In order to get you started with a basic set of recommended components, we've listed down a comprehensive set of hardware which we'll be using in this guide to showcase the setup process. You can always choose to change the components recommended here to suit your budget and usage but always ensure that the hardware are based on the same interface technology. Do note that some of the steps shown in this guide are specific to the hardware components chosen for the purpose of this guide and they are by no means universally applied to all types of components.
Here's a list of components we recommend as a start :-
Prices quoted are in SGD (Singapore Dollars) unless otherwise stated.
In the table above, you can see that we've chosen to use Gigabyte's GA-8GPNXP Duo motherboard which is their top-of-the-line Intel 915P board for new Pentium 4 LGA775 processors. It comes with everything built onto the motherboard, so there's really nothing else you need to buy except a PCI Express graphics card. It even comes with a new and revamped DPS (Dual Power System) feature which ensures enough power is delivered to the processor to keep it running stable, as well as being forward compatible with future LGA775 processors. It's a good motherboard to get you started if you're new to the DIY scene since you need not have to worry too much about peripherals and component compatibility as they have already been built into the board itself. On the other hand, power users would also benefit with such a highly integrated design as it gives them the headroom to further enhance the system as and when they need to.
For graphics, if you want to have decent 3D performance, go for nothing less than the NVIDIA GeForce PCX5900 which comes with 128MB of DDR memory. In this guide, we've chosen to use the Gigabyte GV-NX59128D graphics card which comes bundled with a decent set of games including support for DVI-I and TV output. If you want something more powerful to play next generation 3D games, then be prepared to pay more for a faster RADEON X800 XT (Gigabyte GV-RX80T256V) or RADEON X800 XT Platinum (Gigabyte GV-RX80X256V) graphics card respectively.
For hard disk storage, we recommend using a SATA-based drive such as the Seagate Barracuda 7200.7. Seagate's drives are built upon native SATA technology and as such, they are actually one of the first to introduce drives based on this revolutionary technology. What's more, with their aggressive warranty policy which covers five years, the choice is clear. In this guide, we recommend using two 80GB drives to be set up as a RAID boot volume for added performance.
Memory forms an integral part of a stable system. In addition to that, high speed memory modules will indirectly help increase the performance of the system. This is one reason why Intel has introduced the new platforms to embrace the new DDR2 memory technology. Current DDR2 technology support speeds of up to 533MHz, giving a total memory bandwidth of about 4.25GB/s. However, the new Intel chipsets will also support dual-channel memory operation and that will double the bandwidth to 8.5GB/s. Compared with previous DDR400 memory technology, DDR2 offers an additional 2.1GB/s of bandwidth. In this guide, we've chosen to use a trusted memory brand like Kingston. They have excellent compatibility with most motherboards and its ValueRAM series are offered at a reasonable price point too. We'll be using two pieces of their 512MB memory module (Kingston ValueRAM KVR533D2N4/512) in this DIY guide.
For the processor, we recommend getting a performance mainstream part like the Intel Pentium 4 560 processor. It's fast and yet gives you more than enough performance to last through a few years before you decide to do your next upgrade. However, if it is too hefty for you right now, you can always opt for a slower processor like the Pentium 4 530 or 520 processors. For the hardcore gamers, the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition would be the obvious choice.
Another important component that you should pay attention is a power supply that meets the requirements of the new platform. Beginning with all new Intel 925X, 915P and 915G chipsets, motherboards will now come with a new 24-pin ATX power connector. The power connector is also similar to those SSI connectors used in high-end server-based systems. In order to ensure that enough power is delivered to the system, we recommend that you purchase a good power supply with a 24-pin ATX power connector. We recommend that you get a Super Flower 480W (Model: SF-480T14) power supply which comes with a large 14cm fan that does not only cool efficiently, but silent as well. A fan speed controller is also provided for those who wish to tweak the fan speed for low noise operation.
Other than that, you'll also need a tower casing that is large enough to accomodate the current components (and any future upgrades) and a DVD writer. The Cooler Master CM Stacker is an excellent choice for your DIY needs as it does not only provide ample space, but it can be converted to future BTX form factor as well.
For optical storage, we chose a DVD writer because the price of current writers are attractive and they should be good enough as an all-purpose optical storage drive that writes and reads CDs and DVDs. If you want DVD-RAM support, go for a multi-format drive like the LG GSA-4120B Multi-Format DVD Writer
.
The total cost of all the components will set you back as much as S$3,600 or more, depending on what other components you choose. Note that the price above does not include a monitor and a set of speakers. Do factor those into the cost as well.
If you have a lot of spare cash on hand and you want to know what's our dream Intel Pentium 4 PC configuration, here's something you could consider :-
Premium Parts List For The Ultimate Intel Pentium 4 System
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro 7.1
$380
Speakers
Creative GigaWorks S750 7.1 Speaker System
$949
Removable Storage
Floppy Drive
$15-$20
Keyboard & Mouse
Wireless keyboard and optical mouse combo
$200
Max. Total ---->
$6,598
Prices quoted are in SGD (Singapore Dollars) unless otherwise stated.
Well, it certainly cost a lot of money if you want the best of the best. We'll leave it to you to decide how you want to spend your money, but as far as we know, the ultimate system is only limited by how deep your pocket goes.
Now that we've got all the components we want, let's move on to building the system.
