New computer

[Coffee Pom]

I'm thinking about getting a new computer and was wondering if it's better to buy an HP (like i have now) or get one assembled at the local computer store. If i get it assembled, then what are the best brands for hard drives, CD-RWs, CPU's, DVD, video cards, etc.? I don't want to go in there without knowing what to ask for.

Any suggestions from the experts here? Maybe a list of what to get? http://www.helpfromtechs.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

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[Pure Luck]

I would suggest getting one built.
Best Motherboards? Asus or Abit
Best cpu? PIII (650 and up)
Best hard drive? Maxtor
Best video? Anything with Geforce II mx chip
Best OS? Win2000 pro
Can't comment on cd-DVD-roms, never needed one. Any plain ole cd-rom works fine for me.
Get at least 128mb ram and as cheap as it is, think about 256mb.
All of the above is just my 2 cents and based on not spending a fortune yet still getting quality components. I'm sure you'll get plenty of other suggestions.
Oh hell, I just noticed you asked for Expert opinions. Disregard everything I said.


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<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by Pure Luck on March 18, 2001 at 01:03 AM</font>

[Coffee Pom]

Aww don't be modest. We all know you're an expert too. http://www.helpfromtechs.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

I'm not trying to spend a fortune, as you said. Just looking for a good system. It seems that the proprietary ones don't use the best quality parts. Since this is for my personal use, it will mostly be used for gaming, graphics, and the internet.

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[Pure Luck]

If you do a lot of gaming, you might want to stick with Win98se and definetly get a Geforce. 256mb ram would be best also. Win2k games very well with most games but still has an issue with one or two, especially older ones. I currently play Q3Arena, UT, and Clive Barker's Undying. All play great if not better on Win2k. I also play Alice but it wouldn't even run the setup under Win2k which is goofy because the demo of it did. But after installing it in 98, it plays perfectly in Win2k.


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My Page (http://www.members.home.net/desk.jet) and Go-OilandGas (http://www.go-oilandgas.net)

[Jaturp]

I`m no expert either but here are some things to consider. The shop I deal with will back your system for a year. After a year most labor is free and you pay for parts. You should also ask thier opinions on the parts they stock and state the quality you expect.
It will be atx form factor. A 300watt power supply, maybe a case fan, a good quality cpu heatsink and fan,no $15 junk. If you are not an over clocker P3 800eb FCPGA(Flip Chip), 133 MHz FSB capable motherboard, 256Megs PC133 Ram(ddr is out but costs more and is quicker). At least a 32m AGP video card. Sound Blaster Live sound card. Most of the time I don`t care what brand it is as long as they cover it.. I have found this to be true. With computer parts, better or cutting edge equals more expensive. Almost always. For later on support try sticking with well known brands like Creative, 3Com, etc. Maybe they will be there down the road.JT.


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[Dondo]

I've had all of my systems custom-built by the local computer shop.
The "big-brand" computers tend to use on-board video, audio or modems to keep the price lower. While these may suit you just fine, they don't leave much capability for upgrading.
(If you're a 3-D gamer, you will probably want to look at something that IS upgradeable, so you can beef up the video card and audio.)
If you decide to go local-built, make sure you pick a MB with lots of slots, a case with room for more drives, and a great processor and lots of RAM.
You can start with cheap audio,video and modem, and upgrade when the mood strikes you!

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I'm not a tech, but I try! ;)
Dondo@hft.every1.net

[Dogg of Demise]

Originally posted by Pure Luck:
I would suggest getting one built.
Best Motherboards? Asus or Abit
Best cpu? PIII (650 and up)
Best hard drive? Maxtor
Best video? Anything with Geforce II mx chip
Best OS? Win2000 pro
Can't comment on cd-DVD-roms, never needed one. Any plain ole cd-rom works fine for me.
Get at least 128mb ram and as cheap as it is, think about 256mb.
All of the above is just my 2 cents and based on not spending a fortune yet still getting quality components. I'm sure you'll get plenty of other suggestions.
Oh hell, I just noticed you asked for Expert opinions. Disregard everything I said.



I agree with every thing here BUT if ya want more speed for your buck ya might want to consider a AMD Tbird. I've been a P3 and celeron suporter for a long time but the prices on the Tbirds are getting real hard to ignore.

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Moderator of the Demise UBB
DEMISE (http://www.artifact-entertainment.com/demise/cgi_bin/Ultimate.cgi)

[tweakthis]

Some very excellent advice here. http://www.helpfromtechs.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif Whatever you choose to do, I can't say enough about doing research...research...research! (Which I might add, is exactly what you are doing. Good for you!) Ask your friends, co-workers, neighbours what computer store they deal with and then ask the store questions. If you're not happy with the answers or they can't give you ones in a language you are comfortable with, then move on - it's not the store for you.

I would suggest you also check out Tom's Hardware (http://www.tomshardware.com) and Planet Hardware (http://www.planethardware.com/features/buyer). While many (most?) of us here might choose to build their own, that's not necessarily an option for everyone. However, being informed about components is. Post back and let us know how it goes and any questions. Above all, have fun! http://www.helpfromtechs.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

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If you can remain calm, you don't have all the facts.

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<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by tweakthis on March 18, 2001 at 11:31 AM</font>

[newgrl]

Just to put my 2 cents in here... i'm going to point you the the buying guides from arstechnica (http://arstechnica.com/guide/system/index.html).

they're extensive, they're on target with what everyone has said so far, and they split things up for cost concerns. They are ment as "Do it yourself" guides, but you could definately take a wish list down to a local computer store (that you trust) and ask them how much they would charge you.

It's a good starting point to learn about the hardware that you need/want.

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Moderator, Windows 9x and NT, helpfromtechs.com (http://www.helpfromtechs.com/cgi-bin/ubb/Ultimate.cgi)

[Coffee Pom]

Cool, thanks everyone! http://www.helpfromtechs.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

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[reddsteel]

I definitely like AMD more and more...

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Jordan Gadd (reddsteel)
reddsteel@helpfromtechs.com