I've got a little over $1000. I want a computer.

[Ennui]

Like the title says, I have a little over $1000 (enough for $1000 or $1050 plus shipping/tax) and I want to get a decent computer.

I'll be upgrading parts like the graphics card and the memory, so 512mg of memory and a low/mid range graphics card are sufficient for now - just something that will hold out another six months or so.

I can build this computer (though I haven't the first clue about these things) or I can buy it from somewhere; I just need help being pointed in the right direction, especially if I build it, since I don't know ANYTHING about hardware beyond the very basics and I want to make sure all the parts would work together.

Can you guys help me? I was looking at http://ibuypower.com after seeing them in PCG but I'm not sure if they're a good idea or not.

 

[dream431ca]

First of all...if you want to build it..it could cost more than $1000 depending on what you want. If you buy it all together at a store, you might not get all you want but you can afford it. First of all do you have another computer that you can salvage parts from to lower the cost down (CD-ROM drives, Monitors)? Those will help keep the cost down..if you want to build a whole computer from scratch, it will cost more than 1000 dollars. But you could shop around for some deals...I have some advice..do NOT buy cheap. Cheap stuff sucks and will last you for the most part 7 or 8 months. I know you might not like to hear this but..If I were you I would save up at least another 500 dollars, then you could get most of the stuff you need for an awesome system. The Motherboard is extremely important in your decision. If you have any other questions you can PM me and I'll try to answer them all.

 

[sAntA199]

heres some advice on brands

AMD processor
ATI video card
ASUS motherboard
Corsair RAM

just like what ive got

most of the people here will agree

 

[jondy]

Like the title says, I have a little over $1000 (enough for $1000 or $1050 plus shipping/tax) and I want to get a decent computer.

I'll be upgrading parts like the graphics card and the memory, so 512mg of memory and a low/mid range graphics card are sufficient for now - just something that will hold out another six months or so.

I can build this computer (though I haven't the first clue about these things) or I can buy it from somewhere; I just need help being pointed in the right direction, especially if I build it, since I don't know ANYTHING about hardware beyond the very basics and I want to make sure all the parts would work together.

Can you guys help me? I was looking at http://ibuypower.com after seeing them in PCG but I'm not sure if they're a good idea or not.

Do you already have a computer you can upgrade, and if so, what specs?

 

[Ennui]

I don't in particular, as the one I have now is the family computer.

I essentially just want a processor, motherboard, and other things that are a bit more difficult to upgrade that have longevity - I don't need to worry about the graphics card right now or monitor. Those can be upgraded later. I want a solid foundation, essentially.

If AMD's are only 2.x ghz, why are they as good as or better than the 3.x ghz pentium 4's?

 

[NonStopableForce]

I don't in particular, as the one I have now is the family computer.

I essentially just want a processor, motherboard, and other things that are a bit more difficult to upgrade that have longevity - I don't need to worry about the graphics card right now or monitor. Those can be upgraded later. I want a solid foundation, essentially.

If AMD's are only 2.x ghz, why are they as good as or better than the 3.x ghz pentium 4's?

Because they are... Amds Clock cycles are more efficient.
But as you can see they call them AMD 3000+ when it runs at 2 ghz, but it equals/passes a p4 3ghz, (3000).....

And when i built my compuer and my cousins, i bought all my stuff off of www.newegg.com, and www.zipzoomfly.com, you can also check out www.tigerdirect.com...

-NSF

 

[poseyjmac]

heres some advice on brands

AMD processor
ATI video card
ASUS motherboard
Corsair RAM

just like what ive got

most of the people here will agree

the only important thing here is the AMD processor. amd 64. the rest of the components have good competition and theres no reason to just blindly go with companies you listed.

if you're going to spend $1000 for a computer, id consider a 6600gt or a 6800. its a cheap price point, and nvidias solutions are better around this pricepoint.

asus and abit aren't the end all be all of motherboards anymore. look at some MSI, gigabyte, epox, dfi.

 

[duffers20]

I would recommend something like a low end AMD64 bit that is socket 939, you should just get some standard DDR400 memory, 512mb is fine, and a socket 939 PCI-express SLI mobo to also allow for an upgrade in teh future. A gfx card like a 6600gt or something along those lines if you can use it in your budget.

 

[holydeadpenguins]

6600gts in sli dont perform very well in a lot of games. He should stick to getting an nforce 4 ultra board and getting the most expensive video card he can afford. X800Xl anybody?

 

[Ennui]

I'll look around those sites you mentioned and throw together a list of things, then get feedback on it.

 

[DrDevin]

Hardware Recommended Component Price
Processor AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8 GHz 512KB L2 90nm socket 939 $146
Motherboard Chaintech VNF4 Socket 939 $91
Memory 2x512MB PDP/Patriot PC3200, Model PDC1G3200LLK $131
Video Card Leadtek GeForce 6600 128-bit 128MB PCIe 300/550 $109
Hard Drive Seagate 160 GB 7200 RPM 8MB SATA $94
Optical Drive NEC DVD+RW 3520A $57
Floppy Drive NEC, Sony, TEAC, Samsung, etc. $8
Case Antec SLK1650B with 350W PSU $65
Power Supply Enermax Noisetaker 370W model EG375P-VE-SFMA $51
Display Rosewill R710E 17" 16ms LCD $210
Speakers Logitech X-530 5.1 or Z-3i 2.1 Speakers $57
Keyboard and Mouse Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard and Wheel Mouse Optical $36
Bottom Line $1055

I can assure you this is a great system for the money if you can get all the parts.

 

[Ennui]

Feedback from other people on that list? It looks good to me, but like I said, I'm a hardware noob.

 

[15357]

i would give you my computer but i don't think you would want it.

its about 7+ years old and has really low ram and windows 95....

 

[Ennui]

I used to have a 32mhz Windows 3.1 computer in my room, with 4mb of RAM.

I'd accept the computer actually, just for the hell of it, but I think shipping would cost more than the computer's worth since I live halfway across the world from you.

 

[15357]

I used to have a 32mhz Windows 3.1 computer in my room, with 4mb of RAM.

I'd accept the computer actually, just for the hell of it, but I think shipping would cost more than the computer's worth since I live halfway across the world from you.

+ goverment tax.......

shipping and handling and G tax = you pay

ok?

 

[Ennui]

nope. back to topic

 

[Hazar]

definetly build it yourself. not only do you learn exponentially about computers, you save yourself tons of money and get a better system.

I would reccommend:

AMD chip (duh)
ATI (if you like hl2 a lot)
ASUS (there are many other good mobo brands too)

 

[Ennui]

Hardware Recommended Component Price
Processor AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8 GHz 512KB L2 90nm socket 939 $146
Motherboard Chaintech VNF4 Socket 939 $91
Memory 2x512MB PDP/Patriot PC3200, Model PDC1G3200LLK $131
Video Card Leadtek GeForce 6600 128-bit 128MB PCIe 300/550 $109
Hard Drive Seagate 160 GB 7200 RPM 8MB SATA $94
Optical Drive NEC DVD+RW 3520A $57
Floppy Drive NEC, Sony, TEAC, Samsung, etc. $8
Case Antec SLK1650B with 350W PSU $65
Power Supply Enermax Noisetaker 370W model EG375P-VE-SFMA $51
Display Rosewill R710E 17" 16ms LCD $210
Speakers Logitech X-530 5.1 or Z-3i 2.1 Speakers $57
Keyboard and Mouse Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard and Wheel Mouse Optical $36
Bottom Line $1055

I can assure you this is a great system for the money if you can get all the parts.

Is this a good list, I need other feedback?

I'll be upgrading the graphics card to an ATI when I have the money, but the 6600 should hold me over for a bit.

 

[Vorac1ous]

Ennui, do you play mainly DirectX games or OpenGL games? If you play mainly DirectX games I'd suggest a 9600 Pro highly over a 6600. With the 6600, in H-L2 you may wind up getting constant random FPS drops & stuttering. I know because I have a 6600GT, in CS:S\HL2 my FPS stutters\drops but never does in DoomIII\QuakeIII\UT2004. The ATi cards were made more specifically for DirectX games, I would suggest that for a little bit more money over a 6600. However if you play mor OpenGL games, then go for that 6600 ;-)

 

[holydeadpenguins]

The random stuttering you get is not a card issue. The 6600gt is both faster and more expensive than the 9600.

 

[holydeadpenguins]

You could drop out some of the un neccecary parts ex. speakers (headphones make it easier to hear stuff), high end keyboard/mouse, floppy drive, and get a better video card. The 6600 isn't going to be so great for hl2. Avoid the x600 and x700 cards as they are even worse than the 6600 and 6600gts. Get some good headphones and a good mouse, and up the video card a level. If you can spend some extra money on this x800xl,
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814164041

It will GREATLY increase your performance.

 

[Ennui]

I might actually be able to do that, especially if I dropped the 17" LCD and changed it to a 17" CRT.

 

[Vorac1ous]

Definately don't get the LCD monitor, they aren't worth a crap for gaming. Flat-screen CRT's are MUCH better.

 

[NonStopableForce]

The random stuttering you get is not a card issue. The 6600gt is both faster and more expensive than the 9600.

Card issue. I have the same exact problem/goodness as Vorac1ous.

But im not saying the 9600 is better...6600 gt rocks in other games..

-NSF

 

[JellyWorld]

Definately don't get the LCD monitor, they aren't worth a crap for gaming. Flat-screen CRT's are MUCH better.

why do LCD monitors suck? I have one and I don't have any problems with it. Works perfectly fine.

 

[poseyjmac]

perfectly fine is subjective. LCDS have ghosting(whether you notice it or not), and can't produce true blacks as well as CRTS. for gaming CRTS are where its at..for now

 

[Pesmerga]

Besides, CRT monitors are MUCH more cheaper than LCD, and the advantage of an LCD lies in it's flat panel technology which is purely for saving room on your desk. I'd rather have a free LCD than a CRT if I could, but I can't. If money isn't a concern (which it is) then go with the LCD, but buy a decent 17" or bigger CRT if it is (which it is).

 

[3ssence]

This LCD - CRT argument thing makes me laugh. Omg LCD's ghost and blur and the picture quality isn't as good. ROFL. If you get a good quality LCD then the picture quality is just as good, if not sharper and more vivid. Plus a decent LCD screen will not ghost at all. I have a 20.1" viewsonic 201s and i can guarantee you that there is not the slightest hint of ghosting and the picture quality is unbelievable.

Good CRT's are great, but so are quality LCD's, you just have to pay more for them.

 

[poseyjmac]

This LCD - CRT argument thing makes me laugh. Omg LCD's ghost and blur and the picture quality isn't as good. ROFL. If you get a good quality LCD then the picture quality is just as good, if not sharper and more vivid. Plus a decent LCD screen will not ghost at all. I have a 20.1" viewsonic 201s and i can guarantee you that there is not the slightest hint of ghosting and the picture quality is unbelievable.

Good CRT's are great, but so are quality LCD's, you just have to pay more for them.

they are getting better, but still, LCDS cannot display true blacks yet, making darker games look less impressive.

 

[Ennui]

I've played both LCD and CRT, and I prefer CRT (except for the weight :|)

 

[Pesmerga]

I think CRTs are less distracting. Plus cheaper, the price is a huge thing for me. Although LCDs are better for multi-monitor setups.

 

[Ames]

I prefer LCD for the quality of the image. However, CRT is the way to go if you're on a budget.

 

[Ennui]

CRTs seem to have close to the same quality; except a bit grayer. I've played on several extremely expensive 20" LCDs that were top of the line about a year ago, and I find that a CRT the same size is superior.

Plus, I only have 1k. So I'm getting CRT.