Any suggestions on sources for hardware?

[Manduca]

Recently an old computer I was using as a 2nd machine died, and I'm now in the market for a reasonably priced new MB/CPU to get the machine up and running again. I've got most of the components I need except the MB/CPU/Memory and an ATX case (only have AT's with small power supplies). I'm looking at getting an AMD 1.2 Gig (or something in that range), with 256 MB SDRAM, probably either an EPOX, MSI, or Iwill motherboard, and possibly an Inwin case. Keeping the costs reasonably low is definitely a priority.

The main thing I'd like to get feedback on is where people would recommend buying this hardware. Right now I'm leaning to accessmicro.com, as their MB bundles seem to be a decent price (~$270 for 1.2 gig AMD, MB and 256 Meg memory, everything installed) and they have a 2 year warranty, as well as some good looking cases for a decent price. I've also looked at newegg, outpost and a few others.

Where have you gotten your hardware, and where would you reccomend I shop? Also, if you have any suggestions on the possible hardware, I'd appreciate those as well.

Thanks a ton for any suggestions!

[Memo]

Well, if you are replacing a second machine, then I'm guessing you want the LATEST and GREATEST but still something that will last a few years while keeping the cost low. The AMD 1.2 Ghz soudns good to me. As far as a motherboard, I dont know if you are an overclocker or not, but the IWill KK266 is a great motherboard that you can check out and I believe you can get it for ~$100 on the net now. This would of course be regular PC133 Ram that went with it. If you want a DDR Mobo it will cost you a bit more. I would suggest the new Abit KG7 or the FIC AD11. Epox boards are pretty decent too. I happen to have one right now the EPoX 8KTA+. MSI I know is good, but since I have 2 MSI boards give way on me for no reason, I quit buying them. I have bought from both AccessMicro.com and NewEgg.com. I had good experiences with both. I do tend to lean more towards newegg.com because I like their prices and just the way they run their business, but I dont have anything negative to say about accessmicro.com

[IrishSS]

Another vote for Newegg from me... awesome prices, great customer service...

[Manduca]

Thanks for the advice. With respect to UT; I'm not an overclocker, and you're correct that I want the latest and greatest, without paying too much. Actually this isn't going to just be a backup machine, as my SO and I both game reasonably often, thus we defintiely want something that can support the current games. The problem is that she's unemployed, so we aren't exactly flush with cash :)

While I've played a lot with hardware components (changing motherboards on up), I've never actually installed a processor into a motherboard or put a cooling fan on a processor. Since I imagine this could be difficult and potentially risky, I've been leaning to accessmicro's motherboard bundles. How difficult is it to install a processor into a MB? Is this something I should worry about?

Thanks for the help!

[sbp]

I :love: newegg.

Putting a processor into the processor socket isn't hard at all. The processor and socket are keyed so the processor goes in the correct way.

As for putting a cpu cooler on, it can be risky if not done right. Dead cpu anyone? But if your careful and ask for advice you'll be okay. Or you can get someone you know to do it while you watch. So next time you'll be able to put on your own cpu cooler. :)




[Edited by sbp on 07-10-2001 at 08:27 PM]

[GraingerGuy]

Another one for newegg. They are a good company to order from.

If you are still going to go for the SDRAM mobo, the Iwill kk266 is a really good one to get.

As for the motherboard bundles, I still wouldn't get it even if you aren't overclocking. I think you would still want a better heatsink than you would be getting in the bundle.

The RAM that accessmicro gives you wouldn't be as good as if you got it from crucial.....good RAM is always nice.