First System Build in YEARS

[Imp]

Please be gentile with me. This is my first post here.

It's been about 15 years since I've built my own machine. That said, there are some major differences that I am not as aware of that I should be.
1) The size of the PSU (or undersized) has exactly what effect on a PC? (back in the day, there was really only 1 size PSU)
2) SATA2 - Can I utilize it in a system that has only 1 drive?

Is there anything I need to watch out for with the following equipment?


Already Purchased
PC Case
Mother Board
To Be Ordered
CD-DVD
Hard Drive
RAM
CPU
Exsisting Equipment
Video Card
Sound Card
Looking at the following PSU (But not sure if I *NEED* it)
PSU

[[email protected]]

Re: First System Build in YEARS

Your system looks pretty good in my opinion. You picked a VERY reliable psu. If your psu is undersized, you system will randomly shut down during moments of important use. Your 550 watt is plenty. It doesn't seem like you want to spend much. If I were you, I would get a new mobo. AGP is about at its end. Since you are upgrading, I would go ahead and get one like this Chaintech

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813152049

Since this mobo doesn't have an AGP slot, I would suggest a 6600GT Pci-express video card.

I realize that you may not have the interest right know, but your system will be easier to upgrade in the future if you get a pci- express mobo.

[Yawgm0th]

Re: First System Build in YEARS

Uh, the motherboard he has uses both AGP and PCI-E at no performance cost.

The PSU is overkill unless you overclock. Something 480-500W should suffice and leave room for upgrading to more power-hungry hardware. The reason people need larger size PSUs is because some systems use more hardware or use hardware that needs more power (or, more likely, both).

[Imp]

Re: First System Build in YEARS

Thanks for the input.

I have ordered all the parts and am eagerly awaiting them :)