build me a computer....

[Reaper]

mine is on its last legs and i am sick of messing with it..... SO i am gunna build a new one

i could wuss out and get a dell but i think i will get a weee bit more bang for the buck with a home built unit. the only problem is i dont know much about the hardware and componts. so what i would like is some one (ya i am lazy) to put a system together for me.

i would like honest opinions on the hardware and componts. i am looking for a fast yet stable platform for multimedia, gaming, MP3s and some other software.

i have the idea of maybe dual P.3's maybe 1.7gig. or a single P.4 with the hyperthreading (from my limited reading this is like a dual system) AMDs new 64 bit system looks cool but do i need it? i am not bias towards AMD or intel but i have heard nothing but good things about AMD.

i want a system that will still be quick in a few years. honestly i would like to get 5 to 7 years out of it before i HAVE to upgrade.



i hope this is enuff info.

thanks in advance.

Dathan

 

[granatl]

Hyperthreading is *mostly* just a marketing gimmick to confuse people. A CPU has to major types of processes, integer and floating point (3.4355...). In H.T. you are able to do each component simultaneously. So yes it helps, but to say that it's actually like dual procs is just bogus.

I've built several PC's. Generally speaking, if you're not re-using any components, you'll get a better deal buy a pre-fab Dell, then by building one.

A dual P3 board is often difficult to get. A dual P4 will cost you $450+, bare bones (no CPU's, memory, etc.)
A dual AMD Athlon board is ~$220 (I have an MSI board that supports up to 2800+'s). You're supposed to buy AMD MP's when running them in parallel, but I have done the XP (singles) to MP (duals) hack before, and saved myself $200 right there.
All of my towers are AMD's, to keep the costs down. The biggest complaint is the heat they generate.

64-bit is the only thing with a future, but 5-7 years seems unrealistic to me (IMHO). The AMD Opteron family (64-bit) can run 32-bit applications. To take complete advantage of 64-bit, not only do you need the hardware, but you need an OS (Windows Server 2003 or maybe the newest XP, or Linux) and the application must be made into 64-bit. So it's sorta like HDTV; you can use it for a very limited number of things with fantastic results, but you mostly just have to drag your feet until the rest of technology is willing to catch up.

Dual processors are only utilized by a select few applications (MPEG compression, etc.). Where they're really nice is when you have something very processor intense running (for example SETI), but you still have the breathing room to use your computer for other things.

I hope this helps you make a more informed decision.

 

[Reaper]

yea. kinda. a bit more confused.

your reply was great but i dont see any system (agian i am lazy).

so the 64 is out for now. i figure i got amost 4 years out of my current PC so 5 is a relistic goal. i do like the cost of the AMD stuff and i have not heard that the heat is too bad. but i will have more then a few fans to cool the tower.

thanks
Dathan

 

[BuickMike]

Dathan, I can help you build a PC if you want. Give me a call at (480) 577-6502 over the weekend. Let me know your budget and we'll figure out what you can get. I highly recommend going with AMD. Definately the best bang for your buck.

 

[Reaper]

i tell you what mike you help me with that and i will make your shades for you.. the next few weekends are busy for me very busy. i will be out of town in one way or an other till nov. i will however drop you a line soon. i need to also get in touch with Donald soon also.


Dathan

 

[irockwithdirt]

A couple good sites.......

www.motherboards.org www.pricewatch.com www.compgeeks.com www.newegg.com

 

[gn85]

I'm looking to build a system too one of these days.. (I'm dragging my feet at getting around to it). So this thread is really interesting and helpful. My needs and applications are a little different, but the links and advice are really helpful thanks.

 

[3mta3]

I've built a ton of computers for family and friends. I've had great success with mwave.com, they are fast and have high quality products. If I order something on a monday I usually get it by friday. The last machine I built was a pentium 4 2.4ghz with a 40gb harddrive 512mb ram with a brand new case with a 300 watt power supply, I just used an existing dvd player and burner. Total cost of the unit $400. Just a little fyi. If you have any questions just drop me a line

 

[gn85]

I was going to PM you, but in the interest of letting others read I'll ask here. My first hurdle is selecting a case. I'm naturally hesitant, because I don't want to purchase one that I find out later is not good quality or what have you. This first attempt doesn't have to be special or top of the line, super zoomie. Also a part of my hesitation is because I'm here in Germany and don't have much trust in local stores.

I know to get an adequate power supply and to make sure all wiring and screws are supplied. But beyond that, it's like looking at a GN and not knowing where to look for rust.

Thanks

 

[3mta3]

check out this link

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/doc2/A14402.html

I think you'll get the most bang for the buck with this case, since it's onlt $47. It comes with a 300watt power supply, just try to find a 300watt power supply alone for $47

 

[1badTTA]

Dathan, give us a ballpark of what you are going to spend and what you will be reusing (keyboard monitor mouse any drives etc) and I will try to figure out a good deal for you. My old BP6 dual celeron computer died recently (after 5 years and still wasn't considered slow by todays standards). I'll give it a shot for ya.