i have 2300 to spend what should i get?

[Moose311]

I was wondering if anyone had some ideas or improvements on the system im going to build? Total rebuild or mods or appreciated!

So far this is what I have


Western Digital Caviar 100GB, TDK 32x10x40x CDRW, VOYETRA TURTLE BEACH SANTA CRUZ, Logitech's THX certified Z560 4.1 surround sound system, GEFORCE4 TI4400 128MB, Crucial Micron 512MB...I?m not 2 sure about the motherboard or CPU.. Thinking about PB4266 board...or should I wait for the NEW Intel 845E chipset boards (533 Mhz).

 

[kuk]

Computers, beer and hookers.
Keeping in mind that we are computer nerds, blow it all on computers!

OK, now the real stuff ... what monitor are you going for? Most people overlook this part ... which I think is the most essencial. You can go Dual CRT, or big LCD. Also, look into a nice keyboard and mouse combo (Logitech has great ones). I'll let the mobo/CPU people answer the rest of your questions ...


Kuk

 

[murphy55d]

Athlon XP 2100+ and a Soyo Dragon Ultra motherboard. KT333

 

[AGodspeed]

Moose311, if you're going to overclock, then I'd suggest a 1.6A Pentium 4 Northwood-A processor and ASUS P4B266-C (i845 chipset) motherboard.

If you're not going to overclock, then I'd suggest an Athlon XP 1800+ (1.53GHz) processor and an ASUS A7S333 (SiS 745 chipset) motherboard.

I assume you don't wanted a motherboard with a lot of features. However, you can get an ASUS A7N266-VM (nForce 220-D chipset) motherboard for $76 (about $10 more than the A7S333) but it comes with LAN, sound, video, NIC, etc. You obviously don't need these features, but it's always nice to have them as backup when you swapping your parts in the future.

 

[microAmp]

I suggest the WD120JB

 

[CubicZirconia]

Athlon XP 2100+

On the amd side of the fence, I'd agree with AGodspeed. Don't spend a ton on the 2100, just get the 1800+ and overclock it. You'll get nearly identical performance and save yourself 100+ dollars.

 

[Gstanfor]

I agree with kuk.

Basically any new cpu & motherboard you get is going to be sufficient.

What you should really look at is:
* comfortable chair
* large, high quality monitor
* comfortable keyboard & mouse
* decent speaker system

These parts are all extremely important (they are how you interface with your machine afterall), yet they are almost always overlooked or skimped on.

If you still have money to spend afterwards, go and purchase some software. Even the best hardware is useless without software.

Greg

 

[Dormant]

Get a GIANT monitor.... if I had 2200 U.S. I would buy this:

$650 Samsung 1200NF (SyncMaster CRT 1200NF 22inch (20.0 Viewable) Monitor .24 mm horizontal dpi)
$110 Gigabyte GA7VRXP KT333 5PCI AGP4X DDR333 Audio USB2.0 UDMA133 LAN ATX - Retail
$92 AThlon XP1800
$178 CORSAIR MEMORY CMX512-2700C2 PC2700 DDR RAM 333MHz w/ Heat Spreader - OEM 64x64, Non-ECC, 184-Pin, CAS 2.0 -Unbuffered (FAST!)

Soundcard: GET A GAMETHEATER XP! I have used the Audigy, Live, Turtle... The GTXP is hands down my favorite due to the number of ports and quality of design + cool factor.

Video Card
I'd had an Nvidia card but the 2d sucked and I use my PC for a lot more than just games... Its too bad Nvidia Doesn't make one of these: ATI REMOTE WONDER I am connecting my ATI remote wonder through my 8500 128mb to a SONY VEGA 32inch TV My comp is in the basement but the Remote Wonder works through walls! ATI rocks!

Peripherals: Get a wireless logitech mouse/keyboard combo.... or just get a wireless keyboard and wired mouse but the keyboard is a MUST HAVE.

The Western Digi drive sounds good to me

P4 is too expensive to even consider.... Just think it could be the difference between a 19inch monitor and a 22inch monitor. Oh and if your a gamer dont buy an LCD! The refresh rates blow and you could buy a GIANT CRT for the same price as a small LCD.

CASE: Get this case: KOOLANCE!

 

[Dormant]

Originally posted by: Gstanfor
I agree with kuk.

Basically any new cpu & motherboard you get is going to be sufficient.

What you should really look at is:
* comfortable chair
* large, high quality monitor
* comfortable keyboard & mouse
* decent speaker system

These parts are all extremely important (they are how you interface with your machine afterall), yet they are almost always overlooked or skimped on.

If you still have money to spend afterwards, go and purchase some software. Even the best hardware is useless without software.

Greg

I agree with Greg on everything but the software... Like anyone pays for that stuff anymore