New computer build.

TomCo

Shopping List

Im looking to build a new pc around the end of this year to take advantage of any price drops (fingers crossed) due to proliferation of dual core cpu's.

Above is a little list I threw together, what PSU should I get?

I was thinking of going ATI but ive always had Nvidia cards so Im not sure whats good.

What mobo should I get? I dont care about onboard sound/graphics/lan or overclocking.

This is my first computer build from scratch, so do I need any extra cables or thermal compound or that?

I have a good deal of stuff that I can take from my current pc, like disc drives, modem, sound card etc. (can I just stick my old HD into a new pc without formatting? That would save a lot of hassle).

Edit: Oh, Im on a budget! High 600's to 700

Thordon

This is my first computer build from scratch, so do I need any extra cables or thermal compound or that?

All the cables you need should be included, you have the BOXED version cpu listed, so that will come with a standard HSF with a thermal pad on it (melts when you start the cpu to act as thermal compound), most people dont like thermal pads though, you could pick up some Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound for a fiver somewhere, jes.de do them, thats where I got mine, cant seem to find any on Komplett though.

TomCo

Yeah, komplett don't sell thermal paste for some reason.

Thordon

can I just stick my old HD into a new pc without formatting?

Generally no, you will have to at least install a new OS, I think the OS adapts itself to your cpu/mobo/etc when you install it.

Nukem

www.pc-memory-upgrade.co.uk has cheap RAM and thermal paste. Artic silver if memory serves - they del. in 2-3 days and have cheap RAM too.Might save ya few quid.

Nukem

EDIT: Delivery is free too

TomCo

Free delivery is always a plus

I couldn't find any dual channel ram cheaper than the stuff I have in my shopping list though.

Nukem

Stretch the euro - check 3200 - and price 512mb and you'll get a few 55e - one gig od Matrix 3200 is 116e?

And may i make a suggestion - i have that mobo on a 3500+ winnie and i dont like the mobo. Thats my opinion but i though it was a bad buy :mad: Too lazy to change.

Nukem

TomCo

Well what would you recommend?

Nukem

TomCo wrote:

Well what would you recommend?

Thats was only my opinion dont take it as god. That board doesnt overclock that well and the software that came with it i found wasnt great. I might lean to a DFI caus of the accesories with it,think it comes with rounded cables and some nice features. Also some of the Abits that are around the 100 mark are alright and werent available when i was building. Do a bit of googling before buying.

Hope that helps.
Nukem

smeggle

Thordon wrote:

Generally no, you will have to at least install a new OS, I think the OS adapts itself to your cpu/mobo/etc when you install it.

Not if it's xp pro. I've stuck my drive in different models and the os just updates to the new config.

can't say for other windows os's though...

Thordon

Not if it's xp pro

My motherboard stopped working once, I sent it off to be RMAed, it was replaced by a later revision of the same board, my old windows xp installation wouldnt boot, when I installed windows again without formatting, that worked.

TomCo

Well Id give it a try anyway, what have I got to lose?

Hard drives are not that expensive anyway, windows on the other hand is. But Im sure I can 'buy' a copy off someone in college.

Ciaran500

If you but the HDD into the new PC it should boot, but it will install all the drivers on top of the old ones. This will leave bits of drivers from the old PC and in my experience cause more hastle than its worth.

Plus starting a fresh install of windows is always nice, so fast and none of the crap built up