Quote:
Originally posted by browna@Sep 4 2004, 01:21 PM
Really appreciate the time put in Wookie. Very informative.
Went to the memory express website....not knowing enough about building from scratch, with things such as cases, heat sink fans etc, I came up with what you suggested, around $1650, with basic mouse, keyboard, Xp.
Didn't see anything about Firewire, however, and as to how many USB ports etc. Also didn't see a choice for a RAID HDD.
If you have an extra 2 minutes sometime in the next few weeks, Wookie, build a system at Memory Express, coming in between $1800-2000 if possible (including assembly).
Other then what I mentioned, some CD burning, DVD burning from VHS, and possible basic DV editing from my camcorder, there isn't going to be a lot of specific heavy tasks that it will be used for, other then surfing.
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I'll do it on Sunday. but here is some answers for you
RAID = configeration as opposed to a physical property. Look on the specs of the motherboard as to whether or not it supports RAID or not
PowerSupply need about 380W makes sure it has SATA cables
CASES they're mostly cosmetic, except for ports at front for audio/usb/firwire.
and then room inside to p*ss around and add stuff. $49 - 199 will cover anything you'd want.
Firewire is also called 1394 look for that on the motherboard specs
unless you're overclocking (bumping up the setting to get more then stock speeds out of CPU RAM PCI bus) your equipment, most of the stock Heatsink and fans will do.
Obviously you'll need a CD/DVD burner. I'd reccomend getting a 8 - 16 speed one. Although putting off this for a bit might pay off as the DVD burners will soon support (well they do, but they'll be readily available and decently priced) dual layerd dvd writing at 4 speeds (20 oinutes instead of an hour+ to write a 9 gig DVD)
What CPU socket or platform did you end up choosing? 754, 939, INTEL, XP?
If 939 their is some new boards coming out which should be pretty sweet in Q4, that would give some time for the prices to go down a bit.
The problem with 939 is the boards are almost as much as the 754 boards.. then everything else costs the same vid card, ram, drives, but the CPU is friggin pricey and makes me want to put it off lol... if the CPU's came down a bit it would make for such an easy decision lol..
How many drives did you choose?
Anyway update me with the info..
Also what video card did you look at? Will you ever want to play a game on it? There is some pretty great games out right now that would be a blast on the computer you're building. I'll message you with info. Did your quote include a monitor? My brother also does custom builds (it's his coampany, and offers a three yr warranty. After building it on memxp I'll check to see if he can beat the price..
In the meantime check out
http://forums.amd.com/index.php?act=idx
for any questions. It a biased forum (because it's the AMD forum) but it can be pretty open minded and the posters are all really nice and love to talk about anything and answer questions. Even browsing the first page of the General Tech and Desktop pages you'll find relevant info to what you're shopping for.
No need to thank me, It's enjoyable :P