Re: OT: computers
 

Cool! I just learned a new word: "prestanda"! I'll try to work it into a conversation tomorrow when I talk to my co-workers: "Hey, my new computer has more prestanda than yours." or "How can I increase the prestanda on this PC here?" It will surely confuse them. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Thanks, Ruatha.

Re: OT: computers
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You're welcome!
You can use it in many different fields, cars, all type of things producing some sort of result.

What is the equalent english word? I'll have to check the Swedish-English word book when I get home!

Re: OT: computers
 

Thank you for all the help.

I really don't think I am up for the challenge of building my own just yet...all I have really done with mine is upgrade the RAM, CD and replace the modem. Just seems like there is too much I need to know before doing it and I would be clueless as to how to fix and keep it running smoothly.

Compaq cannot even keep my computer running smoothly.

It looks like Dell is the computer for me. If only I could afford that kick-*** Alien one.

Re: OT: computers
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, don't get over your head, but really, your almost there with what you've done already....

How about this: post your current system specs and maybe you could just upgrade the one you have and save a bundle. That will give you the confidence you need to build your own from scratch the next time.

Once you've got the confidence you'll figure out why you don't have any respect for the Compaq people: the home built computers are the best. Once you've started designing and building your own, you'll figure out what Compaq does wrong and you'll never buy a prefab again...

[ April 02, 2003, 15:35: Message edited by: Iron Giant ]

Re: OT: computers
 

If you go for a brandname pc, I would go Dell, or (maybe) Gateway. The first pc I bought was from TigerDirect, they sell both parts and preconfigured systems, you could give them a try as well, have purchased only parts from them since that first pc.

TigerDirect

Should you or anyone else be looking for parts, this is a good site:

Parts site

Re: OT: computers
 

Problem with using pricewatch is that you end up buying all your parts from varying sources... sending shipping through the roof. Also, many companies hold fire sales or whatever just to get the lowest price on pricewatch

Re: OT: computers
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You're welcome!
You can use it in many different fields, cars, all type of things producing some sort of result.

What is the equalent english word? I'll have to check the Swedish-English word book when I get home!</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">There are lots of word translators on the internet. I found one from Google but not all the formatting copied over:

Swedish entry word
prestanda [�prest'an:da] noun
plural det som kan presteras (av en maskin), prestationsf�rm�ga

English translation
performance

Examples
bilen har goda prestanda---the car has good performance

Slick.

Re: OT: computers
 

Okay I tried to figure out to the best of my ability what I have.

Bought an off the shelf Compaq Presario 7470.

Processor AMD-K5-2 533Mhz
Upgraded to 512 168 pin DIMM SDRAM
I have 1 CD-R drive and space for a 2nd but no corresponding hook-up for the wire inside unless I pull the 3.5 floppy.
20 GB memeory
I couldn't find out much more but did come across this information

VIA Tech 3038 PCI ?motherboard?
Board ID 648
Base Board 0648h

I e-mailed compaq to send me a part list, we'll see if I get it if so I will post it.

Here is what I want to do/have...

faster system/better processor
Have a 2nd disk drive for easier copying of disks
Install and ehternet card
Upgrade to WinXP
And possibly upgrade my hard disk space to 40 or 60 GB.

I will use it for gaming*, internet surfing, wordprocessing, digital photography and CD-burning

And suggestions...and again thank you.

*SEIV, Alpha Centauri, Jagged Alliance, etc., no 3-D/FPS games more strategy/sim based

Re: OT: computers
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Is there space in the case for an additional hard disk? It would be a shame to lose the 20 gig in an upgrade.
Is there a PCI slot avaiable in the case and motherboard for a network card?
What is the Wattage output of the powersupply? (230w - 250w - 300w - 350w - 400w)
What is your video card?

Random, off the top of my head idea:

AMD 1800+ - 512mb ram - new Motherboard (this is dependant on the powersupply being compatible and capable)
$150
Generic Network card
$30
Windows XP
$100
60 Gig hard disk installed as D:
$75
Good case fan well placed to increase air flow in the case
$20

$375 and that includes shipping. It saves your 20 gig and your burner and your video card and gives you a reason do do it yourself.

Even better idea if you can afford it: Do the above AND buy a brand name computer so you have 2 computers. When you are building a computer and don't have one thats already working, you tend to cut corners to save time.

*WARNING* I can't help you if something goes wrong. None of these parts will have a warranty to speak of (some RAM and processors are 30 days!). If you need a computer to do your job, or if you don't think its worth learning to do this yourself, buy a full computer.

Re: OT: computers
 

I think Hunkpappa would have too much upgrading to do to make it worth while.
My old AMD-K6 was not worth the effort because it was an AT format case, not the AT-X case.
The AT connectors and their locations are different from the AT-X, so the keyboard, power supply, and case can not be reused. (motherboard upgrade).

Maybe you can keep it as a second system and drop a network card in it.
Then you could play SEIV head to head. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
Or maybe you can give it to a poorer relative, like I did.

Check out this link:
http://www.pcclub.com/systems_config...p&bomid=EN-ME6

Less money, but I suggest you upgrade the memory and hardrive a little...
http://www.pcclub.com/systems_config...p&bomid=EN-PF4

These system do not come with a monitor.
My old monitor was not plug-n-play and that became too much of a setup pain.

The hardrive can be partitioned. The system will act like each partition is a seperate drive.

I hope I am helping you...

[ April 03, 2003, 16:03: Message edited by: Wardad ]