new computer components advice needed (mb, psu)

Posted on

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member Since: Jan 28, 2003

ok, so just when i thought i was about to get my computer situation all settled, my pops goes out and buys me a new cpu (core 2 duo, e6400). I'm grateful for the present, and excited at the possibilities, but now I'm troubled because I haven't the slightest clue on what a good motherboard for this chip would be, or even where to look to find one that is compatible. How do I know what a good brand is (Asus? Gigabyte? what's good?). How do I know which models are compatible.

Additionally, I'm thinking a new chip may require a new power supply? I'm looking at the one currently installed and can't figure out what the capacity is... but how much do you think is necessary?

And last but not least:
I installed XP on a brand new 200GB hard drive, but it only recognized 179.xx GB of space when it formatted it. Is this considered normal or am I missing out on 20GB of space that I should have access too...

Thanks in advance for any input.

[ Back to Top ]


Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Jan 02, 2007 03:06 am

1. On the CPU, I love the conroe chip alot. Asus is always good, Gigabyte and MSI also. I'd basically just pay more attention to the chipset. From what I've read the Intel chipset is actually better than the early stage Nvidia Chips. Nvidia was working on a new one though, it may be out by now. Avoid a SIS chipset at all costs :)

2. They sell computers at Best Buy with Conroe CPU's running on a 300W power supply. Now if your running a nice vid card also you might step it up to a 450W. If your going super high end video shoot for 500W or even further for SLI and Crossfire (I think 650W is reccomended for that).

3. Yes, my 160GB total size is 149GB :( Partly partition info I guess and NTFS encryption as most run XP nowadays, but 11GB?? Come on!!

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Jan 02, 2007 03:44 am

on the power supply question, I did some "extreme power supply calculator" thingy, and it came back with an estimated 315W or so. So, I'm thinking maybe one of the 500+ W models that they recommend on Silent PC Reviews website. (basically, I got an older PCI video card and a PCI delta 66, and a USB keyboard plugged in, plus the normal stuff)...

Motherboard: Intel chipset? what are the 975 and 969 numbers that i keep seeing, and how do I know which motherboards are compatible if i were to go to a (online most likely) retailer?

3: thanks, but it just seemed like alot to lose, ugh!


Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Jan 02, 2007 03:32 pm

1. A 5ooW would be plenty and you'd have room to spare.

2. There are tons out there. It is confusing as the use the same socket as older P4 boards, just read and make sure it says Core2 somewhere.

Here is a really nice Gigabyte (expensive though as it's an SLI board). I'd shoot for something that has the 965 chipset, it will become obvious when looking at the name usually.
www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Pr...ductCode=322341

3. Yes it does :(

p.s. Mwave will let you search there motherboards, scroll down to advanced search and select "Intel Core 2 Duo". Stay away from the anything that says SIS or VIA for the chipset. Just make sure you have an Intel or Nvidia chipsetwise. I know it may sound confusing but if reading the product descrips it should be clear.

www.mwave.com/mwave/deptmotherboard.hmx?

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jan 02, 2007 04:00 pm

www.newegg.com/Product/Pr...N82E16817153023

here's a 430w thermaltake that I got last year. been running well. cheap too. $40.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 03, 2007 08:40 pm

I use Antec Smart Power 2.0. The one I use is a 450 watt job. Dual fans, one sucks one blows and it is quiet as all get out. And stable, I have them in 3 of the PC's here.

Related Forum Topics:



If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.