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Building a PC...

OK, I have my mind set on building a PC for myself, with a budget around 1000$ (US)

Now, I need some suggestions as to what are the best things to get for a PC on this kind of budget...

(Thinking of 512MB SDRAM, a GEForce graphics card, and an Athon processor >1ghz)

All suggestions welcome!

------------------
[b]whitestar90: [/b]"it would give the computer a heartattack just looking at it" -
[b]Sanfam: [/b]"And Drazi didn't like it one bit.-
[b]Mr.Bungle: [/b][i]"So that's where the forum went..."[/i]-
---
[b][i]ahhh, the good old days of HTML.[/i][/b]
«13

Comments

  • i'm ordering this mobo today for same reason: [url="http://www.fticomputer.com/cgis/detail.cgi?product=MB-GA-7VRXP&ses=&cat=MB"]http://www.fticomputer.com/cgis/detail.cgi?product=MB-GA-7VRXP&ses=&cat=MB[/url]
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [quote]Originally posted by A2597:
    [b]OK, I have my mind set on building a PC for myself, with a budget around 1000$ (US)

    Now, I need some suggestions as to what are the best things to get for a PC on this kind of budget...

    (Thinking of 512MB SDRAM, a GEForce graphics card, and an Athon processor >1ghz)

    All suggestions welcome!

    [/b][/quote]


    512 megs ram good, GeForce 3TI or better do not get an MX, Get an Athlon XP,

    SB Live Audigy or Extigy are nice for sound, might as well pick up a 120 gig harddrive,

    You should be able to build it WAY under the $1000 bucks sans monitor. Just for an example

    AMD XP1800+ Socket A CPUs w/ Heatsink & Fan

    FIC AD11 Main Board AMD Recommended Mainboard

    128 MB DDR Memory

    40.0GB 5400RPM

    ATI Xpert2000 32MB AGP Video Card

    52x Max CD-ROM

    AC97' Sound on board

    Intel PCI V.90 56K Fax Modem w/ voice

    Beyond ATX Mid-Tower Case w/ 300W Power Supply

    1.44 Floppy Drive

    High Power Speaker

    Win 98 104Key Keyboard

    PS/2 Mouse

    Windows 98 Second Edition CD

    $409


    Upgrade a base machine like this to 512 megs, better video card, better mainboard, will only total around $200 bucks.
  • JackNJackN <font color=#99FF99>Lightwave Alien</font>
    Anyone notice how the logo for this company looks a lot like Commodore's old logo?

    [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/biggrin.gif[/img]

    [img]http://www.fticomputer.com/imgs/logos/giga-byte_logo.gif[/img]

    [This message has been edited by JackN (edited 06-30-2002).]
  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    It's not that similar. Just the same color scheme really. [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/smile.gif[/img]

    ------------------
    [b][url="http://www.minbari.co.uk/log12.2263/"]Required reading[/url][/b]
    Never eat anything bigger than your own head.
    "Nonono...Is not [i]Great[/i] Machine. Is...[i]Not[/i]-so-Great Machine. It make good snow cone though." - Zathras
  • Vertigo1Vertigo1 Official Fuzzy Dice of FirstOnes.com
    OMG

    He recommended FIC! They have a worse reputation than Gigabyte! BAD choice my friend. Besides, why not go dual AMD? MP's are cheap these days.

    2x AMD MP 1800+ (1.53GHz) - $180
    Tyan S2460 (Retail 6 PCI -1 AGP - DMA100 -DDR memory ATX,Tiger MP AMD Dual AMD-762 Chipset.) - $166 (pricewatch, free shipping. company: AC Micro)
    Kingston 512MB DDR (PC2100) - $97
    GAINWARD/CARDEXPERT GeForce 4 Ti 4200 (analog + tv out, svideo + DVI) - $158
    Maxtor 40GB 7200RPM (ata133) - $69 (OEM)
    Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy (with firewire port) - $60 (OEM)
    US Robotics USR5610B 56K V.92 Internal PCI Performance Pro FaxModem Data/Fax Only (No Voice) - $70 ($83 if you want the external version)
    Logitech Wheel Mouse Optical - $24.95 (Best Buy, retail)
    Microsoft® Natural® Keyboard Pro - $27 (OEM, "USB only")
    Windows XP - $39 + shipping ([url="http://www.microsoft.com/partner/campaign/Winpro1.asp"]link[/url])
    MAXTOP CSX-3688K (Intel P4/AMD Ready, 7-bays, Front USB Connector, 350W power supply) - $39

    All prices, unless specified elsewhere, are from newegg.com.

    The grand total: $929.95 + shipping

    If you were to go single AMD, subtract about...$80 for the difference in mobo and minus the second processor.

    ------------------
    "Isn't the universe a wonderful place? I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! Love to stay! Can't! Have to go. Kiss kiss, love love! Bye!" - G'Kar
  • psycopsyco Ranger
    I assume you've already got a mouse, keyboard, OS and speakers. Add about 20$ for modem or NIC.

    From Newegg.com


    Enlight Mid-Tower Case EN-7101AX
    300W 3 5-1/4 & 3 3-1/2 bays $47.00


    ABIT KX7-333R, VIA KT333 mobo
    1AGP 6PCI RAID 4 DIMMs $107.00

    AMD 1700+ XP @ 1.47gh $95.00

    CORSAIR MEMORY 512MB PC2700 $130.00

    MAXTOR Quiet Drive 60GB 7200RPM $93.00

    ATI OEM RADEON 8500 LE 128MB DDR $119.00

    TURTLE BEACH SANTA CRUZ $59.00

    LITE-ON LTD-163 16X DVD ROM $39.00

    Lite On 40X12X48 CDRW $70.00

    Thermaltake VOLCANO 6Cu+.
    Heatsink + Dual Ball-Bearing Fan,
    FAN Speed: 7000±10% RPM.
    Max. Air Flow: 38CFM.
    Pure Copper base $12.00

    Teac Floppy $9.00

    Am I missing anything?

    Total $779.00

    With Shipping to Oh. $42.00
    --------
    $821.00

    A little left over for some games [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/biggrin.gif[/img]


    They didn't have the Epox 8k7a($70) so I decided to step up a little.

    I went with the Radeon 8500le 128meg because it's simply the best price/performance ratio out now. It's clocked at 250/250, but can be oc'd to retail 270/270 no problem and most can get to 300/300 for performance on par or better than the 4200Ti.

    The Santa Cruz...no one has come out with anything better or is as trouble free. It installs, works and sounds great.

    I've got a Maxtor quiet drive with the fluid bearings and it's silent, you'd love it.

    Might as well get a DVD rom since the price is low.

    The Lite-on burner is sweet, I haven't made a coaster yet.Comes with smart-burn & nero.

    [This message has been edited by psyco (edited 07-01-2002).]
  • whats wrong with gigabyte? everone i talked to likes it
  • Vertigo1Vertigo1 Official Fuzzy Dice of FirstOnes.com
    [quote]Originally posted by rcmodels:
    [b]whats wrong with gigabyte? everone i talked to likes it[/b][/quote]

    They're like A-Bit. Half the boards have faulty components. Out of three boards, only one has worked correctly. My dad's previous motherboard had a faulty temperature sensor (reported temps atleast 20 degrees higher than they really were) and a few loose capacitors that weren't soldered in properly. I had to replace one for a customer that had a faulty secondary IDE controller that would "loose" anything connected to it upon restarting.

    The only one that I had work properly was the one out of the first system I ever built on my own. (GA-5AA rev 2.2) I have to admit that that board was pretty decent. However, one out of three is pretty bad odds. Don't you agree?

    ------------------
    "Isn't the universe a wonderful place? I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! Love to stay! Can't! Have to go. Kiss kiss, love love! Bye!" - G'Kar
  • A2597A2597 Fanboy
    Groovy.

    (And no, I need a mouse, keyboard, and monitor as well, but those I can get pretty cheap at costco or Sams Club.

    keep suggestions coming please!

    ------------------
    [b]whitestar90: [/b]"it would give the computer a heartattack just looking at it" -
    [b]Sanfam: [/b]"And Drazi didn't like it one bit.-
    [b]Mr.Bungle: [/b][i]"So that's where the forum went..."[/i]-
    ---
    [b][i]ahhh, the good old days of HTML.[/i][/b]
  • psycopsyco Ranger
    [quote]Originally posted by Vertigo1:
    [b] They're like A-Bit. Half the boards have faulty components. Out of three boards, only one has worked correctly. My dad's previous motherboard had a faulty temperature sensor (reported temps atleast 20 degrees higher than they really were) and a few loose capacitors that weren't soldered in properly. I had to replace one for a customer that had a faulty secondary IDE controller that would "loose" anything connected to it upon restarting.

    The only one that I had work properly was the one out of the first system I ever built on my own. (GA-5AA rev 2.2) I have to admit that that board was pretty decent. However, one out of three is pretty bad odds. Don't you agree?

    [/b][/quote]

    Yea, I'm still a little leery of recommending an Abit board, but lately there seems to be a lot less people complaining about problems from them..

    I'll take an Epox any day over Abit, but newegg was out of *all* of them.
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [quote]Originally posted by psyco:
    [b] Yea, I'm still a little leery of recommending an Abit board, but lately there seems to be a lot less people complaining about problems from them..

    I'll take an Epox any day over Abit, but newegg was out of *all* of them.

    [/b][/quote]


    I've got 4 Abit motherboards here, never had a single problem with any of them,

    In fact, the only one that i've ever had a problem with, is the one that the cat's pissed on.

    as for the FIC, i only posted that as an example system, for an extra $50 you can upgrade to a gigabyte, or asus.

    IMHO $900 is too much for a system these days sans monitor.
  • Vertigo1Vertigo1 Official Fuzzy Dice of FirstOnes.com
    [quote]Originally posted by Entil'Zha:
    [b]
    I've got 4 Abit motherboards here, never had a single problem with any of them,

    In fact, the only one that i've ever had a problem with, is the one that the cat's pissed on.

    as for the FIC, i only posted that as an example system, for an extra $50 you can upgrade to a gigabyte, or asus.

    IMHO $900 is too much for a system these days sans monitor.

    [/b][/quote]

    For a dual-processor system, its not a bad price at all. If he were to use spare parts from his current system, I guarantee the price would drop signifigantly.


    A#####: What do you intend to keep from your current system?

    ------------------
    "Isn't the universe a wonderful place? I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! Love to stay! Can't! Have to go. Kiss kiss, love love! Bye!" - G'Kar
  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    His current system is an HP package deal thing. You know, microatx mobo, onboard Intel video, no expansion slots to speak of, etc. [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/smile.gif[/img]

    ------------------
    [b][url="http://www.minbari.co.uk/log12.2263/"]Required reading[/url][/b]
    Never eat anything bigger than your own head.
    "Nonono...Is not [i]Great[/i] Machine. Is...[i]Not[/i]-so-Great Machine. It make good snow cone though." - Zathras
  • shadow boxershadow boxer The Finger Painter & Master Ranter
    in a tiny voice....


    buy a Mac [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/biggrin.gif[/img]
  • C_MonC_Mon A Genuine Sucker
    DAMN!!! If you all get computers that good for those prices I would buy one anytime, but here in Finland hose computers are so damn expencive I only buy a new comp every 2 years!

    ------------------
    Gloria,Honorifice,Pralium Facio
    Animus,Gradior Quo,Prodo
    In Excelsis,Precedo,Bellator,Decerte,Adversa,Incurro,Invadoria
    Desideratus Fatum
    Desideratus Bellum
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [quote]Originally posted by Vertigo1:
    [b] For a dual-processor system, its not a bad price at all. If he were to use spare parts from his current system, I guarantee the price would drop signifigantly.


    A#####: What do you intend to keep from your current system?

    [/b][/quote]


    But why would he need a dual processor system? Especially running windows, even XP most home users are not going to need dual processors, most apps aren't multithreaded so he wouldnt get an advantage out of it.

    IMHO he's better off spending the money that he would have spent on the 2nd processor and the priceier dual socket motherboard, on more memory or a better video card (TI instead of an MX etc.)

    Now, if he's going to be running Unix, then a dual processor machine makes more sense.
  • JackNJackN <font color=#99FF99>Lightwave Alien</font>
    [quote]Originally posted by C_Mon:
    [b]DAMN!!! If you all get computers that good for those prices I would buy one anytime, but here in Finland hose computers are so damn expencive I only buy a new comp every 2 years!
    ____________
    Gloria,Honorifice,Pralium Facio
    Animus,Gradior Quo,Prodo
    In Excelsis,Precedo,Bellator,Decerte,Adversa,Incurro,Invadoria
    Desideratus Fatum
    Desideratus Bellum
    [/b][/quote]


    Take a visit to the US, then buy a machine, and make it carry on for the flight back home... [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/biggrin.gif[/img]
    Hmmmmmmm, lots of nice Latin in your sig... [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/biggrin.gif[/img]
  • A2597A2597 Fanboy
    my current PC is my parents.

    the one I'm making will be MY first computer I can call MINE!
    MUAHAHAHHA!!!

    err...heh heh....

    ------------------
    [b]whitestar90: [/b]"it would give the computer a heartattack just looking at it" -
    [b]Sanfam: [/b]"And Drazi didn't like it one bit.-
    [b]Mr.Bungle: [/b][i]"So that's where the forum went..."[/i]-
    ---
    [b][i]ahhh, the good old days of HTML.[/i][/b]
  • JackNJackN <font color=#99FF99>Lightwave Alien</font>
    Hey A2597:

    Some people are looking for you... Sanfam, Biggles, etc...

    [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/wink.gif[/img]
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [quote]Originally posted by A2597:
    [b]my current PC is my parents.

    the one I'm making will be MY first computer I can call MINE!
    MUAHAHAHHA!!!

    err...heh heh....

    [/b][/quote]

    Lets see. the first computer that was all mine.... Was a Coleco ADAM...
  • C_MonC_Mon A Genuine Sucker
    [quote]Originally posted by JackN:
    [b]
    Take a visit to the US, then buy a machine, and make it carry on for the flight back home... [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/biggrin.gif[/img]
    Hmmmmmmm, lots of nice Latin in your sig... [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/biggrin.gif[/img][/b][/quote]

    Yeah! It might bee cheaper there, but the traveling cost are a bit different. [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/wink.gif[/img]

    The latin stuff is from a Warcraft 3 song in one of the trailers. Found the music lyrics on the Blizzard page.
  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    [quote]Originally posted by Entil'Zha:
    [b] Lets see. the first computer that was all mine.... Was a Coleco ADAM...[/b][/quote]

    My first one of my own was a P200MMX.

    ------------------
    [b][url="http://www.minbari.co.uk/log12.2263/"]Required reading[/url][/b]
    Never eat anything bigger than your own head.
    "Nonono...Is not [i]Great[/i] Machine. Is...[i]Not[/i]-so-Great Machine. It make good snow cone though." - Zathras
  • the first one i bought was this one, its a cel 600 with 256 ram, and a tnt2 32. Its an hp pavilion POS and i'm building a new one [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/smile.gif[/img]
  • JackNJackN <font color=#99FF99>Lightwave Alien</font>
    Sinclair 1000
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [quote]Originally posted by JackN:
    [b]Sinclair 1000[/b][/quote]

    Mmm Timex. I never had a sinclair, i had a Trash80, a tandy Colour Computer, a Kaypro II, a Vic-20 and a C-64. but my parents bought all those and thye were family machines.

    The ADAM they bought, but it was mine. the first machine i bought on my own, was right after i got married, we bought a brand spanin new 486/25 with 4 megs of ram a 1x cdrom, 2 meg video card and.... 170 meg harddrive [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/smile.gif[/img] grand total.. $2400 + tax
  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    The first machine the family bought was a C64. The next was a P100. [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/smile.gif[/img]

    ------------------
    [b][url="http://www.minbari.co.uk/log12.2263/"]Required reading[/url][/b]
    Never eat anything bigger than your own head.
    "Nonono...Is not [i]Great[/i] Machine. Is...[i]Not[/i]-so-Great Machine. It make good snow cone though." - Zathras
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [quote]Originally posted by Biggles:
    [b]The first machine the family bought was a C64. The next was a P100. [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/smile.gif[/img]

    [/b][/quote]

    As far as PC's go, my first intel based PC was a Tandy 1000sx 8088, 4.77/7.44mhz (switchable)

    I upgraded the 486 from an sx/25, to a dx2/50 to a dx4/100 to a p120.
  • Vertigo1Vertigo1 Official Fuzzy Dice of FirstOnes.com
    [quote]Originally posted by Entil'Zha:
    [b]
    But why would he need a dual processor system? Especially running windows, even XP most home users are not going to need dual processors, most apps aren't multithreaded so he wouldnt get an advantage out of it.

    IMHO he's better off spending the money that he would have spent on the 2nd processor and the priceier dual socket motherboard, on more memory or a better video card (TI instead of an MX etc.)

    Now, if he's going to be running Unix, then a dual processor machine makes more sense.

    [/b][/quote]

    He's going to need that second processor to really take advantage of Photoshop's multi-threading capability. Hell, he might need it if Blender supports multi-threading. Hell, he could burn his MP3 collection while he's playing a game and it turn out just fine.

    ------------------
    "Isn't the universe a wonderful place? I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! Love to stay! Can't! Have to go. Kiss kiss, love love! Bye!" - G'Kar
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [quote]Originally posted by Vertigo1:
    [b] He's going to need that second processor to really take advantage of Photoshop's multi-threading capability. Hell, he might need it if Blender supports multi-threading. Hell, he could burn his MP3 collection while he's playing a game and it turn out just fine.

    [/b][/quote]

    Only if the game and the mp3 burn use different processors, from my experience things like that end up just using one processor for some reason.

    Now if he's doin rendering and such then yeah, i guess that the dual processor would work for him.

    I just see lots of people waste money on Dual processor machines when they will never use them, most of them are under the mistaken impression that a dual 1.5 ghz machine will run at 3ghz.
  • JackNJackN <font color=#99FF99>Lightwave Alien</font>
    The use of multiple processors on a mother board is dependent on the Operating Systems ability to manage it, and also the applications ability to make use of it.

    Only recently has the Windows OS designs started to get better, and Linux and other unix flavors have been at it for a while already.

    This is why you would see high end 3D packages being made for unix based machines, up until a few years ago.

    Now, with 3DS Max, Lightwave 6.x and above, Maya, Soft Image, etc being able to use the Multi-threading, and NT, 2000, XP delivering the ability to Multi-thread, the end user can get more out of his home machine...

    [img]http://216.15.145.59/mainforums/wink.gif[/img]
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