Double-Checking My (First) Build

[pruesdn]

This is mostly taken from the Budget Build list, but I'd like to double-check anyway, just to be safe. Things not on the recommended list include links; recommended components are simply named. It's a college computer: document editing, internet use, music playback, and a good bit of on-/offline gaming--but around here, the most we play is Guild Wars or Warcraft 3, so I don't need all the latest top-of-the-line (read: expensive) hardware.

Also, thanks to all the helpful folks who've been immensely useful so far!

Anyway, on with the build:

Case:Antec Sonata III w/ 500W Power Supply - Retail
PSU: inc. w/ case
Motherboard:GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337
CPU: AMD X2-5000
RAM:Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400 (I feel like I should be looking for 1066 instead of 800 MHz--is this something I should be concerned about? What's the effective difference to me?)
Graphics card:EVGA 512-P3-N862-AR GeForce 9600GT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130328
Sound card: Realtek ALC888 (onboard mobo)
Hard Drive(s):Western Digital Caviar SE16 320gb
Optical Drive(s):HP 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model 1035i - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827140029(chosen because it's essentially free in a NewEgg bundle--comments/suggestions eagerly welcomed)

Monitor: already have
Speakers: already have

Operating System: Undecided--leaning toward Linux (Ubuntu), but may resort to XP.

Like the title indicates, I've never done this before, so please let me know of any glaring errors, as well as any tips you have to improve the build without spending a great deal more. I'd like to be able to run this setup for a good long time, though, so if there's an improvement to be made at this stage, I'd be happy to hear about it.

One further question--I've seen components flagged "Retail" and "OEM" or "System Builder:" what's the difference between these types of parts?

Thanks for EVERYTHING--you guys/girls are fantastic!

[medchemistMA]

pruesdn,

Welcome to all the fun (well, mostly fun) :D

You have posted an Intel motherboard and an AMD CPU. That is not a compatible combination.

The E8400 is a very good Intel processor for $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

If that is out of your budget you might try the Intel E2180 or E4600 as in WM's recommendations.

You really should not need a sound card with that MOBO, as it has a good onboard card. At least you might want to try it first. You can always add a sound card later if you don't like it.

If you go with Linux, you definately want to try Ubuntu. It has by far the best support for drivers and the easiest way to manage all of the packages and free software. I run several flavors of Linux and Ubuntu is the only one that does not regularly give me a headache.

MedchemistMA

[The Wise Monkey]

The soundcard he mentioned is the onboard one... XD

With Linux, you will have difficulty playing games without using Cedega - an open source program that should allow you to install and play Windows games.

[pruesdn]

Argh, the AMD/Intel gap was one of the few things I knew to avoid. Thanks for the catch. It happened because I was originally looking at the Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H, as recommended here, but comments on NewEgg indicate that it tends to run really hot; heat being the cause of my old computer frying and getting me into this building situation, I'm a bit wary of that. The processor you suggested is a bit more than I'd really wanted to spend, but it looks to be solid and there's a slight discount on a bundle on NewEgg, so I think I'll take the plunge. Thanks for the tip!

Also, I'm aware of the peculiarities of Linux gaming--but I always was a sucker for a challenge. Besides, I figure if I absolutely can't stand it, I can always install Windows later.

My revised build looks like this:
Case: Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590

Video Card: EVGA 512-P3-N862-AR GeForce 9600GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130328

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262

Nippon Labs 18" SATA II Cable with locking latch Model SATA-L0.5-R - Retail
(I need this cable because the HD is an OEM model, right? And this is the correct connection type for my mobo and HD? Please verify--I'm a bit fuzzy.)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812816027

Optical Drive: HP 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model 1035i - OEM (I only picked this because it's all but free in a bundle. Should I spring for a SATA drive? Does it make a great difference? Does my mobo have the appropriate support for it? Sorry to be so confused, but I could really use some help.)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827140029

And I have mouse, keyboard, and monitor; OS will be Ubuntu (he said as he crossed his fingers). And right where I wanted to be for budgeting (~$600).

One more request: I still don't entirely understand the difference between OEM and retail parts--OEM comes with less components and support? Do I have all the cables, drivers (or at least access to), and whatnot I'll need to get this up and running?

Thanks for being so helpful, folks. From questions on terminology to drive compatibility, you've been great =)

[pruesdn]

Oh, and I seem to have sprouted more questions (as if I didn't have enough already--I'm entirely new to this, as I'm sure is smashingly obvious):

USB/USB ports and internet functionality are included in my mobo, correct? Basically, I'd just like to know that I'll have everything necessary to run this computer start to finish with the specs I've got--I'd really rather not discover too late that I can't do things I expect it to do (and my expectations may be unreasonable, having never done this before).

[medchemistMA]

Here is a link from the WM about the OEM/retail thing.
http://compreviews.about.com/od/general/a/OEM.htm

The MOBO should have no problem with an IDE optical drive. As for performance, I don't really know. I am sure it will be fine and there is probably no reason to spend more for a SATA. Someone should ring in if they disagree.

The GA-EP35 has an onboard network card and you will connect your internet router/model to it using the IO connectors on the MOBO Back Panel. These are the ports that are accessible from the back of your case. USB is also integrated with the MOBO southbridge chipset. You will have to connect the external USB ports on your case with the USB headers on the MOBO. I believe that this is an 8-pin connector.

Take some advice that was given here somewhere and read the entire MOBO manual before you get started. Pay particular attention to the "Hardware Installation" chapter, which will explain everything that is connected to the MOBO, where it connects etc. The connections (wires) that are attached to your case will be labeled with number codes that correspond to locations on the MOBO where they attach. Try to get a feeling for everything and where it connects before you get started. Some of these are very small 2-pin connectors which are a pain, so be patient and think of all the money you are saving. :)

MedchemistMA

[medchemistMA]

As far as your question regarding PC2-6400 vs PC2-8500 RAM, here is a list of 2GB PC2-8500 kits that are in a similar price range to the PC2-6400 memory you listed.

OCZ Reaper HPC 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 ($68, $43 w/rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227239

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 ($69, $59 w/rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148206

OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 ($50)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227178

mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 ($62, $42 w/rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146779

All of these have the same Cas Latency (5) as the RAM you suggested and should give better performance because they have a higher clock speed. Your motherboard has a 1333MHz FSB and a DDR2 1066 memory standard, so PC2-8500 (1066MHz) is the fastest memory that you can use without overclocking. The PC2-8500 is ~$10 to $15 more expensive which is not too bad. I like OCZ memory myself, but opinions will vary on that point.

MedchemistMA

[Damlite]

At this point in time, DDR2 PC2-8500/1066 memory generally has the best performance/price ratio.

your motherboard specs
Model
Brand GIGABYTE
Model GA-EP35-DS3L
Straight forward stuff here.

Supported CPU
CPU Socket Type LGA 775
CPU Type Quad-core / Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Duo / Pentium
FSB 1600(OC)/1333MHz
Comes with 1333 FSB, can be overclocked to 1600 if you invest into a faster processor.

Chipsets
North Bridge Intel P35
South Bridge Intel ICH9
Standard stuff.

Memory
Number of Memory Slots 4×240pin
Memory Standard DDR2 1200(OC)/1066/800
Maximum Memory Supported 8GB
Dual Channel Supported Yes
Can take 4 sticks of 2GB each DDR2 that can run at 800 and 1066 speeds by default, but can be overclocked to 1200 if need be.

Expansion Slots
PCI Express x16 1
PCI Express x1 3
PCI Slots 3
The number of expansion slots for your additional cards (your graphics card is gonna take one of these)

Storage Devices
PATA 1 x ATA100 2 Dev. Max
SATA 3Gb/s 4
Supports these HD connections

Onboard Video
Onboard Video Chipset None
Does not come with an intergrated graphics card.

Onboard Audio
Audio Chipset Realtek ALC888
Audio Channels 8 Channels
Comes with Realtek onboard audio (you can also get a seperate sound card if you want to)

Onboard LAN
Max LAN Speed 10/100/1000Mbps
You dont need a network card, mobo's got it onboard and will most likely detect your network automatically as soon as you stick the cables in.

Rear Panel Ports
PS/2 2
COM 1
LPT 1
USB 6 x USB 2.0
S/PDIF Out 1x Optical, 1x Coaxial
Audio Ports 6 Ports
I/O shield plate ports at the back of your computer. Has 6 USB ports for ya and 2 PS/2 mouse/keyboard ports.

Onboard USB
Onboard USB 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers (supports 6 ports)
Can stick more usb ports into the expansions slots if you need more towards the back. You might need the adapter for it though (I think)

Physical Spec
Form Factor ATX
Windows Vista Certified for Windows Vista
Power Pin 24 Pin
Other details here.

Packaging
Package Contents GA-EP35-DS3L
Driver Disk
User Manual
Rear I/O Panel Shield
IDE/PATA Cable
FDD Cable
SATA Cable
Comes with an IDE cable if you'll be getting an IDE drive, cept most people just get a SATA HD so they dont really need it.

___________________
Just in case your worried about things fitting. Most motherboards these days usually cater for more than enough cabling to cover a standard user.

[pruesdn]

Hey, thanks for breaking that down. That'd be a handy thing to have saved somewhere on the site.

And medchemist, thanks for the memory tip--I've put in my order using that OCZ Platinum 2GB.

I'll let you know how I fare when everything comes in =)