Is it really that much cheaper..

[sun_kissed_0]

Ugh, this is going to sound so stupid, but how the heck do i post something on someone's profile? Pies i'm trying to say something back to you lol but i donno how!!

 

[2048Megabytes]

It's still not correct. A 64-bit OS can address 64-bit memory locations and use 64-bit instructions (as well as the widened/extra registers if we do a x86 vs x86-64) comparison. However, the "bittiness" has nothing to do with how much data the OS/CPU can handle at a time - mainstream CPUs and even some older 32-bit CPUs have instructions to process much more data than that at a time.

Some examples:
Phenom (64-bit) can perform 128-bits worth FP calculations at once (i.e. one 128-bit FPU calculation at once, or more lower-precision (64/32-bit) at once in parallel). That's just one example, many processors (Including current Intel's offerings, or Nehalem at least) have 128-bit or even 256-bit data paths, allowing that much data to be processed any one given moment.
Sandy Bridge (64-bit) is to have 256-bits wide data paths.
SSE2 (introduced with 32-bit P4) supports 64-bit FP calculations.

The operating system processing information and different hardware components doing their own processing are different scenarios though. From my understanding the operating system can only receive so much data at one time (32-bits or 64-bits at once).

It would be interesting to delve into this subject more.

 

[pies]

Ugh, this is going to sound so stupid, but how the heck do i post something on someone's profile? Pies i'm trying to say something back to you lol but i donno how!!

Click on the persons name it will take you to their profile and there should be message box.

 

[2048Megabytes]

Ugh, this is going to sound so stupid, but how the heck do i post something on someone's profile? Pies I'm trying to say something back to you laugh out loud but I dunno how!!

I think you need to have 100 posts at least to do this. It is a protection feature to keep those out who just want to post junk on other peoples' profiles.

 

[Dystopia]

that Q6600 you got is WAY overkill for sims 3
You only NEED 1.5GB RAM if you have vista, but vista needs 2GB to run smoothly. Either way, ram is cheap nowadays, and so you sould get 4GB, and you will be good for a long time.

Here is what you should get:

4GB DDR2 800MHZ RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184 $20 after rebate, free shipping

Motherboard that supports your proc: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131335 $80 + shipping

video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127362
$60 after rebate free shipping

500GB SATA Hard drive:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288 $65 free shipping

dvd burner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171
$24 free shipping

sweet looking case with 500W power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062 $60 + shipping

Operating system: vista home basic/premium w sp1 or xp home sp3 will cost from 90-120 (i think)

if you calculate $25 shipping, $120 for the OS, all this costs $484.

 

[tlarkin]

Wow, you guys are confusing the hell out of her.

I want to say this right now. Overclocking is a waste of time and money unless you are benchmarking the system. Otherwise you will not really get any real world performance increases. The human eye can't tell the differences between 60 frames per a second or 100 frames per a second.

There is a certain point where pushing the limits of your system does not yield greater performance except when benchmarking.

Why in the hell would you even tell a person who is just starting out to over clock their CPU? That is ridiculous.

Now, moving on to the prebuilt, is it really cheaper debate. The answer is no, it is not. At one point in time it was. To be honest the prices you can find on Dells with their on line coupons you can't really compete if you want to compare spec versus price. Now, spec versus price may or may not mean better parts, it just means similar specs. I saw quad core dell desktops for under 800 dollars (with insane dell coupon) when quad cores first came out. Hell the cheapest quad core processor I think was like $400 ish by itself.

Now if you want to argue quality of parts, you can, but it is also very subjective. Only a few companies actually manufacture parts. These companies that do that, manufacture them for everyone. Most computer hardware these days are actually made from the same exact components. The capacitors, resisters, roms, circuit boards, etc are pretty much the same components. This is not exactly 100% but most named brands buy in bulk and get the best deal for the dollar. So if you buy a Dell with a no name Dell motherboard is it better or comparable to say an Asus motherboard. Yes and no. yes, it is comparable that they have the same type of components and are made from the same materials. However, they are engineered differently.

Apple computers for example, is one of the few companies that designs every aspect of their computer system. They design and engineer all the hardware then so also code the Operating System. So they are in fact building a whole system from scratch, which is why their computers tend to run smoother than your average PC. Also, this is subjective. Sun spark stations are the same way. However, I doubt you want to run solaris on your PC.

Now you look at warranty and support. No company supports abuse. If you break it, that is your fault, warranty voided. Now, with a prebuilt computer you get support and warranty from that one company. Not all company's customer service departments are created equal either. If you build one, you can't call anyone if parts fail under warranty. you have to typically get an RMA number from the manufacturer and hope that they honor your warranty. For the most part in my experience this is not a huge hassle. However, I have had my snags a few times here and there buying parts on line. Which is why I don't use pricewatch.com that much any more. Then you have to deal with shipping out individual parts and that can be more of a pain.

There is no bundled software either with a custom built computer, so that is an extra cost.

Now, I build all my PCs, but I am not an average computer user. I build them because I know I can cut corners in certain areas to save money. I could care less about accessories or front panel access. I could care less about sound cards as long as I get 5.1.

Also, don't buy a computer case on line. They are heavy and the shipping is expensive. Buy them at the store. That way you can also take a look at them and get one you really like.

 

[pies]

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062 (one Elimin8or suggested) 60$ after rebate.
Mobo (since you have a q6600, corect?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128372 98$
Ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231226 4gb 41$
GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822 saphire ati 4630 100$
Hard drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395 seagate 500gb 60$
DVD drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152 lg 25$
Windows
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 64bit home premium 99$
Thats just a quick list there might be better and there might be worse
It would be about 540$ with 50$ or so in mail in rebates.

 

[Ramodkk]

It can be cheaper, but you're looking for quality. Computers that you get pre-built most of the time use not-so-good quality parts.

Buying the stuff your self, separate gives you freedom to get quality parts. Not to mention it's fun to build computers.

 

[tlarkin]

It can be cheaper, but you're looking for quality. Computers that you get pre-built most of the time use not-so-good quality parts.

Buying the stuff your self, separate gives you freedom to get quality parts. Not to mention it's fun to build computers.

Reread my post I just made. Almost all of them use the same components, quality of parts is really not all that different in certain price ranges. It is how the part is engineered or designed is what makes it better than the rest.

 

[sun_kissed_0]

I think you need to have 100 posts at least to do this. It is a protection feature to keep those out who just want to post junk on other peoples' profiles.

Lol thank because i'm like...how the heck can i say something back??

 

[sun_kissed_0]

Wow, you guys are confusing the hell out of her.
...........and the rest that he said

Thanks a lot. It's kinda hindering my decision, but I already bought a part, and I don't want to have to return it. I think that this is really interesting and i wanna learn as much as i can while i do this, this is my new hobby. My boyfriend has his aquarium, and I have my computer. In my opinion my hobby is way more useful and you can do more with a computer than you can a tank lol.

On the case part, I'm DEFINITELY going to take your opinion. I'm having the most difficult time picking out a case..I'm so picky. Now, I'm definitely going to buy my case at a store.
I really liked this one though...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108064 lol of course.

 

[sun_kissed_0]

And thanks elimin8or and pies, I'm gonna add some of that to my wish list so that when i get some more money i can compare and pick.

BY THE WAY...what's everyone's name so i don't have to keep using your IDs??
Mine's Danielle, if you all didn't know.

 

[tlarkin]

This is the case I got

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160&Tpk=haf 932

Bought it a computer store because shipping was like 20 bucks on it. Your case is a bit too girly for my taste. Putting together a computer is not hard, it just takes patience and practice. If you have the patience to over come the little mistakes you make along the way you will do fine. Go ahead and build, and hell who knows maybe you will want to do it as a career. Trust me there is a huge lack of women in the IT field. I know because I am in it.

You are pretty much just assembling parts in a case. There is just a few guidelines you need to follow, which aren't that complicated. Don't listen to these kids that want you to buy a processor so you can over clock it. Like you are going to even get into that? Maybe down the road but over clocking doesn't really improve real world performance, it only really improves benchmarking.

It can make a difference but it is little in many areas and zero increase in others.

 

[sun_kissed_0]

Lol you're really fighting that overclocking topic.
Don't worry, I wasn't even going to try. Slipped my mind the second i read the next word.

 

[sun_kissed_0]

haha and your case is a little too manly for me. cool though.

 

[susik89]

how much do you wanna spend on the case ?

 

[sun_kissed_0]

I've only said it a million times!! lol recently i just updated everyone and said that i don't mind spending as much as it takes to get a nice, high quality computer.

 

[susik89]

Oh, i only read the last page so i didn't see you say that

This is the case i have http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137 its very roomy and has a great air flow

This one is also good and not expensive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=antec 300

And this one is more expensive. It looks simple yet amazing http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025

 

[sun_kissed_0]

I'm going to shop for a case in person. Thanks though. The last one was really nice. I've pretty much looked at all the cases online. And Tlarkin what stores should i go to for cases??

 

[tlarkin]

Frys, Microcenters, umm I am not from Florida I don't know....

There has to be a chain computer store down there somewhere.