BUDGET RANGE: $300-$500
At least try to keep it small as you can.

Or i just go buy a Windows XP mini laptop for $499.99 LOL. Hopefully it can handle the requirements I have.


I want to build 1 computer out of various options. At least a pretend build of ATX and Mirco. 2 Pretend Computers.


I want other people opinions before I make a descision.

I've taken a computer class in college so I may know 25% about computers compared to the best people out there. Also I build a pretend computer couple of times. Let me know on things that I may not know. Like price range of products that I want for requirements.

FOR WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL/HOME EDITION
(I have professional)


Here's what I look for:
A good build computer that can run programs like:

~Fruityloops-Can handle alot of sound tracks, 0% lagging.
(music program)

~Muonline Game

~Second Life

~3D Max

I want to meet Maxium Requirements they have. I don't want a super duper computer if you know what I mean.




Ok, I know Newegg is the best place!

Yes I know the first 3 important things to build a PC is:

Motherboard (Dimensions have to fit with Case)
Power Supply (for ATX or Mirco)
ATX or Micro Computer Case

Side of those is:
Processor/Heatsink fan (fan that has to fit with motherboard)
RAM
Video Card
Hard Drive

Optional stuff:
Floppy
DVD
ETC.

Here's what I look for: (Warrent, is it important?)
Remember, I'm building 2 computers, 1 ATX and 1 Micro and when the final is done, It's going to be one or the other.

~Computer case w/ good air flow
Optional to see the C numbers
Nice looking
(I realistically I don't know the right price for a good case)
Has the USB slot area in the front
Carries at least 2 hard drives
With or without Fan (whatever is the best)
With or without Power Supply (whatever the best)
Doesn't have to have a sound built in because I have a PCI sound card.
Not a screw style but a snap on for the CD tray, Hard drive etc. (pic)
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
PRICE RANGE: $70.00 OR LESS

~Motherboard handles the good processors AMD or Intel (I heard AMD is better)
that has the 4 connector.
Not to crazy with the SATA connector- i know it has a higher cache and runs faster, whats the number for both ATA and SATA?
I like ATA
Would the motherboard have a video card built in? does 3D programs run better if it's part of it?
At least have 2-3 slots of ram
I heard ASUS is the best... is it?
Have default CPU SOCKET
DDR slots (what are the other kinds?)
PRICE RANGE: $99.00 OR LESS

~ CPU either Intel or AMD (which one is the best for 3D?)
at least 3Ghz/ 1M/800 (whatever your opinion is for 3D
Good heatsink/fan that fits the motherboard (quiet at least...)
PRICE RANGE: $90.00 OR LESS

~ Memory RAM
Already have 512MB
meet 3d requirements 3GB?
Buy two cards of 1GB each?
Around $50 or less

~Power supply (mother board section)
Whatever the computer needs to run everything


~ETC I already have 2 hard drives, CD Roms, etc.



~OTHER
I have a PCI sound card and I want to buy or maybe part of the build project, PCI graphic card.
~Question is would the ATX Motherboard have 2 PCI slots? Micros have only 1?



I know you need Thermal Compound and also use Isopropyl Acohocol to remove the Thermal Compound.

I already bought a new CPU:
Intel Pentium 4 478Socket 3Ghz/1M/800
It was for my Compaq but it didn't work.
(issue in this link)
http://www.d-a-l.com/help/how-build-...eries-cpu.html

I'm guessing that 478 Socket won't work on ATX Motherboards.
Question: Can a 478 socket work on a motherboard that goes with ATX Mid Towers?

Question: What is a ghost drive? buy 2 250GB hard drives to if one dies you have back up files on the other drive? How u do a ghost setting? It's like when you save something, it goes to other drive.


QUESTIONS:
What's the difference between a PCI and PCI Express?
What's a DDR3?
IS there a SDR?
What's the differenes in all DDR and other types?
What's the default CPU socket?

I have my eye on this graphic card and I like it. Even with the price. With this Card can the Micro Motherboard can handle this? (3D stuff, no lagging) I know it's the right slot. PCI! even with the Processor that I have "Intel Pentium 4 478Socket 3Ghz/1M/800"


~GRAPHICS CARD
EVGA 01G-P1-N948-LR GeForce 9400 GT 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail
$79.99
Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P1-N948-LR GeForce 9400 GT 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Low Profile Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards





~CASE ATX
APEVIA X-SUPRA G-Type X-SUPRAG-BL Black / Blue SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$59.99
Newegg.com - APEVIA X-SUPRA G-Type X-SUPRAG-BL Black / Blue SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases


I might have a few posts later on. This is what I can think of.

You should become familiar with Google and it can answer most of your questions. Excuse the rudeness at the end but,

Let me Google that for you.

That doesn't help.

Oh? Why not? Did you read any of the hits? This is not hard.

You asked,

What's a DDR3?

Let me google that for you

Understand that ATX Form Factor is a standard used my motherboard, case, power supply and other hardware makers. ATX ensures an ATX motherboard will fit in an ATX case. About 99% of all hardware made for PCs conforms to the ATX Form Factor standard.

For beginners (and experienced too) I recommend you check out MWave's "Motherboard Bundles" Wizard. This is a great research tool as it allows you to pick a motherboard, then the Wizard will offer a big list of CPUs and RAM that MWave has already determined are compatible with that motherboard. Or, you can start with a CPU and the wizard will list a bunch of motherboards and RAM options that will support that CPU. This is a great research tool you can use even if you buy elsewhere (although their prices are fairly competitive once you factor in shipping - if you live in the US). However, for only $10 more, MWave will mount the CPU and RAM on the motherboard AND test them. So not only do you know from the Wizard that your components work together, you know from the testing your specific parts will not be DOA - a nice warm fuzzy for only $10.