Dell Dimension T550 (Monitor, DVD drive, HD, Floppy, Zip, Network Card). However, the more important things will be new. These are the things that I have settled on:

ATI Radeon 8500 for my Video Board
Sound Blaster Audigy X-Gamer for my Sound Card
Plextor CDRW 24X/10X/40X EIDE for my CD-RW Drive

The rest I am unsure about:
After reading through the other forums here, I am leaning towards a P4 1.8GHz CPU but an Athlon XP 1800+ is also very tempting. The problem I am having is which should I go for? I know the AMD is much faster, but it also produces a lot of heat and a heat sink will cost extra. Also, the AMD will use SDRAM only right? Or can I get a top-rated ASUS MoBo that will use RDRAM (512 MB)? With the P4, I would buy an ASUS P4T-E.

As for the case, can I use my existing Dell case or will I have to go for a new case? 99% sure I will have to buy a new one, just want to confirm. Also, which case would you recommend? I would like it to be in black or silver but it doesn't have to be that. What kind of a Power Supply will I need, how many watts? Does it come with the case?

A key question: Will I be able to transport my current HD to the newly-built computer without having to reinstall the OS? I am running WinXP Pro Corp.

Is there anything else I will need to build my computer? My budget is around $1,100 and so far things are coming out to be around $1,050, so i have room to wiggle. If I get an AMD I will probably have more room to wiggle. I have already order the CDRW and the Sound Card. Everything else can be changed.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ankitpayal]

After reading more, I realize that I should get a Power Supply with at least 320 Watts. Will that be enough or should I go for a 400 Watt one?

 

[ankitpayal]

bump...

 

[TLScrappy]

Sounds like you still have to make up your mind. I was an intel user since the birth but my the last system I build was a AMD 1800 XP. I am very pleased with it. Check it out (my rig).

As for your situation:
Get a new case and P.S. I like the Antec series either 635 or 840. But there are many choices out there.

As for the cpu, its your choice I like both Intel and Amd.

If you get an AMD XP Cpu, you can run DDR Ram.
512 DDR v's 512 RDRAM - you do the math.


Didn't see your budget - Go with the a OEM AMD Processor and get a good HSF. Are you going to O/C?

 

[Ionizer86]

Definitely go for the Athlon XP 1800+ because it is an incredible CPU that you can overclock later. Since you have an Audigy and Radeon 8500, get a KT266A board. Tomshardware has just done a roundup so you can choose one of those. The Epox 8KHA+ has been the best so far, but the newer ones are worth a look. Now, these boards support DDR, so you will have to get that. Crucial sells DDR. Get at least 256mb of PC2100 before prices go up any more. For a heatsink, ard OCP has reviewed many, but they're all quite loud. If you dislike noise, the stock HSF included with retail 1800+ chips is quite quiet.

For the case, you should be able to keep it. I recommend reformatting your HDD after installing (transfer data to a network comp or cd-r first A 320 watt PSU should be enough. Go for a good brand.

 

[ankitpayal]

Thanks for the responses. I have settled on the following:

CPU: AMD Athlon 1800+ Retail ($210 PCBoost.com)
Motherboard: Soyo SY-K7V Dragon+ ($146 Newegg.com)
Memory: 512MB DDR PC2100 SDRAM from Crucial.com (ordered it for $92.43 incl. taxes).
Video Card: ATI Radeon 8500 ($234 @ Buy.com)

I am still looking for a good cases and PS unit for about $125. Also, are the prices above good or can I find better prices? Also, any pointers on how to create rounded cables. I don't want to buy them.

Forgot to mention that the reason I want to buy the Retail CPU is because it comes with a Heat Sink Fan that is quiet.

 

[FlippyBoy]

i would look into the aplpha pal8045. quiet cooling that is sufficient for overclocking. as for the memory, go to the hot deals forum, and do a search for crucial. you will find a link to 16% off. and as far as the cables go, do a google search and you'll find many sites that give how-to's for rounding cables (i've rounded all of mine - its not that hard).