Is this a deal on an AMD desktop?

[scourge]

A 233MHz machine is perfect for writing papers and surfing the net. Why upgrade?

[Krishno22]

It's just an old system that locks up on her a lot and it seems to move really slow even on the internet (she has a T-1 connection from University of California Irvine). I guess we could just get her more memory but I thought this would be a fun way for me to gain experience on building a computer for cheap.

[TOAD6147]

I can't imagine any system crawling on a T1. And if it crashes a lot then maybe it's time to upgrade or re-install the OS which you didn't mention as part of the package you listed. Sounds like it may be full of cobwebs but for surfing and paper writing a 233 should be just fine. Is it a P233 MMX or a PII/233? You could add a larger, faster hdd, some more RAM, and possibly find a used 350 mhz CPU replacement (that's probably the highest you could go if it's an LX chipset) if it's a PII system. And you could do that for probably less than $200 including an updated OS. And, believe me, you would get a whole bunch of experience doing those things!

[wyvrn]

They have an MSC computer here in Dallas that uses the same website. This is one of my favorite local vendors. They always have good deals on systems, better than anywhere else (including online). I have used them in the past and had no complaints. I am glad to see they have gone national http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Krishno22]

It is a P233 MMX. I reinstalled the OS about a year and a half ago but it always seems to have problems... once again I just think that the thing is getting old. She likes to use MusicMatch and it seems to take 5 minutes just to get that program running.

If I can upgrade the hard drive and memory for a couple of hundred.. wouldn't that be the same as getting this new system?

Although I do know that memory is dirt cheap and I can get about 30 gigs for less than $120.

If I do go with this computer as advertised, is it priced fairly? I don't know much about the MOBO, sound and video card.

About the T1... for some reason it just takes forever to open up IE or even to get to certain sites. I'm thinking it has to do with the 64 MB of memory that she is running.

[GroundZero3]

the only problem i see with that amd system has video ram that is shared. that just causes more problems. sure its cheaper but in the long run you'll be hurting youself.

if you running mmx 233 and its freezing up while she surfing the web and doing papers there something not right. Increase the ram!!! my dad had a problem with that too. i upped my dads 233 mhz with 64 mb with a stick 128 and it never has freezed again. look into ram since its dirt cheap. no need for that newer system

Jason

[TOAD6147]

No, you're right. You want to spend the money then go ahead and let us know how it goes. The price sounds good but you don't really know until it's a done deal so go for it.

[Krishno22]

Going through a computer catalog called Micro Times (Southern California) and saw and advertisement for the following:

$269.00

Duron 750 Mhz
ECS- K7SEM motherboard
128 MB SDRAM
20 GB Ultra 100 HDD
32MB AGP Video (Shared)
56K Modem
Full Duplex PNP Sound Card
50X CD-Rom
1.44 FDD
Keyboard
Case

The company is called MSC Computers of America and their website is http://www.delivermypc.com

This computer wasn't listed on the website. They told me that it didn't come with a fan ($20 xtra), shipping $20 and Tax (7.5%). I would also have to put everything together (it would be my first time) or they would do it for $49 dollars (I'm probably going to try to put it together for the experience)

I could also bump it up to a Thunderbird 900 for $20 more.

This computer would be for my girlfriend who just needs it to write her Grad papers and use the internet. Currently she has a 233 Mhz.

Any thoughts?

[scourge]

Getting back to the intent of your original e-mail. It sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

1) $20 for a fan is a bit much.
2) That $20 T-Bird upgrade is a good deal.
3) Save your money and build it yourself.

I assume that the case has a 300W AMD approved power supply.

If you have any problems or questions building the system, just post them in tech support. Somebody will help ya.

[Krishno22]

Well I just put it together. She is happy with the system and it seems to be running smoothly.

I put Windows 2000 on it which is new to me so I'll have a lot of fun messing around with that.

Thanks for all the advice.

BTW- I ended up putting out a few more dollars to upgrade it to 1 gig Thunderbird I also had to upgrade the case to a 300 watt one.

Total cost was $380 including tax. I guess it was a learning experience. Now I know that when I go to build mine I will have an idea of how to do it.

[paul233]

Nice job, I am glad you went through with it. Now you, and we, know a lot more!

[Cody]

OI!? Are they still selling these? I am on a PIII Coppermine Hummer right now, but I really would like a second system for a webserver on Linux (Long live SuSE and Slackware!)....

OI!?

[Krishno22]

If you're interested in that system, it's not on the website but you can call them and ask for it.

Their number is 1.800.550.8783.

Ask for the Athlon K7 Thunderbird system that is advertised in Micro Times under BLOWOUT SALE.

If you want to get a package deal then I think that their price is fair. But like most sysopt members, I think that half of the fun is finding the lowest price you can get on each part and piece it together that way.

I only did this because my girlfriend wanted a new computer ASAP and it was my first time putting one together.

Have fun.

[Cody]

Thanks