Pick out components of my next POKER computer get $25

[RED_RAIN]

I have always found let people do what they are good at. So I'm passing this on to those who know more.

This will be up to me on who wins. If many people help out perhaps there will be more than one winner.

I'm looking to get a new computer setup. I am currently on a super nice laptop but want a desktop setup too.

What I'm looking for:

- Price is of a concern but not to the point that I get crap
- I want 2 LCD (Dell 2001FP come to mind)
- Video card stuff to support these 2 monitors
- I don't need a mouse, will need keyboard (do I need something special?)
- Not too much into gaming, more important is performance of applications such as pokertracker, running lots of different programs at once
- Probably 1 - 2 gigs of RAM
- You tell me why I need intel or amd and which model to get (I don't need the best one out)
- You tell me where to buy it (must be good reputable place)
- I will need all the components as I won't buy a prepackage Dell or HP type computer so I need to know the motherboard etc.
- I need to know a "why" on each part of why this particular one compared to others
- Put price next to each part including shipping and then put total amount at bottom.

Anything else please ask. I will be buying this in 2 weeks or less.

[smartalecc5]

2 Things that would be useful:

coupon code: LFV3HW4S6XH7CP Save 30% on any Dell 2001FP
coupon code: FQJ433X70912SP Save 25% on any Dimension Desktop purchase of $999 or more.

[img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[SippinSoma]

What site is this code for and why weren't you there for me when I bought mine?

[handsome]

I'm gonna be listing a lot of Newegg products for you to read the reviews. If you don't know, Newegg is arguably the #1 site in computer hardware (good products, quick shipping and excellent customer support).

CASE:
Choosing a case is like choosing a car. Get one that fits your preferences because you're gonna be looking at it every day and it's gonna last you a while. If you're the type that drives an Escalade with 20" spinner rims, get this case ($59). If you're the type that drives a black G35, check this out ($109). If you're the type that drives a riced out Honda Civic with flame decals on the side, here ($46). If you're the type that drives a Mini Cooper or a Volkswagen Beetle, this is a cute barebone system that you can carry around ($208). Well, you get the idea. No one should tell you what car to drive, and the same applies to computer cases.

MOTHERBOARD:
You absolutely cannot go wrong with the Asus A7N8X-E ($96). This is the deluxe version of the A7N8X series mobos that Asus makes. Includes onboard audio and onboard LAN. Very solid, easy to install and it fits in all of the cases I listed besides the barebone system. Also more cost efficient (more bang for your buck) than going the Intel route.

PROCESSOR:
The motherboard dictates the type of processor you get, and assuming you get the Asus I mentioned, I suggest you get the AMD 3200+ ($190). Or if you're experienced with overclocking, you could overclock a 2400+ ($80) for similar performance.

RAM:
2 sticks of Crucial 512MB RAM ($42 each). Unless you do some serious video editing or graphics, you won't need more.

VIDEO CARD:
Here's a dual DVI card ($159 w/ rebate) for your dual 2001fp needs.

DVD BURNER:
When it comes to DVD burners, the difference in brands and models is marginal. Here's a good one ($50) or if you get a beige case, here.

HARD DRIVE:
If you're gonna get a new one, it doesn't really matter what HD you get. Here's a 120GB HD ($80) for example. HD's are getting so cheap these days per gig that if you wanted to get an extra 80GB, it'd only be $20 more. Some people say Seagates are unreliable, others would bet the farm on it. If you're really paranoid, do some research on the different brands or if you're paranoid and lazy, just get a Western Digital.

OTHER [censored]:
You're gonna need some thermal compound ($8) to put on the processor. All necessary IDE cables and power cables are included with the motherboard, HD, burner, case, etc. If you need one: floppy drive ($10, though you probably don't need one). You do not need fans unless you plan to overclock, in which case you know what to get. As for a keyboard, I personally love [censored] like this ($24) but it really depends on your taste.

COSTS:
Case: ~$50-200
Mobo: $96
CPU: $190
RAM: $84
Video: $159
DVD: $50
HD: $80-100
Thermal Compound: $8
Keyboard: $24
TOTAL: $741-911.

After shipping you're gonna spend $800-$1,000. If you don't like some of the stuff I recommended, check out Newegg. Whew, this took my mind off of finals for about an hour. Good luck

[Redd]

[ QUOTE ]
What site is this code for and why weren't you there for me when I bought mine?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm guessing because you weren't paying $25 for it. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[SippinSoma]

I wouldn't have thought this would have been less -EV. Nh.

[RED_RAIN]

1. Thank you.
2. I am not going to overclock.
3. If I want to hook up speakers don't I need a sound card? Pick one out?
4. Can you list out maybe some even bigger hard drives. Remember performance is key so not sure if you gotta find ones with good cache etc.
5. Also please factor in best price for 2 2001FP monitors.

[bicyclekick]

Most good motherboards have onboard sound that is good enough. It's what I use fwiw. I had audigy for a bit but it was buggering my computer up, so i thought.

[bicyclekick]

Hard drive: Maxtor 200 gig SATA 150.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144357

You NEED SATA. SOOOOOOO much faster that regular ATA 133.

[AncientPC]

In terms of components I'm prioritizing for best bang for the buck.

Case
Antec SL3700AMB - $67
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...122&depa=1
Antec Sonata - $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...127&depa=0
CoolerMaster - $118, no PSU, also comes in silver
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...031&depa=0
Lian Li PC-6077 - $109, no PSU

PSU
Pick some random Antec 400W+ PSU, make sure it has a 24-pin connector to save yourself problems in the future.

20-pin + 4-pin Molex works for some 24-pin motherboards, doesn't work properly for other ones. 20-pin -> 24-pin adaptors can cause problems because they draw more power on the existing +12V rail than what it was designed for.

Here's an example:
Antec TruePower2 430W PSU $89
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103928

CPU
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice core $149
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103536

Venice > Winchester core. You'll be able to get dual channel with all 4 DIMM slots filled up in additional to higher overhead for OC'ing. Venice core costs $1 more than Winchester. Running at stock they're both exactly the same.

CPU Fan:
Zalman CNPS700B $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118112

Very quite fan, very effective.

Motherboard
MSI K8N $142
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130484

DFI Lanparty has RAM issues for some people, Gigabyte GA-K8N only has passive cooling for chipset, Asus A8N-E lacks firewire.

Memory
Kingston HyperX 1GB PC3200 DDR $115 - $25 rebate = $90
http://shop1.outpost.com/product/3746176

Video card
Radeon x700 256MB DDR $149
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131304

Geforce 6600GT 128MB $179
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814145117

Both will work with the above mobo, both have dual DVI outputs.

Keyboard
Go to a B&M store and decide on a keyboard you like (Microsoft or Logitech), then buy something similar for cheaper online.

Total: (assuming Cooler Master + PSU and Radeon x700) = $777 + $60 SH (guesstimation) + tax for CA = $837 + tax

You have to pick me, my system added up to $777. That's a sign from the computer gods.

Edit:
For Dell2001FP you can get them for ~$500 off eBay or wait for a Dell deal to drop them lower.

HDD
For hdd's, I'd stay away from Maxtor. Their latest batches have been cropping up with problems (I used to be a big Maxtor fan). I'd go with a Seagate or WD. SATA > PATA, but SATA2 is completely unnecessary.

I'd search for a FatWallet.com deal, otherwise I'd buy off Newegg.com.

WD 200GB 8MB Cache SATA 150 $104
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...53#DetailSpecs

Optical drive
NEC ND-3520A DVD+/-RW burner $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...n=nec+nd-3520a

Speakers
Logitech Z-3 2.1 $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836121116

Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836121121

Higher end you would probably want to go Klipsch.