Custom Computer Check, Please

[Yeldarb]

My server is just about crapped out, it is old, slow, freezes randomly (even when not in use), and the hard drive is almost dead. It's not worth fixing/upgrading it. So, I'm working on configuring a new box. I've never built my own before, but I figure, what the heck.

Here's what I have, can anyone give me some insight as to whether these parts would work together and if this is a good price for what I'm getting. I already have a monitor.


Linkworld 435-09-C2628-P4 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 400W Power Supply - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811164054)

SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP - OEM
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16821103116)
ECS 848P-A V2.0 Socket 478 Intel 848P ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813135166)
SAMSUNG SpinPoint P Series SP0802N 80GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA133 Hard Drive - OEM
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822152010)
LITE-ON SK-1688A/B Black PS/2 Wired Standard Keyboard - Retail
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16823107119)
Patriot Signature Series 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model PSD1G400K - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820220057)
Microsoft U81-00009 Black 3 Buttons 1x Wheel USB Optical Mouse - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819116145)
intel Pentium 4 2.66 Northwood 533MHz FSB Socket 478 Processor Model BX80532PE2667D - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819116145)
ATI ALL-IN-WONDER 9600 100-714116 ALL-IN-WONDER Radeon 9600 128MB DDR AGP 4X/8X Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102345)

Total Price: $584.33 (with shipping)

I'm planning on installing Gentoo Linux on it and running Apache as I am now (with the root server on an external drive on my Windows Box connected to through the network).

So, how does it look? Do I have everything I need? Should it work together well?

[Jeff Wheeler]

(although I don't know anything about building computes)

Don't you want a cooler looking case? It looks all HP'ish. Get a pretty titanium one :)

[REEF·]

(although I don't know anything about building computes)

Don't you want a cooler looking case? It looks all HP'ish. Get a pretty titanium one :)Agreed, what about a monitor also?

[Yeldarb]

See, the thing is, I don't have much money, and the case comes with a 400W power supply for 28 bucks =) I thought it was a good deal. The way the case looks doesn't really matter to me that much, this case looks infinitely better than the computer it's replacing (an old old compaq :yuck: )

And Reefster, I already have a monitor that I can use.

[RushScripting]

its just for a server :P Why it need to look cool ;) *i would like to see it pimped out* but anyways seems good enough to me to run a server :D

[λ]

You might want to get an nVidia graphics card if you're planning on installing linux ;)

[Yeldarb]

Why's that λ?

[teet]

Yeah, I would ditch the ATI card. It will most likely cause you a lot of problems if you're wanting to run linux. The ATI linux drivers are awful (from what I hear). Go with an Nvidia card. You can find GeForce 4 ti cards really cheap nowadays...I would probably go with one of them.

Also, your processor only has a 533 mhz fsb speed, but your mobo can support 800 mhz...why not upgrade your processor? I do realize you're trying to build a "budget" machine, but will you really be happy with a machine that is outdated as soon as you get it?

-teet

[Yeldarb]

Ok, thanks for the tip on the Graphics card and the Processor. I swapped out the ATI for an nVidia GeForceFX ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150059 ). And the Processor out for a 800mhz FSB 3.0 ghz P4 Prescott w/ Hyperthreading ( See Below ).

Dropped the price by a bit, now it's $537 w/ shipping.

Any other tips?

[teet]

That's a nice upgrade on the processor. Looks like a great machine, and a great price. Make sure your processor is socket 478 so it will fit into your mobo!

I noticed that you didn't have a cd/dvd-rom anywhere...you might want one of those :)

-teet

[TheOneAndOnly]

Hmm, if your server gets lots of connections you may want to look into getting a SCSI hard drive...

[Yeldarb]

I have a CDRW drive that I took out of my Dell when I put in my DVD Burner, so I'm going to use that ;)

Just noticed I copied the wrong link for the processor *whoops*
It's actually this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116171 And it is a 478 :D

TheOneAndOnly - It's actually just a personal server for pictures and files on the road and other stuff. Not high traffic at all. Just need something that works ;)

Thanks Guys, I think I'm going to place my order on this tomorrow.

[Yeldarb]

I have a question, which RAM would be better? 2x512 (like I have above) or 1x1024? They're really similarly priced. Which would be faster or does it matter?

Edit: Also, do I have enough in the way of cooling? Will my case do enough or do I need more fans?

[GW02]

2x512 will be faster, but it will leave no room to upgrade.
It should hold you over for a good 3-4 years, though.
It all depends on what you're after for this computer.

If you're going to keep it for more than say 4 years, get the 1x1024 and get another 1x1024 later. If not, then stick with the 2x512.

[Yeldarb]

Is it going to be noticably slower? Or just slightly?

[2nd day]

slightly...

[Yeldarb]

OK, I placed my order. Thanks for all the helps guys :D