computer brand advice

[jdavis]

Here is the specs of the VPR I'm looking at: P4 2.5. MMz, 512 DDR RAM, 80 GB hard drive, 16x CD drive, 48x CDRW, geforce 2 32 MB video card, win XP, software bundle with MS office, CD burner software, keyboard, mouse. all for $999.00, Has everyting I want except have put in a better video card.

That is a pretty good deal, does it come with a monitor or a warranty? Even with no monitor that is a good deal. I would ask about the warranty before I went and opened it up to change out the video card, it might void it, of course they might switch them out there for you so as not to void it.

 

[KenM]

No monitor, I'll use the one I have now. Does has some warranty, and I will have them put in that better video card, just to be safe. And it has ventilation in the back. I hope to get a gforce 4 ti4600 128 ram.

 

[Silvanos]

Goto http://www.hardocp.com

Buy parts from http://www.newegg.com

Build it yourself. You will have a better understanding of how everything works, and you will save at least 25% off of what you are going to pay Comcrap, HP, or Dell.

Most parts bought this way have a one year warrenty, so you are not loosing anything there.

You can also get top of the line name brand parts. Compaq, Dell, and all the rest of the mass manufacture will use low quality/cheapest parts they can find, to keep the price down. By doing it yourself you get top of the line parts, good warrenty, and exactly what you want for less money.

If you are not comfortable with this... I can assure you that if you can screw in a light bulb, check your car's oil, and assemble that cheap type furnature you get at wal-mart, you are capable. For tech support, there are TONS of sites out there (like hardocp) that you can get free support from very smart people.

There you go, that is what I did. I have top of the line everything, and spent just over $800. (not including the monitor)

Be safe!
S

 

[Silvanos]

Just as an example, I just put this together. I did not do a lot of research on this, but this is from my memory of what was good when I put my current machine together in August. This is just an example! All items and prices are from Newegg.

Case: ANTEC SOLUTION SERIES MODEL SLK3700AMB w/ANTEC SMART POWER 350W P4/AMD POWER SUPPLY ATX12V – RETAIL $73.00
Mother Board: MSI Motherboard for Intel Pentium 4 Processors, Model# Intel 850E Max $132.00 (3 Year Warrenty)
Specifications:
CPU Supported: Socket 478 for Intel Pentium 4 processors
Chipset: Intel 850E
FSB: 533MHz
RAM: 4x RIMM sockets, supports 800 memory bus, 2GB max
Audio: CMI8738
Slots: 1x AGP(4X), 4x PCI, 1x CNR
Ports: USB 2.0 support, audio ports

Processor: Intel Pentium 4 / 2.8 GHz Northwood 512K Socket 478 Processor 533MHz Processor Bus Retail $381.00 (3 Year Warrenty)

RAM: CRUCIAL MICRON 512MB 64x64 PC 2700 DDR RAM $169.00
(This may not be the right type of memory, Crucial’s site is down, put in for a comparative price.)

Drives:
IBM 80GB 7200RPM Hard Drive Model # IC35L080AVVA07, Part # 07N9210 -120GXP OEM, $101.00

Floppy Drive about $7.00

Lite On 48x24x48 CDRW Model LTR-48246S Retail $53.99

Arctic Silver's NEW Premium Silver Polysynthetic Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 3. 3-gram( 1 cc. ) tube. $6.00


Video: Asus V9280S/TVD 128MB Geforce 4 TI4200 DDR **AGP8X* $221.00
Sound: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 – RETAIL $112.00
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1 - OEM Full Version $143.00
Other:
Logitech Cordless Comfort Duo BLACK $80.00 (High End Cordless Mouse
Logitech Z640 5.1 Speaker – RETAIL $67.00 (Speakers)
Ethernet Card or 56k Modem – 20.00

Total: 1565.00

Dimension 8250 2.8GHz P4/ 512 Ram / GF 4 Card (Not sure what TI, they did not say, go figure) 80 Gig HD/ CDRW / SB Audigy 2/ THX Speakers/ Dell Mouse and Keyboard/ No Monitor: Price… $2,407


If you went with an AMD, like I did, you will save 300 to 400 bucks on the price of the motherboard. They are very good, and I love mine. Intel is overpriced… But most people go with them anyways, cause they think they are better.

There you have it. Let me know if you have questions.

S

 

[KenM]

I would rather get it all together, I can put the video card in myself. I'm getting most of that stuff with that VPR package for $999.00, another $300.00 for TI 4600. But thanks for all your adice. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Silvanos]

Cool... Cool.

I do want to point out one thing. On the spec sheet for that, it does not list an AGP port, not a game port.

The game port is not important if you have a USB joystick, or don't need a joystick.

The AGP port missing worries me. I have a feeling they are using what is called an NForce clone motherboard. It has a GF2 built onto it. So it is not removable, just like the sound. If this is the case you will not be able to upgrade to a GF4 AGP.

You will surly want to check this with them before you hand over your green!

S

 

[KenM]

I checked the back, the gforce 2 card is in an AGP port. It has 6 USB hook ups, 4 in back, 2 on side. My sidewinder is USB.

 

[mojo1701]

At my school up here in Ontario, we have mostly Dells in the technology classes. On the network, they are so horrible. Even the new ones (GX-260s, I believe).

 

[Silvanos]

Sweet. That is not a bad deal at all then.

Good Luck!

Silva

 

[TheAuldGrump]

My VPR Matrix does in fact lack a gameport, USB is the way to go, it has a fair number of ports to support them. As for cooling, I've never had a problem, even on the hottest days, the roominess of the case really helps cooling. My only complaint, other than the gameport, is the silver finish on the mouse coming off. (How minor can you get....) Oh, and not having enough to complain about, sometimes it's rough being a Grump...

The Auld Grump