Building PC for learning experience

[Janqlan]

Would this be the correct forum for a post about building a PC?
My son (12) wanted to build his own PC. He made a list of parts. We posted to 2 other forums . We read a bunch of different how- to guides and watched a bunch of different build- your-own videos (online). Bit the bullet and ordered everything. Then the problems started.
I posted at Newegg and have MORE recommendations to buy more. I am hesitant b/c that didnt work last time...
Before I go further, shall I take this elsewhere?
Sincerely
Lisa

[KarmaKiller]

Hi lisa and welcome to TechIMO.

Really this thread could go in multiple forums here, but a mod will move it to what they feel is appropriate, so no worries on that.

I guess I'm having problems understanding what is going on. You already bought the parts and they're not working? Or you haven't got them yet?
Please explain a little more in depth, and I'm sure we could help.

[Janqlan]

OK. Here it comes.
This is what we bought :

PROCESSOR 3.4GHZ intel p4 650 800MHZ 2MB LGA775
HEATSINK Amazon.com: INTEL S775 BTX CPU FAN HEATSINK Type II: Electronics
We also had to return a newegg heatsink that did not fit this odd board we have. Its still sitting in a post office in california according to the delivery confirmation tracking. The above heatsink also does not fit despite its description. The mounting holes are in the correct place but the bulky heatsink comes into contact with capacitors that surround the processor module/area.....
MOTHERBOARD Intel Motherboard 955X Express chipset BTX ( BOXD955XCSLKR )

DVDROM TEAC DV-516EKITB 16x Internal IDE Silver DVD-ROM Drive Kit with PS2
VIDEO CARD MSI ATI Radeon RX2400PRO 256MB DVI S-VIDEO HDTV PCI-E Video Card
PSU Thermaltake W0070RUC TR2 Series 430W Power Supply with 2 Fans
CDROM Teac CD552G/B/S IDE CD-ROM Drive
RAM (20-231-110) MEM 2Gx2|GSK F2-5300CL5D-4GBMQ R
Ack-sata Power Cable 8INCH Rohs Serial Ata Pwr Cable 15 To 4PIN

HD Seagate ST3500641AS-RK Barracuda 7200.9 500GB SATA NCQ Internal Hard Drive

OS MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 3
Static Strap
We had a large clear sided 50#case from newegg that was described to come with a "BTX option" but when it arrived we discovered that the "BTX option" needed to be ordered extra and when we went to order it extra, its no longer available. We had to pay the 40 bucks to return the case.
So now we have a BTX case but the whole heatsink problem. (case gateway 3502124R)
So, what Im thinking is to scrap the BTX motherboard and thus the heatsink problem and I guess the case too then. Ive gleaned that the ram,dvd,cdrom,psu,processor,hard drive and graphics card are generally universal.( but have since been advised that is NOT true and that I need a new mobo, processor/heatsink, and new RAM)
We are in need of a recommendation for a case, ATX motherboard heatsink that will fit our current inventory. I do realize that may be to much to ask the gods at this point. . He will be using the machine for "gaming".
I have these recommendations for replacement
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147095 Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.203956 mobo & CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010170147%201052 108080%201052315794%201052420643&bop=And&ActiveSea rchResult=True&CompareItemList=N82E16820227298%2CN 82E16820227364 RAM either will work and OCZ honors their rebates.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835168006 120mm fan

My concern is to spend another 250$ and not have the stuff work. I really just need for it to turn on at this point., for the project to be successful. he wants it to play some of the newest dvdroms and a few online MMOGames...I want for his project to be successful but not to have to spend anymore! (i do realize the foolery in that)

Sincerest Thanks for your input

Lisa

[RicheemxX]

Hi Lisa,
Can you tell us what the name is on that RAM, the only hit I get is from G-Skill? and its listed as 4gigs 2x2 of DDR2 667
Also the mobo/cpu combo you listed is no longer available do you happen to know what they where?

I also spotted your post at eggxpert here's the link so we don't repeat the same info you are got there

[Janqlan]

Eggspert ? Efficient. but embarrassing for some reason.
RAM : yes, the box says G.Skill and those are numbers I find on the box ( I hear you laughing)
ITS no longer available?! yikes. I only kept the link and did not print it out. I cant access it either.

[KarmaKiller]

Wow.. where to start...
There are lots of things I see that I'd personally change, but that's just me.
So my first question, can you still return the motherboard and CPU? If so, it would be wise to do so IMO.
You have got an outdated CPU, and a motherboard to go with it. To make it worse, the motherboard is BTX, and very few cases support true BTX motherboards. So I would see this as your first problem.
Next, if this is meant for a gaming rig, the graphics card you have picked out is weak to say the least.

Why don't you do this. Post back what you can return to the stores, then post what your budget is for the remaining parts. I'm sure we can come up with something MUCH better and faster for not that much more money.
I know this is daunting for a beginner, but I promise it gets easier and less complicating the more you get into it.

[RicheemxX]

Its ok, I'm just trying to make it easier for everyone to understand what you have right now.

AFAIK here is the ram you've got Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-5300CL5D-4GBMQ - Desktop Memory

That ram will work with most any newer system out there so no you wouldn't really need to buy anything new.

So from the list of parts you have it looks like all you need is a motherboard, cpu and case. Sadly you probably could have kept the case you returned and used it with the new system, but thats ok.

edit: As KK said there really are several things that could be better, so yeah def. see what you can return w/o it costing you. Then we will have a better idea exactly what you need.

[Janqlan]

yes, about the case we sent back, that was the first thing my son said "we couldve kept the case!"...BUT I was trying to get what money I could get back b/c one has 30 days or no refunds. we ordered everything on june 1st so we're out of luck for the mobo and cpu. the heatsink (2nd one!) that doesnt fit anyway, was only 7$ (its the only we could find) would be more to ship back than refund ; so, im stuck with that too. now the mobo/cpu that I was researching -(from another recommendation)-I kept the link only and the "combo" link I kept is no longer active and Im lost again.
I thought a 775 processor would fit a mobo that specifies a 775 socket....
I know the BTX choice was the beginning of this hole. Im just trying to climb out with an ATX mobo and a another heatsink w/o buying another processor but Im getting mixed info. It seems there isnt a mobo that will fit this processor at a reasonable price (100$)? and then I was thinking a universal heatsink..but then someone said this RAM wouldnt fit a mobo that would fit the old processor....and I think Im repeating myself here.
thank you for your input and time,

Lisa

[KarmaKiller]

Wow, I'm surprised your keeping all your hair through out this!

Ok, so basically we need to find you:
skt 775 motherboard
good heatsink
case

That's easily done.
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-P31-ES3G LGA 775 Intel P31 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards
+
Newegg.com - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks
+
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases
(^has free shipping)

That will get you a VERY durable and stable motherboard. The heatsink was enough to cool my overclocked quad core, and is near silent, so that will work out great for you.
And the case is a solid case, with some fans that come pre-installed, and will be plenty big enough for what you need.

Edit:
Also wanted to mention that motherboard supports some faster CPU's, so when you feel the need to upgrade, you can.

[RicheemxX]

I'll second what KK has said and his parts listed. If the cpu came with a heatsink you could even use that. But an aftermarket hs/fan would be better and since you are using a newer ATX board clearance shouldn't be an issue.

I don't know what the person that was giving you advice was talking about, but as long as its a socket 775 board and it shows support for your CPU then you are fine. And that board KK listed supports a ton of chips they just don't list them all on Newegg.

And I don't know where they go the info about the RAM afaik these are the specs for that board (from intel) and it would have supported everything you have without any issues.