Hello,
I agree with you Carroll regarding Compaq using proprietary cases, (Grr I
hate those large computer mfg's)., and Michael I'm happy to see that you
are interested to start building your own PCs. It really is fairly
simple, and it's well worth the extra effort. It's much more rewarding to
know that you assembled your own PC. All of your components sound fine,
and I would recommend that you stick with the Intel Pentium III. Athlon's
have been known in the past to have some compatibility issues, and
although they may a resolved issue, it's probably better to play it safe
for your first computer (It would be very frustrating for you to put the
PC together, and then it won't boot).
Also, the meaning of the terms AT and ATX form factor is those are
guidelines for how a motherboard and case are to be designed - the
physical dimensions of the board, placement of the ports on the back, and
arrangement of the motherboard components. Your Compaq case is probably
neither AT nor ATX - it's probably a design Compaq conjured up in their
own little dream world... But anyways, it's best to go with an ATX case
and ATX motherboard - those are most common nowadays. Oh, and also, make
sure you get at least a 250W power supply, and if you do decide to go
with Athlon, make sure you get an Athlon approved power supply - those
things use a lot of power, and are very picky about the quality of power
they get.
OH! Sorry this email's kinda scattered, but they've got some really,
really cool cases at http://www.colorcase.com if you're interested.
And, I think that's about all I've got to say about it. Good luck, and
Godspeed. :)
- Hawk166_PWR (Michael Soto)
[log in to unmask]
On Sat, 2 Sep 2000 10:46:02 -0400 Carroll Grigsby <[log in to unmask]>
writes:
> Michael:
> That beautiful case may have to remain just as it is: Empty. Most
> Compaq
> computers use a proprietary motherboard/daughterboard construction,
> so
> that standard AT or ATX motherboards won't fit in them. (I'm not
> sure
> about the Presario series, though. If I'm wrong, a more knowledgable
> lister will set me straight). You'll probably be buying an ATX
> factor
> board, since the AT boards are becoming a thing of the past. Be sure
> that you buy the proper case -- in general, cases are designed to
> accept
> either AT or ATX shape boards, but not both.
> There are some excellent links at PCBUILD to motherboard websites:
> www.anandtech.com and www.motherboards.org are two of the best.
> Anand
> has a series where he recommends several different setups each month
> ranging from low-cost to break-the-bank.
> Good luck --
> Carroll Grigsby
>
>
> Michael Scott wrote:
> >
> > Hello,
> > My name is Michael Scott (e-mail [log in to unmask]). I am very
> new to building pc's, though I've been using them for quite a while.
> Recently, my cousin built me a computer. I payed pretty close
> attention to him and I think it may be fun to give it a shot myself.
> Part I have now is a Compaq Presario case with no power supply, so
> obviously I have a ways to go. I read the article How to Build a PC
> by Bob Wright, and it seems simple enough to put all the stuff
> together. However, I want to make sure that everything I buy is
> compatible with everything else. I'm thinking about the following
> stats:
> >
> > PIII 600MHz Processor
> > 128MB SDRAM 100MHz
> > 20 GB HDD
> > 48X CD-Rom
> > Annihilator 2 Video Card
> > Creative Labs AWE64 Sound Card
> > 1.44MB Floppy Drive
> > 56K V.90 modem
> >
> > The problem is, I'm not sure which motherboard would be best,
> whether or not to go with AMD's Athlon instead of the Pentium III,
> and whether or not to use this case (it's a beautiful case, and I'd
> hate to see it go to waste) or buy a whole new one. Anyway, suffice
> to say, I need a little advice. Anyone have any ideas where I should
> begin?
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any replies,
> >
> > Michael Scott
________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great
tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine
Visit our web site to signup: http://nospin.com
|
