PSU and Motherboard

[Slick]

I was recently thinking about building my g/f a new pc, cause her old one really sucks. Now I know this is a really noob question, especially from someone with thier A+ cert, however I havent really kept up with new hardware. I was looking at

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147024#DetailSpecs

and

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813185070

however the motherboard has a 20 pin power connector and the psu has a 24 pin power connector? However recently I have seen pc's that have psu connectors that have more pins then are used, and the rest dangle off. Are these two compatible?

[Qeldroma]

First off, the case may be fine, but the PSU in it is definitely cheap (in many cases- it's the rule). It is probably electrically noisy and will likely crap out quickly- and hopefully it will not take something else of your gf's PC out with it. I'd actually look for a case that had some customer reviews done on it too- and pick up on their "lessons learned".

If you are looking at a 478 motherboard (mobo) (the model you're choosing I have no experience with- so I won't comment on it), you will likely find a power hungry CPU to ride it. I'd seriously get a higher quality PSU like an Antec of at least 350 Watts. If you really like your gf and she plays PC games, you will likely have to dump the integrated video and get her a decent video card- I'd get a 420 Watt PSU or better. And when you shop for a PSU you can also check and be sure of your connectors too.

Certain components are key- and I'd definitely shop "up" the PSU.

The mobo is another key- I'd also learn what my mobo is and get on Google and look for any information or possible reviews. Often, cost mobos like this could be after-market types once used by a PC maker. If you find a connection, look for reviews on the PC model.

Hope this helps- :thumbsup:

[Leonardo]

That's a bottom of the barrel quality motherboard. That's the type they put in the lowest priced Gateways, E-machines, and Wal-Mart wonders. It may work fine for years, but it may poop out very quickly. I would not build a system for anyone I cared about with that board, and certainly not for anyone that wouldn't be willing to tear apart their system to troubleshoot. I don't know for sure, but I bet that 300W PSU is also bottom of the barrel.

Recommend you find a board from Asus, MSI, or Epox, or Asrock. Even those brands' budget boards are usually very good quality. If you already have the necessary drives cables, you might consider looking in Newegg's "refurbished" section. The boards in that section are practically new but are highly discounted. I've purchased several "refurbs" without problems.

EDIT: Here are examples of good quality, low cost motherboards :

Refurb -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130425R

New-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131504

New-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130467

The last one of the three I linked would be an excellent choice for quality, stability, and longevity. I would look for motherboards based on the Intel 865 chipset.

[lemonlime]

Very good suggestions from Leo. It really is worth paying a little more for a quality board/PSU.

As far as 24-20pin, they are backwards compatible, but I would pick up a 24-20 pin adapter cable. It makes things a little easier to connect. The clip does not line up otherwise. Quite a few PSUs actually include the 24-20 pin adapter, so take a look at the list of included parts.