Build a computer

EricCamper · #1 16-06-2003, 10:57

I need some help..... I want to buy or build another computer with a Cendyne burner.......etc...etc..... Where should I go to get components? How much do you think I could build a computer for.....I do not need monitor, mouse, keyboard, modem,etc..etc...

I have an old 166mhz , but I assume that would not work......

I guess.... here is what I am looking for

Motherboard and CPU ( what size )
Case with Power ( what size power supply )
Hard Drive
Lite On DVD Rom
Cendyne.....
and more

Any suggestions...

I can get one through dell for about 449 without burner.....
I never built a computer before, but I have took mine apart many times and I am very familiar with software, installing etc......So you don't have to email me a tutorial...hehe

Thanx for all of your help

Afterlife · #2 16-06-2003, 11:15

If your going to build your own computer get everything OEM. Thats how you save TONS! If you can see if you can find one of the IT expos where they sell computer parts for next to nothing.

Anyways Your going to need a Tower depending on everything your going to throw in it you might need a mid tower or possibly a bigger one which can hold more power. As for the power I have no idea its been a while since i built a comp so anything that comes in a mid tower size should be more than fine. 300 w im thinking tho

As for motherboard you want an Asus or an MSI check their websites for the latest and go to www.tomshardware.com to check which is the best. Try and get a motherboard with which has a good chipset and enough expansion slots to upgrade your Ram (you want ddr 2gig max) and to be able to upgrade your cpu chip.

Next CPU your motherboard will ultimatly depend on the chip you get. You have a choice Pentium or AMD. Since your building it yourself go with AMD they are cheaper and just as fast and most are faster. Downside is they heat up fast so your going to need the best internal cooling fan you can find.

Hard drive size is your pick, dont go with a crappy make as you will regret it! Maxtor or Wester Digital make the best IMO, and dont go with anything lower than 7200 RPM. If you have the money go for one of the new even faster ones which are 10,000 RPM+

Lite On DVD Rom - Why do you need a dvd rom? Do you watch dvds in your computer? Useless pos if you want get a cdburner so you dont wear out your dvd burner when you burn music cds and the such. Your dvd burner can do anything a dvd rom can do so dont waste the cash.

Cendyne is fairly hard to find, so you can go with a OEM pioneer a05 which are only around 150$ US.

Next Ram - Minimum 256 (I have 1 gig and love it) but remember you can upgrade to 2 gigs of ram if need be with the above motherboard. Get DDR PC2700 minimum good fast ram

Cooling Fan - ThermalTake Volcano 9 this is a nice fan

Sound Card - your choice.

Anyways thats what your gona need for a sweet home built comp.

Hope I helped

BG · #3 16-06-2003, 16:10

One thing that would help.......

VIDEO CARD....... (Its really hard to tell what your doing without one

)

Dont get a motherboard with on-board video.... (They suck in my opinion)

Another this is CPU.......

AMD is a "good" chip BUT as with everything else...... It cant compete with the Pentium 4......

Granted... The P4 is more expensive... But well worth it....

Take a look at what tomshardware said about AMDs new XP3200.

"The Athlon XP 3200+ has laid claim to the title of "Fastest Desktop CPU." But in reality, though, it is something entirely different: the mighty value champ has degraded into a pusillanimous paper tiger. Although, our testing engineers only found fault with the aggressive model-numbering system.

The benchmark tests, on the other hand, leave no room for doubt: XP 2800+ would have been a more realistic label for the processor, which wouldn't have been a problem for anyone, if AMD still wants to go toe-to-toe with Intel's P4. But the 3200 label is much too aggressive - especially since Intel will be introducing an increased FSB clock for its lower-clocked P4 CPUs."

Just my opinion on the matter.

Afterlife · #4 16-06-2003, 17:18

Didnt know AMD's new chips sucks hmm. Anyways id go with AMD anyday over Pentium chips (though I do have a Pentium 2.4gig chip).

If you have the money I suggest the dual processors from AMD the Xeons. You can get like 5Ghz i think

As far as price is concerened AMD holds the crown the P4 might be faster but heck when were talking the difference between a 2.4gig+ you cant even tell, as NOTHING requires that speed anyways. Stick with the AMD's in my opinions cos you can tweak those bad boys.

For graphics card stay away from Nvidia (cheating bastards they are). If youve read any comp news lately Nvidia cheated in the 3dmark tests to make it seem their card is superior to the ATI one. Granted its probably slightly faster but screw that! Ati have really done well in the last year im running with a 9700 pro and its amazing and they are down in price these days as the 9800 came out. Do not bother with the 256mb 9800 from ati wait till the next gen 256 cards come out, plus no game even needs that the 9700 pro and even the last Geforce4's do the job perfectly.

Yes like BG said DONT get an onboard graphics or sound card system. Integrated stuff SUCKS ASS.

Also if you can afford it make your system SCSI(scuzzy), its faster tho i hear firewire is even faster. Heh i should get back into building again lol.

IF u have any more questions shoot.

EricCamper · #5 18-06-2003, 21:00

So how much do you think I would have into it with building the most efficient...cheapest...hehe computer......

Thanx

Afterlife · #6 18-06-2003, 22:06

Well like I said if you get to a computer expo or fair or something it can be real cheap, also if you can get all your parts OEM that will save you a bundle.

Youd have to check prices on all OEM products, use price checker or something and check prices on OEM stuff and then ull see.

UrrBodyH8sMe · #7 18-06-2003, 22:13

also goto pricewatch.com relly great place to buy a system and easiest way to build u a computer is look for the barebone systems they come with m-board cpu case and video all in one u just have to get the ram hard drive and floppy and cdroms and ur off i bought my 1.47 gig amd barebone for 130$ shiped and i bought 500 mb ram for 50$ i had ever thing else so all togather i spent 180$ on a new fast pc i also bought a dvd burner but that was later down the line bought it 200$ shiped