Finalizing my new system (help me and win prizes!)

Originally Posted by Free.User

Should I / Do I need to install XP on a seperate (non-RAID) drive? I've only planned for two 200GB SATA drives (RAID'd), but I'm not sure if windows can be installed on a RAID array.

Yes you can have winxp run off a RAID array =o. I have a Raid 0 setup running on my system. Should you? That depends, security-wise its probably not a good idea to use RAID 0 to run a OS.
If you're planning to use a RAID setup you will need the drivers to set it up (also remember to press the F6 key when windows asks for said drivers during installation.) Where are the drivers? It usually comes with the motherboard, if not it will more than likely be at their website. Yeah, read the instruction manual for this or you will be spending hours toiling away at getting your RAID working.

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Also, I'm running an OEM version of XP right now, but my parents are running a pirated versio. I know theirs works fine, and that they are able to do automatic updates and everything, but what are the real differences between a legit version and a cracked version?

Unless you're able to get around the WPA crap there is no real difference, as far as I'm concerned.

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Have I forgotten anything else? Should I pick up some thermal paste, or is there some included with the CPU?

Thanks again.

Since you're not OC'ing the cpu getting thermal paste would be a waste for you. And the CPU heatsink/fan comes with its own thermal pad pasted on the heatsink .

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Free.User

And the only thing WPA allows me to do is to download stuff from microsoft.com, correct?

Pretty much, yes. It allows you to get non-critical updates and programs like WMP11 directly off microsoft.com.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Free.User

Anything I'm missing? Any last words? The NCIX Boxing day sale is this saturday (strangely enough), so I've only got a few more days to make final adjustments.

Not that you actually need the following but you might thank yourself later for getting them ;D

Anti Static Wrist Strap - I'm not exactly sure how dry it is over there but it wouldn't hurt to use one of these. Especially if this is your first build.

Cable Zip Ties - I'm a neat freak when it comes to building computers so its a must to get these. Besides you wouldn't want stray cables hitting a cpu fan would you? As for how you tie up the cables so they're away from everything, you will just have to be creative =p.

Thumb Screws - They're useful for many things (If your case came with some I guess you can skip this.) For me at least it makes installing new cd drives and other screw-required bays a breeze. Oh yeah, do not use these on the motherboard!

And did you make sure you have all your cables? You said your friend was supplying you with the hdds but does that include the sata cables? Otherwise your motherboard and maybe the case should have you coved. Wouldn't hurt to check though.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Dayvon

So I think he's covered !

As for your other suggestions, hell yeah. Zip ties are a must. Never knew they had thumb screws. Maybe I'll pick me up some.

You should see what my Asus P5W DH Deluxe came with =p. (built-in wireless networking ftw!)

Heh, I actually couldn't find the thumb screws at first. Newegg seems to hide all their small computer accessories ._.

Originally Posted by Free.User

Thanks for all your suggestions!

I forgot to talk about mouse and keyboard and everything:

I'm getting an MX Revolution Mouse, and a G15 Keyboard, as well as the BenQ FP241W display (in January). As for cable ties, I was thinking about getting those UV Flexi-tube things, unless you can think of a reason not to.

You're welcome!

Uh, I never used those flex tubes on computer cables. I don't know but I do think you'll have more versatility with zip ties =o.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?