help? - new computer configs -

[hallam2003]

I'm trying/thinking of/ finding money/ to build a new puter - but i'm really not too sure about compatability issues and all that - so, I was wondering if i put some basic specs on here, that you guys could maybe give me some advise on what to get - or if some of you guys have a config that is close to what I'm looking for then that would be great - I'm just in it for the information right now - I know you guys are all busy - maybe if you all get together you can make a pretty good sys. - also - money IS a factor - In that I don't have any - well kinda - so try to keep it at least under $2000 if ya can - thanx -

I'd like the following: (at least)

around 650 Mhz - Pref. AMD

need at least 128 MB RAM - need to know what kind on this

vid. and sound card good enough for regular usage - nothing special

about 40x - 50x - CDROM, don't need CDRW or DVD

also - HD, not need be huge - 10 - 15gig - would be fine - 7200RPM pref.

don't worry about mouse, keyboard, monitor - can take care of that stuff -

the motherboard and case is kinda what worries me - I'm not sure that i'll get all the right type of stuff -
Sorry if this makes me sound like a moron - I am actually pretty computer oriented - just need some help on this stuff - remmeber you'll have to tell me what kinda stuff to get - would liek to have exact models if possible - brand names and all that stuff is good too - I know your all busy(well, some of you) - but thanx anyway

Hallam

[daveleau]

That is THE first time I have heard someone say why build when you can spend the cash... Build if you want better parts! No retail system can touch what you can build. You get much better sound and video and hdd for just a small amount of cash more. I will check some prices for you. You need not worry about incompatibility as much nbow as int he past. You only have to worry about the PS and the RAM with an Athlon. $2000 can buy you a kicking build. Plus you get the satisfaction of knowing you don't have to have what Dell, Compaq or whomever says you have to have in your system. And you don't get all of the bloatware software like Works. I'll find some stuff and let you know.
Dave

[Andy_L]

I totally agree with Daveleau, and even more so, I work at a place that just bought 300+ new Dells, and I honestly think i have sent at least half back to be repaired. The hardware seems to be all second rate, even given the fact that it is all brand name, for example, if you buy an ide zip drive, it is a mode 3 device, if it comes with a Dell, it will be mode 0 (just an example, but true)
As far as cases, i can solidly recommend the Elan Vital T-10.

(http://www.elanvital.com.tw/products/pccases/T-10.htm)

[Fingers]

You can certainly buy a very good machine from any major vendor for under $2000. When you factor in the free software that's included with a retail PC, I don't think building your own is any cheaper (unless you already have the software). But it's more rewarding & fun to build your own.

Here are a few machines to look at. You should be able to get few good ideas by looking at each of these "Dream Machines". http://www.basichardware.com/dream_machines.html

Do your homework, read a lot of reviews. Here are some other excellent sites;
http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1269 http://www.tomshardware.com/ http://www.basichardware.com/building_your_own.html http://www.ars-technica.com/guide/building/

Come back and ask when you've got more questions.

Good luck

[DrCorvette]

To Andy, I too work where we just bought a bunch of Dells, not ONE was bad. We have between 205 and 300 or so employees, depending and probably 75 or so units. And my first post=>> Duh, I made one very critical error, Computer Geeks will NOT have the high end system you request, only older stuff. Usually the barebone units top out at 500 mhz there.. so velly sollie, DrVette

[This message has been edited by DrCorvette (edited 07-07-2000).]

[daveleau]

If you must buy retail, go Dell. Great systems. We use them for state contract at work. We also have Gateway for state contract with about 5-10,000 employees. Both are great systems, but I am partial to Dell. I am even more partial to building one's own wsystem but I think I said that above... http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
Dave

[DrCorvette]

Dude, when ya don't ask important questions is when we are morons. Why build when ya can get a great machine for the money you mentioned.. If ya just want to play with a build, go for it, www.compgeeks.com (http://www.compgeeks.com) is one of my fav's. Here's a link to a nice Dell for ya, please notice it has 133mhz mobo, 32bm Geforce Video card and a 17" monitor AND 3 yr on-site warranty. =>> http://commerce.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.asp?customer_id=19&keycode=6V934& order_code=500712z (http://commerce.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.asp?customer_id=19&keycode=6V934&order_code=500712z) Dell Dimension 4100 Series Pentium® lll Processor at 800MHz

Memory : 128MB 133MHz SDRAM

Keyboard: Microsoft® Internet Keyboard,

Monitor : 17" (16.0" viewable,.28dp)E770

Video Card: NEW 32MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS 4X AGP Graphics Card

Hard Drive: 10GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)

Floppy Drive: 3.5" Floppy Drive

Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 98

Mouse : Logitech MouseMan® Wheel (PS/2v)

48X Max Variable CD-ROM Drive

Sound Card: Soundblaster 64V PCI Sound
Speakers: Altec Lansing ACS-340 Speakers with Subwoofer

Bundled Software: NEW Microsoft® Works Suite 2000 with Money 2000 Standard
WORKS
Norton Antivirus® at no additional charge: Norton Antivirus® 2000

Service: 3 Years Next Business Day On-Site Parts and Labor, BSC

Printers: FREE! Canon BJC 2110 Printer
BJC211F - [464903] $1,698.00 NOTE! The base unit was like $1299, I added the video card and warranty and 800mhz processor.. DrVette


[This message has been edited by DrCorvette (edited 07-07-2000).]

[hallam2003]

ok thanks - sorry for the lack of reply - I've been busy - I'll be back in a while to say some more stuff - too busy right now - thanx

Hallam

[Krymson]

Heres what youre asking for if your gonna build(and
keep in mind that Dell only uses Intel processors)

Cpu: AMD Athlon, Tbird, or Duron
Mobo: Asus K7V w/ KX133 chipset or a socket A mobo(I dont much about socket A', youll have to look on your own.)
HD:Maxtor Diamond plus or IBM Deskstar They both go from around 10-40 gigs.
Ram: 128Mb Crucial PC133 SDRAM
Case: Fong Kai Mid-Tower

I would recommend you try to get a Tbird(Code name for
New athlon) or Duron, But they may be hard to find,
And you'd have to find a Socket A motherboard.

A regular Slot A Athlon should do fine though.
You should be able to get a 700 for around $170.
Get a ASUS K7V If your getting a regular athlon.

Both the IBM and Maxtor drives are fast, the IBM is a little better but harder to find.
Maxtors are cheap at staples.com(get a coupon from techbargains.com)
Your looking at 100 for a 15 gig 7200rpm drive.

AMD recommends the Fong Kai Cases. If you dont like those, Try to find another Athlon Approved case.