Help finding best computer parts for my first home-made computer....

[Sean]

I want to go with an Athlon with power between 1.2 to 1.4 GHz. Depending on if it is possible to overclock a 1.4 GHz to a faster speed. If not, then I will go with a 1.33 GHZ, which I think can be overclocked to 1.4 GHz. I need lots of help here. Some specs I'd like to have below. I just need help finding the best parts.

I need to find an ADVANCED motherboard that supports DDR Ram (preferably 3 slots), RAID for hard drives, 4 or more HD slots, at least 5 PCI slots and 1 AGP slot, and obviously a Socket A connec.

I also need help finding a good case. With 3 or more 5.25" external slots, 2 or more 3.5" external slots, and at least 4 internal 3.5" slots. Also need space for 3 or more extra cooling fans.

I need to find a good fan and heatsink (preferably together) that would support my overclocking. Don't know where to start with this.

Also need to find a good 10 GB or bigger HD with 10,000 RPM that would be able to use the RAID function. And a 40 GB HD with 7200 RPM that would use the RAID feature.

Any other help would be appreciated. I have everything else covered, as I do not have a problem finding other things.


The motherboard/s I am currently looking at are the:

Iwill Socket A 266 DDR w/Raid
AND
KG7-RAID by ABIT

Thanks!!!

[Sean]

If you have any suggestions on where to get my main computer parts from, that would be useful also. Also, should I get all my parts from the same place? Or get them at different places?

[smb]

You can try Newegg.com or TCWO.com they both seem to have pretty good rprices, and aren't too bad on shipping. They might have everything you need.

[Sean]

Is this a good Motherboard and are those Specs correct? Cause I couldn't find this mother board on MSI's Website...

http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/doc/A13161.html

[Sean]

Just realized something.... I don't need the RAID feature. lol Something that I would probably not use...

[GraingerGuy]

I would say get the 1.33 w/266FSB....I don't think you would have any problem clocking it to 1.4. I'm actually pretty sure you could get it to 1.5....maybe a little higher.

The Sk6 is a good heatsink/fan combo.

As far as mobos go, I think one of the best ones out there right now is the Epox 8k7a. It doesn't have IDE thingys....but it supports 4 IDE devices.... 6PCI slots and 2 DDR RAM slots. This one is a very stable mobo and o/cs well.

I don't know much about scsi stuff...so I'll pass on that question. But as for the 40gig hard drive, I would get the IBM 60GXP 40gig.

Hope this helps.

[surferb]

I just purchased a similar setup from newegg.com...I'm having problems with windows 2000. Seems to be OK with 98. see post http://www.pcabusers.net/forums/showthr ... adid=11753

[Kakarot]

I need to find an ADVANCED motherboard that supports DDR Ram (preferably 3 slots), RAID for hard drives, 4 or more HD slots, at least 5 PCI slots and 1 AGP slot, and obviously a Socket A connec

Check <a target=NEW href="http://www.msi.com.tw/support/faq/main_ ... 8">this</a> out. If you're going to o/c you may want to consider NOT getting the VIA DDR chipset(like on that MSI mobo you posted a link too). I have an EPOX 8K7A ddr mobo and its real stable. Uses the AMD761 chipset.

I also need help finding a good case. With 3 or more 5.25" external slots, 2 or more 3.5" external slots, and at least 4 internal 3.5" slots. Also need space for 3 or more extra cooling fans.

I would recommend the Antec SX830 or SX1030(more bays etc). They both have great cooling and air flow and lots of room to work with. I got my 830 at http://www.directron.com. They're reliable and have decent pricing. I'm sure you can find them at other places too.

I need to find a good fan and heatsink (preferably together) that would support my overclocking. Don't know where to start with this.

I'd also recommend the SK-6 copper cooler. With the delta 38cfm fan if you can stand the noise. Check out http://www.kdcomputers.com for this and other computer stuff.

Also need to find a good 10 GB or bigger HD with 10,000 RPM that would be able to use the RAID function. And a 40 GB HD with 7200 RPM that would use the RAID feature.

Not sure what you are looking for on this. You seem to be implying a 10,000 rpm IDE drive. But there is no such thing yet. If you want a 10,000rpm or 15,000rpm drive its only available in SCSI. And if you are going to get that i'd recommend Seagate all the way for those drives. But you'll also need to get a scsi controller if you get a 10k drive. As for the 40gb 7200rpm... I'll stick with grainger guy and say IBM 60gxp line.