Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

While this works in theory, it doesn't always work out as expected in practice. I've had issues with adding SATA or PATA ports with a PCI card. Very inconsistent. You're better off getting a board with more SATA ports on-board if you can.

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

I tried adding a couple pata ports via pci a good number of years ago. It was damn near impossible, then it flaked out constantly.
I've just decided to go with 4 hdd's and use the one sata port for the burner, leaving one open (my chosen board has 6 total). I think I carted a pci-e sata controller card to give it a shot, but I'm not expecting big things. This way I have a backup strategy waiting. :D
I can go up to a bigger, much more gawdy asus gamer board that has 7 sata ports, but it's lacking in other areas.

I'm continuing to tweak the config, then I'm gonna go shopping and see if I can find some deals. :tu

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

I finally finished her up and pulled the trigger. I damn near barfed in my keyboard and had to order a new one.
It's not a moment too soon. Last night I lost my pata rail that ran my boot drives, so I was dead in the water until I did some banging, kicking, swearing, you guys know the drill. I got her back up and running, for now.
Thanks to everyone for making me spend a lot more than I planned to. In lots of cases, I may not have taken your exact suggestion, but I honestly changed the entire rig time and time again.
I came back from the ledge of dual xfire and a mobo I didn't need, but I settled on a fairly priced screamer that will more than meet my needs.
Thanks again for all the help!!! :D

Here's my final order.

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

nice!

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

Nice selection. I'm sure it will work great for you.

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

You the man! That's some system and nothing like one built by yourself.

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

Damn Scott that is going to be a sweet rig. WOW

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

Thanks guys, I'm pee my pants excited. :D
I paid for ups next day air saver, they processed my order today, and I got my tracking numbers. The stuff is coming to Ohio from New Jersey, so I can't imagine it won't all show up tomorrow.
I'll try to jam it all together tomorrow night ot Saturday morning, unless it's nice out. I'm making some headway on my shelves in the garage, and I feel good, so I'm gonna stick with it until I drop dead.
It'll take longer to get all this stuff out of it's wrappers than it will to build the rig. :D

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

My pile of parts is here already!!!
I have a gazillion things to do right up until dark, so they aren't helping me much. They are definately torturing me though. Grrrr.
I'm gonna at least open up the box with the case and see what she looks like. :tu

Re: I need some computer building geek help, please.
 

Guys, I started a "Project of the Day" thread on the build if you wanna check it out.
Now I can let this thread die, lest I bore you to death. :)