Newsgroup: it.comp.hardware.cpu
Titolo: A Couple of questions about building a PC...

For the first time I'm trying to build myself a new computer, but i'm
only a novice and there are a couple of questions I would like to ask,
which might sound obvious but any answers or help would be much
appreciated.
1. What's the difference between AT/ATX and BAT motherboards and why do
they need to be matched with the case?
2. Is a controller card only needed for SCSI drives?
3. What's the difference between the new AGP standard and old PCI, and
do PCI cards still work in AGP slots?
4. I plan to have a voodoo 2 card , which I believe goes through your
existing 2D card, but nearly all cards I've seen advertised, even the
cheaper ones boast about handling 3D. So what would be a good 2D card to
use? and do cards just say this even though they are really 2D cards? ,
so something like a matrox mystique would work ok?
5. When buying a case and PSU do all the power cables etc. come with it,
or must they be bought separate? And the same with motherboards do they
come with all the port cables and hard drive leads etc.?
Thanks in advance for any help with these questions
Simon

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 come with all the port cables and hard drive leads etc.?
1. AT vs. ATX is the size of the motherboard, so you'll need a case that
matches the size.
2. IDE is usually built-in to every motherboard.  SCSI can be found
built-in to the more expensive motherboards but usually, you're right,
you have to buy a seperate card.
3. PCI cards will not fit in AGP slots.  AGP motherboards have only one
AGP slot for the graphics card.  AGP has more throughput and other
features in newer versions.
4. Graphics cards are quite a point of debate right now.  Check the
links below for a lot of info.
5. If it's a case from a good company, everything you need should be
inside.  For the motherboard, ALWAYS check the description to see what
connectors they have.
Links:
www.tomshardware.com
www.cyrellis.com
www.anandtech.com
www.cpumadness.com

not come with it but they often come with the MB when you buy that.
If you get an ATX case, you will notice a big (ca 6 inches by 2) hole
in the back.  This is normal.  The exact location of the outputs from
the motherboard vary slightly and you will get a panel to fit into the
hole in the case...
HTH further to Al's informative comments,
    Mike
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www.cpumadness.com
--
Donald W. Heller, Voyager Flight Team
Ob Disclaimer:  All personal and professional opinions are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect the views of JPL, CalTech, or NASA.


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Building a PC is simple.  A year ago, I didn't know crap about the insides of a
PC.  Heck I was afraid to even upgrade my memory.  Since then I've built 10 PCs
form the ground up.  This is a forum for PC hobbyists.  Its purpose is to inform
and educate those who are just learning, and to encourage them to try something
new.  Anyone who is in "this business" and tries to discourage others from
building their own system is only trying to protect his profit.
Building a PC is easy, and everyone should try it.
But then again, I'm also an engineer.  Maybe we're just smarter than the rest of
you.
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Well put Bob. If I may add some more......
After spedning in the field for almost 30 years I am retired now. Way
back in the '60s when I started out, I envied experienced guys so much
because they seem to know everything and looks like they could do/fix
anything with their eyes closed. But over the years I came to a
conclusion that real thing is knowledge. Nothing can beat when good
sound knowledge is combined with experience(which needs some time).
At the end knowledge is a winner against experience.
Tony
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