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 ]

[Kamog]

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. Thanks, Ruatha.

[Ruatha]

Originally posted by Kamog:
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. Thanks, Ruatha.

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!

[Hunkpapa]

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.

[Iron Giant]

Originally posted by Hunkpapa:
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.

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 ]

[kalthalior]

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

[Instar]

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