Building a PC

Hi, looking to build a PC based around Core 2 Duo E8400.

My main concern is a the Motherboard and the PSU.

I was looking at a Gigibyte GA-G31M-S2L which seems to support this new processor. (also has intel graphics - which I won't need)

Will a Novatech cheapo Case + 400W be compatible?

It is just that some motherboards say 8-pin ATX12V & some say 4-pin.

Any pointers would be appreciated
Jim

For your motherboard, AVOID GIGABYTE!!! They are often plagued by a bad bios with little to no options. Instead, opt for an ASUS, or a DFI.
New P45 ASUS mobo: http://www.hardwarelogic.com/news/132/ARTICLE/4032/2008-07-28.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131296

Actually, right now is an odd time for buying a motherboard, as the chipset technology is in transition. But, you can always buuy an INTEL 945 based motherboard or an X38.


Avoid cheap power supplies. Try an 80+ power efficient one like a Thermaltake Toughpower series, an OCZ, Cooler Master, Zalman, Sunbeam, AXP / Xion, Sirtec, Akasa, Corsair, Antec..... (At least 500 watts and ATX 2.0 compliant)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001

Box + PSU from Antec (plus it's silent); The Antec Sonata III:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024

Asus is fine unless it ever needs RMA'd, their service is woeful.

I'd recommend a barebones. That way, you know the basics are assembled and (more importantly) tested before you get it. Novatech, since you mentioned them, do a barebones for around £370, which includes the CPU you wanted, Intel P45-based mobo, a nice case, 530 watt PSU, and 2 gig of ram.

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?BB-P4584S

You will need a PSU of at least 450W up to 550W If you plan to use a decent external video card instead of the integrated chipset. Also, bear in mind that with cheap ATX PSU's the declared watts are usually higher than the actual watts supplied.

This table gives you an idea:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-9800gtx-review,1800-12.html

400W is probably not going to cut it. If it does barely scrape along, it's going to be pushing the envelope, so it won't live for long, and will make a ton of noise, because the fan will be working at full speed. Get as big a PSU as you can afford, with a modern PC, the PSU is not the place you want to save a few bucks.

If it's a gaming system then buy the case and psu separate.