|
|
|
New PC, 3000-3500 Canadian
|
|
|
MadSkillz
Newbie
|
31. May 2004 @ 21:38 |
Link to this message
|
|
Im thinking of getting a new PC soon as my current one is getting ancient..Im willing to spend bout 3000-3500 Canadian (thats all i got lol)What do you guys think I should get..? Oh and I have no clue as to how to build a computer and no clue how to overclock..So would want to buy it..
This Dell Dimension XPS looks not too bad for $3500 Canadian
-Pentium 4 3.4GHz w/800MHz FSB, HT Technology (I know the AMD 64 ones are faster)
-1GB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz
-160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
-8x DVD+RW Drive (Burns CDs 32x)
-16x DVD-ROM
-256MB DDR ATi RADEON 9800 XT
-Sound Blaster Audigy 2
So what should I be going for here, with specified price range, similar/better specs to the xps
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
|
cozza1987
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
31. May 2004 @ 23:04 |
Link to this message
|
|
Hey
$3,000 - $3,500 Canadian (about the same in AUD) is plenty for a New Computer.
I wouldnt touch a Pre-built computer from Dell, Compaq, HP etc... with a 10 foot pole.
I have been building my computers for several years aswell as for other people. It works out alot cheaper and u can get it to wat the customer wants.
Your best bet is 2 go down to ur local small comptuer shop and give them a rough idea you want and get prices.
Praetor is in Canada... You might be near him, he could built u a sweet computer for that amount, im sure. :D
That computer does sound like a sweet comptuer, but my personal preference is not with a computer from large companies like that as they give u all crap shit and its never to the specifications you want.
I could build basically the same as you said below for $1800 (Tower Only) or $3,200 with 19" LCD, Wireless Keyboard/Optical Mouse, 7.1 Speakers... And Still have Change.
The only good thing really about the packages you get software... But they throw is crappy OEM stuff that they would get as cheap as...
Regards
CoZZa
#ad_buddies ... come and have a chat
SERVER: /server irc.addictz.net:6667
CHANNEL: /join #ad_buddies
 |
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
1. June 2004 @ 06:17 |
Link to this message
|
Madskillz, nice proposed specs although you forgot the mobo :p in any case, here's something to worth with:
CPU
Intel NorthwoodC p4-3. 4 ($630 CAD)
MOBO
ASUS p4c800 deluxe ($250 CAD)
A solid canterwood board, the asus boards offer the most performance (by a non-trivial margin) of all the Canterwood boards). http://usa.asus.com/products/mb/socket478/p4c800-d/overview.htm
MEMORY
ocz pc3700eb platinum 3-[2-3]-2-8 ($550 CAD)
although i'm traditionally a corsair guy, this is some very nice memory indeed. http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/OCZ_DDR_PC-3700_Platinum_Enhanced_Bandwidth_Dual_Channel
OPTICAL
Plextor px712as ($300 CAD)
I dont know why you would want to burn at 32x .... Cds are just not reliable after 24x (some would argue 16x) ot to mention burning copy-protected backups is a pain in the arse to do that fast. In either case, I dont know of a single dvdburner, +, - or both that does 32x. Which is why I reccomend this one since its of the few 2-sheep rated dvd burners on the market -- and exceeds the spec without busting your budget. Http://www. Plextor. Com/english/products/712sa. Htm
Pioneer DVD120 ($35 CAD)
your run of the mill, basic dvdrom. Nothing special here. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_17573129_2000827,00.html
VIDEO
ATI Radeon 9800xt 256mb ($650 CAD)
a solid card in all respects. Shouldnt be a dissapointment. http://usa.asus.com/products/vga/r9800xt/overview.htm
SOUND
Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZA Platinum Pro ($300 CAD)
a very sweet soundcard especially with the breakout box and remote control. Http://www. Soundblaster. Com/products/audigy2zs_platinum_pro/
HDD
Hitatchi Desktar 160GB 7K250 ($190)
A sweet drive by arguably the best harddrive manufacturer in the world. Doesnt get much better. http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/desk/7k250.html
HSF
Thermaltake DIY Tower112 ($80 CAD)
an excellent cooler, you can either rig this up with two volcanos for extreme cooling or two silentboosts for quiet cooling. Http://www. Thermaltake. Com/coolers/combocool/cl-p0024tower112/cl-p0024tower112.
PSU
DiabloTek 550W ($85 CAD)
550 watts .... two massive fans (not often do you find a full sized 80mm fan in PSUs, often they are low profile). Premodded. http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=541436&Sku=D15-1000
COOLING
Vantec Vortex ($50 CAD)
I picked this over the Thermaltake because it has a much sleeker, less "teenybopper" kinda look to it and that it has a crossflow blower. http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=674609&Sku=V13-1000&CatId=495
CHASSIS
Chemning 601AE ($100 CAD)
A very common tower for a good reason (and you'll have the hardware to boot). Comes with a 400W PSU although I dont know the make of it so you may or may not want to get the DiabloTek PSU. http://www.chenming.com/601ae/601ael.htm
NET COST
$3220 before taxes, $3703 after taxes.
Ok so I breached the $3500 upper ceiling but I spec'd out a far superior system and you can easily drop the price by dropping the DiabloTek PSU and/or not getting the absolute top of the line soundcard (not to mention i spec'd MORE than you did :P)
|
|
MadSkillz
Newbie
|
1. June 2004 @ 06:21 |
Link to this message
|
|
That looks sweet and all but I havent the clue as to how to build a computer.. So how would I be able to get something like you just said?
|
|
cozza1987
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
1. June 2004 @ 06:23 |
Link to this message
|
|
Nice.....
Notice neither of you mentions a Monitor, KB+M Spks etc.... lol
Regards
CoZZa
#ad_buddies ... come and have a chat
SERVER: /server irc.addictz.net:6667
CHANNEL: /join #ad_buddies
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
1. June 2004 @ 06:26 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
That looks sweet and all but I havent the clue as to how to build a computer..
Hmmmm that would be a problem now wouldnt it?
If you have some computer buddies who wouldnt mind building you one free of charge that would prolly be best but worst case, find yourself a small computer store somewhere (ones where the prices are already cash discounted) and get to a decent working relationship with the fellow and they prolly wont charge so much for assembly.
Alternatively you could try building it yourself... like I said before, get a working relationship with some computer store and buy all or most of the parts there (its important that you buy the case, mobo, proc, and hsf from the same store) ... you can then prolly ask them to install the CPU/HSF/MOBO for you and you might even be able to get them to mount the mobo on the case for you. For most people, those are the hardest/most-intimidaying things about building a comp so that might work. Worst case, get them to assemble the system for you. Most of them wont mind too much since you just dropped a ton of case on their doorstep. (If you're anywhere Waterloo, ON I might be able to help ya out for a fee :P)
|
|
cozza1987
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
1. June 2004 @ 06:31 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
a ton of case on their doorstep
Dont u mean Cash.... lol :P
Regards
CoZZa
#ad_buddies ... come and have a chat
SERVER: /server irc.addictz.net:6667
CHANNEL: /join #ad_buddies
|
|
ken0042
Senior Member
|
1. June 2004 @ 06:33 |
Link to this message
|
|
MadSkillz, what city do you live in?
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
1. June 2004 @ 07:42 |
Link to this message
|
|
Oh and in the case of some obscure city, what province? :P
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
1. June 2004 @ 09:09 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
Notice neither of you mentions a Monitor, KB+M Spks etc.... lol
Smartass :P I noted that you didnt either.... the reason I didnt mention it is because it is standard, when spec'ing a tower to spec' the tower, not extra crap because a lot of the time the extra crap is highly dependant on personal preferences (i.e., Logitech vs Microsoft, Logitech vs Klipsche, Samsung & Viewsonic vs Sony -- although I dont know why anyone would want the Sony). Here would by my pic:
KEYBOARD & MOUSE
Logitech Cordless MX Duo ($120 CAD)
Ive got the Logitech Elite Duo and am quite happy with it except for one thing -- the battery in the mouse doesnt last very long. Because of that folly, they fixed it (as well as improved the sensor to provide 800dpi tracking) by adding the charger for the mouse. The keyboard lasts quite some time so it shouldnt be a problem .http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/CA/EN,CRID=1,CONTENTID=6831
SPEAKERS
Logitech Z-680 ($420 CAD)
If you've got the money or your landlord lets you, get these speakers: absolutely superb is how I would describe them. Whether you are playing games, watching a movie or just listening to music, these speakers will not dissapoint. http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/CA/EN,CRID=2,CONTENTID=5048
Logitech Z-640 ($90 CAD)
If you can afford the ultra fancy 680s these speakers are also quite impressive. I enjoy both of them very much however I think the 640 gives more bang per buck. http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/CA/EN,CRID=2,CONTENTID=5047
|
|
cozza1987
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
1. June 2004 @ 09:12 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
I could build basically the same as you said below for $1800 (Tower Only) or $3,200 with 19" LCD, Wireless Keyboard/Optical Mouse, 7.1 Speakers... And Still have Change.
Read again...
Regards
CoZZa
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 1. June 2004 @ 09:46
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
1. June 2004 @ 09:20 |
Link to this message
|
|
Yes but you havnt justified $1800 or $3200 at all: its just an unsubstanatiated claim :P
|
|
MadSkillz
Newbie
|
1. June 2004 @ 14:59 |
Link to this message
|
|
I live in Coquitlam, right near Vancouver
cozza.. what parts would you have in that system for 1800 or 3200 ?
|
|
aXidburn
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
1. June 2004 @ 16:07 |
Link to this message
|
|
u have the get the athlon 64 fx
AMD athlon 64 3200+
ATI 9800 pro all in wonder
Memorex dual x format
ps2 v10, Magic V 5K6
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
1. June 2004 @ 19:10 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
u have the get the athlon 64 fx
No he doesnt lol -- he has to get what he wants :P
|
|
EYEShurt
Member
|
1. June 2004 @ 21:10 |
Link to this message
|
p4 lga775 540 (3.2ghz)
512mb ddr400 ram dual channel
gigabyte x600 xt pci-e
gigabyte ga 8i915p pro
200gb segate barrumundi hdd
16x DL -/+RW LITEON sohw-1633s
tsunami dream case (400w PSU)
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
1. June 2004 @ 21:31 |
Link to this message
|
|
Huh? There isnt a lot of "variety" or (detailed information for that matter) there
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 1. June 2004 @ 21:37
|
|
c7015
Senior Member
|
2. June 2004 @ 11:45 |
Link to this message
|
|
I gotta say you should go with an amd 64 fx 53 it beats the hell out of intels in the benchmarks and though I only have the 3200+ I love it ..really fast ...who knows though maybe I'm bias
Wii
|
|
aXidburn
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
2. June 2004 @ 18:13 |
Link to this message
|
|
haha Praetor..c7015 agrees with me!!..lol
AMD athlon 64 3200+
ATI 9800 pro all in wonder
Memorex dual x format
ps2 v10, Magic V 5K6
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
2. June 2004 @ 20:58 |
Link to this message
|
|
1. LOL I wont get into an Intel/AMD pissing contest although I personally favour AMD.
2. I'll say it again -- MadSkillz doesnt have to get an FX53 -- if the guy wants a P4 then he wants a P4. Simple as that.
c7015:
Lets not forget that Intel also beats the hell out of the AMD in benchmarks too -- just like the AMD/nVidia debate, each product has its strong points as well as its weak points.
|
|
The_OGS
Senior Member
|
3. June 2004 @ 07:20 |
Link to this message
|
|
Yikes! Nice components, way too much money.
You are building on the wrong part of the curve (the price/performance curve).
Why would you get a NorthwoodC p4-3.4 ($630 CAD) when you could get a NorthwoodC p4-3.2 for $390 CAD ?
This is just one example...
Praetor if someone wants a $3500 computer, you should tell them to give their head a shake, not help try justify it! It's like a contest, to see who can spend the most money.
My Barton used to be $300 - now they are $115 incl. heatsink and fan!
MadSkillz will be nauseous when he sees his rig worth maybe $2000 by Christmas. Won't he?
CPU
Intel P4 2.8E GHz @800 w/1MB L2 ($250 CAD)
MOBO
ASUS P4P800E-DLX ($165 CAD)
Memory
Corsair 1GB PC3200 XMS ProSeries, 2x512 @ 2-3-3 ($400 CAD)
These three components are $615 less than your three, although granted they are not at the top of the curve...
Regards
ABit AB9 Pro
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 @ 2.4GHz
2GB OCZ PC2-6400 Platinum XTC R2
ATI Radeon X1900XT 512MB
Enermax Liberty 620W
320GB/16MB WD, 150GB/16MB Raptor
Plextor PX-755SA DVD (SATA)
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 3. June 2004 @ 07:21
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
3. June 2004 @ 07:41 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
You are building on the wrong part of the curve (the price/performance curve).
Why would you get a NorthwoodC p4-3.4 ($630 CAD) when you could get a NorthwoodC p4-3.2 for $390 CAD ?
This is just one example...
Praetor if someone wants a $3500 computer, you should tell them to give their head a shake, not help try justify it! It's like a contest, to see who can spend the most money.
My Barton used to be $300 - now they are $115 incl. heatsink and fan!
MadSkillz will be nauseous when he sees his rig worth maybe $2000 by Christmas. Won't he?
Yes but note that the significant jump comes from the proc rather than the other two. The same though occured to me as well however he did specifically note a P4-3.4. I would have recommended the P4-3.0 myself but "the customer said so". If he had said "Reccomend me a system for $3000-$3500" i would have mentioned that thats a little excessive for one system but he came in and explicitly spec'd some of the parts he wanted and seemed like he knew what he was getting into. There are lots of legitmate reasons to build such systems which you and I, in a different light might deem excessive: each year I build one or two $3000-$5000 systems for computer competitions (for cash prizes) -- so I go out of my way and get extreme parts for a damn good reason. I talk to my sellers, contacts and friends and spec' out some serious hardware and since im not the only person on this planet, it doesnt seem unlikely that other people might also be involved in rig competitions and such.
As for the RAM, it was a difficult call on my part (since I'm a corsair fan myself) but the OCZ did offer some extremely nice performance and more OC tolerance than Corsair. Nice call however, I might have been slightly too zealous on the ram performance there. :) Nice call on the mobo too, personally if I were to get a P4 system I'd get the 865PE since its virtually the same as the Canterwood but since budgent wasnt a serious concern in this case, one might as well grab the top board.
|
|
The_OGS
Senior Member
|
3. June 2004 @ 08:04 |
Link to this message
|
|
Of course your words are true my friend!
(But I didn't get that feel from MadSkillz; I thought he had simply seen an ad for a $3500 Dell XPS.)
Hopefully people will find this discussion about 'the curve' thought-provoking...
ABit AB9 Pro
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 @ 2.4GHz
2GB OCZ PC2-6400 Platinum XTC R2
ATI Radeon X1900XT 512MB
Enermax Liberty 620W
320GB/16MB WD, 150GB/16MB Raptor
Plextor PX-755SA DVD (SATA)
|
|
Praetor
Moderator
|
3. June 2004 @ 08:53 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
I thought he had simply seen an ad for a $3500 Dell XPS
Possible, i didnt consider that :P Even if you look at the specs for the XPS there, its not too bad for $3000-$3500 at all (although im kinda wierded out by the lack of -R support and how they found a DVDburner that does 32x cd burning and the kinda small hdd .. still all in all, for an OEM machine thats not too shabby at all -- the funny thing is, for flagship systems, Alienware comps are significantly cheaper than Dells (which was a real shocker)
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
The_OGS
Senior Member
|
3. June 2004 @ 09:03 |
Link to this message
|
|
Yes Dell people pay big money for the support (it really is top-quality) but if you don't want it/need it, don't buy it.
Dell's proprietary cooling solutions are fascinating, though, all the times I have been inside one of their cases.
ABit AB9 Pro
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 @ 2.4GHz
2GB OCZ PC2-6400 Platinum XTC R2
ATI Radeon X1900XT 512MB
Enermax Liberty 620W
320GB/16MB WD, 150GB/16MB Raptor
Plextor PX-755SA DVD (SATA)
|
|
