Mako Kramill

Ok, firstly I know building my own is less expensive and usually the way to go. But, at this time I don't have the time to do this, new 1yr old in the house, and another on the way, just doesn't mix with putting together a new system.

That being said: Does anyone have any suggestions on where to buy from? (ie..Alienware vs Dell vs Gateway etc etc) I know there are alot of place out there that build PCs and Ebay is always there, I just am looking for info on who other computer folk think would be the best to buy from.

Thanx in Advance,

Mike

[-0MEGA-]

Are you into gaming at all? I would actually look at some HP's or Dell's (HP's you can get in stores). They are good quality and usually reasonably priced.

If your into gaming, look for a computer with a PCI-E x16 slot, so you can easily upgrade the graphics.

I wouldnt get an Alienware simply because there overpriced.

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Mako Kramill

Yes I am into gaming, primary usage I would say, mostly MMO currently, but then I like RTS, FPS, and of course a few RPG style games. a smattering of others thrown in as well.

Current system specs:
CPU:AMD Athlon XP 2900+ 2.0ghz

RAM: 1gb (2x 512)
GPU: nVidia GeFroce 6800 (512 onboard)
SOUND: On Board
HD: WD 15gb 7200

I am looking to make this the last computer I buy for at least a couple of years, I know alienware is over priced, but they are pretty reputable aren't they?

I don't personally know anyone who has purchased from them, so...

Thanx, Mike

leetkyle

Price range? You won't be able to buy a system that'll stay at top of the range for 4 years but if you can get the cash in then I do recommend custom building. We can all help you if you get stuck don't worry ;P

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Mako Kramill

Price range $2000.00-3000.00 at most is what i would like to spend

Custom building is not the issue, I have built the last 3, only one gave me any toruble and that was due to a short in the MOBO when I got it. It is just a time issue and little hands being in the way. I will ofcourse custom configure anything I buy, I just would prefer this time to pull it out of the box and go kinda thing, the only major thing I want to have to do it Port the old drive to the new system. Which I will need help with as I have never done that before.

Mako Kramill

Here is approx. what I am looking for in a new computer, tell me where i need to add more or better? In addition to your suggestions on where to buy from.

CAS: Xion III Gaming Mid-Tower 420W Case with Side Window [-15] (BLACK COLOR)
CPU: (Socket AM2) AMD Athlon™64 X2 4600+ Dual-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology
CD: (Special Price) 16X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (SILVER COLOR
CABLE: Round Cable Upgrade for Hard Drive, Optical Drive & Floppy Driver
FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (SILVER COLOR)
FAN: CoolerMaster Liquid CPU Cooling Fan System Kit + 2 EXTRA CASE FANS
FLOPPY: 1.44 MB FLOPPY DRIVE [+10] (SILVER COLOR
HDD: Single Hard Drive (250GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8MB Cache 7200RPM HDD
MONITOR: ViewSonic VG2030WM 20" WSXGA+ Color TFT Active Matrix LCD Display Monitor
MOTHERBOARD: (Socket AM2)MSI K9N4 SLI-F nForce 500 SLI Chipset DDR2/800 SATA-II RAID MBoard w/ Dual 16x PCI-Express
MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)1GB (2x512MB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory [+90] (Corsair XMS2 Xtreme Memory w/ Heat Spreader
MODEM: Creative Labs PCI 56K v.92 FAX Modem
NETWORK: Intel Pro Gigabite 10/100/1000 Network Card
OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition w/ Free Upgrade to Windows Vista™ Home Premium
PPU: ASUS PhysX P1 Card powered by AGEIA PhysX processor 128MB PCI Card
POWERSUPPLY: **Recommended** Thermaltake ToughPower 750 Watt Power Supply - Quad SLI Ready
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: Logitech S100 2.0 Stereo Speaker Set (BLACK COLOR)
TEMP: THERMAL TEMPERATURE LCD DISPLAY WITH 3X FAN CONTROLLER (SILVER COLOR)
USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
VIDEO: NEW!!! NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT 512MB 16X PCI Express Video Card
VIDEO2: NEW!!! NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT 512MB 16X PCI Express Video Card

burnitdown

change it too a core 2 duo, and instead of 2 7950's just get an 8800GTS, and if you have the money left over get 2 gigs of ram

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lhstud10

but amd's are better for gaming! core 2 duo's are better for programs and windows operations...

Mako Kramill

That was my next question, as I primarily will be using this for gaming purposes, I thought AMD was better for that instance, Intel is great for the multitasking of multiple applications, but for over all game performace I was under the impression AMD was better for it.

If I am wrong someone tell me, please. Though I don't particularly like Intel, had problems with them in the past, I would consider it withte new tech if they are as good for or better for the gaming world.

As for the 8800gts/x: Price, it is about 200 more expensive to go with that, and you need 1000w PSU to run it, or so all the places I have been told me

vroom_skies

False info. That was the trend before c2d was released.

And also you don't need a 1kw psu for the 8800's. You can get away with 700w. Still not cheap lol.

Hope this helps
Bob

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