Budget All-Purpose Build

[Slodeine]

After years of limping along with aging systems, I'm looking to build a modern PC. It won't be top-of-the-line, by any means, but it should work for my purposes. I've done my research and selected some components, but I wanted to make sure they're all compatible and the system as a whole with be easily upgradeable. I haven't decided what OS I'll be running, but I think it's safe to assume I'll run Vista at some point.

The components are listed here.

I would very much like to keep the price right around $700, so with that number in mind, are there any recommendations?

 

[donkey42]

After years of limping along with aging systems, I'm looking to build a modern PC. It won't be top-of-the-line, by any means, but it should work for my purposes. I've done my research and selected some components, but I wanted to make sure they're all compatible

The components are listed here.

looks ok, but do you realize that you'll only have 1 free IDE port ?.

I haven't decided what OS I'll be running, but I think it's safe to assume I'll run Vista at some point.

which flavour of Vista are you thinking of ?

 

[Slodeine]

Actually, I was under the impression I wouldn't have any free IDE slots, as I have two disc drives.

Storage Devices
PATA 1 x ATA100 up to 2 Devices

Will this really be a problem, though? Most devices use SATA now, yes? If not, can you suggest an alternative motherboard in a similar price range?

As for Vista, I'd rather not think about it right now. I'll likely go with XP for at least 6-12 months.

I also have a question about the potential for overclocking this rig. I know the Core2s overclock well, but am I missing something that could maximize the gain? I know nothing about OCing now, but I'm looking into learning sometime down the road.

 

[donkey42]

Actually, I was under the impression I wouldn't have any free IDE slots, as I have two disc drives.

that would be correct, however, the HDD you selected is SATA2 (if i remember correctly)

Will this really be a problem, though?

no, no problem, that how i'd do it (as DVD drives are slower than HDD, put the DVD on the slower IDE interface)

Most devices use SATA now, yes?

yes, correct

As for Vista, I'd rather not think about it right now. I'll likely go with XP for at least 6-12 months.

well check the requirements of Vista editions

Home Basic, Home Premium or Ultimate

I also have a question about the potential for overclocking this rig. I know the Core2s overclock well, but am I missing something that could maximize the gain? I know nothing about OCing now, but I'm looking into learning sometime down the road.

i haven't OCd a system for years (when i last overclocked it was a 486 without a HS/F, so, i had to make one, and i put it in a chest freezer to keep it cool, so i don't feel comfortable advising you on overclocking, i'm having enough problems with linux

 

[Slodeine]

Yes, the HD is SATA 2, but I have two DVD drives--a read-only and a burner.

 

[donkey42]

Yes, the HD is SATA 2, but I have two DVD drives--a read-only and a burner.

sh1t :doh: sorry, i missed that, yes your right, both DVD drives are IDE, so, yes, you won't have any free IDE ports[ot]sorry[/ot]

 

[Slodeine]

I hate to bump, but...

I also have a question about the potential for overclocking this rig. I know the Core2s overclock well, but am I missing something that could maximize the gain? I know nothing about OCing now, but I'm looking into learning sometime down the road.

And are there any components which aren't necessarily the best bang for the buck? Again, my requirements are pretty light: just all-purpose computing as well as some light MMO gaming (City of Heroes).