OT: computers

[Instar]

Here is what you do (take it from me, I am a computer programmer!! Woot):
Go to www.tomshardware.com
Read some reviews, find a "do it yourself" page. You can really learn a lot in a short amount of time.
Next, go to www.newegg.com they are the best retailer of parts I have ever known.
Order parts.
Build computer.
I have had great success with the following companies' parts:
For motherBoards, MSI, I have heard that Gigabyte is good, couple others I cannot remember. Just make sure the processor socket on the motherboard is the same as the processor you want, and that the RAM sockets is the same kind as you are going to buy too. If you want extra USB ports, motherBoards can have them.
For processors, I am a fan of Intel myself, but AMDs are good too. I just rather get Intels, because they are usually the best supported and the fastest.
Crucial, Kingston, and I have heard that OCZ are all good brands of RAM (I have heard horror stories about dirt cheap RAM, so you cannot trust the low bidder)
Video cards is pretty much how much you want to spend. Top of the line is NVidia FX, very expensive and very loud. Tomshardware has excellent comparison charts.
For a sound card, I only buy Creative. There really is not much competition. Get an Audigy2 and you will have top notch quality (at a high price, depending on which model)
I prefer Plextor CD-RWs, and I would wait on getting a DVD-RW drive. They are expensive and there is 2 standards that need sorted out first.
I should go into business by making custom PCs. Itd be fun.

Edit: I forgot about powersupplies. Basically, more is good, and the most you'll ever need is maybe 350 to 400W, but there are many cheapo brands out there. I think Chieftec and Antec are good brands, but I cannot remember.

[ April 02, 2003, 04:46: Message edited by: Instar ]