Custom Built Rules!!!

caale — Tue, 31 Dec 2002 22:26:43 +0000

I would recommend custom building yourself a pc or having someone do it for you if you dont know how and it really isnt that hard.I custom build all of my pc's for myself and for personal and business and I know that gateway and dell ect...can build pc's for less but you will be comparing apples to oranges,first of all most systems that you buy are integrated which means audio and video and crap are made onto the main board which is crap..custom build a pc to tailor to what you will be doing with it and if a component goes bad..you just replace that component with same or even upgrade and with an integrated pc ya just gotta love that bundled software *Blahhh*so my recommendations is CUSTOM BUILT!

dvduval — Fri, 06 Dec 2002 14:25:18 +0000

I purchased mine locally...built it right there at the shop about 8 months ago.

T-Bird MB
AMD 1400
40 GB HD
64 MB Video Card
DVD Drive
256 MB Memory
No Monitor

I paid about $600.
Since then I have added a second HD, a CD burner and more memory.

I also built a slightly better system for a friend about 2 months ago for the same price range.

I highly recommend building your own. It's not that difficult.
And most importantly, you'll never need to buy a complete system again. All you have to do is upgrade 1 part at a time. Before you know it you'll have enough parts to build a second computer.

The local shop I use is called Computer Pro.

brady.k — Fri, 06 Dec 2002 03:48:08 +0000

really you found tigerdirect to be bad? i've had very good experience with them

mairving — Thu, 28 Nov 2002 13:30:45 +0000

Quote: Originally posted by jag5311
Thanks alot Mairving. I appreciate that. If i did decide to purchase something like that, where would it be done?

Thanks
bryan

Those prices were from Newegg. The key thing in building a computer and saving money is not buying the top of the line processor. For instance, the 2.4G is $193, 2.8 is $389 and the 3.06 is $799. If you wanted to go with AMD, then the XP2400 would cost $198. On processors, stay with retail boxed processors instead of OEM. The retail boxes come with a fan and a longer warranty. Never skimp on the case and power supply. It is not all that hard to build one. I can help you if you decide to build or point you over to a good forum.

nike_guy_man — Thu, 28 Nov 2002 05:25:41 +0000

The last computer I bought was August 2001... I built it... cost $1100 total
1 GHZ AMD T-Bird on MSI Mainboard
512 MB DDR
30 GB HD
52X CD-ROM
Floppy Drive
32 MB TNT 2 Video Card (not the greatest)

I'd suggest newegg or mwave, as they said
Mairving's suggestion is worth a try too.
Stay away from Tigerdirect. I bought most of my stuff through them, almost all was OEM and/or had no manuals and they offer no support.

If you are buying one from a company, make sure to get a warranty and tech support. Actually, Apple rated highest for customer service and support recently.

The biggest problem I've encountered with my own computer/server is the lack of tech support when I get in a jam. I'm stuck either paying or asking people who don't know my configurations and it's a real pain

Good luck anyway!

jag5311 — Thu, 28 Nov 2002 04:52:16 +0000

Thanks alot Mairving. I appreciate that. If i did decide to purchase something like that, where would it be done?

Thanks
bryan

jammin — Thu, 28 Nov 2002 03:54:48 +0000

i just got my new one a few months ago, for $1400. it is a Compaq
it has a 1.2 ghz athlon, 556 DDR, i swapped out the gforce2 32mb video card with a gforce4 64mb, win XP, 60gb hard drive, dvd burner, cd burner. no printer or monitor, but i thought it was a pretty good deal.

mairving — Thu, 28 Nov 2002 03:19:00 +0000

Here is one that I configured for you. You could save money by getting less expensive speakers and about $200 by going with 2.4Ghz instead of 2.8Ghz. It just shows that you can get a better system with
everything picked out instead of taking what Dell has to offer.

Quote:
ANTEC SOLUTION SERIES Model# SLK2600AMB w/ANTEC SMART POWER 300W P4/AMD POWER SUPPLY ATX12V - RETAIL
Offering a large 8-drive capacity in a convenient mini tower. This cost-effective new Super Mini Tower comes in an attractive color - Antec Metallic Bronze - with the features and quality you expect from Antec.
Specifications:
Driver Bays: External 4 X 5.25" - 2 X 3.5" (Tool-less Drive rail system for 5.25 Devices) Internal 2 X 3.5" (Quick Release Drive cage for 3.5" Drive bays)
System Board: Standard ATX
Expansion Slot: 7 Slots
USB/IO: 2 X USB (front)
Optional Fans: 2 X 80mm (front & rear)
Case Dimensions: 16.75" (L) X 8.25" (W) X 16.75" (H) more info-> N82E16811129117 $59.00 $59.00

ABIT BE7, Intel 845PE Based Socket 478 P4 ATX motherboard
Specifications:
CPU Supported: Socket 478 Intel Pentium 4 processors with 400/533MHz FSB
Chipset: Intel 845PE/ICH4
IDE: 2x channels that supports Ultra DMA 33/66/100
RAM: 3x 184-pin DIMM sockets(unbuffered Non-ECC DIMM) DDR 200/266/333, 2GB Max
Slots: 1x AGP, 5x PCI
Ports: 2x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard, 2x Serial, Audio ports, RJ-45, 2x USB
Onboard Audio: ALC650 6-Channel CODEC
Onboard LAN: RTL8100B 10/100M PCI Fast Ethernet Controller
ATX Form Factor more info-> N82E16813127139 $108.00 $108.00

ATI ALL IN WONDER RADEON 8500 128MB AGP BULK Powered by the RADEON 8500 GPU
Specifications:
GPU:RADEON™ 8500
MEM 128MB DDR
Stereo TV-tuner
Resolutions up to 2048x1536
Easily capture and edit MPEG-2 video
Wireless RF remote control
OS support: Windows® XP, Windows® Me,Windows® 2000
Ports:DVI-I (15 pin VGA adaptor included) One display (VGA or DVI) can be connected and active simultaneously with either a TV or VCR
Max Res: 2048x1536 85 Hz
DVD video playback
OEM BULK PACK, with Cables and Breakout box (see pic) more info-> N82E16814102238 $241.00 $241.00

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.8 GHz Northwood 512K Socket 478 Processor 533MHz Processor Bus Retail
Specifications:
CPU: 2.8 GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 533 Mhz
Socket: 478 Retail (Box with Heatsink and fan)
3-year MFG. Warranty-(CPU ONLY NO RAMBUS RAM) more info-> N82E16819116147 $389.00 $389.00

DDRAM 512MB | 64X64 PC-2100 MUSHKIN
AMD, VIA, ALI Approved, PC2100 = 266MHz FSB, Rated CL 2.5, Rated 2-3-3@133MHz, Uses 256-Megabit chips,64x64 Module, 32Mx8 Chip Density, Unbuffered & 6-Layer PC Board. OEM. LifeTime Warranty. more info-> N82E16820146206 $163.00 $326.00

SAMSUNG 1.44MB FLOPPY DRIVE Model# SFD321B/LEB - OEM, DRIVE ONLY 1 Year Warranty more info-> N82E16821103202 $9.00 $9.00

MAXTOR 120.0GB 7200RPM 2MB Cache Model # 6Y120L0
Specifications:
Size: 120 Gigabytes
Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA133
Seek time: 9.0ms
RPM:7200
Data Transfer: Ultra ATA up to: 133MB/sec
Cache 2MB
OEM(Drive alone) 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty more info-> N82E16822144136 $155.00 $155.00

Microsoft Wireless Keyboard & Wireless Wheel Mouse Combo - OEM Version Discover a complete wireless solution that frees your desktop from clutter and frees you to work the way you want to. The Wireless Desktop includes a Microsoft Wireless Keyboard, Microsoft Wireless Wheel Mouse, and a 2-channel receiver. **Must be Purchased w/Hardware!** more info-> N82E16823109107 $48.00 $48.00

►On Sale! Lite On 48x24x48 CDRW Model LTR-4824S OEMBuffer underrun error free & automatically adjust writing strategy plus running OPC to meet various burning condition.
Specifications:
Speed : Recording 48Xmax CAV Re-writing 24X High-Speed CLV Reading 48Xmax CAV
Interface : ATAPI-E/IDE, support up to Ultra-DMA Mode2 33.3MB/sec
Access Time : 80ms (typical)
Buffer Memory Size: 2MB
Operating System : Windows 95/98/NT/XP/2000/ME
MTBF : 70'000 Power On Hours with 25% Duty
OEM (Comes with Software Manual and Audio cable.) more info-> N82E16827106188 $56.99 $56.99

►On Sale! LITE-ON LTD-166S16X DVD ROM Drive - Retail48X CD-ROM Access all format DVD-ROM/R/RW ,CD-ROM/R/RW title & disc Comes with Audio Cable, Manual and Power DVD Software, more info-> N82E16827131104 $45.00 $45.00

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy Gamer Stunning 24-bit multi-channel playback for incredible high definition audio in games. Unmatched power of the Audigy chip delivers 4X more effects processing for high intensity gaming. Innovative EAX ADVANCED HD technology provides ultra realistic acoustics for high definition audio environments. Fully integrated SB1394 enables high speed PC-to-PC connectivity with low latency gameplay for the ultimate frag fest. Retail Box more info-> N82E16829102150 $84.00 $84.00

Klipsch Promedia 4.1 THX Certified 5 piece Personal Audio System
Features Include:
THX-Certified® to deliver breathtaking audio performance
Four-hundred watts of real-world music power drive four satellites and a vented dual 6.5" subwoofer
29-20,000Hz frequency range
110dB maximum output capability
Satellites feature 0.75" MicroTractrix™ tweeters and 3" midbass drivers in an elliptically shaped, acoustically damped, sealed enclosure for musical, dynamic response
Connects easily to four-channel soundcards, or any stereo mini-plug equipped device more info-> N82E16836119102 $236.00 $236.00

Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1 - OEM Full Version Designed for reliability, security and privacy, high performance, and ease of use, the Windows XP operating system provides a host of benefits for business and home users. A clean and simple desktop, rock-solid reliability, and easy-to-use features that take advantage of the digital age all contribute to the value of Windows XP. *Must be Purchased with Hardware!!* $143.00

Total Price $1899.99

brady.k — Thu, 28 Nov 2002 02:13:59 +0000

tiger direct has good components and good deals on prebuilts...although, if you want the cheapest (money wise) solution, building it is best, although you might go thru a motherboard or two by the end if its your first time

Mark Hensler — Wed, 27 Nov 2002 18:00:37 +0000

I last machine I bought was a Compaq for about $2000. 700MHz, SDRAM (forget how much), no monitor.

The last machine I build was about $900. 1.4GHz, 256MB RDRAM (bad idea, use DDR), DVD ROM, no HD, no monitor, no sound, with case & 250W PSU.