Opinions on computer build?

[Cyric]

Hey guys I'm trying to decide if I wan to build my own and so far I've got some great advice. I've narrowed down what I want to use the system for so maybe you guys can help me decide what parts are best suited for me. I use my current computer mainly for the internet and college work(programs like PageMaker 6.5). I want to be able to burn cds(DVD's once the prices come down) also and be able to run multiple programs at once without to much slowdown. Wouldn't mind running my computer to my TV so I can watch stuff on it. Plan on getting a HD/plasma tv soon (if funds allow it). I've got around $1,000 to spend. Also I heard that their is aprogram that can copy an entire HD onto another HD, what is it called and where can I get it? I'll probally just copy my current HD to save some money on programs since it has just about all I need on it. ANy thought or advice is welcome. thanks

later Gun

[bachviet]

Here what I would get for $1000:

From www.newegg.com
1. ABIT BD7II (i845E) mobo - $92 ($106 with RAID) or ABIT IT7 MAX (i845E) - $135 (no legacy ports)
2. Retail Intel P4 1.8AGhz - $148 or 2.0AGhz - $168
3. 512MB PC2700 CORSAIR XMS ram - $165
4. 128MB Albatron GF4 Ti4200P Turbo - $187
5. CHIEFTEC case with window and front USB - $99 or w/o window - $60
6. Sony floppy drive - $8

From OfficeMax (this weekend deals)
7. CenDyne 48x12x48x CD-RW - $39.99 after $30 MIR
8. Western Digital 40GB 7200RPM HD - $59.99 after $30 MIR

You could reuse your old keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

The total is from $760 to $862 (after $60 MIR) + tax + shipping (if applicable).

[Cyric]

Thanks bachviet but I need to have a complete system w/monitor if I can, for $1000. I still need the old system up and running. Me and girlfriend live together and trying to share a computer is a pain. Also I did a little research and found out the HD copy program is called Norton Ghost or something can anybody give me any info on where/how to get the program? Also do you guys recommend DDR ram and MB? I would like some kind of upgradablity. Thanks

later Cyric

[bachviet]

Originally posted by Cyric
Thanks bachviet but I need to have a complete system w/monitor if I can, for $1000. I still need the old system up and running. Me and girlfriend live together and trying to share a computer is a pain. Also I did a little research and found out the HD copy program is called Norton Ghost or something can anybody give me any info on where/how to get the program? Also do you guys recommend DDR ram and MB? I would like some kind of upgradablity. Thanks

later Cyric
Let's do it again.

Here what I would get from www.newegg.com.

1. ABIT BD7II (i845E) mobo - $92
2. Retail Intel P4 1.8AGhz - $148
3. 512MB PC2100 KINGSTON KVR266X64C25/512 - $129
4. 128MB ATI R8500LE OEM - $107
5. BLACK EVERCASE E4252BEF5 with 300W PS & front USB - $39.99
6. Sony floppy drive - $8
Subtotal: $529.99 + shipping

Here what I would get from Dell SB:

7. 19" SamSung 995DF - $259.99
8. 40GB WD 7200RPM HD - $81.95
9. Lite-On 40x12x48x CD-RW - $52.95
Subtotal after 15% discount: $335.63 + tax (free shipping)

The total before mouse, keyboard, and speakers is $859.62 before tax and shipping with no rebate.

[Showtime]

Cyric cant find tha site that had that chieftec case :shrug:

There's a Maxtor DiamondMax 100GB Drive $100 at J&R.com after rebate.
Staples has the Maxtor 40GB 7200 RPM Hard drive for $89.94 - $30 rebate = $59.94 shipped free, Item 428386.
If you buy maxtor you should buy ASAP cuz the warrantee drops from 3 years to 1 on the 1st of october.

Good luck
-jel:halo:

[Showtime]

If you have a frys near you that 2000+Athlon/ Albatron mobo is good deal at $149 and its oc'able.
-jel:halo:

[bachviet]

Originally posted by the jello is jigglin
Cyric cant find tha site that had that chieftec case :shrug:

There's a Maxtor DiamondMax 100GB Drive $100 at J&R.com after rebate.
Staples has the Maxtor 40GB 7200 RPM Hard drive for $89.94 - $30 rebate = $59.94 shipped free, Item 428386.
If you buy maxtor you should buy ASAP cuz the warrantee drops from 3 years to 1 on the 1st of october.

Good luck
-jel:halo:
You have to wait 3 months for the rebate so I rather paid a little more and get it right away from Dell SB.

[Hugh]

I bought a Dell 8200 (850 motherboard), 2.4Gh, 256 DDR800 Rambus, 40 HD 7200rpm, 64 Ge4200 TV-out and DVI, 16x DVD, (am waiting for DVD-RW to drop in price), 10/100 network card, dual monitoring capability card, 2USB port in back and 2 in front, usual floppy, keyboard, mouse and pad, Win XP home edition, Microsoft Office XP basic, 1 year excellent customer support, all for net price of $802, after 10% of web-promotion, $200 rebate, and Calif sales tax. (It was about $725 without Calif tax). I've already had the customer service help me undo a software conflict when I downloaded a pop-up ad-stopper program... they spent over an hour helping me solve it successfully. All my previous computers had been no-name brands purchased at computer swap meets. I'm going to buy Dell from now on.

[bachviet]

Dell is good if you don't want to play with your computer. If you want to mess around (o/cing and etc), it's not a good idea. :D

[bachviet]

Originally posted by DarkFury

But you can't graduate PC 101 until you build your own and pass the final. :D
I just put together an AXP 2000+ system with Albatron KX400+ motherboard ($149 + tax from Fry's). Here is the spec:
Retail AXP 2000+
Albatron KX400+ mobo
256MB Micron PC2100
64MB ATI R8500LE (bad card thus waiting for RMA)
40GB Maxtor 7200RPM HD
Lite-On 32x12x40x CD-RW
Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM
Nice aluminum case with clear windows and side fan.
Basic floppy, mouse, and keyboard

The total price before tax and rebate is around $510. It's going to be a kick a$$ system.