Some opinions would be great..

[M4LFUNCT10N]

So.... I'm building a new computer for my mom(really it's for me). My dad has been borrowing my laptop on his business trips and I need a more reliable computer than the old AMD 333Mhz piece of junk sitting in the other room. Anyways, I'm trying to keep it right at or under a $1,000. This is what I'm figuring....

Keep in mind I haven't built computers for a good 2 years. So I don't know the current reviews on certain parts or what is the most reliable. This is just a throw together list.

$275 3.0Ghz P4 with M/B, USB 2.0, DDR400
http://www.bzboyz.com/store/product4664.html

$99 Certified 512MB DDR3200 PC400 RAM
http://www.bzboyz.com/store/product4815.html

$79 Seagate 80GB 7,200RPM HD
http://www.bzboyz.com/store/product2293.html

$23 LG 16x DVD-ROM
http://store.compbus.us/dvd-lg8160b-r.html

$43 LG 52X24X52 CD-RW Drive
http://store.compbus.us/lgel52cddrob.html

$6 Sony 1.44MB Floppy Drive
http://store.compbus.us/fd-so144.html

$169 ATI Radeon 9500 Pro 256MB
http://www.gameve.com/gve/store/ProductDetails.aspx?sku=VC-GIGA-R96XT

$42 SB Audigy 5.1 Soundcard
http://www.gameve.com/gve/Store/ProductDetails.aspx?sku=SC-CR-0013

$18 Mini Mid Tower
http://www.compbus.com/product.asp?0=313&1=351&3=1193

$41 400W Power supply
http://www.compbus.com/product.asp?0=310&1=330&3=847

$133 KDS 17” .22mm dot pitch Flat CRT
http://www.jazztechnology.biz/product/KDXF7I

$928 total

[Ender]

That's a pretty nice system you've got lined out there. :up: I'd go with it!

My specs are listed in this (http://www.bellinghamlan.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=165) thread, and you can get pretty much the same rig for about $1000, give or take depending on if you go with a ton of fans. :D

Dave is really the best guy to help you out here though. He keeps up with a lot of the latest stuff, knows a lot of the best places to buy things. Don't forget to check out Northwest Computer Supplies, one of our sponsors, they've got some good deals on Hardware, and also www.coolerguys.com has some great deals too. Our newest sponsor, Seasonic, www.seasonicusa.com makes some quality power supplies for a good price as well. Check them out too. :)

[Itsmeee]

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2048.html

Might want to find another vendor if you can. I'd suggest newegg.com but the choice is yours. When I get back from work I'll post a system thats under $1000 and very nice.

[Itsmeee]

AMD AthlonXP 3000+ Retail (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-381&catalog=343&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1) $205

DFI LanParty Nforce2 mobo (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-136-138&catalog=22&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1) $149

Saphire Radeon 9600XT 128mb (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-326&depa=1) $151

Giel 512MB PC-3200 DDR (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-144-305&catalog=147&depa=1) $79

Chenbro PC61166 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-123-039&catalog=7&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1) $53

400watt Sparkle PSU (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=17-103-484&DEPA=0) $25

3.5" drive (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-201&depa=1) $11

80GB Maxtor ATA/133 7200rpm (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-132&catalog=14&depa=1) $73

MSI Black 48X24X48X16 Combo Drive (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-100-031&catalog=5&depa=1) $47

Samsung 17" 0.20 dotpitch (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-001-120&depa=1) $144

Total= $937 (add more memory :p)

These prices include shipping, and come from newegg so not only will your shipment come quickly and be less of a hassle because it is from one company but newegg has one of the highest costumer satisfaction raitings of anyonline PC vendor.

[DiscoDave]

Originally posted by Ender
Our newest sponsor, Seasonic, www.seasonicusa.com makes some quality power supplies for a good price as well.
:o

Seasonic makes power supplies. ;)

The thing about power supplies is a computer doesn't really use all that many watts of power. BLE's Shuttle server runs a 2500+, has an 80gig 7,200 rpm hard drive, runs a Geforce4 4200, all off of a 250watt power supply, and we haven't had any problems with it. It's far more important to get a higher quality power supply than one that supports a higher wattage.

I can't really recommend Seasonic because they're more higher end than what you're currently looking at for a budget pc, but if you were to spend $40 on a power supply I'd much rather see you get something like this (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-408&catalog=58&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=0) Enermax 350 watt (which is still overkill for what you need). The Sparkle itsmeee suggested would probably work fine as well.

You can't go wrong with newegg. I'm also a big fan of www.mwave.com if you'd like to price around.

I think itsmeee had the right idea with an Athlon platform and an Nforce2 mobo, but I don't really think you need to spend that much to get it. Here's an MSI (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-444&catalog=22&depa=1) board for $58 that includes LAN, sound, supports 400mhz memory, and cpus up to 3200. MSI is a well respected motherboard manufacturer, and I think that'd probably be your best bet.
I'd also probably suggest dropping the cpu to the 2700+. It'll run a bit slower than the 3000 suggested by itsmeee, but it'll save you almost $100.

So...to recap...


AMD AthlonXP 2700+ RETAIL $121 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-342&catalog=343&depa=1)

MSI K7N2-V Mobo $58 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-444&catalog=22&depa=1&section=2)

Saphire Radeon 9600XT 128mb $151

Giel 512MB PC-3200 DDR $79

Chenbro PC61166 $53

350 Watt Enermax EG365-VE(FM) $45 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-408&catalog=58&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1)

3.5" drive $11

80GB Maxtor ATA/133 7200rpm $73

MSI Black 48X24X48X16 Combo Drive $47

Samsung 17" 0.20 dotpitch $144

Total: $782 (not including keyboard, mouse...)

[Itsmeee]

I like 3.5"daves idea about the PSU and the slower CPU. A quality PSU is VERY important. I just have argued with so many people over it that I've given up and wasn't going to tell u to go out and buy an antec PSU. 3.5"daves made a good comprimise though.

The slower CPU is also a good idea, as its not top top of the line so its a lot cheaper but it is very fast! With that extra money I'd suggest adding more memory, and I'd also suggest sticking with the DFI. Its gotten very high praise for both its stability, speed and increadible bundle. Its really the perfect lan party board IMO. U can read Tomshardware review here (http://www17.tomshardware.com/motherboard/20030721/nforce2_ultra_400-10.html)

[DiscoDave]

:mad:

You leave my 3.5" floppy alone.





:erm:

And I don't dispute the motherboard is a good buy, it's just rather expensive. If it were my system, I'd rather put that $100 into a Radeon 9800 Pro.

[Itsmeee]

a 9800 perhaps but pro?

I'm thinking the DFI will future proof him a bit better by adding things such as SATA as well as giving him a lot of extra features like the carying strap of this PC, dual nics, and all the other bells and whistles. If you want a comprimise the EPOX 8RDA3+ (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-123-198&depa=0). Its $87 and is a very good board. I don't buy anything other then EPOX mobo's for myself.

[DiscoDave]

Originally posted by itsmeee
a 9800 perhaps but pro?
You bet. (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-268&catalog=48&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1) :rup:

[Itsmeee]

I stand corrected! Wow, thats an amazing deal!

[DiscoDave]

Originally posted by itsmeee
I stand corrected! Wow, thats an amazing deal!
Not as good as the one at mwave.com (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/ProdVID-ATI.hmx?updepts=VID&DNAME=Video%20Cards), which has it at $219. ;)

(I really wanted to get mwave as a sponsor...but no...they're too good for us. *sniffle*)

[ghrogels]

good rule of thumb is to spend more on your CPU then your video card.

1) you use your CPU more
b) you won't be able to fully utilize your video card with anything less

with that said, get an athlon 64
(and if by chance your willing to dive into it get a athlon 64fx (700$))
either the 3200 (200$) or 3400 (400$)

it preforms better then the p4 3.2ghz in game envirements, and you'll still be able to use your computer when win64 comes out (which by then, this comp will be a piece of junk anyway).

[Itsmeee]

A.) when were getting into this high a cpu speed the graphics card is more important, but in the end both the mobo and the graphics card will be outdated in a year because of PCI-X. I'd get a 9800pro to tide me over till the new mobos' come in, then upgrade to an AthlonFX.
2.) I don't know but I wanted to make fun of your "1.) b.)" thing :p

[DiscoDave]

Actually, I changed my mind...I think you should get the Athlon64 3000, and stick with a cheaper video card, for one main reason.

They'll both give significant speed increases...the upgrade from a 9600XT to a 9800Pro is going to be more significant than the upgrade from an Athlon 2700+ to a Athlon64 3000, but eventually you'll want to upgrade again, and at that point it'll be easier to put in a faster video card than a faster processor.

And yea...in a couple years, all of this will be obsolete, but think how cheap a Radeon 9800 pro will be in 6 months. ;)

[Ender]

I don't know what you're talking about Dave, when you quoted me as saying Seasonic makes power supplies...:confused: ;)














oh and btw...you don't see any posts in this thread that have "last edited by Ender..." on it.:D :D:D:D

[Itsmeee]

Ender while that will work on Disk0 it only works on people who have "weak minds", so the rest of us can see it fine :tongue:

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Originally posted by itsmeee
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2048.html

Might want to find another vendor if you can. I'd suggest newegg.com but the choice is yours. When I get back from work I'll post a system thats under $1000 and very nice.

I've bought from BZboys in the past without any problems


And I won't touch Maxtor. Known way too many Maxtor drives that have failed. I'll stick with WD or Seagate.

[Itsmeee]

have u returned stuff too them? That seems to be where people are having issues. Newegg has a much better raiting, but its only a suggestion like u asked.

Anyway, I've had bad luck with every WD drive I've touched. But then I have weird abilities with drives. My IBM Deathstar is still humming along nicely after like 4 years :) I do have to admit I did have one Maxtor fail about a month ago. It was replaced quickly by them but still sucks to have an HD go south.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Ok, here's a question.... Why would you choose the 9600XT with 128MB over the 256MB version?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=manufactory&catalog=48&manufactory=1561&description=&page=2&listStyle=2

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Originally posted by itsmeee
have u returned stuff too them? That seems to be where people are having issues. Newegg has a much better raiting, but its only a suggestion like u asked.

Anyway, I've had bad luck with every WD drive I've touched. But then I have weird abilities with drives. My IBM Deathstar is still humming along nicely after like 4 years :) I do have to admit I did have one Maxtor fail about a month ago. It was replaced quickly by them but still sucks to have an HD go south.

Haven't had to return anything. Out of all the stuff I've bought through companies that advertise on PriceWatch, I've only had to return two things. And both companies were very quick.

[Excessive]

Originally posted by M4LFUNCT10N
Ok, here's a question.... Why would you choose the 9600XT with 128MB over the 256MB version?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=manufactory&catalog=48&manufactory=1561&description=&page=2&listStyle=2

From what I have read on other forums you won't notice that much difference. I spent extra on a 256 MB card and I think I might have wasted my money.

[Itsmeee]

pricewatch can have cheap stuff but they don't really discriminate who they advertise that much.

As for the card. I guess bad judgement on my part. Sorry I just did some research and it seems the 9500pro is just a teency bit slower then the 9600xt which is weird as my old computer has a 1800+ and a 9500PRO while jons computer has like a 9600pro with a 1500+ or something and his still beats my old one...erg...what is it that does that???

Anyway, I'd go with the 9800pro with the extra money. That way your going to have an amazing setup.

[Itsmeee]

oh right, plus the 256 is a waste right at this second. With doom3 which will have very large res textures and shit the memory will be helpfull but more system memory would be better.

[ghrogels]

and dude, you can always over clock the video card

nowadays its so easy, compared to when my bro was doing it manually on his p1 100mhz. all you haves to do today is just read up on it a little about a perticular card and then run some software

by over clocking it, i think its like near 9800, but not quite

[ghrogels]

but then again, if you get a 9800, you can always over clock that.

damn the parady in life

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Well... I think I've figured out what I'm going to build.... :D

Athlon XP 3000
Lanparty M/B
Saphire Radeon 9800Pro
Geil 512MB PC3200
Seagate 80Gig 7,200 SATA
MSI Combo drive 48X24X48X16
Black 3.5" floppy
Samsung 17" Dyna flat
Powmax Case CP03294HL-5
Sparkle 350w power supply

The hard part will be convincing my parents to do a trade. My laptop for this computer... I doubt they'd do the trade.

[Ender]

it's all about marketing man! Just have to showcase things about the laptop like the processor (don't tell them its actually worse than the original one you got for it) Put a lot of weight on the mobility of the laptop. ;) It's light weight, ability to perform all the functions the modern day parent does with ease!

And then if you really want to seal the deal, throw like 20 fans in the other one (purely temp basis of course) and crank 'em all up so it's louder than a wind tunnel and then tell them there's nothing you can do to change that and they'll tell you to keep it for sure! :woot:


;)

[DiscoDave]

The evil is high in this...."Ender".

[M4LFUNCT10N]

This sucks.. I was hoping to build it this week. But my dad said he won't be ready until maybe next month. Arg.... I'll have to completely rethink the computer then. Prices will be different. New parts will be out.

I can't wait that long!

[DiscoDave]

Originally posted by M4LFUNCT10N
I can't wait that long!
Ouch...I can relate. =/

[ghrogels]

hey dude, don't get in a skruff, most of us would love to have some $$$ to put together a new rig, no matter where or when we get the said $$$