[scrivomcdivo]

OK, this may sound like a stupid question but as in my introduction thread, I am new to the world of computing and my limited knowledge of a computer allows me to identify the various components and that's it.

Basically, I am hoping to build my own tower. Now, I know that if I try and save up to buy all the components when I have the money, I'll never save up (because I'm useless). Subsequently, I've decided that I will buy bits here-and-there.

What would people say the first thing is you should buy for your computer? Basically, here's the specs I am looking at and so, if you could assist that would be great:-

2 x 750GB Sata HDDs (one being a back-up)
4GB of RAM
1 x DVD/R

Now, I don't know what motherboard I would need to be compatible with the above. Likewise, I am not too clued up on RAM and so, if anybody could offer any advice about what I should look out for. I think I should be looking for similar to RAMBUS DRAM from research I have done. Also, for your info, I will be running Windows XP Professional on the comp (until the glitches in Vista have been wiped out)

So, in essence, what should I be looking out for in a motherboard and RAM?

[Dave Hybrid]

I'd suggest buying the motherboard and CPU last as these tend to date quicker.

[scrivomcdivo]

Originally Posted by Dave Hybrid I'd suggest buying the motherboard and CPU last as these tend to date quicker.

Are all motherboards compatible with SATA drives then? Likewise, can you get motherboards that can connect 3 sata cables independently (2 x HDD and 1 x DVD/R) just so they don't slow down if connected via one cable?

[Dave Hybrid]

Not all, depends on the spec of the board.

And one cable to one drive only.

[scrivomcdivo]

Cheers for the quick advice Dave. What would you advice I purchase first then? The case? The HDDs? I think it'll be three months (given that it's Christmas) before computer is finished and I'm looking at a budget of around £500 - £600.

[alex]

Originally Posted by scrivomcdivo OK, this may sound like a stupid question but as in my introduction thread, I am new to the world of computing and my limited knowledge of a computer allows me to identify the various components and that's it. Basically, I am hoping to build my own tower. Now, I know that if I try and save up to buy all the components when I have the money, I'll never save up (because I'm useless). Subsequently, I've decided that I will buy bits here-and-there. What would people say the first thing is you should buy for your computer? Basically, here's the specs I am looking at and so, if you could assist that would be great:- 2 x 750GB Sata HDDs (one being a back-up) 4GB of RAM 1 x DVD/R Now, I don't know what motherboard I would need to be compatible with the above. Likewise, I am not too clued up on RAM and so, if anybody could offer any advice about what I should look out for. I think I should be looking for similar to RAMBUS DRAM from research I have done. Also, for your info, I will be running Windows XP Professional on the comp (until the glitches in Vista have been wiped out) So, in essence, what should I be looking out for in a motherboard and RAM?

Firstly, no question is stupid except the one you don't ask.

There isn't really a first thing to buy. You need to have a very clear understanding of what your main usage is going to be and any secondary uses. Also a clear budget (which I see you have).

What do you see yourself using the pc for?

I wouldn't purchase 4gb of ram as 1) 1gb is the sweetspot for XP, even for gaming. And 2) This o.s can't see more than around 3gb so you'll be wasting a gb.

RDram has error correcting built in, and is basically only useful for multiple cpu applications, as in servers. Gone are the days when it was faster than DDR ram and we're now on DDR3 for home usage. It's also very expensive for what it is. You'll also need a dedicated (and extremely expensive) motherboard for these modules as the only home (for want of a better word) motherboards that accept these types of modules are 2 cpu socket ones.

[scrivomcdivo]

Originally Posted by alex What do you see yourself using the pc for?

The computer will be used for work (translating) and so will need to run various applications at one time (office,pdf, translation software). I will also be using one of the HDD to store music on; I've got around 1000 albums to store. I may actually store these on an external HDD.

Originally Posted by alex I wouldn't purchase 4gb of ram as 1) 1gb is the sweetspot for XP, even for gaming. And 2) This o.s can't see more than around 3gb so you'll be wasting a gb.

The reason I was looking at 4GB RAM is that I would be looking to upgrade the computer as time passes. Nonetheless, I suppose, so long as the motherboard houses adequate room to accommodate various RAM sticks, this shouldn't be an issue and I can upgrade as time goes on?


So, for what I'm looking for, what type of motherboard, CPU & RAM would you suggest I look at getting? If I can reduce by budget, that'd be great :)

[scrivomcdivo]

Forgot to mention, I'd also be looking to install a Digital TV Tuner and so, it'd have to be capable of running digital TV :)

[alex]

Seriously, for that usage you're not going to need anything too powerful.

Considering the usage quoted I doubt you'll even need a dedicated gpu, although as you quote hd tv as a need I would simply to get hi def content protection (HDCP)support.

The majority of the cost is going to be the hdd's I would think.

I'll be back in a bit, off to nosey.

[scrivomcdivo]

Originally Posted by alex Seriously, for that usage you're not going to need anything too powerful. Considering the usage quoted I doubt you'll even need a dedicated gpu, although as you quote hd tv as a need I would simply to get hi def content protection (HDCP)support. The majority of the cost is going to be the hdd's I would think. I'll be back in a bit, off to nosey.

I think to start with, I will just have a 750GB internal HDD and then later on, get an external HDD to back things up onto and to store music etc.... I have found an internal 750GB HDD on eBay for £90