Help with configuring a PC?

[CoryKer]

I am a long-time Mac user, and I've decided to get a PC to complement my Mac setup. The source of the best deals I can find is Adamant.com, and here is what I've configured for myself. Any input would really help me out.

-Case: Mid, Compucase 6606, 350W P4 Ready! ATX Power Supply
-Motherboard: Elitegroup, Socket-A, VIA Chipset, DDR, K7VTA3
-Processor: AMD Thunderbird @ 1.4 GHz, 266 MHz bus, OEM
-Memory: 512 MB, DDR, PC2400
-Hard Drive: IBM, 41 GB, UDMA/100, 7200 RPM
-Graphics: Abit, Siluro, NVIDIA GeForce 2 MX, 4x AGP, 32 MB SDRAM
-DVD: PC-DVD, Creative Labs, 12x, Internal, IDE
-CD-RW: Lite-On, 12x/10x/32x, Internal, IDE
-Sound Card: Still investigating to see which factory direct card has 1/4" inputs
-Controllers: Firewire Interface, 2 port, PCI
-NIC: D-Link Ethernet card, PCI, 10/100
-Monitor: 17" KDS, 1280x1024, .27

That setup costs about $1250 US. I have a few concerns. 1.) Should I upgrade to the GeForce 2 GTS? Does it provide enough of a performance gain to warrant paying twice the price? 2.) What does Socket-A, VIA chipset, and OEM mean? 3.) Can anyone tell me some more about these soundcards?

-Creative Blaster-16, PCI ($18.40)
-Philips PCS704, Retail ($47.15)
-Philips PCS706, 5.1 Digital, OEM ($62.10)
-Sound Blaster AWE-128, PCI, OEM ($27.60)
-Sound Blaster Live, Value, 5.1, Digital, OEM ($52.90)
-Sound Blaster Live-MP3+ 5.1, Retail ($93.15)
-Sound Blaster, Live X-Gamer 5.1, Retail ($93.15)
-Sound Blaster, Live-Platinum 5.1, Retail ($186.30)
-Turtle Beach, Quadzilla, PCI, Digital ($40.25)
-Turtle Beach, Santa Cruz, PCI, Digital ($75.90)

Those are the soundcards I can get factory direct from Adamant. All I need is the standard 1/8" ports (headphone, speaker, mic, line-in) and 1/4" inputs. With the external breaker box with inputs and outputs, the GameTheater XP seems like a good idea, but Adamant doesn't offer it. Should I just buy it and install it myself? Exactly what ports does it feature?

Sorry about all the questions. Most of these questions are things I've never dealt with before with a Mac, and, even though I may have formerly been considered the enemy http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif, any input would really help me in your world.

Thanks,

-Cory Ker

[solo-pc-tech]

Cory,

Welcome, I service both PCs and Macs so maybe I can offer some unbiased advice.

What is the primary purpose of your new system? Have you ruled out a new G4?

But maybe what you actually need is a Pentium 4.

Google Usenet search, http://groups.google.com/advanced_group_search is a greate place to get information.

I just did a search on sound cards with 1/4" inputs and came up with a lot of information. Here is one newsgroup in particular that you should browse, rec.music.makers.marketplace.

Also I recommend that you go to http://www.resellerratings.com/index.html to get ratings of Internet and mail order companies. Adamant doesn't have a great rating, but neither is it one to avoid.

A sound card is something you can add later after you do more research. I personally don't like Creative. (strictly my own opinion)

Socket A is the socket for Athlon and Duron.

OEM means intended for systems integrator or reseller. Cheaper than 'boxed' but shorter warranty. It also means you will have to get an appropriate fan separately. You'll get lots of advice about that here.

There's no rule that says you have to get everything from one place. Outpost.com for one lists the GameTheater XP for $140.

Are you building this system for yourself or having Adamant do it?

If you're looking for systems integrators, I recommend Sys Technologies, Polywell, and Xi Computers.

[gyoung]

First off, welcome to the board. We welcome with open arms all Mac converts! Since you are now looking away from Mac we consider you an enlightened soul. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

On to your questions.

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer. It usually means direct from the factory. If you bought it direct from Adamant or another store it would show up in a plain box or sometimes referred to as white box (as opposed to the retail box you would find at a Best Buy). It usually doesn't come with any manuals. These aren't meant to be sold directly to consumers. They are meant to be sold to people that are building PCs to be resold. They do make it into the consumer market because of the cheaper prices.

VIA = Via is the name of the company that manufactures the chipset of the motherboard. Simply put, the chipset controls the functions of I/O on system. Linking the RAM, CPU, disk drives, etc.. together. You can find more about VIA and it's products at www.viatech.com (http://www.viatech.com) .

Socket A = Socket A is the format of the CPU. To use a socket A motherboard you need a Socket A CPU. AMD is the only one that makes a Socket A CPU. These would be Duron and Athlon CPUs.

On the soundcards, from what I've read the Philips PCS706 (in the retail market it is referred to as the Acoustic Edge, the 704 is the Rythmic Edge) is top of the line along with the Soundblaster Platinum series and the Santa Cruz. Take a look at the websites for these cards.

SoundBlaster Family (http://www.creativelabs.com/products/audio/)
TurtleBeach (http://www.voyetra-turtle-beach.com/site/product_menus/audio_hardware.asp)
Philips Acoustic Edge (http://www.philipsusa.com)

As to the best, I'm not sure. Hope this answers some of your questions.

[This message has been edited by gyoung (edited 07-09-2001).]

[otheos]

May I advise against the Creative DVD-Rom in favor of a matching Lite-on 12/48. They are extremelly fast, reliable and cheap.

[CoryKer]

Actually, I haven't ruled out a new G4. And I'm really no convert... I'm becoming a hybrid user. My family is buying a new G4 after Macworld New York, and this computer would be just for me (I'm 15). The cost of a new Mac just isn't feasible for me.

I would probably be using this computer (the Athlon) for music editing (I sing and play guitar in a band), some image editing (though I will try to leave that to the G4), and games (won't even THINK about that on the G4). Aside from all that, I will be using it for typical stuff... IRC, AIM, ICQ, e-mail, the internet, and so on.

I've never built a system from the ground up. I want the power and customizability that comes with self-building, but it may be too daunting a task. However, I am very good with electronics, and with the help of forums like this, could probably build it with a tad of work.

Thanks. The way people talk about PC users on some Mac forums made me think I was about to get ignored. It's a pleasant surprise to be proven wrong http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Thanks,

-Cory Ker

[solo-pc-tech]

Cory,

I just checked on the current prices for G4s. Is Apple crazy? It had been a while since I checked the latest prices.

Don't believe that Apple propaganda about how fast the G4 is in Photoshop. Check out this article at Xbit Labs, http://www.xbitlabs.com/cpu/photoshop-platform/. It will also give you some information about the different PC technologies.


An Athlon 1.4GHZ with 512MB DDR will be more than adequate for music and image editing.

Also it isn't that hard to build a PC. Go to Borders or order online from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble and get the Mark Minasi book, "The Complete PC Upgrade and Maintenance Guide: Optimize Your PCs Power and Extend Its Life."

Plus there are dozens of PC hardware sites on the Internet. Ziff-Davis, publishers of PC Mazazine has a new site, http://www.extremetech.com/.

Then of course start with the Sysopt.com Links page, http://www.sysopt.com/links.html.

I don't think they have this one yet, http://www.cpuscorecard.com/. Some good technical info here.

[Sleep21]

I too sing and play guitar in addition to bass and keyboards. I'm building a computer this summer, and I am buying a Sound Blaster Platinum 5.1. The only possible drawback is for the 1/4'' inputs, you have to plug in the "Live Drive" IDE bay. This could be a pain to set up, but if the company is building it for you, go for it.

[CoryKer]

Yeah, Apple's current prices are ridiculous. There aren't enough being made to offer them at a low price, unfortunately. But after MWNY, we'll most likely have a G4-1 GHz MP, which should finally be able to compete.

Well, there are two reasons I'll be using the G4 for image editing - ColorSync, and because I already own the Mac version... and I couldn't get software illegally, could I http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Well, I read some of the comments about Adamant, and they don't seem too heartening. I think I'll just buy all the parts and build it myself. This is a big question, but could anyone tell me ALL the things I would need to set this up?

I still want a system with the specs I detailed in the first post.

I've pretty much completely decided I'll build it myself. Plus, I have a couple friends who've built their own PCs, and they could probably help me out should I need it. Plus, I'd prefer to do all that myself, so I know exactly what's going on inside the system.

Thanks again, this seems like a very friendly board to spend time on.

-Cory Ker