Wanting A New Comp
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Join Date: 2003-02-24 Member: 13942Members
Join Date: 2003-02-24 Member: 13942Members
in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">What are the best brands?</div> So I've finally saved up a bit of cash so I thought I'd ask you guys what I should get. I'm only going to resort to building it on my own as a final solution because I'm not very hardware-logical.
What I'd like to ask yall is what are the best systems out there? I've looked at Alienware but they are way over priced and most of the main stream brands I've tried are all crap, with the exception of Compaq.
If yall think I should build it myself, could you give me some good suggestions on parts or websites that have them?
What I'd like to ask yall is what are the best systems out there? I've looked at Alienware but they are way over priced and most of the main stream brands I've tried are all crap, with the exception of Compaq.
If yall think I should build it myself, could you give me some good suggestions on parts or websites that have them?
Comments
*blink*
"exept compa..."
WTH is he smoking.
compaq is one of the worst!
ok, lets go.
how much $$ do you have?
How dead set agianst homebrew are you (as they are the best, flat out)
I assume you want a desktop gaming rig?
The man speaks the truth. Big-name computer companies charge you almost twice as much for the same parts you could get online. The'ye basically charging you just bcasue they can.
Besides, I build a $650 computer which is half-decent. Here is what you can get for around $650:
Motherboard
Intel P4 @ 2.8GHz with HT Support
512MB RAM
GeForce FX 5200
Case w/ clear side panel
400w power supply
Besides, I build a $650 computer which is half-decent. Here is what you can get for around $650:
Motherboard
Intel P4 @ 2.8GHz with HT Support
512MB RAM
GeForce FX 5200
Case w/ clear side panel
400w power supply <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
You could run that rig on a 300W power suppy, why the 400? I asume it came with the case...
Besides, I build a $650 computer which is half-decent. Here is what you can get for around $650:
Motherboard
Intel P4 @ 2.8GHz with HT Support
512MB RAM
GeForce FX 5200
Case w/ clear side panel
400w power supply <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
You could run that rig on a 300W power suppy, why the 400? I asume it came with the case... <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Assuming makes and **** out of U and ME. But you're right, lol.
The 400w power supply is there at the time should I choose to upgrade, which I most likely will during this year.
What about Kingston ram? (Same question)
What about Kingston ram? (Same question) <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
corsair seem to be more expensive for little or no reason other than they have corsair written on the side.
dunno about kingston
Always been happy with crucial myself <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/nerd-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
What about Kingston ram? (Same question) <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
corsair seem to be more expensive for little or no reason other than they have corsair written on the side.
dunno about kingston
Always been happy with crucial myself <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/nerd-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Kingston more or less the same deal. But alot of both companies ram runs in excess of 533 Mghz, so they go way over your average ram useage speeds, meaning they last forever, and will run at full speed when mobo's upgrade to higher ram speed capabilities...
Not entirely true. At least not here... <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
The best for you (if you don't want to build yourself) is to find a shop that has experts working in it, who build computers (easy to say, I know). But over here, there's a computer magazine, who also has a few experts in the shop and to buy an already made computer costs you about (hold your breath) 20 per-cent less than if you'd make the same with buying each component on your own. And they're even so cool that you can change a piece of hardware in it, to customize it to your needs, but you'll still get the big discount.
Not much help, I know... <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
A 5200? Do you want to play HL2? If so, avoid the FX series of cards by nvidia at ALL COST.
Give us your price range though. It'd be very helpful.
Edit: the closest stock computer I could find was $2000, had a 3.2GHz processor (the same as mine), 512MB RAM (1/4 as much as mine) and a 200GB HDD (1/2 of mine) and a craptacular GeForce FX (compared to a 9600XT). With all the upgrades I'd have had to do to that, it'd cost the same as the alienware probably.
The best for you (if you don't want to build yourself) is to find a shop that has experts working in it, who build computers (easy to say, I know). But over here, there's a computer magazine, who also has a few experts in the shop and to buy an already made computer costs you about (hold your breath) 20 per-cent less than if you'd make the same with buying each component on your own. And they're even so cool that you can change a piece of hardware in it, to customize it to your needs, but you'll still get the big discount.
Not much help, I know... <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
That's cause they deal hunt for you. If you do the dealhunting yourself you can still save money off of their prebuilt price. But that is pretty much what I was saying anyways, small comp shops with good computer professionals cost you ALOT less than companies like dell or compaq, who charge what ever they want because they are profiting off the idiocy of people who know nothing about computers.
I have a 550 watt power supply @
2.4ghz
512mb ram
Radeon 9200
<!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> Never settle for less! Rawr!
try us.shuttle.com for more info. I am looking at the barebones xpc SB81P - yes it is Intel (flame away AMD fanboys) but it has a lot of cool features, but still allows you to customize.
Sound/Lan/ almost everything is on the motherboard, but you can still pick out a sweet video card (PCI Express), processor, and SATA Raid hard drives.
It got the Toms Hardware stamp of approval (best choice award for the summer) and the barebones will run ~400 clams (it isn't on sale yet).
anyways, that is my 2 cents, and my HL2 comp (assuming I get the funds)
If you were going to spend quite a bit of money, I'd go with a Falcon northwest computer...Their service is great (so i've heard/read), and you can get custom decals!!1211!!
BTW : I order everything from <a href='http://www.newegg.com' target='_blank'>Newegg</a>
try us.shuttle.com for more info. I am looking at the barebones xpc SB81P - yes it is Intel (flame away AMD fanboys) but it has a lot of cool features, but still allows you to customize.
Sound/Lan/ almost everything is on the motherboard, but you can still pick out a sweet video card (PCI Express), processor, and SATA Raid hard drives.
It got the Toms Hardware stamp of approval (best choice award for the summer) and the barebones will run ~400 clams (it isn't on sale yet).
anyways, that is my 2 cents, and my HL2 comp (assuming I get the funds) <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Dont let the evil intel fanboy scare you! <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
True, but the issue is that they don't put costbreak level parts into thier machines, so you aren't getting the best value for your buy if you aren't obsessed with that extra gig of processing speed or another 4 pipelines on your video card.
<img src='http://www.falcon-nw.com/WebGallery/images/Game_HL2-right.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
*gasp* <!--emo&:0--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wow.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Think of the NS eye on the side of the computer.....That would be insane.
And I would personally say that Alienware machines are HORRIFICALLY OVERPRICED, given that I built one to stomp the crap out of their top-of-the-line for a third the cost.
You don't need to be hardware-literate to assemble your own computer: just do some research on the parts, make sure they're compatible with each other, and stick em together.
I think the hardest part of my whole experience building computers has been getting the OS working.
Seriously, all you do is screw the motherboard into the case, which has pre-drilled holes, mount the PSU with some screws that they provide, and plug everything in according to the diagram they should include with your motherboard. Everything will be labeled, and if all else fails the plugs/sockets/cables won't fit into places they're not supposed to go.
Build it yourself, it's fun, and you save yourself lots of money.
For around 1000$ i'd say:
<a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-486&depa=0' target='_blank'>Athlon 64 3000+</a> - $175
<a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-434&depa=0' target='_blank'>MSI mobo</a> - $110
<a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-268&depa=0' target='_blank'>Radeon 9800 Pro</a> - $200 (Although you could also wait for the nVidia 6600)
2x<a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&depa=0' target='_blank'>512mb sticks PC-3200</a> - $160
2x<a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-318&depa=0' target='_blank'>80GB 7200RPM SATA hard drives</a> - $150
<a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-106-930&depa=0' target='_blank'>Lite-on CD-burner/DVD combo drive</a> - $45
<a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-103-144&depa=0' target='_blank'>A nice HS/F</a> - $50 (although you can ditch this and use the stock HS/F)
<a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-474&depa=0' target='_blank'>This</a> or <a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-908&depa=0' target='_blank'>this</a> power supply - $60
Case, case fans, accessories: $60
*edit* maybe spend an extra 50$ on a sound card like the turtle beach santa cruz(i really don't like creative cards, so i'm not going to recommend an audigy), but really i think onboard sound would be fine. I spent 5$ on a c-media soundcard and it works just fine for me.
IDE = winnar.
Okay seriously now. Is there really any difference between SATA and IDE? At the moment, I say no....but then again I could be wrong.
SATA is shiny and *new*.
It is also a bit faster and more comfortable wih those thin cables and plugs \o/
IDE = winnar.
Okay seriously now. Is there really any difference between SATA and IDE? At the moment, I say no....but then again I could be wrong. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Once you get into the higher speeds theres a difference. TBH sata tends to bring problems due to its 'newness'. Wait a bit and mobo makers will start getting better about it, along with software makers.
Thats not hard to do. Eh. I have a love hate relationship with alienware. Their stuff is quality, but at a premium. If youre going for prebuilt, and have the cash, they can be good. I prefer building it yourself.
www.abspc.com
or build it yourself