Building a Computer...

[AndyB]

So this is the first time I am building a computer, and I have a nice array of parts picked out.

But when it comes motherboards, I am confused. I know I don't need a modem (i think?) as I will be using a DSL/Cable connection. Or do I still need one? Also, here is my processor:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3038920&sku=I69-2148#detailspecs

Do I need to buy a modem?
Do I need to buy an ethernet card?

Any help would be appreciated.

If you are curious, here is what I have picked out.

Case: Ultra Gladiator Black ATX (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2337815&sku=ULT33181)
Motherboard: Intel DP35DPM Socket 775 ATX (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3038920&sku=I69-2148)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.40GHz (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2643933&sku=CP2-DUO-Q6600)
Hard Drive: Maxtor DiamondMax 200GB 7200RPM SATA (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3191749&sku=THD-200M4)
RAM: Ultra 2048MB PC5400 DDR2 667MHz (1024MB x 2) (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2485590&sku=ULT40051)
Video Card: XFX GeForce 8600GTS 256MB DDR3 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3048543&sku=P450-8642)
CD/DVD Drive: AOpen DSW1812PL Lightscribe DVD Burner (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2902422)
Monitor: Acer 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2430647&body=REVIEWS)
OS: Windows XP Professional

[jtdowney]

If you are going to be on DSL or Cable you wont need a modem you will need a Ethernet card. The motherboard you linked to has an Ethernet card built in so you won't need to purchase one. Note that the processor you picked out doesn't come with a fan since it is an OEM. You either need to purchase a fan to fit your processor or switch that to the Retail version.

[Mike AA]

nevermind...

[CraigHickman]

You're going to need a CPU fan. Might I suggest Zalman? You're going to need something from this page... http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/code_list.asp?code=009

I use a Zalman cooler on my main machine, which is silent.

[robostangs548]

You're going to need a CPU fan. Might I suggest Zalman? You're going to need something from this page... http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/code_list.asp?code=009

I use a Zalman cooler on my main machine, which is silent.

Yah dude Zalmans are great fans..... I have one in my computer, and is a great fan. I too strongly suggest them.

[DonRotolo]

All reasonable choices. You might consider 800 MHz memory if the price is reasonable (maybe a 10% premium?). Also a larger SATA drive (although that's quite a good drive), 250 GB or 500 GB are actually reasonably priced, BUT you can always add one later for data.

Add-ons: Get a large-as-you-can-afford USB (or firewire) external Hard Drive, and good backup & restore software like Norton Ghost. Very handy of something goes horribly wrong, you can just bring your machine back to where it was (even if you need a new HDD) with almost trivial simplicity. Get good anti-virus & general firewall software (above & beyond XP's) and pay for the update subscription.

You only need a modem if you intend to use a telephone line to communicate with another computer (or the Internet) - a Cable or DSL modem is an external device usually provided by the Cable or DSL folks.

The case might be overkill, but again I'm conservative - if you like it and can afford it, get it. (My personal preference is plain vanilla cases with 350-400W Power Supply - but cheapo cases are LOUD). Don't underestimate the fan noise!

The hardest part will be loading XP onto the HDD - but that's how you learn. It seems like every new machine I built, every serious problem I had to fix, all took 3 days, but I did learn a LOT in that time. Don't sweat it, it's not that difficult, just follow the instructions and ask for help if you need it.

Good luck,
Don

[AndyB]

Thanks for the help. I went with 667MHz memory due to the fact that half of the computer comes in a barebones kit. 1gb of the RAM comes with the kit and I am adding a second gig.