hi, i'm ordering parts for my first hand-built computer. i'm a total newbie and i'm wondering if all the parts i selected will run together as a PC. meaning, i'm trying to avoid incompatibility issues and whatnot. i have no idea what works with what, and i'll appreciate insight on whether these parts make for a good investment. thanks a lot. you can email me if you want, quests@hotmail.com ***************** Linkworld Beige/Silver Midi ATX CASE, Model "B313-C8811-P4" -RETAIL Specifications: Case Type: Midi ATX CASE Color: Beige/Silver Material: Metal Drive Bays: 5.25" x 4/0, 3.5" x 2/2 (external/internal) Expansion Slots: 7 Front Ports: 2xUSB Power Supply: 300W Cooling System: 1 fan side Motherboard Compatibility: ATX Dimensions: 20.5" x 10" x 19.5" more info-> N82E16811164015 $21.00 $21.00 BIOSTAR "M7NCG 400" nForce2 IGP Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL Specifications: Supported CPU: Socket A AMD Athlon/Athlon XP/Duron Processors Chipset: NVIDIA nForce2 IGP + MCP FSB: 200/266/333/400MHz RAM: 3x DIMM support Dual Channel DDR333/266/200 Max 3GB IDE: 2x UltraDMA 133 up to 4 Devices Slots: 1x AGP 8X, 3x PCI, 1x CNR Ports: 2xPS2,1xLPT,1xCOM,1xVGA,6xUSB2.0(Rear 2),1xLAN,1xGAME,Audio Ports Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC650 6-Channel AC97 CODEC Onboard Video: GeForce4 MX Onboard LAN: Realtek 8201BL 10/100Mbps Form Factor: Micro ATX more info-> N82E16813138234 $61.00 $61.00 AMD Athlon XP 2000+, 266 FSB, 256K Cache Processor - Retail Specifications: Model: AMD Athlon XP 2000+ Core: Thoroughbred Operating Frequency: 1.67GHz FSB: 266MHz Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/256K Voltage: 1.65V Process: 0.13Micron Socket: Socket A Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+ Packaging: Retail Box (Heatsink and Fan included) more info-> N82E16819103383 $57.00 $57.00 Kingston ValueRAM 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700 Specifications: Manufacturer: Kingston Speed: DDR333(PC2700) Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM Error Checking: Non-ECC Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered Cas Latency: 2.5 Support Voltage: 2.5V Bandwidth: 2.7GB/s Organization: 32M x 64 -Bit Warranty: Lifetime through Manufacturer more info-> N82E16820141302 $45.00 $45.00 Alps Beige 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model DF354H068F, OEM Specifications: Capacity: 1.44MB Average Access Time: 3 ms (track to track) Interface: 34 Pin Standard Floppy Connector Form: 3.5 inch Media Type: All Standard 1.44MB & 720KB 3.5 Floppy Diskettes Features: High reliability attained by the employment of a direct-drive motor Packaging: OEM more info-> N82E16821103301 $12.99 $12.99 One Day Sale, Ends 6/29/2004 4:00 PM PST Western Digital Special Edition 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model WD800JB, OEM Drive Only Specifications: Capacity: 80GB Average Seek Time: 8.9 ms Buffer: 8MB Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA100 Features: High-performance with 8MB Buffer Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years Packaging: OEM Drive Only more info-> N82E16822144122 $65.00 $65.00 Encore 56K V.92 Internal PCI Fax Modem(NetoDragon), Model ENF656-ESW-NDPR - Retail Specifications: Interface: PCI Bus, Plug and Play Standards: V.92 and earlier ITU standards Chipset: NetoDragon MDV92XP DTE Rate: 115200bps Fax Speed: 14400bps more info-> N82E16825180003 $7.50 $7.50 Microsoft Optical Wheel Mouse Version 1.1a PS/2 /USB -OEM Specifications: Interface: USB/ PS/2 Number Of Buttons: 3x buttons + 1x Wheel Optical/Ball: Optical Wireless Technology: N/A *Must be Purchased with Hardware!* more info-> N82E16826105123 $13.00 $13.00 NEC 8X DVD+RW/-RW Drive, Model ND-2500A, OEM Bulk Specifications: Write Speed: 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 32X CD-R, 16X CD-RW Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 12X DVD-ROM Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE Buffer: 2MB OS Support: Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE Features: Vertical operation possible, anti-dust seal Packaging: OEM Bulk Pack more info-> N82E16827152011 $64.99 $64.99 CINTRE RW-695 2-Piece Speakers - RETAIL Specifications: Configuration: 2.0 Power Output: 6W(RMS) Frequency Response: 100Hz - 20,000Hz Signal To Noise Ratio: Not Specified Remote: N/A Features: Front Headphone Jack for Easy Access, Magnetically Shielded Speakers Reduce Electronic Interference more info-> N82E1683613000

From a quick look, I have a couple suggestions 1. I would get 3200 RAM so if you want to upgrade to 400MHz processor, you already have compatible RAM. 2. If you don't use a floppy drive, you don't need it. (not a major cost, but save where you can too. 3. Not sure why you want a XP2000 with a FSB of 266. If you decide not to get the floppy, the cost saved would probably be the same amount to step up to a 333 FSB. Can't tell you whether a Biostar mobo is good or not, but someone else will comment on that. Personally I prefer Asus, but again if biostar makes good mobos go for it. ALso maybe a more powerful PS? I would prefer at least a 450Watt or higher. So if you add on, you have the power for it. When all else fails beat the $%!* out of it!!!

Get the floppy Asus or MSI for the board I should think a good quality 350-400 Watt PS would cut it. The modem sucks, get a brand name or use the one you have now. Nothing is more miserable than a cheap modem. Jimi_l

"i have no idea what works with what" everything pretty much works with everything. However... An igp motherboard is unbalanced. The job of a motherboard and a video card is best kept separate. That said, you are buying the ONLY 400fsb motherboard with nvidia integrated graphics, and biostar is to be commended for even attempting this feat. Go for it and if it works (it probably will) you will have a mobo to brag about. But do not even think about overclocking. Ditto Jimi's comments about a modem. The world will be better when nobody uses modem's any more. That will happen sooner than later.

Yes, GET the floppy drive! You will need it some time. Stick with the modem too, I have one and it is fantastic! Very fast, it always connects at 48K and higher. I would get a Shuttle AN35N ultra for the motherboard though. It's a little cheaper has the same features and is MUCH more reliable. And get this case instead; (Click Here)this is the case I use to build computers for clients. It’s great and the power supply is VERY reliable and the voltages are stable. And do not, I repeat DO NOT buy a Western Digital hard drive! They are horribal. Get a Seagate instead Click Here I think that covers it, good luck and have fun!

"And do not, I repeat DO NOT buy a Western Digital hard drive! They are horribal." I have never had any problem with Western Digital harddrives. I've been using them for ages...

I have also never had a problem with a WD hard drive, and I have been using them for years in my own systems and clients' systems. Seagate, on the other hand, have been nothing but problems. I have had three of them die in as many years. I would definitely go for a board that does not have on-board graphics. Even most cheap AGP video cards are better. Get at least 333 MHz RAM, 400 if you can afford it. I would also look into a little better power supply, 400 watts or better. HTH. -Big Mike Athlon XP 2400+ Volcano 7+ 512 Mushkin PC3200 Asus A7V8X-X WD 40GB 7200RPM Maxtor 23GB 5400RPM Radeon 9000 @320/260 DDR Lite-On 52x24x32 Lite-On 16x DVD 650 Watt PSU