Building a computer? Need advice/suggestions? Come here!

[343guiltymc]

What about my other parts I listed? My biggest concern is the PSU, because my machine right now is running a 250 watt. Will the 460 last long? And I picked a Coolermaster because I know their products are good, or so I heard

Assuming you want to upgrade to something better down the road, I don't think the coolermaster is adequate. That PSU can only deliver 460W max, it is closer to 400W continuous. In general, low end power supplies deliver lower power than they are advertised with. With PSUs, you really do pay for what you get.

[ThePlague]

Alright, what do you think I should get?

[Warsaw]

Yeah, but it seems a little high for what I was looking for.

I have a question though, will the RAM I have currently work with the board I chose, plus the RAM I want to get? Or is it not good to mix different types of RAM?

Well, you aren't going to get effective dual channel unless you set their frequencies and timings equal to eachother. Other than that, DDR2 fits in DDR2, so you're golden. If you can, posting up the specifics of what is in your computer will help.

[ThePlague]

From my profile (XFire actually):

Manufacturer: Compaq-Presario
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+ (2 CPUs), ~2.7GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Hard Drive: 320 GB
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series
Monitor:
Sound Card: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
Speakers/Headphones: Antec Speakers+sub
Keyboard: USB Root Hub
Mouse: USB Root Hub
Mouse Surface: Black
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Motherboard:
Computer Case: Compaq Presario CQ5300F

Is that good enough? If not, you can check my Modacity page.

[Warsaw]

I meant more specific than "2 gigs DDR2". Like, what speed is it: DDR2 800? DDR2 667? What?

[ThePlague]

It says on the site 8500.

[Warsaw]

*headdesk*

I mean what's already IN your PC. You want to have sticks of RAM that are the same speed, and ideally you would just replace the RAM you have with a dual channel kit to get best results.

[ThePlague]

Here's exactly what it says on the RAM:
2GB 2Rx8 PC2 - 6400U
666 - 12 - E1

And it's by Kingston

[Warsaw]

That is most definitely not DDR2 8500 RAM. That's 6400. Find some DDR2 6400 RAM to go with it, with a timing starting off 6-12 to match.

Fake E: Or just replace the whole set completely. That's the easier route.

[ThePlague]

That is most definitely not DDR2 8500 RAM. That's 6400. Find some DDR2 6400 RAM to go with it, with a timing starting off 6-12 to match.

Fake E: Or just replace the whole set completely. That's the easier route.

Should I just get 2GB, or go for 2 of the 2GB? I think 2'll be enough, but i'm no pro at this.

Btw, thanks for all your help so far. I'd +rep you but, yeah.