Building a computer... Options

[JMAC]

if you're building it yourself, just get your parts from an online retailer like newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/

i wish they shipped to canada

[BatangDamo]

^How about Tigerdirect.com

They have good deals too

[JMAC]

^How about Tigerdirect.com

They have good deals too

Tigerdirect.ca is sweet! thanks pare!

[Jasel]

^How about Tigerdirect.com

They have good deals too

Ya pretty much everything I've picked out is from Tigerdirect.com. Seems to have the best deals. That I've seen anyway.

[tchan_4]

IF U ARE A RICH MOFO

http://alienware.co.uk
http://dell.co.uk

[Jasel]

All this has me thinking it might just be cheaper to buy a good computer...

[tchan_4]

if ur an avergae user of a pc, buy a comp.
most ppl who build their own pc b/c it is more powerful and better and they have $$$

Intel Core Duo 2 Extreme Edition costs $1800 just for the proccessor. more than ur budget :p

This post has been edited by tchan_4: Aug 21 2006, 01:45 PM

[mndeg]

tigerdirect is infamous for not honoring their rebates
newegg.com is always the best
zipfoomfly i've never had problems with, but their not as reliable as newegg

without listnig yuor price range how can anyone possibly recommend anything at all?

This post has been edited by mndeg: Aug 21 2006, 01:59 PM

[BlackRav]

All this has me thinking it might just be cheaper to buy a good computer...

It is.

I got this PC a couple weeks ago with a 17" flat panel for $360. It's very upgradeable -- the mobo can handle the new X2 duo's, up to 4GB DDR400 RAM, and it has an unused PCI-e slot. I'm just planning to add on another 512 MB RAM and a better power supply (300W is kinda weak). It comes with an integrated GeForce card with 256 MB. I'm not a heavy gamer so that's fine for me. In fact, Staples has 512 MB PNY RAM for $40 I think (expiring on the 26th), so I'm heading there today to check it out.

This isn't the same deal I got though... this one kinda sucks. I think you can still swap the CRT monitor for an Acer-branded flat panel, but the final cost would still be $420 (for 17") because the package now includes a stupid $60 printer.

The closest thing to this right now is this Dell. This processor is .5 Ghz faster, but only has 256 MB RAM, 80 GB HD, and no DVD or CD burner. The video card is "Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics 2" which sounds like total crap.

I got the Acer over the Dell because Dells are more difficult to upgrade, plus it takes a while for them to ship it and everything (the CC deal is only valid in-store so I just went to grab it). I'm not even sure this mobo has PCI-e support. If you can wait, I would scour fatwallet.com forums for better Dell deals. I heard Dell usually has great back-to-school discounts so something may come up soon... or you might want to just jump the gun on the Acer. Considering what you were planning to spend, it would be cheaper for you to get that and upgrade it some.

[tchan_4]

without listnig yuor price range how can anyone possibly recommend anything at all?

he said $1200-1400

[M86]

I don't buy online, I go to the local "Fry's" store, it doesn't get any cheaper than fry's.

[kunomchu]

I think it is better if you built it yourself. Its always cheaper and you don't have to wait forever to get your computer. You have to take into account that many retailers suck at tech support too. And absolutely don't buy from alienware or dell. Call dell and they will direct you to india where no one knows $hit and u can't even understand them.

[Jasel]

I'm thinking maybe I should just a few months until things get cheaper. Alot of stuff being recommended I can't afford but I would like something upgradeable.

[mndeg]

1200-1400 and you picked those components? with that much money you could build a comptuer better than mine. and mines fine for games.
some must haves right now. core 2 + core2 mobo, geforce 7900GT

both value long term buys. will last at least 3 years. the price of core 2 will not drop below retail much. there is high demand for it.

This post has been edited by mndeg: Aug 21 2006, 10:21 PM

[kunomchu]

1200-1400 and you picked those components? with that much money you could build a comptuer better than mine. and mines fine for games.
some must haves right now. core 2 + core2 mobo, geforce 9800GT

both value long term buys. will last at least 3 years. the price of core 2 will not drop below retail much. there is high demand for it.

geforce 9800? lol u mean ati? 9800 isn't even that good anymore. geforce 7600 or ati x850 are much better.

[stillarook]

What's the next ati after x850? I hate ATI with its confusing as hell numbers.

[mndeg]

i mean 7900GT
enough for 60 fps at 1600x1200 all high

This post has been edited by mndeg: Aug 21 2006, 10:21 PM

[Metropolitan]

if ur an avergae user of a pc, buy a comp.
most ppl who build their own pc b/c it is more powerful and better and they have $$$

Intel Core Duo 2 Extreme Edition costs $1800 just for the proccessor. more than ur budget :p

Where did you get those prices? The X6800 is actually a little over $900 on average but can be found in the $800 something range.

[mndeg]

http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/

for deals on computer hardware and other stuff

[tchan_4]

$2300for that, would it be worth it and what does the "front side bus" do?

This post has been edited by tchan_4: Aug 22 2006, 09:53 AM