First Computer

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bikeman92

New Member
Hello everyone, I am new here and am looking to build (or majorly modify) my first computer. I feel that I am moderatly familiar with this kind of stuff and have a brother-in-law that is a professional in this field but I would still like to have the opinions of others. I am getting a simple Gateway computer (for free from someone else) with a mid-tower with a Pentium 4 3.0 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM (yes, it is pretty old). I am really interested in building a computer to play Blu-ray from my hard drive (Blu-ray players still too much). So I did some research and found a Gigabyte Motherboard with an on-board video card with HDMI out. Here is the link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128382
I am also getting a new processor, dual core. Here is the link to that:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103210
I have heard from others that this is a great setup, more than enough. Does anyone else have any experience with these or have any comments? Will my RAM from the Gateway likely work in the new computer (until I can get a better set)?
 
Well, for that cpu+mobo, a china brand power supply such as what comes in a gateway would not power that. Depending on how old it is, that pentium 4 rig might have ddr or ddr2 memory. 512mb is not nearly enough for bluray and the like even if it is ddr2, as the integrated graphics would need at least 128mb of that(unless its a motherboard with sideport memory), for a vista system, 2gb would be about the minimum as far as bluray and the like.

The onboard gpu of this board though is actually pretty decent, and has 128mb of sideport memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128385
 
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I figured as much with the power supply and already have started to look at memory. I am not sure what I should get for the memory. Both the motherboard I am already looking at and the motherboard you (bomberboysk) suggested support 1066 and 1200, but I can't seem to find if my Processor stated above (the dual core AMD Athlon 64 X2) will work with 1200. Any suggestions on 2GB RAM sets? Also, bomberboysk, with the motherboard you suggested, it is almost the same as the one I was thinking of, only it is a micro and has some slightly different features. Like I said, I am not an expert and am not sure which one would be better. What do you think? I cannot find anywhere if the GIGABYTE GA-MA780G-UD3H has sideport memory. Thanks for the help so far.
 
bikeman92 said:
I figured as much with the power supply and already have started to look at memory. I am not sure what I should get for the memory. Both the motherboard I am already looking at and the motherboard you (bomberboysk) suggested support 1066 and 1200, but I can't seem to find if my Processor stated above (the dual core AMD Athlon 64 X2) will work with 1200. Any suggestions on 2GB RAM sets? Also, bomberboysk, with the motherboard you suggested, it is almost the same as the one I was thinking of, only it is a micro and has some slightly different features. Like I said, I am not an expert and am not sure which one would be better. What do you think? I cannot find anywhere if the GIGABYTE GA-MA780G-UD3H has sideport memory. Thanks for the help so far.
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Well, the first motherboard has some better features if you were to spend an extra $30 or so on a lower end dedicated video card. This is some good ddr2 1066mhz(1200mhz is kinda pricey atm):
2gb:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231172
4gb:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231241

And tbh, if you go with this mobo, get a dedicated gpu such as this or this. Although if you do get a dedicated card, since you dont need integrated graphics, either this or this motherboard would be better.
This power supply is good for a budget power supply.
 
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Thanks for the help with the RAM. About the dedicated graphics card, I think I will hold off on that for now. I have read some reviews saying that they were satisfied with the onboard video. I think I will try it out and if it does not work, I will invest in a graphics card. Also, I am not very familiar with power supply hardware. Is there a way to get a cheaper one? I do see that on your signature you mention "Power Suplly, not the place to skimp." Just to reiterate, I am on a budget (for now).
 
bikeman92 said:
Thanks for the help with the RAM. About the dedicated graphics card, I think I will hold off on that for now. I have read some reviews saying that they were satisfied with the onboard video. I think I will try it out and if it does not work, I will invest in a graphics card. Also, I am not very familiar with power supply hardware. Is there a way to get a cheaper one? I do see that on your signature you mention "Power Suplly, not the place to skimp." Just to reiterate, I am on a budget (for now).
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Power supplies are like the heart of a system, you dont want it to fail, and cheap ones fail..ALOT. If it fails, it usually surges, and can kill other components alongside it such as the motherboard, video cards, memory, etc.
 
I see your point with the power supply. I certainly wouldn't want that! Well, I guess I have everything I need for now. Thanks a million.
 
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