A bit of help with building a computer + system disk

[himynameisBotch]

I've been looking at www.pcmech.com/byopc to check the in-depth procedure of building a PC, and I'm having a bit of trouble understanding a few steps. I was wondering if anyone (Unabomber ;D) could help me out in understanding this..

First let me start off by saying I plan to buy the PC suggested by Unabomber in the FAQ section that is basically a super-budget PC. I'm talking about the one that will only run Excel, Word, and the like. It includes the 1.3 Duron, onboard sound, video, network, etc. I plan on installing windows XP professional.

I have a few problems (mental shortcomings) with the guide:

1) AT and ATX cases. I want to make sure that the motherboard I purchase will be able to fit into the case I use. Right now I have a computer lying around that has a motherboard that supports the k6 processor and has openings for two USB ports, slots for cards, etc., and I want to make sure that the motherboard I buy can be put into and powered by this case with no problems. Right now I'm about 90% sure that I'll have no problem, but, of couse, I want to be absolutely sure.

2) Using a system disk, fdisk, partitioning, etc. Mainly I'm confused with two things. First, do I absolutely need a system disk (I'm pretty sure I do)? Secondly, where can I obtain a system disk? Is there somewhere online that I can download the files needed? This part really confuses me, so if you could provide some overall clarity, that would be great. Step this comes from: http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/step/24

3) Do I need to buy separate cables and wires to build the PC? What I mean is: are IDE cables, power cables, etc. all included if I need to buy a new case?

I think that's it...hopefully ;P thanks in advance for any help

[Janus]

1) you could always measure the size of the backing of your old case. If the case is relatively new then you should be fine to put it in there. Also make sure that you have enough juice from your power supply, for your basic setup, ill say maybe.. 300 watt maybe 350 would be good. some monitors take 100 watts already so there you go. You would probably be fine with a 300 though.

2) The system disk is one that can be read either by ur floppy or cd-rom when booting up to tell it that there is a cd in there. In other words a (bootable) cd. Most copies of Windows are all bootable, and if you will have XP you will not need to use FDISK (it was used on DOS based computers xp runs on a dif kernel) you will be able to partition and everything your HD with the XP disk during setup. If you do need a boot disk: www.bootdisk.com

3) Depends on your case, mostly they come with the motherboard, but if you have to u can go buy them for 5 bucks at a computer hardware store. Power cables of course come with the case not necessarily the IDE cables and such.

[Pimpmaster 5000]

As far as the second and third questions go...

2) Since you are installing winXP, you don't absolutely need a system disk, you can boot off the XP cd (as I assume you will anyways to install it) and it will allow you to delete/create partitions...if you are still set on getting a system disk and using fdisk you can get one at www.bootdisk.com (http://www.bootdisk.com)

3) This depends on the actual hardware you get and whether it is oem or retail, if you get all your stuff retail you should get more than enough cables included with your motherboard and ide drives...if you go with oem, its generally hit or miss, some manufacturers will include cables and some won't, if you are buying from newegg look at the pictures of the part you're buying and it'll show whats included. The power cable come from your power supply, so unless you have some ridiculous set up where you need extensions, you shouldn't need them.

[himynameisBotch]

So there is no need to format the brand new hard drive? XP will install fine without a disk?