My Christmas Rig...yes...Christmas

[AMDawG1800]

I'm 13 years old and in the 8th grade. I plan on building my own rig for Christmas...I will have limited funds until the summer when I can get a job and will be 14. I want to build the best PC possible for the time with like $600.00. How do you think the rig is coming so far?

http://www.anandtech.com/systemrigs_update.html?rid=19493

 

[mrman3k]

You know buddy, for you processor I wouldn't count on anything right now. We do not know how Hammer will perform and who knows, it might be better to get some 3.1GHz P4 or something like that. So just keep reading reviews and when it gets closer to the time post another thread and we can give you some good specifics on what to put in the system.

Good luck!

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

I agree if you are going to be building it at christmas you are going to be dealing with totally different stuff. I suggest you read up on how to build a computer and how to overclock it so you know how to do that before christmas comes. Then a month or two before christmas ask again.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: BuddyAtBzboyz
I agree if you are going to be building it at christmas you are going to be dealing with totally different stuff. I suggest you read up on how to build a computer and how to overclock it so you know how to do that before christmas comes. Then a month or two before christmas ask again.

Yep. I wouldn't start considering parts until the first of November at the earliest.

 

[Wolfsraider]

Originally posted by: AMDawG1800
I'm 13 years old and in the 8th grade. I plan on building my own rig for Christmas...I will have limited funds until the summer when I can get a job and will be 14. I want to build the best PC possible for the time with like $600.00. How do you think the rig is coming so far?

http://www.anandtech.com/systemrigs_update.html?rid=19493

the link is broken hence i am no help but welcome aboard and list your specs here you will get better responses by having the information included

hope this helps
mike

 

[mcveigh]

link fixed

your planning too far out.

and what the hell is with win98 as your OS?

go XP pro, you can find it for $100.00 in fs/ft

 

[bravesfan258]

I can't see the proposed specs, but I also started planning my 'Christmas' computer around August of last year and can offer some buying advice.

I think most folks are right that you shouldn't even think of buying the processor or video card at this point - prices/technology will be vastly better in just a few months time for these componenets.

That being said, I think it makes sense to start looking for hot deals on things like cases, power supplies, RAM, and CDRW/DVD drives. These components aren't subject to "Moore's law" type impovements, so if you see a good deal now, I say jump on it.

For example, I picked up a 32X Lite-on (Cendyne) burner from Staples last week for $15 delivered. I know I'll be perfectly content with this come December, even if they come out with 58X burners between now and then. Also, look for sales on cases/power supplies at Best Buy/CC/CUSA etc. These go on sale every couple of months, and you can save $30-40 there. RAM prices fluctuate unpredictably, but Circuit city/office depot/etc have been offering 256 meg DDR sales for around $25-$35 recently. I'd jump on these now - even if RAM prices drop to free you're only out $25, but it's quite possible RAM could be going for $100+ come christmas.

Just my $.02. Good luck with the build.