Motherboard question

[=JHF= UsualSuspect]

Naw dont worry about offending me, one of the benefits of not having emotions is that i rarely get offended.    But thanks guys for the info.  I went back and did the customize thing on the Dell and I got it down to 1500 or so (I plan on selling my liver for some extra money) I could get it down more, but theyre shiesty and wont let me drop the sound card Im just going to take it out and replace it with my better one.  Chee you were right I dont need the media center edition so that takes off some too.  My current computer is a Dell and Ive had her for 4 years, shes treated me well and survived a lot but its time for her to go the way of 'ol Yeller.

I have long since considered building my own computer and while Im pretty handy with computer parts, (added all the hardware to my current computer)  Im hessitant to do it for fear that I will fail in following one detail and ruin everything.  I know how to install harddrives, video cards, sound cards, pretty much any plug and (install drivers) but never done anything with prosessors.

UsualSuspect

BTW: Does anyone know if the Dell motherboard for that computer is any good?

[=JHF= Veritas]

i don't know of that one specifically. at the helpdesk where i worked we had 7 xps machines one was bad when we got it and they sent a new one the next day, other than that no problems ever.

[Kilgore Trout]

I was worried about Processors as well but I bought a mother board and a 2.8gig Intel processor. It's actually really easy. Probably easier than hard drive sand CD roms and in some cases easier than installing pc boards. The on Processor connector on the motherboard is zero pressure insertion and it's polarized so all you do is drop the chip on and pull the handle to lock it in. Next just drop the fan on top and lock it down. No screws required. Anyhow I googled the Internet for installation instructions and it worked out great. Your only question could be your warranty. The company I bought mine from gave me at least one year but I think it was 2 even thought I installed it. Of course I have no tech support. I am usually direct to the manufacturer or I’m googling the heck out of my computer. The first thing I do is go to all my manufacturers and download the manuals. Usually the ones I get with parts are pretty skimpy.
My .02 Canadian

Trout

[=JHF= Smoke]

Ok so on a motherboard does anyone know what the slots that the harddrives/dvd drives connect into are called, and how many items can be connected into them before the comptuer explodes.  Cause on my current mother board there are two and with the 40 pin harddrive cables that I have I can have 1 Dvd, 1 dvd burner and 2 harddrives.  But Im going to buy a new computer and want to have the two dvd drives and at least 3 harddrives.  So in short I need to know what the connector on the motherboard is called so I can find one that will allow for my necessities. 

Help appreciated. 

UsualSuspect

to answer your original question, i believe you can buy an pci ATA card that will give you the extra cable(s) you need  if you still need more than the 2 cd/dvd and 2 hdd's,  if it is in fact important for you.  Also you can get an external usb/firewire enclosure for pretty cheap, and make any of your extra hard drives external, if you want to keep them.

here's a link to pricegrabber's list of Hard drive enclosures: http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php?page_id=351&form_keyword=enclosure&rd=1

[CupOJoe]

Lokk at these thingamajiggers:

http://www.promise.com/product/product_list_eng.asp?familyId=3

I almost had to buy one, but I couldn't verify my PCI bus speed. Then I got a hopped up, super nitrous-oxide, $3.85 data cable and all became well with the world. 

I am usually direct to the manufacturer or I’m googling the heck out of my computer.
My .02 Canadian

Don't you mean CanOOGLE??