Building a computer

[Dojo2000]

I'm thinking of building a new system, and I wanted to get your guy's opinions on a proc and mobo
AMD Athlon 64 4000
ASUS A8N-E motherboard

Anyone have any experience with the 4000? Do you think it would go well with this motherboard?

[shenanigans]

Just something I alwasy suggest...

unless you are building a semi custom gaming system.


nowadays its really worth looking at Dells, you cna get some decent deals that is sometimes cheaper then building systems.

[asdf1234]

Originally posted by shenanigans:
Just something I alwasy suggest...

unless you are building a semi custom gaming system.


nowadays its really worth looking at Dells, you cna get some decent deals that is sometimes cheaper then building systems.

I beg to differ. I can build a system that completely rapes a dell system that would sell for about $600, for about $300 bucks. You just have to know where to buy the parts [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Dojo2000]

Computers with Celeron processors w/ a 200Mhz FSB, 256MB of RAM, and a 5400 RPM hdd aren't my idea of a "deal," but thanks. People don't realize that's the equizalent to using a 10 year old computer.

Besides, I manage over 300 Dells at work. They aren't that great.

[img]smile.gif[/img]

[shenanigans]

Originally posted by asdf1234:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by shenanigans:
Just something I alwasy suggest...

unless you are building a semi custom gaming system.


nowadays its really worth looking at Dells, you cna get some decent deals that is sometimes cheaper then building systems.

I beg to differ. I can build a system that completely rapes a dell system that would sell for about $600, for about $300 bucks. You just have to know where to buy the parts [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>[/QUOTE]I don't know... 2 years ago, I was able to get a Dell for my girlfriend.

2.6ghz
512 mb ram
XP pro
60gig HD

$415 shipped (remember this was 2 years ago, so thats like a 3.2gz now maybe)


You have to sign up now, but usually tons of DELL deals through www.fatwallet.com

[shenanigans]

Originally posted by Dojo2000:
Computers with Celeron processors w/ a 200Mhz FSB, 256MB of RAM, and a 5400 RPM hdd aren't my idea of a "deal," but thanks. People don't realize that's the equizalent to using a 10 year old computer.

Besides, I manage over 300 Dells at work. They aren't that great.

[img]smile.gif[/img]

I stated, "unless you are building a gaming system or something" Then you might want to look at dells.


Are they the top of the line Corvette of computers?

No, are they the affordable practicle Oldsmobile Alero that gets the job done and isn't pricey. In my opinion Yes.

[asdf1234]

Okay well I admit that is a really good deal.

Even so, unless I'm getting a laptop, I'd prefer to build my own. Maybe thats just me. But I am planning to get a Dell laptop soon (finally). I've been wanting a laptop forever... [img]graemlins/rock.gif[/img]

[shenanigans]

Originally posted by asdf1234:
Okay well I admit that is a really good deal.

Even so, unless I'm getting a laptop, I'd prefer to build my own. Maybe thats just me. But I am planning to get a Dell laptop soon (finally). I've been wanting a laptop forever... [img]graemlins/rock.gif[/img]

Laptops rock!

I got mine for steal, imo...

Its a pinto, but works...
Compag presario
amd 2800
256mb ram
xp home
built in wireless
big screen(laptop is a bit bulky and heavy)
40gig HD
12 cell extralife battery
Forgot to what but I did upgrade the graphics card.

$525 shipped (after rebates)

[MTMike]

Originally posted by shenanigans:
Just something I alwasy suggest...

unless you are building a semi custom gaming system.


nowadays its really worth looking at Dells, you cna get some decent deals that is sometimes cheaper then building systems.

Having built computers for clients for over 5 years, and servicing dells for equally as long, that is wrong wrong WRONG.

You can build an equivilant machine, not have it loaded up with 15 gigs of JUNK software, and not have propriotary Dell-only hardware for the same price or within $100.

I've had to build new computers for clients who wanted to add a DVD Rom/player to their Dell because it only had 1 5.25" bay, and the Dell motherboard wouldn't fit into a "standard" case - only the Dell case. Same thing with a Gateway and a power supply - a client's power supply popped and we had to build a whole new computer because the Gateway case wouldn't take a standard power supply and the Gateway motherboard wouldn't fit into a standard case, and they didn't sell replacement power supplies for that computer any more.

Big computer companies sell computers with the cheapest components they can find to boost profits, putting quality in the back seat.

Mike

[V6Bob]

I've been building my own computers for about ten years.

I race car simulations, and do more mundane stuff.
I've had 2 computers for a while, a middle of the road machine and a gaming machine (not state of the art; stuff that was state of the art last year is 90% of the performance for half the price).

Cost is pretty much a wash. If you need software, prebuilt is cheaper, if you don't homebuilt is cheaper.

The big difference is upgradability. Prebuilt machines spec everything to a razor edge, and it doesn't really work to try to upgrade any one thing. I spec stuff with upgrading in mind, like spending a little bit more for a motherboard that will take a better CPU when the prices for that drop. I've been using the same excellent Antec case for six years, and I rebuild my machine maybe once/year. I replace video cards frequently, CPUs less, motherboards/memory even less. Storage drives not often and cases/power supplies/keyboards etc. not much at all. My latest mundane computer is specced so I can pass down the CPU/memory from my gaming machine when I upgrade next.

Besides building your own is a hoot.

[LD]

where do you guys buy your parts from?
I am going to make some purchases a little later today
it will be my first time
I was going to use pricewatch.com
is there anything I need to watch out for?

[asdf1234]

Pricewatch is good.

Newegg is good.

Ebay is good.

[LD]

ok well, I'm beginning my purchases, hopefully I am doing this right [img]redface.gif[/img]

[98Camaro3.8]

A8N-SLI Deluxe/Premium! Best board I have ever used.

[phil97.3.8]

The socket 939 is a good idea so you can later (or now) get a dual core X2 processor. The 3800 X2 will easily overclock to 2.4 GHz, and costs the same as a 4000 A64. I'm going this route real soon. Time to upgrade my XP 2000+! Make sure you get a PCI-e vid card though for the mobo you're getting.