I have 2-2001FP and NO computer - Help me buy/build one $?

[RED_RAIN]

I just got 2-2001FPs and want to get a computer to go along with it.

I use my computer for pretty much just poker then the average computer use. No need for the best graphics, video gaming, movies, or the top of the line processing. I will need a graphics card that can support my 2 2001fps, not sure if I need DVI for both. Just want something that is stable and won't get bogged down by lots of applications open. I'm guessing 1 gig of ram, 120 gig hard drive is probably enough but if it's cheap I could go more, don't see even why I need more than 60. I don't need a modem, I have some computer speakers but don't need top of the line audio card, already got the logitec 1000mx mouse, need keyboard, got a backup 160 gig external hard drive, usb 4-port thingy, web cam etc. So I wouldn't mind like 4 USB ports as I'm not sure how much I harm it by using an external 4-1. A little help would be greatly appreciated by computer wizzes who know what I need to buy from where, I assume newegg is a good choice. Please put exact model names and/or numbers.

I would like to get all this by latest a week or two.

[AtlBrvs4Life]

If you're interested in building a computer here are a couple of sites you need to check out. I built my computer using advice from these sites over 2 years ago and it is still running great.

www.hardocp.com (http://www.hardocp.com)
www.overclockers.com (http://www.overclockers.com)

[handsome]

Budget?

[RED_RAIN]

Last time I tried, I think it all cost around $800-$1000. That sounds pretty good. I'm open to see what others think.

[CLC]

I built this system earlier this year, and must say I have been VERY pleased. I purchased the components from NewEgg.Com. Total shipped cost was just under $900.00.
I've included part description, NewEgg part # and price (at time I purchased).

1) Broadway Com Corp 9968 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 550W Power Supply - Retail Item #: N82E16811162029 $63.50
2) DFI LANPARTY UT 915P-T12 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 915P ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Item #: N82E16813136145 $143.00
3) JATON Video-228PCI-Twin Geforce FX5200 128MB DDR PCI Video Card - Retail Item #: N82E16814139144 $77.00
4) Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 SATA NCQ ST3160827AS-RK 160GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - Retail Item #: N82E16822148069 $125.00
5) Intel Pentium 4 640 Prescott 800MHz FSB LGA 775 EM64T Processor Model BX80547PG3200F - Retail Item #: N82E16819116197 $286.99
6) TwinMOS 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4300) Unbuffered System Memory Model TM533/1GB - OEM Item #: N82E16820218202 $151.99

[RED_RAIN]

Is a PCI video card better than an AGP slot card?

What type of slot is D-Sub? Not DVI right?

No, a PCI card shares the PCI bus with all the other PCI cards, on top of that (and because of that) it has less inherent throughput.

Though a PCI Express card has greater throughput than an AGP card and often times are slightly cheaper for the same thing, but understand that a PCI-express card DOES NOT fit in a standard PCI slot.

D-Sub is your standard VGA video connection that has been on computers for years. Often it is blue in color and always trapazoidal (is that a word?).

[ QUOTE ]
1) Broadway Com Corp 9968 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 550W Power Supply - Retail Item #: N82E16811162029 $63.50
2) DFI LANPARTY UT 915P-T12 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 915P ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Item #: N82E16813136145 $143.00
3) JATON Video-228PCI-Twin Geforce FX5200 128MB DDR PCI Video Card - Retail Item #: N82E16814139144 $77.00
4) Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 SATA NCQ ST3160827AS-RK 160GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - Retail Item #: N82E16822148069 $125.00
5) Intel Pentium 4 640 Prescott 800MHz FSB LGA 775 EM64T Processor Model BX80547PG3200F - Retail Item #: N82E16819116197 $286.99
6) TwinMOS 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4300) Unbuffered System Memory Model TM533/1GB - OEM Item #: N82E16820218202 $151.99

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a dazzling, if not ironic, menagrie of quality parts sprinkled with utter crap. Broadway Com? Jaton? TwinMOS? Who?

Pick up a new power supply. You're going to need it.

[kenberman]

[ QUOTE ]
I use my computer for pretty much just poker then the average computer use. No need for the best graphics, video gaming, movies, or the top of the line processing. I will need a graphics card that can support my 2 2001fps, not sure if I need DVI for both. Just want something that is stable and won't get bogged down by lots of applications open

[/ QUOTE ]

just buy a mid-range Dell. 5100 I think should be fine. set you back $5-$600.

you could also build a machine, but unless you think this would be an interesting project, or you want a great PC (which you don't), I advise against it.

[hedgeyerbets]

TwinMos is high quality ram. Samsung chips for areally good price back when I bought mine...

[RED_RAIN]

I was thinking about just going this route too. I don't care about building it myself or for amusement. Just want something and if it would save a lot, I'll build it, if not, I'll just buy it prebuilt. Any opinions on brand? I've always had dell but heard good things about hp and compaqs.

[kenberman]

[ QUOTE ]
I was thinking about just going this route too. I don't care about building it myself or for amusement. Just want something and if it would save a lot, I'll build it, if not, I'll just buy it prebuilt. Any opinions on brand? I've always had dell but heard good things about hp and compaqs.

[/ QUOTE ]

the big savings for building computers generally comes in when you're building top quality machines.

I was super cheap when I built mine (buying some used (but good) parts, signing up for store credit cards, etc), and spent about $275. now my motherboard (bought new) is physically busted, and I have an 90% working PC that is very tempremental.

the best route - if you don't mind doing a little reselling - is to buy a monitor/PC package from Dell when a good coupon comes along, and sell the monitor. I just picked up a nice Dimension 9100 (160gd, dvd burner, pentium D, 1GB ram, basic video card, windows MC) for about $400 this way.

re: brands, theres not much difference between those that you mention.

[grandgnu]

methinks I remember this Red Rain fellow awhile back posting an offer of $25 for whomever helped him put together a good system for his needs. Numerous posters (including myself) took our time and knowledge to research various components and offer suggestions in the thread, via email and via PM, and I don't believe anyone ever saw the $25.

If I'm mistaken Red, I apologize, but I'm pretty certain it was you. I believe it might be in the archive somewhere, it was too long ago to show up under your most recent posts.

"Where's my two dollars!" /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[RED_RAIN]

Yes that was me, but I then decided I didn't want the computer yet. I didn't have the monitors and didn't see them coming anytime soon.

Now that I have them, I'm looking for an updated copy of stuff.

I'll throw out the same $25.

[grandgnu]

[ QUOTE ]
Yes that was me, but I then decided I didn't want the computer yet. I didn't have the monitors and didn't see them coming anytime soon.

Now that I have them, I'm looking for an updated copy of stuff.

I'll throw out the same $25.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that doesn't negate that many people did lots of research on your behalf under the assumption they'd be eligible for the $25. Because you changed your mind doesn't nullify the work that was done.

Well, I'll trust that you're honest enough to admit to it here, so hopefully whomever finds the right setup for you will be rewarded justly. Right now it would be -EV for me to do the research, these Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo tables "sure be juicy!"

Best of luck finding the right system for you (goes back to his lone Dell 20" 2001FP)

[handsome]

I assumed you didn't want to overclock.

1. Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice (Socket 939) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103535) $190
2. Motherboard: Chaintech VNF4/Ultra ATX mobo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813152049) $76
3. RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB PC 3200 RAM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440) $84.50
4. Video card: eVGA 6800GT Dual DVI PCI-e card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130215) $289
5. Hard drive: WD 74GB 10K Raptor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144160) $169
6. Case: Antec Life Style SONATA Case w/ 380W PSU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129127) $100

Total: $908.50 (before shipping)

[grandgnu]

[ QUOTE ]
I assumed you didn't want to overclock.

1. Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice (Socket 939) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103535) $190
2. Motherboard: Chaintech VNF4/Ultra ATX mobo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813152049) $76
3. RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB PC 3200 RAM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440) $84.50
4. Video card: eVGA 6800GT Dual DVI PCI-e card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130215) $289
5. Hard drive #1: WD 36.7GB 10K Raptor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144200) $116
6. Hard drive #2: Seagate Barracuda 250GB 7200RPM HD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148065) $108
7. Case: Antec Life Style SONATA Case w/ 380W PSU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129127) $100

Total: $963.50

[/ QUOTE ]

Before shipping.

[RED_RAIN]

This does look interesting. Do I really need two harddrives or were you putting in as options? How much would the 10k RPM really help me out in giving up space? Will the AMD fare well against a P4 setup?

[grandgnu]

[ QUOTE ]
This does look interesting. Do I really need two harddrives or were you putting in as options? How much would the 10k RPM really help me out in giving up space? Will the AMD fare well against a P4 setup?

[/ QUOTE ]

the Western Digital Raptor runs at 10,000 rpm's and as your primary drive you should see some performance boost because of it (a lot of heavy gamers will utilize two Raptors in a RAID configuration for optimal performance)

The 2nd drive is mentioned because the Raptors are expensive per GB compared with a standard 7,200rpm hard drive.

Many people have good things to say about Western Digital, but I stick with Seagate. While they can't match the performance of the Raptor drives, they still perform just fine, and their reliability beats out crappy Maxtor and not-always consistant Western Digital.

AMD cpu's have been besting Intel lately, especially for gaming. Intel does well in multi-tasking applications though, so you might consider them if you'll be running Poker Tracker and various other intensive applications at the same time (or better yet, get the AMD 3800+ dual-core processor instead)

I have an Intel right now, but my future rig will be AMD.

[RED_RAIN]

Final computer line up, any objections?

Building off of the comments here is what I got and almost ready to buy unless anyone tells me good reason not to:

NEC Black IDE DVD Burner Model ND-3540A - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827152047) $39.98

Antec Solution SLK3000-B Black Computer Case - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811129152) $49.00

SAMSUNG Black Internal Floppy Drive Model SFD321B/LBL1 - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16821103203) $7.99

Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144154) $115.00

CHAINTECH VNF4/Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813152049) $76.00

CHAINTECH Geforce 6600 SA6600 Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814145112) $122.00

ENERMAX EG425P-VE SFMA 2.0 420W Power Supply - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817103459) $64.99

ASPIRE CF12S 120mm Cooling Fan - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811998127) $5.00

CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145440) $84.50

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103535) $190.00

Total with shipping: $799.31

Anyone know of any coupons I can add?

[grandgnu]

I object! Get a Seagate hard drive instead of Western Digital. Other than that, looks ok (I don't have much experience with ChainTech, can't really comment on the mobo)

Also, the graphics card you're getting is a non-GT version, so don't expect great gaming. You should still be able to play games on medium settings.

I don't buy games with gee-whiz graphics so I can play them at medium settings though. You might be able to get a better graphics card for a little more money on Ebay.

[RED_RAIN]

I am not really into gaming anymore, just want to be able to support my two monitors without problems. I was trying to stick to newegg since it's all in one place then and comes together and seems to have a good reputation.

[grandgnu]

I like newegg as well. Their prices and/or shipping aren't always the best, but they have excellent selection and great service.

I still recommend you snag a Seagate instead of Western Digital, much more reliable.

[kenberman]

[ QUOTE ]
I am not really into gaming anymore, just want to be able to support my two monitors without problems. I was trying to stick to newegg since it's all in one place then and comes together and seems to have a good reputation.

[/ QUOTE ]

that card is more than you need to simply support 2 monitors.

it still looks an awful lot like the Dell I bought for $400 less /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[RED_RAIN]

[ QUOTE ]
that card is more than you need to simply support 2 monitors.

it still looks an awful lot like the Dell I bought for $400 less

[/ QUOTE ]

Does anyone else agree or disagree that what I'm getting is worth the price difference?

[grandgnu]

Dell sucks monkeyballs. That's the truth!

Over 1,000 ratings and it's below 5 points out of 10. Dell Ratings At ResellerRatings.com (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1867.html)

[MyMindIsGoing]

Alot of noice for alot of money that is for sure.

[kenberman]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
that card is more than you need to simply support 2 monitors.

it still looks an awful lot like the Dell I bought for $400 less

[/ QUOTE ]

Does anyone else agree or disagree that what I'm getting is worth the price difference?

[/ QUOTE ]

it really depends on what "worth it" means to you. if you still want a computer as described in your OP, then no, it's not worth it to build this machine. if you are particularly interested in some of those components you've picked (which I doubt), or the ability to do somewhat easier upgrades in the future, then your custom build may be worth it.


also, you probably need to figure the cost of buying Windows, which comes included on (almost?) every Dell.

put it this way - the CPU in my PC sells on Newegg for $240. I think I got a sweet deal.

there is some work involved both ways - I had to sell a monitor, and you'll have to build a PC. at least with Dell, I got a year warranty.

you could also just buy one on Ebay, which can sometimes be cheaper than buying from Dell directly

[RED_RAIN]

Thanks all for the help, I am going to go ahead and buy the setup I last posted.

[CLC]

feel so strongly about the "crap" that I used to build my system. I spoke with a couple of friends in the IT department about the items used and they said that they had good experiences. I have had the system running virtually EVERY day for 8 to 14 hours a day for 8 months now, and have NO problems what-so-ever.

It was merely a suggestion. Personal opinion is just that.

At least there was something in the system that you thought worthwhile, although I am not sure what that might have been. /images/graemlins/grin.gif /images/graemlins/grin.gif