Need new comp & what parts should I get?

[ArmyG]

Ok. Forum post #1.

 

"Hardware, Software, Casualware." This looks to be the correct forum. This post is about Hardware, more specifically _MY_ hardware. Nothing here about software, but it is casual.

 

I need a new computer. My current computer's specs are:

• Athlon2200+
  
• 768meg ram
  
• Geforce 2 ultra (yes, that is a two)
  
• Fuzzy powder stuff in the fans & the bottom
  

Everything in it is old. Everything is icky. The case side won't close. The floppy disk is busted. One of the ram slots doesn't work. I've finally decided it's a total loss. This is it. Stop. Everybody out of the pool. I'm starting over.

 

Ok, I'm not starting over. I wanna keep my hard drive and dvd writer, but sorta kinda starting over. For sure.

 

I've been out of the loop so long (ok, never was in the loop in the first place) on this stuff and I don't know what to get. Here's the list I came up with, based on exhaustive research of reading the internet for 30 minutes:

• Asus A8N32-SLI
  
• Athlon 4400+
  
• 7600GT
  
• 2 gig whatever works
  
• Cheapest case I can find with sides that close
  
• At least 400 watt power supply
  

Tallying that up I got to like $1300. Ouch! How can I push the price down? What can get the boot? Where can corners be cut where I won't see them and say, "woah, that corner, it's been cut!" Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Make that advice relating to what components I should use to build my new computer. Advice on other things may not help so much.

[NOFX]

[*]7600GT

 

yes yes, the ole 7600GT...

jk

What are you doing mostly gaming?

 

You can sacrifice your CPU some, I would go with a 3800+. Unless you plan on putting in another video card, then a non SLI board will be fine, but go with Nforce4 chipset. You can also pick up a decent pair of 2x1 gig sticks for 200 bucks. I would recommend a 7800GT

Edited March 14, 2006 by NOFX

[ArmyG]

Why is 7600GT funny?

 

I do other things with my computer in addition to gaming, like for example replying to posts on GamersCoalition forums, checking my email, and saving the world.

 

Which brings us to point #2. I really don't want to sacrifice my CPU. Like, what if I need to calculate something? Something big and important? You know how in the movies at the climax everything comes down to the last second, and they look at the bomb counter when defusing and it say 00:00:01? Well, what if _they_ had cheaped out and bought the 3800 instead of the 4400? BOOOOOOM! I don't want that boom to be me.

 

SLI though, that's just crazy. I'll never do that.

 

What mainboards do you have in mind?

[Guest zerodamage]

Well, first let me shoot this past you and all I can tell you is that these deals do not last long. An hour usually.

 

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/con...=DE510SAP&s=dhs

 

40% off coupon Z4$DJ$6HP83NDB

 

You can then grab one of these instant coupons from ebay which gives $35 dollars off.

(they only cost like 99 cents)

http://search.ebay.com/dell-home-35-300

 

This will make it $576 w/ free shipping.

 

You can of course still purchase a better video card... but keep in mind that this is a Dell. You get what you pay for but would be a signifigant upgrade for you.

 

bump up the price a little and make it a GIG of RAM.

 

 

 

Specs:

Pentium® D Processor 820 with Dual Core Technology (2.80GHz, 800FSB)

Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition

512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x256M)

19 inch E196FP Analog Flat Panel

128MB PCI Expressâ„¢ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X300 SE HyperMemory

80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cacheâ„¢

Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet

56K PCI Data Fax Modem

16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability

Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio

1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr At-Home Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support

[ArmyG]

Zero, I was really hoping for a dual-core AMD-based computer. I'm not an Intel fan because I went to a job thing for them and they were rude. But I shouldn't hold it against them maybe...

 

I also really had my heart set on building one, you know, for the experience. Also, that way I could say to it, "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it."

 

I s'pose I could always get a cheaper AMD system. But I wanna push it a little.

[antirecoil]

Zero, I was really hoping for a dual-core AMD-based computer. I'm not an Intel fan because I went to a job thing for them and they were rude. But I shouldn't hold it against them maybe...

 

I also really had my heart set on building one, you know, for the experience. Also, that way I could say to it, "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it."

 

I s'pose I could always get a cheaper AMD system. But I wanna push it a little.

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/m...acustomdesktops

look up jerkface and i config'd a system w/in 10 seconds dindt even really look around but it came out to $1000 check it out.

Edited March 14, 2006 by antirecoil

[NOFX]

Why is 7600GT funny?

 

I do other things with my computer in addition to gaming, like for example replying to posts on GamersCoalition forums, checking my email, and saving the world.

 

Which brings us to point #2. I really don't want to sacrifice my CPU. Like, what if I need to calculate something? Something big and important? You know how in the movies at the climax everything comes down to the last second, and they look at the bomb counter when defusing and it say 00:00:01? Well, what if _they_ had cheaped out and bought the 3800 instead of the 4400? BOOOOOOM! I don't want that boom to be me.

 

SLI though, that's just crazy. I'll never do that.

 

What mainboards do you have in mind?

 

because there is no such thing as a 7600GT

 

If you wait till this summer, the new dual core Pentiums will be out and they stomp A64's everywhich way....

 

I dont believe you will hang if you get the 3800+. Actually if I could build a dual core, check this out...

 

Opteron - AMD Opteron 165 1GHz HT Socket 939 Dual Core Processor. This CPU runs at the speed of a 3000+, but has 1x2MB of cache, I would buy this.

 

a 3800+ = 2.0Ghz, 1x512k cache $295

a 4400+ = 2.2Ghz, 2x1Mb cache $458

 

the price difference isn't worth it for how much performance you will gain, what you are paying for is the 2x1Mb cache, hence why I put in a link for an opteron 1.8Ghz with 2x1Mb cache. Its only 30 bucks more than the 3800+ and you can oc to those speeds with no problems. But if your unsure I would stick with a 3800+, it overclocks well also.

 

Im not to good at picking out motherboards, but I would keep it under 100 bucks and get an nforce4.

 

OCZ 2x1GB - Fast memory for only 160 after rebate.

 

7800GT - this Video for 265, just bought mine a month ago.

[Cujo]

zero, an intel? please don't EVER recommend intel here again unless they are better. wait an intel AND a dell??

 

army g, honestly that quote looks spot on. you can save by going with a cheaper mobo like an a8n-e since you're never gonna do sli. i would drop the cpu to a 3800 also. other than that just make sure your power supply is of good quality. ie. antec, enermax.

 

nofx, you posted as i was. yes there is such thing as a 7600gt. the 7800gt is now over priced cause a 7900gt is 50 bucks more and basically a gtx but better. also, they've discontinued the 7800gt anyway. also, about your intel kicking amd's butt in the summer. it's a Q3 launch that's planned and the benches that have been released are all done in an intel controlled environment. wait til more official, independent benches are out. also, http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=30250

Edited March 14, 2006 by Cujo

[ArmyG]

Yes there is a 7600 GT - follow these links (ok I don't know how to make links on this forum, follow them anyway...)

 

http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/03/09/ati...yhem/page6.html

 

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html...W50aHVzaWFzdA==

 

(nevermind, someone beat me to it.)

Edited March 14, 2006 by ArmyG

[Guest zerodamage]

Well, if you are set on a dual core system and a custom built one, you can always go with the Opteron 165 which is what I am using. What do you need from the system? Just the tower/system itself right?

 

Let me see....

 

CPU: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...uctCode=80721-1

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Processor Socket 939 Retail ***Free 2nd Day***

$295

 

 

Mobo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16813123236

EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

$108 w/ shipping

 

 

RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16820231021

G.SKILL Extreme Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail

192 + 4.81 shipping (Mail In Rebates: 18 dollars)

 

Video Card:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...ductCode=321058

XFX PV-T73G-UDD3 GeForce 7600 GT XXX PCI Express 256MB DDR3 Video Card w/TV-Out & DVI Retail ***Free 2nd Day***

$209.99.

 

Case:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...ductCode=370512

Thermaltake Soprano VB1000SWS Mid Tower Case (Silver) w/Window Retail

$77.50 (Other sites include 15+ for same case plus shipping. This badboy has fantastic cooling)

 

Power Supply:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...ductCode=270341

Enermax ELT500AWT Liberty 500W Power Supply Retail

***Free 2nd Day***

109.99 (15 mail in Rebate)

 

This all comes out to 998 (rounded up).

 

This is a little more than the 800 range you mentioned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To get it down to the 800 range, you can do this.

 

Change the CPU to this:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...uctCode=80719-5

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ Processor (San Diego) Socket 939 Retail

***Free 2nd Day***

$212

 

Power Supply

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...ductCode=273503

Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 500W Power Supply Retail

***Free 2nd Day***

$61.99 (12 dollar rebate if ordered right now)

 

Zipzoom has the bundle special right now with OCZ memory and EVGA video cards. You can get a bonus MIR (Mail In Rebate)

 

Main Page is here: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Special/OCZ_Promo_030906.jsp

 

Memory to chose:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...oductCode=85201

OCZ OCZ4002048ELDCPE-K 2GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 Platinum Edition Dual Channel Memory Retail

$191 (30 MIR)

 

and the vid card

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...ductCode=322752

eVGA e-GeForce 6800 PCI Express 256MB DDR3 Video Card w/HDTV & DVI-I Retail

$129.99 (Seperate $30 MIR)

 

You do the math on these other possible options.

 

 

 

 

 

zero, an intel? please don't EVER recommend intel here again unless they are better. wait an intel AND a dell??

 

army g, honestly that quote looks spot on. you can save by going with a cheaper mobo like an a8n-e since you're never gonna do sli. i would drop the cpu to a 3800 also. other than that just make sure your power supply is of good quality. ie. antec, enermax.

 

nofx, you posted as i was. yes there is such thing as a 7600gt. the 7800gt is now over priced cause a 7900gt is 50 bucks more and basically a gtx but better. also, they've discontinued the 7800gt anyway. also, about your intel kicking amd's butt in the summer. it's a Q3 launch that's planned and the benches that have been released are all done in an intel controlled environment. wait til more official, independent benches are out. also, http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=30250

 

 

I know.. it is an intel but that is a mega deal. Windows XP MCE 2005. LCD monitor. All for around 600 bucks. If you already got a monitor, drop it, save some money or use it to add some RAM or get a better Vid card. I know.. it is Intel and a Dell BUT better... much better than what she has now.

Edited March 14, 2006 by zerodamage

[Cujo]

haha zero, very true. your post was excellent. only suggestion would be to avoid the 6800 vanilla and go with at least a 6800gs.

 

also, if the x1800gto comes out soon that should be a killer card and faster than the 7600gt since it's on a 256bit memory bus.

[Guest zerodamage]

haha zero, very true. your post was excellent. only suggestion would be to avoid the 6800 vanilla and go with at least a 6800gs.

 

also, if the x1800gto comes out soon that should be a killer card and faster than the 7600gt since it's on a 256bit memory bus.

 

 

I would normally say the same thing BUT she has an 800 dollar budget and she would meet that with the bundle plus save another 60 after Rebates. It would also be a great upgrade from what she has now. Wow... I remember having FPS problems with my Geforce2 GTS years ago w/ regular CS. I can't imagine playing source on that generation card. Thumbs up to you ArmyGirl.

[EbilDustBunny]

heheh I'd keep the 4400 I always wish I put more funds into my processor... but i got a 7800gt instead. >_< and now the 7900 came out. So makes me thing maybe I shouldn't have spent so much on my card.... but it's so awsome! then again if I waited I could of gotten 7900 for the price of my 7800.

 

Depending on what you are doing 1gig should be a good start then upgrade later put that fund into something else... 1gig I still good for me... I'm not even going to upgrade until like winter...and prolly a 500w-550w powersupply. (do I smell SLI in the future? Maybe if they stup upgrading the cards do dang fast...but do I smell my videocard burning so I can trade for an upgrade 7900... NO i'm not that CRAZY)

 

eek have to go to my next class! nice see you here in the forums AG!!!

[Guest zerodamage]

(do I smell SLI in the future? Maybe if they stup upgrading the cards do dang fast...but do I smell my videocard burning so I can trade for an upgrade 7900... NO i'm not that CRAZY)

 

 

You brought up an important point. To me, SLI and Crossfire are not worth it unless you want immediate gratification to be the fastest and have money to burn. 6 months down the road, a new card will come out that is faster than your current 1200 dollar video card only investment for half the price or less. It doesn't make any sense to me. The only way it would make sense is if you get two mid range cards and put those in SLI as a minor upgrade later, then it may be worth it. But going for two x1900xt's right now is a waste of money IMO.

[ArmyG]

Thanks to everyone for the advice!!

[EbilDustBunny]

(do I smell SLI in the future? Maybe if they stup upgrading the cards do dang fast...but do I smell my videocard burning so I can trade for an upgrade 7900... NO i'm not that CRAZY)

 

 

You brought up an important point. To me, SLI and Crossfire are not worth it unless you want immediate gratification to be the fastest and have money to burn. 6 months down the road, a new card will come out that is faster than your current 1200 dollar video card only investment for half the price or less. It doesn't make any sense to me. The only way it would make sense is if you get two mid range cards and put those in SLI as a minor upgrade later, then it may be worth it. But going for two x1900xt's right now is a waste of money IMO.

 

I'm just wait for them to slow down... or atleast the new cards aren't much different from each other.