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| Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209333] |
Sat, 22 July 2006 23:57  |
Apache
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Registered: February 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, AB, Ca
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Hey guys!
I came home this afternoon to find my computer stone dead. By doing some basic troubleshooting, I've found out that my motherboard gave up the ghost. I'm on the little 700 mhz laptop I use for tuning my truck up, and while it works, I'd really like to get a new desktop up and running ASAP.
I'd like to build my own setup, so I don't wind up with a prefab loaded with cheap parts that are gonna fail right away, and while I don't do any heavy gaming at the moment, I would like a machine that can run games in the future.
Since only my motherboard died, I've got the 120 gig hard disk, 512 MB of DDR RAM, 550 watt power supply, ATI 9800 All-In-Wonder Pro 128 mb video card, DVD-RW drive, and CD-ROM drive from the old computer to use.
I'd like to run between 2.8 - 3.0 GHz using a good processor (I'm not partial to any specific brand) add an additional 512 MB of RAM. I would also be needing a network card, and sound card as both were integrated into my motherboard on the old computer. If possible, I'd like to pick up a setup that has the ability to adjust fan speeds so it is a bit quieter than my old computer was.
I've got about 1000 bucks to spend on it, but would prefer to spend less rather than more, as that is my truck savings account, lol
Anyone have any suggestions as far as motherboards, processors, and nice looking cases go?
Thanks!
Russ
- Russell
[Updated on: Sun, 23 July 2006 00:02] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209338 is a reply to message #209333] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 01:44  |
mision08
Messages: 525
Registered: May 2005
Location: Cattle Drive, Dallas to F...
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You almost have a complete system. What you don't have is RAM. I doubt you can afford a CPU with an advertised clock-speed of 2.8 GHz. Meaning you will need to overclock the system, and value RAM or non matching sticks will not work.
$1000 - 9% sales tax and lunch = $900 to buy a gig of RAM, motherboard, CPU, HSF, and thermal paste. I think you can build a nice PC for that.
I take that back, Intel cores have high clock speeds for cheep. Just make sure it's 64 bit compatible. AMD cores are really cheep too, but they don't have the same high clocks. Don't let that fool you, AMD cores do more <!- dyslexia > less work and thus need less time to do it. I think AMD uses 12 instructions to complete a process where Intel uses either 20 or 31 depending on the core architecture.
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[Updated on: Sun, 23 July 2006 15:38] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209339 is a reply to message #209333] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 02:32 |
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Scythar
Messages: 580
Registered: February 2003
Location: Finland
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Well you have to choose whether you want Intel or AMD. AMD is gonna make a very nice price drop before christmas, so you might want to wait until then. Intel Core Duo is pretty much the best bang for the buck right now but it might be a bit extreme for you. And when it comes to gaming, it's a tough choice...your current graphics card is somewhat old, you should get a 256Mb one with that budget. Another 512Mb of RAM would be nice too, although if your current one is old and slow, it'll force the new one to the same speeds, so you should think about replacing the memory completely.
I suppose it falls down to how long "in the future" you want your games to run...next generation hardware is pushed out every half a year, and during each cycle, you'll have less new games that play on a certain setup.
There's a hole in the sky through which things can fly.
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209374 is a reply to message #209333] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 12:30 |
PackHunter
Messages: 487
Registered: November 2004
Location: Holland
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If you want to use your old memory you are pretty much stuck to an older type amd processor. And since you don't want to spend that much you could get an amd 64 3700+ (or something around that) for a fair price, with the amd price drops. Allthough it is an older proc it will run all current games just fine since they don't use multi core processors anyway, allthough that should change soon.
As for motherboard just be sure you get one with an nForce chipset which are the fastest. Allmost all mobo's come with integrated network and sound chips too.
Including 512 Megs of extra ram that setup will set you back around 350 bucks or something leaving you more then a enough money for a top of the line graphics card. A Nvidia Geforce 7900 GT for example is a good card that costs under 300 bucks.
That setup should play any of the current games in high settings just fine.
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209380 is a reply to message #209369] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 13:30 |
Apache
Messages: 185
Registered: February 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, AB, Ca
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| Comrade wrote on Sun, 23 July 2006 14:21 |
Stop spending your money on pickups, Albertaman.
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I've got enough money into the 1 ton (  ) to build several powerhouse computers decked out with the best and most expensive components out there, lol
However, the roar of my big block is far more satisfying than having a computer that'll be outdated in two weeks anyways!
Doing some reading, and in a flyer there is a Horizon 4000D/2006 desktop with a 3.66 GHz Intel dual core processor on a genuine Intel motherboard of some sort, 2 GB of Kingston RAM, 500 GB hard disk, 19" LCD TFT SXGA monitor, DVD-RW, CD-ROM, with aftermarket audio and video equipment. All boxed together with XP Professional, MS-Office + powerpoint, and a printer. They claim that everything is quality brand name components -- All for just over 900 bucks!
I'm almost tempted to go ahead and pick up a rig like that. It has a stylish full size case that a guy can easily upgrade in the future, and that second LCD monitor would work real nice with my current one to run duals!
Does anyone here have any experience with Horizon computers from MDG?
I know I said I'd like to build my own, but I am not entirely sure I could build one with those kind of specs for that kind of price... Probally sell the software, printer etc on ebay to recoup some costs, wipe her clean, and start from scratch with a clean XP install.
- Russell
[Updated on: Sun, 23 July 2006 13:32] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209384 is a reply to message #209333] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 14:03 |
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Renx
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Registered: April 2003
Location: Canada
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I'm sure they're no better than Dell, HP, Gateway, or any of those companies.
Stop just looking at the MHz, they're not what's important. A 2.2Ghz Athlon64 can keep up with that 3.66Ghz P4 easily.
"Brand quality" doesn't mean anything if you don't know what brand the components are. Companies like MDG skip out on quality for all of the major parts that no one ever cares or thinks about. The PSU in that thing for example would be generic garbage, because when people buy computers they don't ask "Hey what kind of PSU is in this?" I don't want anything powering all of my expensive parts that hasn't stood the test of time through 1000s of other PC enthusiasts and builders.
When people like you look for computer they look for a few key things: The amount of Mhz, the amount of RAM, and the amount of HD space. MDG is pitching huge numbers at you for all 3 of those catagories. Under no circumstances does that mean those are quality components.
"Aftermarker video" doesn't leave much to be desired either. Probably no more than a radeon 9250, or Geforce 6100. (junk)
Here's a computer for $900 with actual quality components. Just throw a case in there for another $50. Not saying you should go with this, just an exmaple to try and get my point across.
~Canucck
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209391 is a reply to message #209384] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 14:12 |
PackHunter
Messages: 487
Registered: November 2004
Location: Holland
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| Renx wrote on Sun, 23 July 2006 17:03 |
Here's a computer for $900 with actual quality components. Just throw a case in there for another $50. Not saying you should go with this, just an exmaple to try and get my point across.
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AM2 is total bull, they are allmost nothing faster then regular amd 64's with DDR and he would need to throw away the 512 MB mem he already has and buy DDR2. And a 7600GT graphics card, allthough it used to be one of the best value for money cards, is pretty old.
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209411 is a reply to message #209391] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 15:32 |
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Renx
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| PackHunter wrote on Sun, 23 July 2006 18:12 |
| Renx wrote on Sun, 23 July 2006 17:03 |
Here's a computer for $900 with actual quality components. Just throw a case in there for another $50. Not saying you should go with this, just an exmaple to try and get my point across.
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AM2 is total bull, they are allmost nothing faster then regular amd 64's with DDR and he would need to throw away the 512 MB mem he already has and buy DDR2. And a 7600GT graphics card, allthough it used to be one of the best value for money cards, is pretty old.
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So you'd rather him buy s939, which is the same price as AM2 hardware, just because you think AM2 is "total bull?" Between new technology and old technology, which is the same price and speed, I'd still take the new tech. As should anyway, since it's just common sense...
It's better not to mix and match ram anyway. If he got a 2GB dual channel kit, he wouldn't be able to use the 512mb anyway regardless of whether it was DDR or DDR2.
A 7600GT is not old. It's a current, mainstream card. It runs cool and will play most games on high settings at 1024*768 at least. If he wants to pay the extra $100 or so and go for the 7900 that's fine, I said I wasn't telling him what he should get with that list.
~Canucck
[Updated on: Sun, 23 July 2006 15:34] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209414 is a reply to message #209333] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 15:55 |
mision08
Messages: 525
Registered: May 2005
Location: Cattle Drive, Dallas to F...
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I would run up to Wal-Mart, get a cheap motherboard and fix your current system. Your first Build should not be on a deadline, do or die scenario. If it was the 100th build, I still want a working PC and KVM to research hardware or play games while my new rig is busy doing a burn in, frying RAM, corrupting Windows, or shooting 1.7v to the CPU.
True Greatness, and just a good human
The best finish, closest finish in the 50 year history of Winston Cup
Freddy Krueger music video
Harvester Of Sorrow, language of the mad
Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan A Thousand Miles Behind
Your own personal Jesus, someone to hear your prayers
Kyle's mom is a bitch
Johnny Cash Live @ San Quentin
Don't Y'all Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand?
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209460 is a reply to message #209333] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 22:05 |
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csskiller
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Registered: April 2004
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Mine sells 64MB ATI Video cards...
When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself,
First as a dark demon,
As a demon it uses its power to reign death upon the land;
and then it dies.
However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns.
This time as a great hero...
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209462 is a reply to message #209411] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 22:18 |
PackHunter
Messages: 487
Registered: November 2004
Location: Holland
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| Renx wrote on Sun, 23 July 2006 18:32 |
So you'd rather him buy s939, which is the same price as AM2 hardware, just because you think AM2 is "total bull?" Between new technology and old technology, which is the same price and speed, I'd still take the new tech. As should anyway, since it's just common sense...
It's better not to mix and match ram anyway. If he got a 2GB dual channel kit, he wouldn't be able to use the 512mb anyway regardless of whether it was DDR or DDR2.
A 7600GT is not old. It's a current, mainstream card. It runs cool and will play most games on high settings at 1024*768 at least. If he wants to pay the extra $100 or so and go for the 7900 that's fine, I said I wasn't telling him what he should get with that list.
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Well, I hate to say it but you are right.  I mixed up 7600 GT with 6600 GT... And if AM2 is the same price he should go with the AM2 but he would still be spending a little more on mem though. Which is cool because if you got enough money to spend 2 GB is the way to go, for playing battlefield 2 it's even a must.
[Updated on: Sun, 23 July 2006 22:24] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209468 is a reply to message #209333] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 23:30 |
mision08
Messages: 525
Registered: May 2005
Location: Cattle Drive, Dallas to F...
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There is no substitution for good memory, they can really make a difference. It's weird, Dimm's have been the reigning king of the old cliche, best bang for your buck. They have taken one on the chin this month. Maybe for a year or two CPU cores will hold this honor.
I've bought a mouse at Wal-Mart before. Or was it a mouse pad?
True Greatness, and just a good human
The best finish, closest finish in the 50 year history of Winston Cup
Freddy Krueger music video
Harvester Of Sorrow, language of the mad
Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan A Thousand Miles Behind
Your own personal Jesus, someone to hear your prayers
Kyle's mom is a bitch
Johnny Cash Live @ San Quentin
Don't Y'all Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand?
[Updated on: Sun, 23 July 2006 23:36] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209469 is a reply to message #209333] |
Sun, 23 July 2006 23:38 |
Apache
Messages: 185
Registered: February 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, AB, Ca
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Well, I am going to go and take a look at that machine. They welcome questions with regards to what motherboard etc is installed on these machines, so I'm going to ask a few questions, do some searching on the hardware, and depending on what I find, possibly come home with a new computer tommorow.
- Russell
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209482 is a reply to message #209333] |
Mon, 24 July 2006 01:39 |
mision08
Messages: 525
Registered: May 2005
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There is a peace of mind that you can enjoy with that route. I'm sure you get a one year warranty or better. When the error report in MMC says to contact the vendor, you wont break out in a nervous sweat. The motherboard chip-set, interface bandwidth and a neutered BIOS are a concern but, I thought about making a similar purchase. Then swapping the mobo with money I saved on the other pieces. Me to picky for that.
Funny how hardware price's fall so far so fast, yet a new PC still cost $1200 or more.
True Greatness, and just a good human
The best finish, closest finish in the 50 year history of Winston Cup
Freddy Krueger music video
Harvester Of Sorrow, language of the mad
Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan A Thousand Miles Behind
Your own personal Jesus, someone to hear your prayers
Kyle's mom is a bitch
Johnny Cash Live @ San Quentin
Don't Y'all Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand?
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209604 is a reply to message #209333] |
Mon, 24 July 2006 16:47 |
Apache
Messages: 185
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Well, lets hope I made the right choice.
I decided to go with this machine, but changed a few things around.
Their 500 gb hard disk was only a 5500 rpm unit, so I had them switch it to a 110 gb disk that runs 7700 rpm instead. I also had the RAM changed from the slower 2 GB card to a single 512 card that is up to spec with the fastest memory. My old PC has the same memory type / speed in it, so I will wind up with 1 GB of quick memory. I also had them change the processor from the single core 3.6 GHz to a dual core 2.6 GHz unit.
The only thing about the system that I am not entirely happy with is the motherboard. It isn't very upgradeable, so I may wind up getting myself another motherboard (the case is a standard large layout, so most any aftermarket motherboard will fit fine) that has an intergrated network card and sound card along with more abilities to upgrade.
Grand total came to 850 bucks, so if I spend another 200 on a nice motherboard, I should have a really nice computer then 
Russ
- Russell
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209609 is a reply to message #209333] |
Mon, 24 July 2006 17:30 |
Apache
Messages: 185
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Well, my brother came home today, and after telling him about the machine, I thought he was gonna beat me silly!
He tells me I got ripped of hardcore, and that I should eat the 100 buck deposit, and build one myself with his help...
I guess, back to the drawingboard with regards to building system using some of my old components.
Only 900 bucks now though 
- Russell
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209610 is a reply to message #209333] |
Mon, 24 July 2006 17:34 |
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Renx
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Just hope you don't need to get a new PSU in order to use a different mobo. Also mak sure that case fits standard ATX mobos.
To be honest, that CPU sucks, 512mb of RAM isn't enough, and it doesn't sound like you got much of a video card. I think you made the wrong decision. 
Edit: Use the image I posted above as a guideline to what you should be getting. Add a case, and maybe aim a bit lower with some of the parts to stay within budget.
~Canucck
[Updated on: Mon, 24 July 2006 17:37] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Computer died -- Need advice on building new one! [message #209638 is a reply to message #209609] |
Mon, 24 July 2006 22:09 |
PackHunter
Messages: 487
Registered: November 2004
Location: Holland
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| Apache wrote on Mon, 24 July 2006 20:30 |
Well, my brother came home today, and after telling him about the machine, I thought he was gonna beat me silly!
He tells me I got ripped of hardcore, and that I should eat the 100 buck deposit, and build one myself with his help...
I guess, back to the drawingboard with regards to building system using some of my old components.
Only 900 bucks now though
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Well, didn't we just tell you too that machine was a piece of shit? Don't worry though, with the components you already have you can still buy yourself a killer gaming machine for the 900 bucks...
[Updated on: Mon, 24 July 2006 22:13] Report message to a moderator |
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