Recommendations for new system.

[Tomblvd]

What a great idea!!! I planted the idea with my wife that her parents would really enjoy a computer with internet access (they've never had one before). So I get to build a system for them for Christmas. Of course, I'll use MY mobo and CPU for theirs and upgrade my own! Why didn't I think of this before?

Anyway, since I'm on a slight budget, I'm upgrading to a PIII 450. I already have a hard drive that is Ultra DMA66, so I'm looking to go with the Abit BE6, any other ones I should look at?

How about memory? Is 128mb necessary, or can I safely go with 64 (I do LOTS of gaming). And should I go with PC100 or PC133? Prices have been nuts recently, so I'm having the most trouble deciding on memory.

Last but not least, I'd like to get a new case, only because I'm tired of how loud my ElanVital is. Anyone know of any super-quiet cases on the market?

Thanks in advance, I can always count on the people here for the best advice.

[codybear]

I'd first make sure that her parents know that they are getting used parts and that you are using thier money to upgrade your own system...one thing in life you do not want is pissed off in-laws

I only ask if THEY know..dont need a note from the wife...and thank you...I am a dad and a good one at that!

didnt mean to touch a sore spot..sorry

[This message has been edited by codybear (edited 11-11-1999).]

[Tomblvd]

Thanks for the lecture dad, but I assure you that I'm not defrauding them, only using an opportunity given to me. It was my wife who suggested I give my system to them (I could get her to send you a note if you want). Anyway, I don't consider a PII 300 with an Abit LX6 to be too shabby for what's going to end up being used as a word processor and internet browser.

[Nathan]

The only thing I would suggest is to get the 128 MB of ram. Money well spent. What bus speed would depend on what type of motherboard you get.

[dawgtuff]

I could make a MB recommendation, but in a couple months I may change my mind.Here's why...Lately everyone has been waiting for the i820 Camino chipset from Intel.This set is based on a new ram called RDRAM.Well, Intel has postponed this new chipset because of problems with the new ram.Taking up the slack is companies like SOYO and TYAN that are making MB's based on VIA's Appollo chipset.These support PC-133 SDRAM,2x-4x AGP,onboard UDMA66 controller,super flexibility,1/2 AGP divider,etc...Since you have a P3-450,right now "today",I'd go with a Soyo6VBA+133 MB with a stick of PC-133 128mb,and an ALPHA P3125 fan/heatsink.....Hope this helps.....DawgTuff.

[BBA]

DawgTuff, I went to all the sites I could find on the Soyo....it does not offer 1/2 AGP setting!

Damnit...I was getting my hopes up too!

/forum/smile.gif

BBA

[BBA]

Cool...

I just read Anand's review of it too. Funny the manufacturer does not list this feature on it's webpages.

Thanks DawgTuff, Now I will check into it more, I want to run my P3 450 at 600 and maybe this will do it!

BBA

[dawgtuff]

BBA-The AGP dividers on this board are set up after you set 2 jumpers on the MB for bootup FSB frequencies(66,100,133).After you boot up,the bios software gives you a range of FSB's to select from, and any changes you make also change the AGP divider.ie:Say you set the jumpers for 100 FSB,the Bios software will then give you a range of 90-122mhz for the FSB,and a range of 60-81mhz for your AGP...I think these jumpers limit the MB somewhat,but if your putting in fast components,this MB is worth the money...bdog and AuraEdge know more about this.They have some more info @ the motherboard BBS...DawgTuff.

[tyru]

I agree, I would go with the Soyo via pro 133. One of the nice things i have heard about the baord is that you can put a +33 MHx on the memory speed so that the processor can run at 100 while the memory runs at 133. Definately get the PC133. Prices are a little steep still but might not go down soon. I would hope with the 820 nad new memory that the cost of memory would go down more.

Good luck on you new system