Well, I decided to go ahead and build a new computer with all this stuff that I have here. I've never actually built one from the ground up, but I should be able to do it.

Here's what I have so far:

Case: Antec Plus660AMG
Hard Drive: Maxtor 120GB Ultra
RAM: 2 X 512MB DDR PC2100
Sound Card: Audigy 2
First Bay Drive: Cendyne CDRW/DVDROM
Second Bay Drive: Sony DRU-510A DVD+-RW
NIC: Microsoft M50-0001
Floppy: No Floppy
Video Card: Radeon 9500 Pro
Processor: P4 2.6GHZ 800Mhz

So, I just need a recommendation on a motherboard. Price isn't really an issue, since I'll get a deal on it through Staples anyway. I just need something that's going to give optimal performance to everything I have here and have enough room and ability for expansion later on.

I'm also wondering if I should go with better RAM and also if anyone knows how many fans I should have for this setup with this case - I won't be doing any overclocking - and finally if the PSU will be sufficient that comes with this case.

Thanks for your help.

For the P4 2.6GHZ 800Mhz, here are some motherboards to consider:
ABIT IS7
ABIT IS7-E
ABIT IC7
ABIT IC7-G
Asus P4P800 Deluxe
Asus P4C800 Deluxe
DFI LAN Party PRO875
Gigabyte GA-8KNXP
MSI Neo2-LS

Prices are from just under $100 to just over $200.
Read reviews of these and more at Tom's Hardware: Mobo Tsunami! 24 Boards with the 865/875P Chipset

You can stay with the RAM you have, but you would really want to consider faster RAM to get the full performance from the board. The rear exhaust fan that comes with the Antec Plus660AMG should be sufficient, as well as the 330W PSU. In the future, if you feel the temps are too high or you add more devices than the PSU can handle then you can add a fan or replace the PSU. I'd keep it as is for now.

Thanks Alan.

You know, I just read an article that said that you could overclock the P4 2.4 800Mhz to 3.3 with no extra cooling and well beyond that with additional cooling and power. The article said that this chip is the new overclockers dream chip.

I have never overclocked anything, so does anyone know if these claims are true?

If you're going to O/C, I'd definitely recommend adding fans to your case, and replacing the stock heatsink/fan.

The Plus660AMG has room for 2 more fans (one in the HDD bay)...I'd at least get one to keep your HD cool. I'd consider adding the second fan as well, especially if you're going to overclock.

i read on AT that staples carries Intel and MSI boards (ingram part numbers)

if you can find the ingram number for the MSI board...that might be a pretty good deal.

The c versions of the 2.4 & 2.6 P4's are overclocking like real champs and are getting people real excited about P4's again. Your looking at an overclock of almost 1Ghz which is just freakin' insane!!! The best advice I can give is to read as much as you can and learn about overclocking before doing it. Then you will be better equipped to choose the right motherboard.

When overclocking I like to spend the few extra dollars and replace the stock heatsink & fan, although reviews are stating that they have been overclocking with stock cooling and getting great results.

Did your case come with both the rear and side fans? For most purposes that should be enough, but I'd take ungsunghero's suggestions and add more cooling if overclocking. "Cool" is the key Also, if overclocking, get faster RAM, definitely. Don't let the RAM be the bottleneck. My whole opinion changes once the idea of overclocking enters the picture

Do you have the 2.4c or 2.6c chip? Either one is great. Your going to have one nice system there!

The P4 Stock H/S and fans are pretty decent unless you are shooting for a monster OC.

Also if you are going to OC you might not have to pay retail for the MB.

I haven't purchased my processor yet, but I'm pretty set on the 2.4c

Here's the overclocking review I found on this:

Link

I am going to sell this ram that I have now and go with some PC3200.

Also, I was recommended this mobo today by someone I know at a local computer shop:

865PE Neo2-LS

Anyone have any further information on this board and manufacturer? Is this the same one you were referring to Alan?

Also, I very rarely ever actually game on any of my PCs. So, do I really need a Radeon 9500? Will the Radeon 9000 Pro suffice for everything else?

Oh, and the case has a side fan and a rear fan. It then has 2 slots for two more fans - one in the front and one in the HD bay. I'll buy 2 more fans to put in there - any recommendations for the type? Also, do I really need to replace the Antec fans that are in there?

Thanks again for all the help.

I feel like a newbie here now lol

antec fans are good. Leave those. Add two more.

Ungsunghero mentioned that svc.com has good prices on case fans there.

Ung also mentioned in chat that MSI is a very good MOBO manufacturer. I don't know about that one specifically.

------------

B$ Video Card Recommendation Thread

There are two versions of the MSI Neo2-LS:
1 - 865PE Neo2-LS with the Intel 865PE chipset
2 - 865G Neo2-LS with the Intel 865G chipset
Then there's the NEO2-FIS2R with the Intel 865PE + ICH5R.
It's fun searching for a motherboard, isn't it

MSI is a good brand. In fact, the 865PE Neo2-LS came out #2 in the Tom's Hardware article I mentioned. Here's what Tom's Hardware has to say about it:
The second award in the category of the 865PE boards goes to the MSI Neo 2. Interesting overclocking features for less ambitious users increase performance. It is the fastest board overall in the test field. There is also a broad range of features, which leaves hardly any wish unanswered. While, in the previous test, shortcomings emerged regarding memory access, these problems have now been eradicated. All in all, the board costs just under $170. This will set the competition thinking.

I agree with cron: "antec fans are good. Leave those. Add two more. " and also take a look at the B$ Video Card Recommendation Thread he linked to. FYI: I have the Radeon 9000Pro 64MB card and would recommend it.

Ok, I went ahead and ordered the 865PE Neo2-LS mobo and the Radeon 9000 Pro 128MB.

I'll get the processor and PC3200 RAM sometime next week. I'm probably not going to worry about overclocking until later on, but I'll install the extra fans now anyway.

From what I understand, I need to get the old BIOS for this mobo in order to OC. Apparently, they disabled the function in the new BIOS.

Another question...

How much better would say something like HyperX RAM be compared to regular RAM? I mean, is there an actual noticeable difference?

The Kingston HyperX PC3500 DDR RAM has been getting really nice reviews. Here are some links:

http://www.ocaddiction.com/reviews/memory/...on_hyperx_3500/
http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-156-1.htm
http://nexushardware.com/reviews/index.php...reviewnumber=45

For anyone needing a quick refresh on RAM speeds:
(Credit for format to Nexus Hardware)
PC1600 = DDR 200MHz (100 x 2) 1.6Gb/Sec
PC2100 = DDR 266MHz (133 x 2) 2.1Gb/Sec
PC2400 = DDR 300MHz (150 x 2) 2.4Gb/Sec
PC2700 = DDR 333MHz (166 x 2) 2.7Gb/Sec
PC3000 = DDR 366MHz (183 x 2) 3.0Gb/Sec
PC3200 = DDR 400MHz (200 x 2) 3.2Gb/Sec
PC3500 = DDR 434Mhz (217 x 2) 3.4Gb/Sec
PC3700 = DDR 466Mhz (233 x 2) 3.6Gb/Sec

I really don't see the need for HyperX RAM, unless you are indeed going to overclock (the integrated heatsinks on the RAM will be beneficial for when you do o/c).

If you're not going to, name brand PC3200 (Crucial comes to mind) should be more than enough.