RAID/Over clocking/PSU+MOBO?

Question

I'm an inexperienced pc builder, I actually did the build putting all the pc parts together, but my friend did all the bios work. I'm wondering what RAID is? and I was told I needed a floppy to do this with windows xp.

Also how would one over clock? I know this is a question that requires a long and detailed explanation but to anyone who would like to inform me would be greatly appreciated.

Also someone told me that I needed a power supply that supports enough rails for my mobo? here's what i'm looking at

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131013
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182009

(there is a details tab that goes into further detail)

Thanks all for your time!

Answer 1

RAID has two meanings, but both refer to the same basic function of a RAID. I prefer the Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. However, that's beside the point. In a real world desktop computing sense the two most common forms are RAID 0 and RAID 1. Most motherboards including the one you are considering support those. Without going into too much detail. Both RAID types use 2 hard drives as if they were one drive. RAID 0 treats the two drives as a single large super fast drive, and is a popular setup for overclockers focused on performance. Raid 1 treats the two drives as a sing small drive, but has the advantage of duplicating the data so that in the event of a single drive failure, no data is lost. This can be great for people who don;t need the speed but care very much about thier collection of wedding photos, newborn videos, and electronic tax documents.

How one overclocks is motherboard specific to an extent, especially for new overclockers who dont; know exactly what they are looking for. I highly suggest that once you have selected a board, you should seek out an overclocking forum where people are discussing the overclocking of that particular board. Also check out overclocking forums to try and get a grasp of what MBs and CPUs are known to be good overclockers. Overclocking is a very research intensive process and is constantly changing.

As for your parts, they are a good match for a mid to upper mid-range PC. Good luck with your purchases!

PS: For those with the time and the stomach for the risk of killing thier parts, I think overclocking can be a real blast.

Answer 2

RAID
is a
Redundant Array of Independant Disks, and is most often used in servers. You can certainly support a RAID with that motherboard. I count 6 sata slots that aught to do.
The power supply you selected will wok fine. 500 watts. should be enough for anybody, you will need to use the 24 to 20 pin adapter.

I don;t recommend overclocking. I really don't . It looks like you are going to drop a wad on your box, skip the overclocking and get a faster chip, or more ram or something. Processor speed is a real factor but there are many easier safer ways to increase the performance of a system. Ones that don;t void your parts warranties.