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Advice on getting a new rig...

D

Direwolf20

2[H]4U
Joined
Mar 10, 2004
Messages
2,467
Hi guys, long time poster in the software area, but first timer here in [H]ardware. I know theres a million of these posts :) so maybe you guys have some good experience. I know my way around the inside of a computer, but when it comes to whats good vs. whats a total piece of junk, i haven't a clue. Would you be able to give me advice on upgrading please? I have about $500 to spend, and wouldn't mind going slightly higher if needed.

Ok, let me tell you what I have right now:

Processor/Ram : P3 1.0 Ghz PC with 512MB of ram (PC133).
Video Card : ATI Radeon 9500
Sound Card : Sound blaster Live
Storage : 40gb HD Primary and an 80gb HD Secondary
OS : Windows 98 SE (I know...I know...I'm upgrading remember)


I figure I can keep my Video and Sound card. Also my hard drives are both fine. I'll probably keep whats on my secondary, wipe my primary, and put XP Pro on there. I've also got a CD-R drive and a dvd player (Really crappy old ones, probably the very first dvd drive out there and the burner's max speed is 4x write, but they'll hold me over for now). So I'll really just need the following:

Case
Motherboard
Processor
RAM
Power Supply (Optional, the one I have now is fine though).

Please let me know your advice guys :). I really appreciate any help you can give me. Also, I'm indifferent to whether its AMD or Intel processors.

Also - This will be mainly used for a gaming machine.
 
well.. if it is a gaming machine, what games do you want to play? i don't have any games.. so i won't really be helpful there.. but it will help other people

anyways.. here is what i think...

all prices are approximate and off the top of my head

CPU
amd 2400+ 35watt = $90

Motherboard
(choose one of the following)
abit nf7 = $65
abit nf7-s = $85
shuttle an35 ultra = $55
dfi infinity = $90 ??

CPU HSF (someone else really should give you input here, becasue i haven't done my research)
Zalman 7000 = $40
thermalright silent something = $40

Memory (your choice)
Mushkin pc3200 512mb = $80
Crucial pc3200 512mb =$80

Case
Antec Sonata with 330w True power psu = $115

or..
PSU
$50+ Antec, Fortron, Sparkle, PC P+C psu.. (ask ice czar why you need to spend more thant $50 on a psu)

that should be it.. if you want more memory get it.. if you don't want a psu, dont get one..

what speed are your current hard drives? if they are 5200 rpm.. look at getting a new one..

oh yeah.. i forgot to add winXP into the price... $150 i think...

my computer in my sig was $600... hardware only..

you need to decide the case i think.... do you want a good one or a cheap one?
antec, coolermaster, lian li make good cases, but they cost $$ too..
 
Id say plan on $65 to $115 for a quality PSU on a new platform
if your seriously overclocking,
and I mean trying to get as high as possible $200
also if your running alot of drives Id suggest planning on the upper range ($100)

Waddaymean!! I need aa new PSU? or Why watts dont mean Jack
a complete mess currently, I'll see what I can do to make it more "readable" right now its a cut and paste collection from West Hell


Howdy Direwolf20
based on what you decide to upgrade to, use the calculator to determine your needs,
you may not need to upgrade the PSU considering the vintage of components
thats a +5V powered VRM board ;)
 
Yea, I realize now I'll need a new PSU. I'll plan for one.

Games - Well, doom 3 goes without saying :D , Probably gonna be doing WoW and EQ2, yada yada, HalfLife 2.

Also I don't really plan to do any modding or overclocking. Just a stock machine that'll run decently :). It doesn't have to be tweaked to the supreme with the best of the best. Just a high end decent machine that'll keep me happy and not destroy my bank account.

I definately appreciate all suggestions, and I'll look into what you guys have already suggested. Thanks!
 
well since you last bought there have been a few changes
new mobos use the +12V rail to power the Voltage Regulation Moduals (VRM)
that power the CPU, and the AGP cards also are supplemented off the +12V
and of course the drives use it too, and introduce instability when they need to spin up
(the draw being considerably more to overcome inertia than when they are spinning)
then there is the "situation" with specs on new boards,
the mobo manufacturers failing to implement the latest ATX12V spec on most boards,
and even failing to implement the VRM schemes recommended by Intel :rolleyes:

you can get a good supply that will do the job for $65 to $75 ;)
The Fortron 530 being my budget choice ;)
 
Thanks very much for all your help guys. I'll let you know what I decide to go with once I start buying :)
 
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