What is the difference between PCI express X16 and PCI express X1? Why would I need more then one slot on a motherboard?
PCI Express X16 is generally used for Graphics cards and other high bandwidth things while the X1 Slot can be used for lower bandwidth things like SATA Controller Cards. Dave
So if my goal is to only run 1 graphics card and utilize the mb's SATA and PATA connectors. Then I don't need to spend a lot of money on a ASUS or high end Giga-byte board? I would like to use this CPU to play some games, but it doesnt need to be a hard core gaming machine. Would a GigaByte GA-M55plus-S3G Motherboard work with a AM2 4200 processor and a X1900 ATI All-In-Wonder video card?
No you don't need to spend lots of money and all that you picked out works together. You will get some good performance from the X1900 Graphics Card. Dave
Dude the X1900 and not spend alot of money dont go together!!! Give us a budget and well throw what we think is the best motherboard/graphics card right at ya!! Lecsiy
$800 would be around my budget. I currently have an older ATI All-In_Wonder Card and I love it cause I don't have a TV in my PC room. I also found that X1900 for $200 which I thought was a great deal. (Haven't bought it yet)
Is that $800 for just the Mobo, CPU, GPU and Memory or for the whole computer excl. Monitor, Speakers ect. Dave
I’ve done one anyway: Mobo: ASUS M2N-E $94.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131022 CPU: Athlon 64 X2 4200+ $185 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103747 Memory: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 $148.49 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820231071 Graphics: Radeon X1300 All-In-Wonder $134.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102661 PSU: Sunbeam 450w $45 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817709006 Case: Aspire X-Plorer $58 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811144101 HD: Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB $79.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144417 Optical Drive: LG Super-Multi DVD Burner $30.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827136091 Then there is a little left to add on little bits. Dave
The 800 is for the PCU, PS, MB, VC and memory, and probally one SATA HD for the O/S. I alredy have a Antec Case, 2 (150GB PATA), 1 (80GB PATA), and 1 (40GB PATA). I have a Sony DVD burner that I will be using as well. If I can use less then 800 I would like to get a 19 LCD monitor.
I’ve put this together this without your 19” LCD Monitor. However, it would be quite easy to downgrade a few bits (i.e. 1GB RAM, 120Gb HD, X1300 All-In-Wonder GPU) to fit the Monitor into your budget. Anyway, here goes: Mobo: ASUS M2N-E $94.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131022 CPU: Athlon 64 X2 4200+ $185 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103747 Memory: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 $148.49 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820231071 PSU: Sunbeam 450w $45 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817709006 HD: Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB $79.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144417 Graphics: All-In-Wonder X1900 $229.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102685 Dave
I can get that X1900 for $199 so I think I'll go with that card. Not sure about that ASUS motherboard. It says that it has 1 IDE channel. I would like to utilize my PATA drives if I can. Is that Sunbeam a good enough power supply? I was looking at the Hiper power supplies or is that overkill at that point?
I would go with the ASUS Motherboard and buy a PCI Controller Card. About the PSU, I would have a word with sammorris in The Official PC Building Thread about that as he is better at it than me. Dave
