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Thread: new computer hardware advice

  1. #31
    Hooya! Rabbitrunner51's Avatar
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    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130059

    I'm sorry.. I didn't see it was a PCIE card. The one above would suit your needs just fine. Since you are only going ot use it for what you stated above.. this is a good company with proven track record and it got very decent reviews. Open GL 2.0 and 500MHZ by 900MHZ bus speeds is better than mine right now.... and... its lower cost also... good deal for what you get.
    Phenom 2 X4 B35 :ASRock N68C-S UCC: G Skill DDR1333 ( 4GB ): ATI Radeon HD6770 1GB : Logitech X504 5.1 SS speakers.:WD 500GB,&300GB Sata2 HD's ; Liteon Lightscribe 24X DVD/combo Drive : Antec 620C neo PSU: CTL 22"WS

  2. #32
    Extreme Member! BipolarBill's Avatar
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    Actually, your first choice is fine. Let's not forget that your CPU is pretty middling compared to what's available at the top. A 6600 or 6600GT would be a good match for the Sempron and would be more than adequate for those games.
    MS MCP, MCSE

  3. #33
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    Thanks for the sites "G", will bear them in mind...

  4. #34
    Ultimate Member G's Avatar
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    No worries Rob

  5. #35
    Ultimate Member G's Avatar
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    Hold on Jo; let me check these out as I have some concerns with your choices.

    Some of it is yesterdays and it will make it more expensive for you to upgrade in future – future proof it now rather than buying products now just to upgrade later.

    Moreover, if you ever go to Vista or not more $’s now will make this system awesome and more cost-effective.

    You have not mentioned a case.
    Last edited by G; 10-02-2006 at 08:30 AM.

  6. #36
    Ultimate Member G's Avatar
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    There are some additions such as the HDD and DVD+/- Dual-Layer Rewriter that I agree with Bill. This does mean the price goes up but it makes sense to get them now rather than later only. You are getting more for your money too and the advantages are mentioned under each section.

    Agreed with choice:

    Logitech Z-2300 200 watts RMS 2.1 Speaker – Retail – THESE ARE SWEET
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836121122

    SAMSUNG 205BW Black 20" 6ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1 0.285mm Pixel Pitch - Retail - AS YOU SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME LOOKING AT A SCREEN IT MAY AS WELL BE A NICE ONE.
    http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16824001081

    Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, TUV, CB, FCC CLASS B, CUL – Retail – NICE FUTURE PROOF PSU
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103931


    To consider:

    Motherboard: ensure it is PCI compatible including the graphics card. This will ensure future proofing and more choice and consequently more cost effective purchases.

    I’m unsure about:
    Motherboard (Not only will this limit the choice of processors, but the graphics card interface also. You will be left with AGP that are more expensive than their PCI-X equivalent, which have room for performance improvement now and later.)
    Graphics Adapter and CPU.

    You really are buying some top stuff, but the CPU is weak considering you can get a nice cheap 64-bit CPU ready for a 64-bit operating system.

    Sure it means more money but look at what you could get for a few more $s


    Not necessary:

    Memory (As mentioned Windows XP will only use 2GB effectively so leave it at 2GB max. For Vista and 64-bit Windows NT family operating systems it will go up to about 7GB. You will need to consider a 64-bit processor too if you want them to complement each other)

    To conclude: get a motherboard that has the potential to future proof, e.g., upgrade the memory with faster and more GBs when necessary.

    The size of the virtual address space varies for each hardware platform. On 32-bit x86 systems, the total virtual address space has a theoretical maximum of 4GB or 2^32 bites. By default, Windows allocates half the address space (the lower half of the 4GB virtual address space, from (0x00000000 through to 0x7FFFFFFF) to processes for their unique private storage and uses the remaining half (the upper half, 0x80000000 through to 0xFFFFFFFF) for its own protected operating system memory utilisation. The mappings of the lower half change to reflect the virtual address space of the currently executing processes, but the mapping of the upper half always consists of the operating system’s virtual memory. It is possible for Windows XP SP2 onwards to set the boot-time option using the Boot.ini switch /3GB and /USERVA to give processes running specially marked programs the ability to use up to 3GB of private address space; leaving the operating system with 1GB of private address space instead of 2GB. This option would only be applicable if running a database server for example.
    On 64-bit x86 systems, the total virtual address space is theoretically much larger: 7152GB and 8192GB on Itanium and x64 systems respectively.

    So for Windows Vista memory would be utilised; save your money on memory for the time being.

    Changes:

    Use the 80GB as a backup internal HDD. Keep the CD-rewriter if you like but they are so cheap and flexible it makes sense to get a DVD-rewriter.

    Warning: Do not go with an open box.

    NEC Beige 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE 16X DVD±R DVD Burner - Retail
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152056

    HITACHI Deskstar T7K250 HDT722516DLAT80 (0A31635) 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA133 Hard Drive - OEM
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822145091


    To conclude:

    Make sure you are getting the best future proof motherboard, graphics adapter (PCI) and processor – 64-bit – bang for bucks.

  7. #37
    Ultimate Member G's Avatar
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    Nice graphics card and cost effective and future proof.

    XFX PVT73GUGD3 Geforce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Custra...82E16814150182

    Massive performance boost.
    Last edited by G; 10-02-2006 at 12:37 PM.

  8. #38
    Extreme Member! BipolarBill's Avatar
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    She needs AGP, G.
    MS MCP, MCSE

  9. #39
    Ultimate Member G's Avatar
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    I know but don't you think Jo would be better served making the move to a PCI-Express based motherboard.

    That's what I intimated in my previous posts.

    That way Jo eliminates another expensive upgrade and hassle upgrading in years to come.

    Remember AGP is being phased out so it makes more sense to advise on a motherboard that gives Jo the opportunity to upgrade the graphics cards whenever. She can get a cheaper one now and still be able to upgrade later. She can get the top of the range one today, next year, for pennies.

    By going the AGP route, means an AGP graphics cards now, then a PCI-Express motherboard later and then another graphics card update that is PCI-Express. It limits options.

    Do it right, and it is one motherboard, one graphics adapter one upgrade. Who wants to go through the unnecessary building and research of another machine?

    So I would advise a nice ASUS PCI-Express graphics adapter compatible motherboard and a CPU with a bit more oomph.

    Yes it will cost more, but only in the short term. Jo may think of it as a smart move later and benefit from a massive performance boost for a small sum more immediately.

    Anyway, that’s what I would advise.

  10. #40
    Senior Member spankyjo's Avatar
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    Thanks Rr51, I am ready to start ordering so will hold off on the video card and wait for other recommendations.
    "G" you there? What do you say, you too Bipolarbill? I appreciate any and all recommendations.
    I have always been partial to nVidia but willing to try others if they are as good or better. Thanks Guys.
    Well, be nice if I would LOOK UP!!! Thanks G and BPbill. I will let you know what I decide.
    Last edited by spankyjo; 10-02-2006 at 02:54 PM.

  11. #41
    Senior Member spankyjo's Avatar
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    OK, I have looked over all that was suggested. I wish I could get a new MB. but at this time, if I did that, I would have to forgo the other hardware. I have about $800.00 to spend and I am close to that now with the other things. Maybe later I can splurge again.
    I have also really liked Western Digital but will give the Hitachi a try. We have a big screen Hitachi and have never had any problems with it. And its an oldie, got it before HD came out. I am aware that Hitachi has excellent products and back their products.
    So, I still need a recommendation for a nice graphics card then I will be ready to order away. I am going to take a look at a few myself and will show you what I have looked at and see what you think.
    Do you still think this CPU will work with my board and give me more speed and power?
    http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...2E16819104206R
    Last edited by spankyjo; 10-02-2006 at 03:27 PM.

  12. #42
    Ultimate Member G's Avatar
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    My reservation is this Jo.

    If you keep with the old motherboard you have effectively cut yourself off from an easy and longer term cost effect route to upgrading.

    If you go with this old motherboard this is what will happen.

    You will build and install all your new kit right. The AGP is going out so it makes no sense to keep kit that is on the cusp of being excluded further.

    So, this nice new AGP graphics card that will cost $100+ will be redundant when and if you get a PC-Express motherboard. You will have to get a new graphics card, and start a new rebuild. All the research, all the expense and all the hassle this entails. Equate that into the expense of the system and my suggestion may be less painful.

    Think about forfeiting some of the other goodies for the time being and build a system around a new motherboard.

    In know way does this mean that the system you will have thus far is poor if you go with the old motherboard route, I just think it makes sense to get the new up-to-date motherboard now, forfeit some other kit and then get them at a later date. They are not going to be a hassle to research or install. Do you see my point?

    For example, dump the new HDD, DVD-rewriter, to get the motherboard. Even the CPU will be fine with this board as far as I can see.

    It’s up to you but you need to decide, but do not rush. You have no time pressure to purchase.

    Bill and the likes are the hardware experts, not me but Rabbits graphics adapters arguments makes sense.

    They can advise on a new board, CPU combo.

    On the other hand if you go the route you are intimating, get Bill or one of the other guys to confirm for a definitive answer.

    I’m more into software than hardware. I only really research hardware when I’m building a new system. Mostly I test and write technical Windows manuals and help files. So I specialise in the detailed technical troubleshooting aspects than what’s in in the hardware world of computers.

    Good luck and I'm here if you need further help
    Last edited by G; 10-02-2006 at 04:11 PM.

  13. #43
    Hooya! Rabbitrunner51's Avatar
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    This is getting confusing.. How much are you spending??? Most everything in the computer HW field these days offer incredibly good prices and bang for the buck.

    Why... in the world would you go backwards and use some outdated CPU, even if it was a good one in its day.
    G made the best case point in looking at the future. Any good dual core CPU , even the bottom end ones are very good CPU's , whatever maker. AMD makes the good line of 939 chipset CPU.s like a 3800+ single core on up at good pricing, or any good high end Intel previous generation for saving some bucks.

    My mobo costs like $65.00> it has it all and is fast. It runs three diff sets of CPU's, and used DDR33 or DDR400. Others can be had all aorund > Asus>Gigabyte>or even the new kid ASRock have boards that provide most bang for buck and performance.. at premiem prices.

    All the tech. journals i read say that Vista does not,contrary to misguilded views, need a high end system to run. ITS MORE THE GRAPHICS that should be addresed, as it uses more visual effects.

    Look at the prices and how much everything is down. PCIE is the way to go. Alot more video card choices at better prices for performance and thier cheap.

    A good place to find some info on Vista is Techreports.com... Look up past ajnd current articles about Vista. They are very good and respectable for info and other.
    Phenom 2 X4 B35 :ASRock N68C-S UCC: G Skill DDR1333 ( 4GB ): ATI Radeon HD6770 1GB : Logitech X504 5.1 SS speakers.:WD 500GB,&300GB Sata2 HD's ; Liteon Lightscribe 24X DVD/combo Drive : Antec 620C neo PSU: CTL 22"WS

  14. #44
    Senior Member spankyjo's Avatar
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    Well, guess what guys, went out for the afternoon and came home to a blown Hard Drive. How do I know. I know what a bad hard drive sounds like, (click, click, click, click) I have had it happen before. Lets forget about the Western Digital. Thats what it is and it only lasted me 2 years. Have I lost everything on it, Probably. Man that really @#%@#$^@#$^ me oFF.
    This close to getting another one and transfering everything to the new one and Bam!! So, I am on old Grandpa here, he has never failed me. So I am now at square one. New motherboard? Looks like it now. Give me some recomendations I guess. I am a bit on the angry, and who knows what else. Now I can't get the other stuff I wanted to get, but the monitor is a must because I know its going for sure. Other upgrades may have to wait, depending on the price of the motherboard.
    My spell check on this PC does not work yet, so forgive the idiot words.
    I will be spending the evening updating grandpa since I haven't used him in a year. So will check in occationaly. What a bummerof a day!!

  15. #45
    Extreme Member! BipolarBill's Avatar
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    What makes you think that you ned a new motherboard?

    What are the symptoms? Please tell *all*.
    MS MCP, MCSE

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