All gone to bollox!

Well I picked up the pc and while I was waiting for the other bits, set about installing some software and a new PCI card. Unfortunately, I didn't disconnect the power before plugging in the card and blew the mobo!
Today I ordered a new one only to then discover it won't fit in the case I have or use the same RAM, so another few quid down the pan there!
The silver lining is that the new mobo is better with a faster processor, usb 2.0 (instead of 1.1) and capacity for 2 ide drives (not 1).
The moral here is definately to do your research before you start this kind of project!