Here's a good starting point for all you system builders out there. Of course your individual needs may vary, but this should give you an idea of what components you should get for your approximate budget. If you have additional questions about a build, you can post them in this thread. Prices of the components listed will include shipping charges unless otherwise noted and are subject to change. I have selected components mostly from Newegg.com for the scope of this thread as they usually have the best prices and service for US customers. Sorry Canada, but this should at least give you guys some ideas on what components to buy. Keyboards & Mice will not be displayed as there are so many available and that many opinions will be different.

 

If your budget or your needs fall inbetween low/mid/high end systems, just tailor the system to yourself. For example, if you want a budget Doom 3 system for under $1000, you could use the "Max Config" for the Budget System as a base (~$700 w/o video card) and add the Geforce 6800 from the Mid Level System; your total would be ~$990 for a great Doom 3 rig w/ a monitor and surround sound.

 

More important is that forum members give their feedback about the components, so this thread can evolve and change into a better guide. **PLEASE** post in this thread if you have any suggestions about components.

 

Budget System $486.91-$818.90

 

CPU

 

AMD Mobile Athlon XP 2400+ 1.667GHz 45W OEM - $79.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-400&depa=0

 

OR

 

AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 1.67GHz OEM - $55.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-489&depa=0

 

The Mobile Athlon has a higher stock speed, has 512k L2 cache, and can regularly overclock to 2.2GHz (3200+) and beyond. The Athlon 2000+ is more than adequate for productivity/internet applications and mild gaming, and it can also overclock well (although it's hindered by a multiplier lock which the Mobile doesn't have). I chose OEM CPUs because this a)this is a budget computer, and b)stock AMD heatsink/fans are noisy.

 

CPU Heatsink/Fan

 

Speeze WhisperRock II CPU Cooler - $13.98

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-150-010&depa=0

 

OR

 

Speeze FalconRock CPU Cooler $15.98

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-150-023&depa=0

 

The WhisperRock II is better than the stock cooler, and MUCH quieter. The FalconRock is barely louder than the WhisperRock II, and has a copper core so it cools better. Choose the FalconRock if you plan on overclocking; an unbeatable value for the money.

 

Motherboard

 

Shuttle AN35N-Ultra NF2Ultra400 ATX - $60

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-150-045&depa=0

 

OR

 

Biostar M7NCG 400 NForce2IGP MicroATX - $70

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-138-234&depa=1

 

The Shuttle is an no-frills rock-solid motherboard with a solid chipset and a very overclocker friendly BIOS. The Biostar is the best value if you're looking for an decent integrated video solution (boards based on Via's KM400 chipset cost less at the expense of 3D acceleration).

 

RAM

 

Corsair Value Select 256MB PC-3200 CAS2.5 - $42.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-025&depa=0

 

OR

 

Corsair Value Select 512MB PC-3200 CAS2.5 - $75.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-026&depa=0

 

256MB is the minimum you need for a basic computer; getting two of the 256MB RAM is preferred because you'll have 512MB total, and you can run them in dual-channel configuration. If you need 512MB but want to save money as well, get a single 512MB RAM.

 

Case/Power Supply

 

Evercase Black ATX MidTower w/ 300W PSU - $58.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-127-028&depa=0

 

OR

 

Antec SLK3700AMB ATX MidTower w/ 350W PSU - $64

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-122&depa=0

 

The Evercase has solid build quality, a good PSU, and 120mm fan mounts (arguably one of the quietest cases you can buy). Choosing the Antec will get you a better built case (fewer sharp edges, better design) with a better quality power supply (quieter too). Also note, 300W will be more than enough for a budget rig.

 

Video Card

 

Sapphire ATI Radeon 9200 128MB 128-bit DVI/TV-Out - $65

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-283&depa=1

 

OR

 

Used Nvidia GeForce 4 Ti4200

 

If you're not going with integrated video, the Sapphire is an unbeatable value. This is a TRUE 9200, not a crippled SE, with 128MB DDR, DVI, TV-Out. You can save $10 and get a 9200SE or a GeForce4 MX 440, but at that point you might as well consider integrated video. If you want something a little faster in games, get the 9550. If you can find a used Ti4200, it's the best bargain-basement gaming card around.

 

Sound Card

 

Chaintech 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card AV-710 - $25.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-120-103&depa=0

 

If built-in sound is not cutting it, this is the end-all of budget sound cards. Praised for it's musical capabilities, and adequate for gaming.

 

Network Adapter

 

Built-In 10/100 Ethernet - $0

 

Hard Drive

 

Western Digital PATA 80GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer OEM - $62.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-122&depa=0

 

OEM but still carries a 3-year warranty, and fast.

 

Optical Drive

 

Asus 52X QuieTrack CD-ROM Black - $19.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=27-134-009&depa=0

 

OR

 

Sony 16X DVD-ROM Black - $27.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=27-101-124&depa=0

 

OR

 

Lite-On 52x32x52 CD-RW Black - $27.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-106-197&depa=0

 

OR

 

Lite-On 52X24X52X16 Combo-Drive Black - $43.50

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=27-106-932&depa=0

 

OR

 

NEC 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW 2510A - $66.00

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-023&depa=1

 

Simply choose the right drive for your budget and needs.

 

Floppy Drive

 

Sony Black 1.44MB 3.5? Floppy Drive - $10.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-116&depa=0

 

Speakers

 

Creative SBS230 2.0 Speakers - $12.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-125&depa=0

 

OR

 

Creative SBS330 2.1 Speakers - $31.98

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-126&depa=0

 

OR

 

Logitech Z-640 5.1 Speakers - $51.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-104&depa=0

 

Each of these sets offer a great value for your money.

 

Monitor

 

KDS 17" Xtreme Flat CRT Monitor Black - $138

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-155-031&depa=0

 

OR

 

ViewSonic 19" A91f+ CRT Monitor Black/Silver - $229.99 @ BestBuy.com

 

Both are great budget CRTs

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&id=1089889763161&skuId=6720177&productCategoryId=cat01011&type=product

 

Total Minimum Configuration: $486.91 (2000+, WhisperRock, NForce2IGP, 256MB RAM, Evercase, KDS 17" CRT, 2.0 Spkrs, CD-ROM, Sony Floppy, Western Digital 80gb Pata)

 

Total Maximum Configuration: $818.90 (XP-M, FalconRock, NForce2Ultra400, 2x256MB RAM, Antec, Samsung 19" CRT, 5.1 Spkrs, DVD+/-RW, 7.1 Sound Card, ATI 9200, Sony Floppy, Western Digital 80gb pata)

Here's a good starting point for all you system builders out there. Of course your individual needs may vary, but this should give you an idea of what components you should get for your approximate budget. If you have additional questions about a build, you can post them in this thread. Prices of the components listed will include shipping charges unless otherwise noted and are subject to change. I have selected components mostly from Newegg.com for the scope of this thread as they usually have the best prices and service for US customers. Sorry Canada, but this should at least give you guys some ideas on what components to buy. Keyboards & Mice will not be displayed as there are so many available and that many opinions will be different.

 

If your budget or your needs fall inbetween low/mid/high end systems, just tailor the system to yourself. For example, if you want a budget Doom 3 system for under $1000, you could use the "Max Config" for the Budget System as a base (~$700 w/o video card) and add the Geforce 6800 from the Mid Level System; your total would be ~$990 for a great Doom 3 rig w/ a monitor and surround sound.

 

More important is that forum members give their feedback about the components, so this thread can evolve and change into a better guide. **PLEASE** post in this thread if you have any suggestions about components.

 

Budget System $486.91-$818.90

 

CPU

 

AMD Mobile Athlon XP 2400+ 1.667GHz 45W OEM - $79.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-400&depa=0

 

OR

 

AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 1.67GHz OEM - $55.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-489&depa=0

 

The Mobile Athlon has a higher stock speed, has 512k L2 cache, and can regularly overclock to 2.2GHz (3200+) and beyond. The Athlon 2000+ is more than adequate for productivity/internet applications and mild gaming, and it can also overclock well (although it's hindered by a multiplier lock which the Mobile doesn't have). I chose OEM CPUs because this a)this is a budget computer, and b)stock AMD heatsink/fans are noisy.

 

CPU Heatsink/Fan

 

Speeze WhisperRock II CPU Cooler - $13.98

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-150-010&depa=0

 

OR

 

Speeze FalconRock CPU Cooler $15.98

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-150-023&depa=0

 

The WhisperRock II is better than the stock cooler, and MUCH quieter. The FalconRock is barely louder than the WhisperRock II, and has a copper core so it cools better. Choose the FalconRock if you plan on overclocking; an unbeatable value for the money.

 

Motherboard

 

Shuttle AN35N-Ultra NF2Ultra400 ATX - $60

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-150-045&depa=0

 

OR

 

Biostar M7NCG 400 NForce2IGP MicroATX - $70

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-138-234&depa=1

 

The Shuttle is an no-frills rock-solid motherboard with a solid chipset and a very overclocker friendly BIOS. The Biostar is the best value if you're looking for an decent integrated video solution (boards based on Via's KM400 chipset cost less at the expense of 3D acceleration).

 

RAM

 

Corsair Value Select 256MB PC-3200 CAS2.5 - $42.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-025&depa=0

 

OR

 

Corsair Value Select 512MB PC-3200 CAS2.5 - $75.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-026&depa=0

 

256MB is the minimum you need for a basic computer; getting two of the 256MB RAM is preferred because you'll have 512MB total, and you can run them in dual-channel configuration. If you need 512MB but want to save money as well, get a single 512MB RAM.

 

Case/Power Supply

 

Evercase Black ATX MidTower w/ 300W PSU - $58.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-127-028&depa=0

 

OR

 

Antec SLK3700AMB ATX MidTower w/ 350W PSU - $64

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-122&depa=0

 

The Evercase has solid build quality, a good PSU, and 120mm fan mounts (arguably one of the quietest cases you can buy). Choosing the Antec will get you a better built case (fewer sharp edges, better design) with a better quality power supply (quieter too). Also note, 300W will be more than enough for a budget rig.

 

Video Card

 

Sapphire ATI Radeon 9200 128MB 128-bit DVI/TV-Out - $65

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-283&depa=1

 

OR

 

Used Nvidia GeForce 4 Ti4200

 

If you're not going with integrated video, the Sapphire is an unbeatable value. This is a TRUE 9200, not a crippled SE, with 128MB DDR, DVI, TV-Out. You can save $10 and get a 9200SE or a GeForce4 MX 440, but at that point you might as well consider integrated video. If you want something a little faster in games, get the 9550. If you can find a used Ti4200, it's the best bargain-basement gaming card around.

 

Sound Card

 

Chaintech 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card AV-710 - $25.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-120-103&depa=0

 

If built-in sound is not cutting it, this is the end-all of budget sound cards. Praised for it's musical capabilities, and adequate for gaming.

 

Network Adapter

 

Built-In 10/100 Ethernet - $0

 

Hard Drive

 

Western Digital PATA 80GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer OEM - $62.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-122&depa=0

 

OEM but still carries a 3-year warranty, and fast.

 

Optical Drive

 

Asus 52X QuieTrack CD-ROM Black - $19.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=27-134-009&depa=0

 

OR

 

Sony 16X DVD-ROM Black - $27.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=27-101-124&depa=0

 

OR

 

Lite-On 52x32x52 CD-RW Black - $27.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-106-197&depa=0

 

OR

 

Lite-On 52X24X52X16 Combo-Drive Black - $43.50

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=27-106-932&depa=0

 

OR

 

NEC 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW 2510A - $66.00

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-023&depa=1

 

Simply choose the right drive for your budget and needs.

 

Floppy Drive

 

Sony Black 1.44MB 3.5? Floppy Drive - $10.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-116&depa=0

 

Speakers

 

Creative SBS230 2.0 Speakers - $12.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-125&depa=0

 

OR

 

Creative SBS330 2.1 Speakers - $31.98

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-126&depa=0

 

OR

 

Logitech Z-640 5.1 Speakers - $51.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-104&depa=0

 

Each of these sets offer a great value for your money.

 

Monitor

 

KDS 17" Xtreme Flat CRT Monitor Black - $138

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-155-031&depa=0

 

OR

 

ViewSonic 19" A91f+ CRT Monitor Black/Silver - $229.99 @ BestBuy.com

 

Both are great budget CRTs

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&id=1089889763161&skuId=6720177&productCategoryId=cat01011&type=product

 

Total Minimum Configuration: $486.91 (2000+, WhisperRock, NForce2IGP, 256MB RAM, Evercase, KDS 17" CRT, 2.0 Spkrs, CD-ROM, Sony Floppy, Western Digital 80gb Pata)

 

Total Maximum Configuration: $818.90 (XP-M, FalconRock, NForce2Ultra400, 2x256MB RAM, Antec, Samsung 19" CRT, 5.1 Spkrs, DVD+/-RW, 7.1 Sound Card, ATI 9200, Sony Floppy, Western Digital 80gb pata)

Mid Level System $971.45-$1924.57

 

CPU

 

AMD Athlon 64 2800+ 512k 1.8GHz Retail - $145

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80698-R

 

OR

 

AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 512k 2.0GHz Retail - $169

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80699-R

 

OR

 

Intel Pentium 4 C 2.4GHz 800MHz FSB Hyper Threading Retail - $157

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-116-157&depa=0

 

AMD is kicking so much *** with their Athlon 64 CPUs right now that it's hard to recommend anything else. Both the 2800+ and 3000+ are Newcastle cores (good overclockers). If you want to stick with Intel, the 2.4C overclocks VERY well (3GHz+) and has Hyper Threading.

 

CPU Heatsink/Fan

 

Zalman CNPS7000 AlCu Socket 478/754 Cooler - $33.95

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=371002

 

OR

 

Thermaltake POLO 735 Extreme AMD K7/K8 & Intel P4 CPU Cooler - $36.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-106-042&depa=0

 

Interestingly, both coolers have fan controls so you can make them near silent at the low end. The Zalman is geared towards silence overall, while the Thermaltake has both strong and silent qualities (depending on how far you want to turn the rheostat). I'd rate the quality of Thermaltake's copper-finned coolers as up there with Thermalrights.

 

Motherboard

 

Chaintech VNF3-250 NForce3 250 Motherboard S754 - $75

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-152-043&depa=0

 

OR

 

EPoX 8KDA3J NForce3 250Gb Motherboard S754 - $99.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-123-219&depa=0

 

OR

 

ABIT IS7-E2 I865PE Motherboard S478 - $78.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-174&depa=0

 

The Epox has the newer Nvidia chipset with built-in Gigabit ethernet and firewall; but both offer AGP/PCI locks and are great overclocking motherboards. ABIT has a solid reputation for P4 motherboards.

 

RAM

 

Corsair Value Select 512MB PC-3200 CAS2.5 - $74

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-026&depa=0

 

OR

 

Kingmax TSOP 512MB PC-4000 CAS3 - $102

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-156-012&depa=0

 

Get one or two sticks of RAM, depending on your budget. The Corsair will do great for most rigs, but the Kingmax might be a better bet for FSB overclockers.

 

Case/Power Supply

 

Antec SLK3700-BQE Black ATX Midtower w/ 350W PSU - $89.50

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-140&depa=0

 

OR

 

Antec Sonata Black ATX MidTower w/ 380W PSU - $88.62 + Shipping

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-140&depa=0

 

IMO, the BQE beats the Antec Sonata at it's own game; and it comes with an excellent Antec PSU. Sonata does have that killer paintjob too. Before you knock a measly 350W PSU for this workstation, take note that I've seen Prescott/GeForce6800s run in Shuttle SFFs. Quality vs. Quantity.

 

Video Card

 

Powercolor ATI Radeon 9600XT 128MB 128-bit - $135

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-131-242&depa=0

 

OR

 

Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800PRO 128MB 256-bit DVI/VO - $183.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-102-268&DEPA=0

 

OR

 

eVGA Nvidia GeForce 6800 128MB 256-bit w/ Far Cry - $278

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=322687

 

These cards will provide a great gaming experience with newer games like Doom 3, with the obvious advantage going to the 6800. If you don't game and never plan on it, consider getting the card from the Budget System (above), or something even less expensive (GeForce MX or Radeon 7000).

 

Sound Card

 

Chaintech 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card AV-710 - $25.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-120-103&depa=0

 

OR

 

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS PCI Sound Card - $89.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-162&depa=0

 

Surprise, the Chaintech shows up again as an excellent choice for a sound card. The Audigy2 ZS nearly matches the Chaintech in musical fidelity, but is decidedly better in most games that use hardware encoding (Doom 3 is a rare exception).

 

Network Adapter

 

Built-In Ethernet - $0

 

Hard Drive

 

Samsung SATA 160GB 7200RPM 8MB Hard Drive - $99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-152-015&depa=0

 

OR

 

Western Digital SATA 250GB 7200RPM 8MB Hard Drive - $159

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101220-1

 

The Samsung is fast, quiet, and runs cool; a proven performer. Go WD for the larger capacity.

 

Optical Drive

 

NEC 8X DVD+/-RW 2500A Black - $61.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=27-152-026&depa=0

 

OR

 

NEC 8X DVD DL +/-RW 2510A Black - $67.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-023&depa=0

 

OR

 

NEC 16X DVD DL +/-RW 3500A Black - $95

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-032&depa=0

 

With DVD writers this cheap, you can't afford not to get one.

 

Floppy Drive

 

Sony Black 1.44MB 3.5 Floppy Drive - $10.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-116&depa=0

 

Speakers

 

Logitech Z-3 2.1 Speakers - $54.99 After MIR

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-114&depa=0

 

OR

 

Logitech Z-5300 5.1 THX Certified Speakers - $149.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-106&depa=0

 

An upscale set of 2.1 or 5.1 speakers. If you don't feel like blowing $150 on surround speakers, look at the speakers listed in the Budget System (above). Creative also has inexpensive 7.1 speaker systems for under $100 if you want to utilize every channel your sound card offers.

 

Monitor

 

Samsung 19" 997DF CRT Monitor Black/Silver - $199.99

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&id=1077629948643&skuId=6554604&type=product

 

OR

 

NEC/Mitsubishi 19" DP930SB-BK CRT Monitor Black - $329

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-002-220&depa=0

 

OR

 

Acer 17" LCD Monitor 20ms SXGA - $359

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-009-015&depa=0

 

OR

 

BenQ 19" FP951 LCD Monitor 25ms SXGA - $543

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-014-043&depa=0

 

The Samsung will appeal to many with it's good looks and good performance; get the NEC if you want arguably the sharpest *true* flat 19" CRT available. The Acer and BenQ are both great values for larger LCDs. If you want a cheaper display, look at the Budget System (above) for suggestions.

 

Total Minimum Configuration: $971.45 (2800+, Retail HS/Fan, Chaintech, BQE, 512MB Corsair, 9600XT, Chaintech 7.1 Sound, 160GB SATA, 2500A, Z-3 Spkrs, 997DF, Sony Floppy)

 

Total Maximum Configuration: $1924.57 (3000+, TT POLO, EpoX, Sonata, 1024MB Kingmax, 6800, Audigy2 ZS, 250GB SATA, 3500A, Z-5300 Spkrs, FP951, Sony Floppy)

Mid Level System $971.45-$1924.57

 

CPU

 

AMD Athlon 64 2800+ 512k 1.8GHz Retail - $145

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80698-R

 

OR

 

AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 512k 2.0GHz Retail - $169

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80699-R

 

OR

 

Intel Pentium 4 C 2.4GHz 800MHz FSB Hyper Threading Retail - $157

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-116-157&depa=0

 

AMD is kicking so much *** with their Athlon 64 CPUs right now that it's hard to recommend anything else. Both the 2800+ and 3000+ are Newcastle cores (good overclockers). If you want to stick with Intel, the 2.4C overclocks VERY well (3GHz+) and has Hyper Threading.

 

CPU Heatsink/Fan

 

Zalman CNPS7000 AlCu Socket 478/754 Cooler - $33.95

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=371002

 

OR

 

Thermaltake POLO 735 Extreme AMD K7/K8 & Intel P4 CPU Cooler - $36.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-106-042&depa=0

 

Interestingly, both coolers have fan controls so you can make them near silent at the low end. The Zalman is geared towards silence overall, while the Thermaltake has both strong and silent qualities (depending on how far you want to turn the rheostat). I'd rate the quality of Thermaltake's copper-finned coolers as up there with Thermalrights.

 

Motherboard

 

Chaintech VNF3-250 NForce3 250 Motherboard S754 - $75

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-152-043&depa=0

 

OR

 

EPoX 8KDA3J NForce3 250Gb Motherboard S754 - $99.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-123-219&depa=0

 

OR

 

ABIT IS7-E2 I865PE Motherboard S478 - $78.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-174&depa=0

 

The Epox has the newer Nvidia chipset with built-in Gigabit ethernet and firewall; but both offer AGP/PCI locks and are great overclocking motherboards. ABIT has a solid reputation for P4 motherboards.

 

RAM

 

Corsair Value Select 512MB PC-3200 CAS2.5 - $74

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-026&depa=0

 

OR

 

Kingmax TSOP 512MB PC-4000 CAS3 - $102

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-156-012&depa=0

 

Get one or two sticks of RAM, depending on your budget. The Corsair will do great for most rigs, but the Kingmax might be a better bet for FSB overclockers.

 

Case/Power Supply

 

Antec SLK3700-BQE Black ATX Midtower w/ 350W PSU - $89.50

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-140&depa=0

 

OR

 

Antec Sonata Black ATX MidTower w/ 380W PSU - $88.62 + Shipping

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-140&depa=0

 

IMO, the BQE beats the Antec Sonata at it's own game; and it comes with an excellent Antec PSU. Sonata does have that killer paintjob too. Before you knock a measly 350W PSU for this workstation, take note that I've seen Prescott/GeForce6800s run in Shuttle SFFs. Quality vs. Quantity.

 

Video Card

 

Powercolor ATI Radeon 9600XT 128MB 128-bit - $135

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-131-242&depa=0

 

OR

 

Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800PRO 128MB 256-bit DVI/VO - $183.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-102-268&DEPA=0

 

OR

 

eVGA Nvidia GeForce 6800 128MB 256-bit w/ Far Cry - $278

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=322687

 

These cards will provide a great gaming experience with newer games like Doom 3, with the obvious advantage going to the 6800. If you don't game and never plan on it, consider getting the card from the Budget System (above), or something even less expensive (GeForce MX or Radeon 7000).

 

Sound Card

 

Chaintech 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card AV-710 - $25.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-120-103&depa=0

 

OR

 

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS PCI Sound Card - $89.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-162&depa=0

 

Surprise, the Chaintech shows up again as an excellent choice for a sound card. The Audigy2 ZS nearly matches the Chaintech in musical fidelity, but is decidedly better in most games that use hardware encoding (Doom 3 is a rare exception).

 

Network Adapter

 

Built-In Ethernet - $0

 

Hard Drive

 

Samsung SATA 160GB 7200RPM 8MB Hard Drive - $99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-152-015&depa=0

 

OR

 

Western Digital SATA 250GB 7200RPM 8MB Hard Drive - $159

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101220-1

 

The Samsung is fast, quiet, and runs cool; a proven performer. Go WD for the larger capacity.

 

Optical Drive

 

NEC 8X DVD+/-RW 2500A Black - $61.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=27-152-026&depa=0

 

OR

 

NEC 8X DVD DL +/-RW 2510A Black - $67.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-023&depa=0

 

OR

 

NEC 16X DVD DL +/-RW 3500A Black - $95

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-032&depa=0

 

With DVD writers this cheap, you can't afford not to get one.

 

Floppy Drive

 

Sony Black 1.44MB 3.5 Floppy Drive - $10.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-116&depa=0

 

Speakers

 

Logitech Z-3 2.1 Speakers - $54.99 After MIR

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-114&depa=0

 

OR

 

Logitech Z-5300 5.1 THX Certified Speakers - $149.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-106&depa=0

 

An upscale set of 2.1 or 5.1 speakers. If you don't feel like blowing $150 on surround speakers, look at the speakers listed in the Budget System (above). Creative also has inexpensive 7.1 speaker systems for under $100 if you want to utilize every channel your sound card offers.

 

Monitor

 

Samsung 19" 997DF CRT Monitor Black/Silver - $199.99

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&id=1077629948643&skuId=6554604&type=product

 

OR

 

NEC/Mitsubishi 19" DP930SB-BK CRT Monitor Black - $329

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-002-220&depa=0

 

OR

 

Acer 17" LCD Monitor 20ms SXGA - $359

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-009-015&depa=0

 

OR

 

BenQ 19" FP951 LCD Monitor 25ms SXGA - $543

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-014-043&depa=0

 

The Samsung will appeal to many with it's good looks and good performance; get the NEC if you want arguably the sharpest *true* flat 19" CRT available. The Acer and BenQ are both great values for larger LCDs. If you want a cheaper display, look at the Budget System (above) for suggestions.

 

Total Minimum Configuration: $971.45 (2800+, Retail HS/Fan, Chaintech, BQE, 512MB Corsair, 9600XT, Chaintech 7.1 Sound, 160GB SATA, 2500A, Z-3 Spkrs, 997DF, Sony Floppy)

 

Total Maximum Configuration: $1924.57 (3000+, TT POLO, EpoX, Sonata, 1024MB Kingmax, 6800, Audigy2 ZS, 250GB SATA, 3500A, Z-5300 Spkrs, FP951, Sony Floppy)

High End System $2579.45-$4118.87

 

CPU

 

AMD Athlon 64 3400+ 512k S754 2.4GHz Retail - $290

 

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=120749&Category_Code=AMD64

 

OR

 

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 512k S939 2.2GHz OEM - $370

 

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=120843

 

OR

 

AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 512k S939 2.4GHz Retail - $645

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80721-R

 

All three will be blazing fast at stock, and will overclock quite well. The FX-53 is always an option for those eager to part with their money.

 

CPU Heatsink/Fan

 

Thermalright XP-120 P4/K8 CPU Heatsink - $49.95 + Shipping

 

http://www.svc.com/xp-120-p4-21.html

 

Vantec Stealth 120mm Fan - $14.99 + Shipping

 

http://www.svc.com/120x25mmvans.html

 

OR

 

Cooler Master Hyper 6 P4/K8 CPU Cooler - $55.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-103-144&depa=0

 

The XP-120 is MASSIVE in size, but not in weight. It actually weighs half as much as Thermalright's copper heatpipe heatsinks. The main draw is the ability to use a 120mm fan to supply relatively high CFM at low RPM/dBA. The Hyper 6 is another great heatpipe heatsink.

 

Motherboard

 

EPoX 8KDA3+ NForce3 250Gb Motherboard S754 - $155.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-123-220&depa=0

 

OR

 

MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum NForce3 Ultra Motherboard S939 - $149.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-468&depa=0

 

OR

 

Gigabyte K8NSNXP-939 NForce3 Ultra Motherboard S939 - $215.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-128-254&depa=0

 

RAM

 

Corsair Value Select 1GB (512MBx2) PC-3200 - $156

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&depa=0

 

OR

 

Corsair XMS Xtreme Memory Speed 2-2-2-5 1GB (512MBx2) PC-3200 - $285

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-523&depa=0

 

You fall into one of two camps: those who care about low latencies, and those who don't. Kingmax TSOP memory (Mid Level System) is another in-between option.

 

Case

 

Lian-Li PC-V1000B ATX MidTower Case Black - $216.49

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=11-112-072&DEPA=0

 

OR

 

Silverstone Temjin SST-TJ05 ATX MidTower Case Black - $160.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-163-023&depa=0

 

You're either a fan of this Lian-Li or you're not; a radically different internal layout for better cooling, and hints of G5 Mac on the outside. Comes in silver too. The Silverstone is a more traditional case, with 120mm fan mounts and perfect construction.

 

Power Supply

 

Antec 480W NeoPower Modular PSU Black - $121.45

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=17-103-924&DEPA=0

 

OR

 

Antec 550W TruePower PSU - $114.49

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-910&depa=0

 

OR

 

Enermax NoiseTaker 470W PSU - $114.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-451&depa=0

 

Modular PSUs are sooooooo cool. It's worth noting that the Enermax offers separate 12V rails for your components and CPU, it's one of the most efficient PSUs on the market (less heat), and also one of the quietest.

 

Video Card

 

eVGA GeForce 6800GT 256MB DVI/VO - $409

 

http://www.buyxtremegear.com/vc129114.html

 

OR

 

Gigabyte ATI Radeon X800XT Platinum Edition 256MB - $545

 

http://www.futurepowerpc.com/scripts/details.asp?PRDCODE=VCGA-R80X256V&REFID=PW

 

GT's overclock to Ultra speeds. The problem is finding them in-stock. X800XT's are screaming fast too.

 

Sound Card

 

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS Platinum Pro - $212

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-164&depa=0

 

OR

 

M-Audio Revolution 7.1 Channel Sound Card - $93.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-121-101&depa=0

 

Music, games, or both? The sound card options from the Mid Level System offer more reasonably priced alternatives with a miniscule difference in sound quality.

 

Network Adapter

 

Built-In Ethernet - $0

 

Hard Drive

 

Hitachi SATA 250GB 7200RPM 8MB - $183

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-145-071&depa=0

 

OR

 

Maxtor SATA DiamondMax10 300GB 7200RPM 16MB - $240

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=100719

 

Buy in multiples and be the first on your block with 1TB.

 

Optical Drive

 

NEC 16X DVD DL +/- RW 3500A Black - $95

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-032&depa=0

 

Buy a couple if you want some straight DVD-to-DVD copy action.

 

Floppy Drive

 

Sony Black 1.44MB 3.5 Floppy Drive - $10.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-116&depa=0

 

Speakers

 

Logitech Z-680 THX Certified 5.1 Speakers - $241.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-105&depa=0

 

OR

 

Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1 Speakers - $356.89

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-119-106&depa=0

 

OR

 

Creative Labs GigaWorks S70 7.1 Speakers - $426

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-142&depa=0

 

These will all please your ears.

 

Monitor

 

NEC/Mitsubishi 22" DP2141SB-BK SuperBright Diamondtron CRT Black - $669

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-002-091&depa=0

 

OR

 

ViewSonic 20.1" VP201B LCD Monitor UXGA 16ms Black - $881

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-116-285&depa=0

 

OR

 

Dell 20.1" 2001FP UltraSharp LCD Monitor UXGA 16ms Black/Silver - $719.20 + Shipping

 

http://accessories.us.dell.com

 

Getting the NEC will let you experience Far Cry at 2048x1536/86Hz. The Dell and Viewsonic are both highly rated LCDs in their size.

 

Total Minimum Configuration: $2579.45 (3400+, Retail HS/Fan, 8KDA3+, Value 1GB, Silverstone, Antec 550W, 6800GT, M-Audio, Hitachi 250GB, 3500A, Z-680, NEC CRT, Sony Floppy)

 

Total Maximum Configuration: $4118.87 (3800+, XP-120/Stealth, Gigabyte, XMS 1GB, Lian-Li, Antec Neopower, X800XT PE, Audigy, Maxtor 300GB, (2) 3500A, GigaWorks 7.1, Viewsonic, Sony Floppy)

High End System $2579.45-$4118.87

 

CPU

 

AMD Athlon 64 3400+ 512k S754 2.4GHz Retail - $290

 

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=120749&Category_Code=AMD64

 

OR

 

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 512k S939 2.2GHz OEM - $370

 

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=120843

 

OR

 

AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 512k S939 2.4GHz Retail - $645

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80721-R

 

All three will be blazing fast at stock, and will overclock quite well. The FX-53 is always an option for those eager to part with their money.

 

CPU Heatsink/Fan

 

Thermalright XP-120 P4/K8 CPU Heatsink - $49.95 + Shipping

 

http://www.svc.com/xp-120-p4-21.html

 

Vantec Stealth 120mm Fan - $14.99 + Shipping

 

http://www.svc.com/120x25mmvans.html

 

OR

 

Cooler Master Hyper 6 P4/K8 CPU Cooler - $55.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-103-144&depa=0

 

The XP-120 is MASSIVE in size, but not in weight. It actually weighs half as much as Thermalright's copper heatpipe heatsinks. The main draw is the ability to use a 120mm fan to supply relatively high CFM at low RPM/dBA. The Hyper 6 is another great heatpipe heatsink.

 

Motherboard

 

EPoX 8KDA3+ NForce3 250Gb Motherboard S754 - $155.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-123-220&depa=0

 

OR

 

MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum NForce3 Ultra Motherboard S939 - $149.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-468&depa=0

 

OR

 

Gigabyte K8NSNXP-939 NForce3 Ultra Motherboard S939 - $215.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-128-254&depa=0

 

RAM

 

Corsair Value Select 1GB (512MBx2) PC-3200 - $156

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&depa=0

 

OR

 

Corsair XMS Xtreme Memory Speed 2-2-2-5 1GB (512MBx2) PC-3200 - $285

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-523&depa=0

 

You fall into one of two camps: those who care about low latencies, and those who don't. Kingmax TSOP memory (Mid Level System) is another in-between option.

 

Case

 

Lian-Li PC-V1000B ATX MidTower Case Black - $216.49

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=11-112-072&DEPA=0

 

OR

 

Silverstone Temjin SST-TJ05 ATX MidTower Case Black - $160.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-163-023&depa=0

 

You're either a fan of this Lian-Li or you're not; a radically different internal layout for better cooling, and hints of G5 Mac on the outside. Comes in silver too. The Silverstone is a more traditional case, with 120mm fan mounts and perfect construction.

 

Power Supply

 

Antec 480W NeoPower Modular PSU Black - $121.45

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=17-103-924&DEPA=0

 

OR

 

Antec 550W TruePower PSU - $114.49

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-910&depa=0

 

OR

 

Enermax NoiseTaker 470W PSU - $114.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-451&depa=0

 

Modular PSUs are sooooooo cool. It's worth noting that the Enermax offers separate 12V rails for your components and CPU, it's one of the most efficient PSUs on the market (less heat), and also one of the quietest.

 

Video Card

 

eVGA GeForce 6800GT 256MB DVI/VO - $409

 

http://www.buyxtremegear.com/vc129114.html

 

OR

 

Gigabyte ATI Radeon X800XT Platinum Edition 256MB - $545

 

http://www.futurepowerpc.com/scripts/details.asp?PRDCODE=VCGA-R80X256V&REFID=PW

 

GT's overclock to Ultra speeds. The problem is finding them in-stock. X800XT's are screaming fast too.

 

Sound Card

 

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS Platinum Pro - $212

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-164&depa=0

 

OR

 

M-Audio Revolution 7.1 Channel Sound Card - $93.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-121-101&depa=0

 

Music, games, or both? The sound card options from the Mid Level System offer more reasonably priced alternatives with a miniscule difference in sound quality.

 

Network Adapter

 

Built-In Ethernet - $0

 

Hard Drive

 

Hitachi SATA 250GB 7200RPM 8MB - $183

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-145-071&depa=0

 

OR

 

Maxtor SATA DiamondMax10 300GB 7200RPM 16MB - $240

 

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=100719

 

Buy in multiples and be the first on your block with 1TB.

 

Optical Drive

 

NEC 16X DVD DL +/- RW 3500A Black - $95

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-032&depa=0

 

Buy a couple if you want some straight DVD-to-DVD copy action.

 

Floppy Drive

 

Sony Black 1.44MB 3.5 Floppy Drive - $10.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-116&depa=0

 

Speakers

 

Logitech Z-680 THX Certified 5.1 Speakers - $241.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-105&depa=0

 

OR

 

Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1 Speakers - $356.89

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-119-106&depa=0

 

OR

 

Creative Labs GigaWorks S70 7.1 Speakers - $426

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-142&depa=0

 

These will all please your ears.

 

Monitor

 

NEC/Mitsubishi 22" DP2141SB-BK SuperBright Diamondtron CRT Black - $669

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-002-091&depa=0

 

OR

 

ViewSonic 20.1" VP201B LCD Monitor UXGA 16ms Black - $881

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-116-285&depa=0

 

OR

 

Dell 20.1" 2001FP UltraSharp LCD Monitor UXGA 16ms Black/Silver - $719.20 + Shipping

 

http://accessories.us.dell.com

 

Getting the NEC will let you experience Far Cry at 2048x1536/86Hz. The Dell and Viewsonic are both highly rated LCDs in their size.

 

Total Minimum Configuration: $2579.45 (3400+, Retail HS/Fan, 8KDA3+, Value 1GB, Silverstone, Antec 550W, 6800GT, M-Audio, Hitachi 250GB, 3500A, Z-680, NEC CRT, Sony Floppy)

 

Total Maximum Configuration: $4118.87 (3800+, XP-120/Stealth, Gigabyte, XMS 1GB, Lian-Li, Antec Neopower, X800XT PE, Audigy, Maxtor 300GB, (2) 3500A, GigaWorks 7.1, Viewsonic, Sony Floppy)

Awesome guide. Could you do one with places that ship to canada?

Awesome guide. Could you do one with places that ship to canada?

hey creep i got a ram question. im gonna get another stick of 256mb soon (i already have 512 PC3200)

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-025&depa=0 <----value select

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-415&depa=0 <---- "XMS Exteme"

 

will i see a big performance difference?

hey creep i got a ram question. im gonna get another stick of 256mb soon (i already have 512 PC3200)

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-025&depa=0 <----value select

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-415&depa=0 <---- "XMS Exteme"

 

will i see a big performance difference?

Wanna save some money on the awsome guide that CreepingDeath made?Ask your self...-when was the last time you used a floppy drive?-why do you need that much HD space (unless you are a music freak/making a server system)-do you really need the ultimate sound card right away (onboard will be just fine with a good set of 2.1 speakers)-are you trying to save desk space...then why get a LCD?-you case really only has to hold it together and keep out dust. a card board box will do that (but that could catch fire)-If you like editing movies and making DVD's then get a G5, don't worry about the DVD burnerAgain nice guide, but some people need to really ask them self why they are getting what they are going to do with there computer. (Sorry if you feel offened by this, but I just hate looking at guides, I always think there should be more choices. That is why I cate Dell. Your choices for processor. Celeron 2.4, Celeron 2.66, Pentium4 2.8, Pentium4 3.0, Pentium4 3.2, Pentium4 3.4 EE. I like pentium, but that is a horriable selection (Celeon 2.4 is the chepeset you can go) and then don't have any partnership with AMD. P.S. RAID is stupid. besides back up it is useless. People who have it think they are cool or something.

Wanna save some money on the awsome guide that CreepingDeath made?Ask your self...-when was the last time you used a floppy drive?-why do you need that much HD space (unless you are a music freak/making a server system)-do you really need the ultimate sound card right away (onboard will be just fine with a good set of 2.1 speakers)-are you trying to save desk space...then why get a LCD?-you case really only has to hold it together and keep out dust. a card board box will do that (but that could catch fire)-If you like editing movies and making DVD's then get a G5, don't worry about the DVD burnerAgain nice guide, but some people need to really ask them self why they are getting what they are going to do with there computer. (Sorry if you feel offened by this, but I just hate looking at guides, I always think there should be more choices. That is why I cate Dell. Your choices for processor. Celeron 2.4, Celeron 2.66, Pentium4 2.8, Pentium4 3.0, Pentium4 3.2, Pentium4 3.4 EE. I like pentium, but that is a horriable selection (Celeon 2.4 is the chepeset you can go) and then don't have any partnership with AMD. P.S. RAID is stupid. besides back up it is useless. People who have it think they are cool or something.

hey creep i got a ram question. im gonna get another stick of 256mb soon (i already have 512 PC3200)

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-025&depa=0 <----value select

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-415&depa=0 <---- "XMS Exteme"

 

will i see a big performance difference?

No will see no difference. The lower latency memory only does good for the extreme overclockers that want to squeeze 5% more performance from there system.

 

Save your money and go with the value memory.

hey creep i got a ram question. im gonna get another stick of 256mb soon (i already have 512 PC3200)

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-025&depa=0 <----value select

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-415&depa=0 <---- "XMS Exteme"

 

will i see a big performance difference?

No will see no difference. The lower latency memory only does good for the extreme overclockers that want to squeeze 5% more performance from there system.

 

Save your money and go with the value memory.

Awesome guide. Could you do one with places that ship to canada?

I'll see what I can do. I don't really know anybody that ships to canada except tigerdirect. Maybe we could get some recommendations from others to help find a good source.

Awesome guide. Could you do one with places that ship to canada?

I'll see what I can do. I don't really know anybody that ships to canada except tigerdirect. Maybe we could get some recommendations from others to help find a good source.

Reply for Luker:

 

when was the last time you used a floppy drive?

 

I feel your concern about the floppy drive. If you don't need it then great, you will save at least 10 bucks. I wish floppies would die out already. There are still needs for floppy drives for some people, but maybe not all. I have a somewhat new motherboard that has sata ability. I would not be able to install my operating system without the floppy as I had to put sata drivers on a floppy for windows to recognize my drive. This is commom with the new motherboards that have sata drive ability. I'm sure there are many practical needs for a floppy. Norton Ghost needs a floppy drive to create a boot disk. Windows XP backup utility creates a boot disk on a floppy. To me spending 10 dollars is worth it to prevent being caught with your pants down.

 

why do you need that much HD space (unless you are a music freak/making a server system)

 

Yes there are a lot of people that need lots of space. I know people that have 1 terabyte of space and those use a good bit of it. It nice if you rip lots of DVD's as well. Some people will never use 20gb. I displayed an 80gb harddrive in the guide that performs well. Most drives with less space aren't much cheaper and I'm all about the best bang for your buck.

 

-do you really need the ultimate sound card right away (onboard will be just fine with a good set of 2.1 speakers)

 

Sound Card

 

Chaintech 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card AV-710 - $25.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-120-103&depa=0

 

If built-in sound is not cutting it, this is the end-all of budget sound cards. Praised for it's musical capabilities, and adequate for gaming.

If you look in my guide it shows that IF BUILD-IN SOUND IS NOT CUTTING IT, this is the end-all of budget sound cards. I'm not forcing people to buy this stuff. If they like there onboard sound then thats great. Some people are big on some quality so I am showing them an option. I even show an option to buy a motherboard with onboard video if they didn't game enough to justify it.

-are you trying to save desk space...then why get a LCD?

 

If I filled the entire guide with LCD's I could understand your point. Everyone has different opinion of what they like so I try to give options. Of course a budget system isn't likely to have an LCD included with it. That's why its in the mid/high range area.

 

-you case really only has to hold it together and keep out dust. a card board box will do that (but that could catch fire)

 

I haven't no comment on that, LOL.

 

I don't care much for DVD burning right now myself some do.

 

I don't like Dell either.

 

Do you have something against raid? Did you have a bad experience? I don't think I even mentioned raid in the guide. Anyway its true that raid mode 0 doesn't have much use in the desktop enviroment. There is a little performance gain when loading data from the hard drive to memory but its not that much. Raid mode 1 is for mirroring drives which is only if your worried about a drive going down and you don't want your computer to be down.

Reply for Luker:

 

when was the last time you used a floppy drive?

 

I feel your concern about the floppy drive. If you don't need it then great, you will save at least 10 bucks. I wish floppies would die out already. There are still needs for floppy drives for some people, but maybe not all. I have a somewhat new motherboard that has sata ability. I would not be able to install my operating system without the floppy as I had to put sata drivers on a floppy for windows to recognize my drive. This is commom with the new motherboards that have sata drive ability. I'm sure there are many practical needs for a floppy. Norton Ghost needs a floppy drive to create a boot disk. Windows XP backup utility creates a boot disk on a floppy. To me spending 10 dollars is worth it to prevent being caught with your pants down.

 

why do you need that much HD space (unless you are a music freak/making a server system)

 

Yes there are a lot of people that need lots of space. I know people that have 1 terabyte of space and those use a good bit of it. It nice if you rip lots of DVD's as well. Some people will never use 20gb. I displayed an 80gb harddrive in the guide that performs well. Most drives with less space aren't much cheaper and I'm all about the best bang for your buck.

 

-do you really need the ultimate sound card right away (onboard will be just fine with a good set of 2.1 speakers)

 

Sound Card

 

Chaintech 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card AV-710 - $25.99

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-120-103&depa=0

 

If built-in sound is not cutting it, this is the end-all of budget sound cards. Praised for it's musical capabilities, and adequate for gaming.

If you look in my guide it shows that IF BUILD-IN SOUND IS NOT CUTTING IT, this is the end-all of budget sound cards. I'm not forcing people to buy this stuff. If they like there onboard sound then thats great. Some people are big on some quality so I am showing them an option. I even show an option to buy a motherboard with onboard video if they didn't game enough to justify it.

-are you trying to save desk space...then why get a LCD?

 

If I filled the entire guide with LCD's I could understand your point. Everyone has different opinion of what they like so I try to give options. Of course a budget system isn't likely to have an LCD included with it. That's why its in the mid/high range area.

 

-you case really only has to hold it together and keep out dust. a card board box will do that (but that could catch fire)

 

I haven't no comment on that, LOL.

 

I don't care much for DVD burning right now myself some do.

 

I don't like Dell either.

 

Do you have something against raid? Did you have a bad experience? I don't think I even mentioned raid in the guide. Anyway its true that raid mode 0 doesn't have much use in the desktop enviroment. There is a little performance gain when loading data from the hard drive to memory but its not that much. Raid mode 1 is for mirroring drives which is only if your worried about a drive going down and you don't want your computer to be down.

UH AMD vs Intel all over again.What it boils down to is personal Taste.How about Sgossard doing an Intel buyers guide for everyone.That would only be fair.Mac

UH AMD vs Intel all over again.What it boils down to is personal Taste.How about Sgossard doing an Intel buyers guide for everyone.That would only be fair.Mac

Windows XP setup will only allow storage & raid drivers to be install with a floppy, but not certain. I would like to see if someone could figure out a way to slipstream it into the setup.

 

http://www.mashie.org/casemods/301.html << who needs a case...

 

 

Somewhere there is a picture of a PC running on a peice of MDF board on someones wall.... ill find and post sometime,

Looks like a radiator :shock:

Windows XP setup will only allow storage & raid drivers to be install with a floppy, but not certain. I would like to see if someone could figure out a way to slipstream it into the setup.

 

http://www.mashie.org/casemods/301.html << who needs a case...

 

 

Somewhere there is a picture of a PC running on a peice of MDF board on someones wall.... ill find and post sometime,

Looks like a radiator :shock:

Oh I just remembered, this is being shipped to my work. Taking it to Vegas this month for showing a presentational movie in our booth at a convention.

 

I wish I could take home to use. Oh well, I might try some gaming on it once with one of the computers at work.

 

http://directron.com/lt30hv.html

Oh I just remembered, this is being shipped to my work. Taking it to Vegas this month for showing a presentational movie in our booth at a convention.

 

I wish I could take home to use. Oh well, I might try some gaming on it once with one of the computers at work.

 

http://directron.com/lt30hv.html

actually i have done my research. if you would realize that you dont compare 64 bit cpu's in a 32 bit comparison. even if you are running the CPU in 32 bit mode. let me put in some itanium benchmarks in as well :roll: anymore colorful pictures?