Assume an Antec P180, 500 watt PS, and $500 to start a new adventure. The goal is a PC for graphic design and video editing. I know that I will need a MoBo, CPU, cooler, memory. Can I temporarily use the old IDE DVD Burner and HDD? Can I use an on-board video/audio until I can afford really good card? Should I wait until I have saved more $$$$?
Is $500 after the case and power supply? (By the way I recommend using this PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003 For $500 you can get: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115028 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059 2 x http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127296 You can use the old hard disk but you will probably need to reinstall windows, so to keep things simple you may as well get another drive to put a fresh copy on, say this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822135106
The PSU is good, Antec Truepower 2.0, 500W The case and fan system are good. Your suggestions look OK, I'm just starting out on this one. My last build was several years ago, I ordered one of the first Antec P180 cases. The ASUS P4P800 with P4 3.4GB is still rockin, but without a video card. That's the next purchase, actually, the video card. And I have another case for it to migrate to. Since I was hoping for a PC to grow into, and use Linux with WINE for CAD or Photoshop, what advantage or not advantage would a 64 bit processor be?
What can I say, 64-bit CPUs can run 64-bit OSes. The advantages don't really seem to be too great if I'm honest, but it's another option open to you. Do, however, note that pretty much ALL new CPUs are 32-bit, core 2 duos/quads included.
It seems more and more likely that I will 'sneakup' to that critical mass of newer stuff that eventually require a new mobo and all that goes with it. Perhaps I shall wait for that new P45 one. So, a question... Can I use a SATA HDD with any type of connector with my older IDE P4P800 mobo?
