Newbie looking for build advice!

A

Ashmole

New Member
Hey, I'm new to the boards so hello.


Ok,down to business... I have been searching for computers for some time now and I have found a legitimate(friend got a computer there last year,runs fine) site with cheap computers(www.ibuypower.com). There is an Intel PCI-Express system for around $700. I would buy an AMD system but apparently on that site and several others, AMD systems only come with SLI which is very expensive. I am not planning on spending too much as my price range is under $900 and I mostly game. Here is the Intel PCI-E link: http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=119 .

What should I get? The PCI express seems more "future-proof" but the AMD is better for gaming.
 
building a PC

Dont ever ever ever buy a PC. Build it. Custom pick the parts and build it from ground up i promise it will be worth it. $900.00 will get you a good starter gaming PC. Go AMD it will save ya some money.

160 gig 7200 RPM HDD $130.00
1 gig PC 3200 ddr ram $140.00
Amd 64 3200+ $160.00
mother board of your choice $150.00
6600 GT $200.00
tower $60.00
CD RW combo drive $140.00

$920 range or go a little smaller but you get the idea.
 
^those prices are a bit off.

160GB isn't needed for a strictly gaming machine, even for a work/homewrok/gaming machine that might be too much. Even if you do decide to get one that large, look for a sale. Maxtor had a sale at Fry's no too long ago, 160GB for $50 after 2 instant rebates and 1 mail in rebate. Wait for those kinds of deals if your going to buy large HDD's, they happen alot.

Depending on if he wants to overclock or not, $140 on RAM might be a bad idea. 512MB will do fine, but i don't think 1GB is overkill at all if he can afford it. But with no want of overclocking 1GB of Value RAM can be had for cheaper than $140.

I think that gives him room for a better cooling system, maybe better case, and probably some other personal accessories. Don't forget an OS either...those are expensive.
 
I don't want to take the risk of building... I've decided that I could probally afford more IF i finance it which is always possible.
 
Frying stuff, breaking stuff, accidentally connecting stuff wrong... the list goes on ... ;)
 
Praetor said:
Frying stuff, breaking stuff, accidentally connecting stuff wrong... the list goes on ... ;)
Click to expand...

...theres always RMA, return/exchange, stuff like that. in my few years of building i have yet to have a part that went bad that the manufacturer didn't take back and give me a new one for. but maybe i'm just lucky...
 
Well the risk I mean other than the ones previously mentioned is the fact that I dont usually get computers(the one I'm on is 4 years old and is the family's computer) and this will be my computer. If it was a family one I would take the risk :).
 
Well I feel about the same as Ashmole about building a complete system but I would like to upgrade my old HP Pavilion system. I have just enough understanding to be dangerous so I'm reluctant to try anything with out consulting some one with experience.

I want to upgrade my CPU (Pentium Celeron, 600MHz – 370 socket) to something better, if possible. I went to the HP web site to research upgrade potentials for my system, which is about 3 years old now. It was one of the computer deals from People PC and Ford Motor Company.

Questions:
- What is the best CPU I could up grade to by just swapping and rebooting? The HP web site states that my system can only upgrade to the Celeron 733MHz – 370.
- The Celeron 600MHz & 733MHz CPUs only support a 66MHz FSB. Could I install a CPU that supports a 100 or 133MHz FSB like a Pentium III?
- Do I need to worry about the BIOS chip set? Are these removable like a CPU is?

This will get me started.
Thanx, KO.
 
theres always RMA, return/exchange, stuff like that
Click to expand...
And shipping fees and delay and hassle

in my few years of building I have yet to have a part that went bad that the manufacturer didn't take back and give me a new one for. but maybe i'm just lucky...
Click to expand...
Same here but I had to pay half the shipping.

- What is the best CPU I could up grade to by just swapping and rebooting? The HP web site states that my system can only upgrade to the Celeron 733MHz – 370.
- The Celeron 600MHz & 733MHz CPUs only support a 66MHz FSB. Could I install a CPU that supports a 100 or 133MHz FSB like a Pentium III?
- Do I need to worry about the BIOS chip set? Are these removable like a CPU is?
Click to expand...
Needs to know the chipset and the motherboard on there :)
 
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