Which Barebone System Should I Get?

[KRAMER]

I have recently had some problems with my system that has me thinking of just getting a new barebone system to put all my old stuff into. That said, what would be a good combo? Keeping a budget in mind of say $300 for case/board/cpu. Main usage would be games and the internet. Also, where are some good places to buy bare systems?

Thanks,
Steve

[sclingan]

try tigerdirect.com I just finished building
one useing there barebones systems. I got a microtower atx with txproII motherboard for
$109.00. Added a amdk6-300 mmx cpu for $52.00
And have a killer system. Has built in sound and video too.

[Roy]

The most advanced mobo is MicroStar MS-6163 v.2, just out. $90 - $100. Read the review at http://overclock.digiweb.com/ .
I like to shop at www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com) .

I look for local sales on ATX cases or get them at a computer show. $30 - $40. It's nice to see what your buying when it comes to the case.

[AuraEdge]

Also shipping on case is KILLER!!
so try not to get that shipped

[scourge]

What is your existing system? No point in buying a barebones system with a 450MHz CPU if your not going to upgrade your video because you won't be able to play good games with your old crappy video card. I don't like mobos with built-in sound/video. They just seem to be inherently flaky.

When I upgraded from a 486, I simply bought a FIC 503+ w/ an AMD K6-2 (350) and a baby AT case. $190 back in February. Plugged all my **** in and bought a used Diamond Voodoo1 ($28) and viola! I couldn't be happier with the gameplay or application performance. The other reason I bought this particular motherboard was because it supported my old EDO RAM from my 486. That way, I didn't have to spend money on new PC100 chips until I wanted to. (the mobo supports both)

Get on pricewatch and find a combo like I described and then pick up a good used or new 3D card. You should be able to build a fairly decent computer from your existing parts for less than $300.

[KRAMER]

Thanks for the responses. I have 64mb PC100 memory, Matrox Mystique w/Diamond Monster 3DII 12mb, ESS sound card, Diamond SupraMax 56k modem, 4gb and 6.4gb hard drives, w/ an AMD K6-233. I got hit by lightning recently. Took out my modem and looks like the Paralell port on my board (can't print). That's why I'm looking to do this. Thanks again.

[MAGIC 8-BALL and THE ELF]

Aren't you glad we reside in earthquake country? - Elf

On my world, lightning is a gift from the gods. - 8-Ball

[KRAMER]

I am leaning toward the ABIT BH6 with a 400 Celeron. Anyone have any experiences with this combo? Anything to look out for that I should know about? Thanks.

[Mike H.]

AMD K6-2 400 FIC PA 2013 and ATX Mid Tower 250 watt PS $239 + shipping.

http://www.mtrends.com/customize/barebone.html?war=WAR1&mb=MBFP5PA20131024&cp=CPUAK63D400&cs=CSMIDATX

or customize it here

http://www.mtrends.com/customize/barebone/

[Nanor]

Save up a little bit more and get a Soyo 6ba+ with a PIII 450. No point in getting a K6 if your into games, cause you never know when a game that doesn't support it will come out. Too many patches and tweaks needed. Better off going with a pentium chip if you want to be safe. If you really can't afford that, then go for a celeron. Same performance as it's PII equivalent but lower price. The above Soyo mobo w/ PII450 chip amounts to about $380 I'm sure. I found a lovely deal at both www.krex.com and here www7.shoppingplanet.com/Compu/Moth/Mkits/62722.htm but I'm in europe so I couldn't order from Krex's. Found a local Soyo dealer though, and I hope to buy that sys this week. Get the case locally, shipping is probably expensive.

[cheap Jim]

For a good deal on Barebone fully assembled and starting at $99. I have had good luck with www.barebone.ws (http://www.barebone.ws)

[Imperion1]

Yea, I've got or had the Abit BH6 with a Celeron 400.

Better to get a Duron 750 with either the Abit KT7 or ASUS A7V. Better performance for $20 more. The $20 is for the newer mobo. The Duron 750 costs the same as a Celeron 400.

Also the BH6 board, for some reason, does not work well with a 300w PS. System becomes unstable and voltages change constantly.
Works well with a 250w PS though.

[Mykex]

Please check this link 700duron on gigabyte board 235 .... ide squeze up to 335 and get the 750tbird on asus Av7 If you call they will ship w/o ram save a few more $. http://192.216.185.10/mwave/DeptBBONE.hmx?UID=&CID=&Back= had good luck w/Mwave.com in past. Bizrated ect. Good tech support sofar.... Mykex