Advice on building a custom computer

The PSU that comes with that case is garbage. Just about the only case & PSU combo you should bother with is Antec. I either suggest getting an Antec case w/ a quality 300w+ PSU or buying a cheap case and a PSU seperate. Something like the Fortron AX400-PN should be good. You could also buy an In-Win case with a quality 300w+ PSU.

You don't really need any extra case fans and that one is garbage anyway.

The Epox is a great board, but I would suggest going with something cheaper like the ASRock 939Dual-SATA2. Also, you could try to shop around for better deals on the 6800GS and maybe drop down to a 3000+.

Get RAM from a reputable manufacturer, not generic stuff. This stuff would be good. If you plan on upgrading to 2GB soon then get a single 1GB stick. Otherwise you will be better off with dual-channel. Also, 2x512MB would be cheaper.

For around the same price as your previous case, this Antec is a pretty good deal:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16811129150

If you have a bit more money to spare, then the Antec Sonata would be the best choice.

The thing about Antec is that none of them have side windows (minus Super Lanboy). I would really like one, that was I can see if something goes wrong...

Then buy a Cooler Master Centurion 5 and a quality Fortron PSU. Even though this is a bit more expensive then what you chose previously, it is worth it. Also, you can save money in other areas.

I have chosen the Aspire X-Plorer case with no PSU and the Forton 450W PSU.

As for RAM, I chose this one.

I have changed some of the stuff around, according to your advice. Seems more expensive, but okay.

[Link]

You don't need that Aspire case fan.

I think the case is really ugly and the build quality may not be the greatest, but that has a lot to do with personal preference. The Cooler Master Centurion 5 is a good looking case and is built well. It is also only $50.

I would suggest getting the ASRock board I recommended. It would save you like $40 right there.

Get the Fortron AX450-PN instead. You can drop down to a 3000+, The pqi RAM I suggested would save you $10.

As for the RAM, if I were to get the pqi that you reccommended, would I just get two? Or do I need the dual channel 'kit.'

Another quick question, does the ASRock board have a built in modem?

Yes for both questions. Dual channel kits are more of a marketing thing then anything else.

Last edited by PorkyCorky on Thu Dec 29, 2005 7:02 pm; edited 1 time in total

Is my motherboard compatible with the hard drive I selected?  I just noticed the ASRock mobo is Dual-SATA2 and the hard drive is just SATA.

Motherboard.  [Link]
Hard Drive.  [Link]

It will work fine.