So hows this sound for a new Computer?

[bobby__johnny]

so i'm doing some hunting, an found a site for Canadian buyers....excellent

AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 1GB DDR Ram (PC3200, 400mhz), 160GB Samsung Hard Drive, nVidia GeForce FX5500 Video Card (256MB, AGP Slot Card)

now, i'm parting it together on this site...the barebones kit (motherboard, case, processor and 512MB ram), and i'm adding the hard drive, graphics, and another stick of 512 myself....would it all work together, and is this a good price

882 Candadian after Shipping (748 USD)


....now, compare this to the udder **** i have now, what kinda deal is this....good deal, average, or ripoff?

(everything is new)

[Phalanx]

if you're not going to get a good graphics card, get a bad graphics card, not one in between, the 5500 is pants

[blink1822222]

It was a great deal, except from the graphics card.

[bobby__johnny]

what wold you suggest for a graphics card then?

[GiB]

Get a better MoBo, like one SLI enabled and then get 2 of those 5500s. Wayyyyyy better.

[Let's Chop Cats!]

What?! Never get a 5500, let alone two considering the 5 series doesn't have SLI.

Get a 6600GT, mid range card and is the best bang for your buck.

Seems like a good deal, you might end up with an el cheapo motherboard which could cause problems later on with upgrading.

[Phalanx]

either the 6600gt or x800, the x800 is a really fast card but it costs a bit more, if you can't afford the expense, definately a 6600gt

[bobby__johnny]

well, heres a shot of the motherboard, now keep in mind, i'm not going for an insane gaming PC here....just movies, internet, and the odd game here or there

http://images.tigerdirect.ca/itemDetails/C/C460/C460-1022/C460-1022-callout.jpg

[Let's Chop Cats!]

Woah, just reread you're first post. You want an Athlon XP not an Athlon 64?\

I'd suggest a newer motherboard/processor as Athlon XP and the motherboard are getting old. The motherboard has PCI slots which are already out of the picture considering PCI-E is out.

[Phalanx]

ewww, not an Athlon XP, get a 64, tis better
(unless they're still selling the Athlon XP Mobile)

[Stinko Man]

What site was it you went to?

[JEW]

if you're not going to get a good graphics card, get a bad graphics card, not one in between, the 5500 is pants


Same goes for the CPU

[JEW]

I noticed the mobo pic URL is on tigerdirect. If you're buying from Tigerdirect, you're getting ripped off.

[Rrrrrrr]

Why is it that no gamer seems to want an Intel processot? Sorry for the dumb question, but please forgive my ignorance.

[bobby__johnny]

I noticed the mobo pic URL is on tigerdirect. If you're buying from Tigerdirect, you're getting ripped off.


how so?

[Let's Chop Cats!]

Why is it that no gamer seems to want an Intel processot? Sorry for the dumb question, but please forgive my ignorance.
1. AMD > Intel in gaming
2. AMD 64bit > Intel 32bit
3. Intel is a bad corporation who I would rather not support if possible.

[Phalanx]

Intel > AMD in Encoding

im not a fanboy, you have to look at both sides of the arguement

[Let's Chop Cats!]

Right now encoding is one of the few things that AMD isn't winning in. But Intel does have the advantage in multitasking in the duel core world.

[JEW]

how so?


Compare tigerdirect prices with http://www.pricewatch.com/

[GiB]

Woah, just reread you're first post. You want an Athlon XP not an Athlon 64?\

I'd suggest a newer motherboard/processor as Athlon XP and the motherboard are getting old. The motherboard has PCI slots which are already out of the picture considering PCI-E is out.
PCI-E is for squares. :rolleyes:

[JohnXDoe]

I'm going to chime in and say I agree with other posters in this thread. The deal doesn't look as good with the aging, outgoing technology. And if money is a consideration then I think you can either do a little better on that price, or spend a bit more and get set up for the future, so far as that goes. While not a terrible price US, it would be a much more versatile computer with a different graphics card. Even if you do just play the occasional game, you still want to be able to play it. And a 6600GT is far better then a 5500. Well worth it if you plan on keeping this computer at least a couple of years. Plus it has dual monitor capability and is Hi-Def ready. That's kind of cool. Although I don't know why :confused:

Anyway, the computer you are setting up is very similar to mine, except mine is Intel. I just upgraded from 512mb of RAM and an FX5200 to a gig of RAM and a 6600GT. I figure this will keep me happy another 2 or 3 years. Even as my computer slides down the technology chain. But I've had mine for two years already. If you want to keep up and keep yourself happy, get the newer tech. If not, then at least upgrade the graphics. It's fairly inexpensive. It'll help you feel more modern and keep up a bit, even as your comupter becomes dated.


/just my two cents. *shrugs*

[bassplayer18]

so i'm doing some hunting, an found a site for Canadian buyers....excellent

AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 1GB DDR Ram (PC3200, 400mhz), 160GB Samsung Hard Drive, nVidia GeForce FX5500 Video Card (256MB, AGP Slot Card)

now, i'm parting it together on this site...the barebones kit (motherboard, case, processor and 512MB ram), and i'm adding the hard drive, graphics, and another stick of 512 myself....would it all work together, and is this a good price

882 Candadian after Shipping (748 USD)


....now, compare this to the udder **** i have now, what kinda deal is this....good deal, average, or ripoff?

(everything is new)
its a fairly decent computer but i'd get a new video card such as a geforce 6600gt.

[The Digital Pimp]

Yeah, you want at least a 6600GT.

[JEW]

PCI-E is for squares. :rolleyes:


you should stop posting

[bobby__johnny]

so this card would be the way to go?

http://images.tigerdirect.ca/itemDetails/TC3H-1016/TC3H-1016-out3-hl.jpg

that brings my computer to just inder a grand....(shipping included)

as for this post

Compare tigerdirect prices with http://www.pricewatch.com/

i'm in canada....so thats an american site. i'm not paying duty on any of this

[JohnXDoe]

so this card would be the way to go?

http://images.tigerdirect.ca/itemDetails/TC3H-1016/TC3H-1016-out3-hl.jpg

that brings my computer to just inder a grand....(shipping included)

as for this post



i'm in canada....so thats an american site. i'm not paying duty on any of this

Not the 6600. 6600GT. There is a big difference. You should be able to find one for around $140-$150, American. At $1000 this sounds pricey for a build your own. But I'm not sure if that's a grand Canadian or American, or what the difference is :confused: If it's American, it's pricey for just the computer itself, IMO.

[bobby__johnny]

it canadian

but thats shipping included.

minus the shipping, the whole rig is only $800 (canadian)

add in $120 for taxes, and the other $65 for UPS's cut, then its just under a grand


and what exactly are the differences between the 6600Gt and the 6600?

[JohnXDoe]

it canadian

but thats shipping included.

minus the shipping, the whole rig is only $800 (canadian)

add in $120 for taxes, and the other $65 for UPS's cut, then its just under a grand


and what exactly are the differences between the 6600Gt and the 6600?

You know, I cant's tell you the difference in tech terms like some can, but I know it is a much lesser card and a lot more bare bones. More akin to the FX 5 series cards then the 6 series cards it supposedly represents. It benchmarks much lower the the 6600GT and can't really keep up with todays most demanding games, much less tommorows. The GT model actually compares well with a 6800 (non Ultra) in some tests and can max out nearly any game out there. It's fairly robust and is a great deal. I have a PNY model. And since it seems you are going with the older tech and we have similar set ups, I can tell you it is well optimized for it. For me it was a matter of buying a new comp or upgrading to what I have now for the next few years. I think I made the right choice. It sounds like you aren't very demanding on a computer. Get the GT and you won't be asking yourself if you need to upgrade a year or two from now.

With the 6600GT I would say you have a fairly decent computer and a pretty solid deal. Without it it's kind of meh.

[Let's Chop Cats!]

The difference without getting too technical is clock speeds, the support of newer tech and such. The 6600GT is the best deal when you break it down to a money to FPS relation.

[bobby__johnny]

ok, so i see the 6600gt is a great card....that said, is there anything bad about what i've picked (either the 5000 card, or the 6600 non gt)

aside from outdatedness?

from a purely price/performance relationship.....like i said, i dont need amazing performance. just a computer to play the odd game...i'm not heavy in PC gaming...i'm more of a classic PC game kinda guy.

i leave any of my major games to my consoles

[Let's Chop Cats!]

the 5600 card is terrible and will have trouble playing any newer games. An AMD64 is recommended even for just desktop use. The Athlon XP's aren't worth it really.

[bobby__johnny]

could i swap out the processor on that board later on down the road though?

[bobby__johnny]

oh, and just so we're on the same page here....this is my current system....:upset:

http://www.bcjournal.net/users/Erich/avatars/Erich-1127961393.jpg

[JohnXDoe]

ok, so i see the 6600gt is a great card....that said, is there anything bad about what i've picked (either the 5000 card, or the 6600 non gt)

aside from outdatedness?

from a purely price/performance relationship.....like i said, i dont need amazing performance. just a computer to play the odd game...i'm not heavy in PC gaming...i'm more of a classic PC game kinda guy.

i leave any of my major games to my consoles


I don't know much about (anything, really) AMD. The 3000+ would seem to be a somewhat underperforming Athlon, though. Or so I've read. I'm sure it will be adequate for your needs, though. What I have is as follows:

p4 2.8a
1 gig pc3200 RAM@400mhz
nvidia 6600GT

Like I said, similar set up to what you will be getting. It does all things well and is speedy enough. Very stable. Plays games, burns CD's, amatuer video editing, runs professional grade graphic design programs, spreadsheets, pretty much everything. And it does so with relative ease. So if you are just looking for something for now and aren't concerned about the future, you should be alright. I'm happy with mine. And like I said, they are similar. You may want to step up to an Athlon 3400+ though. It wouldn't hurt to have a bit more juice under the hood. And perhaps consider Intel? I dunno :confused:

EDIT:

oh, and just so we're on the same page here....this is my current system....:upset:

http://www.bcjournal.net/users/Erich/avatars/Erich-1127961393.jpg
Well whatever you get will be a great improvement. So I would say you are in pretty good shape.

[bobby__johnny]

well, i was considering the processer...have since the beginning.....but if i can upgrade that later, then i will.

[Let's Chop Cats!]

could i swap out the processor on that board later on down the road though?
You could, but it won't be that much better of a processor which is why I was suggesting a newer tech but lwoer coast mobo.

[bobby__johnny]

with that said, i issue a challenge...

using this site www.tigerdirect.ca, or any other CANADIAN site, build what you think would be the best PC for under $1000.....after shipping

not looking for an OS included, only the essentials, and no moniter

[JohnXDoe]

well, i was considering the processer...have since the beginning.....but if i can upgrade that later, then i will.

Processor swaps are always a bit tricky. Good rule of thumb is to get something you can live with right off the bat. Or at least all you can afford. Just consider what you can or want to spend and get the most for your money.

[Let's Chop Cats!]

I'm working on picking out parts, HD drive size? CD writer? DVD writer?

[bobby__johnny]

umm, preferably right now just a DVDrom/CD burner.

HD....i'm running a 20gig right now....whatever you find is decent :lol:

i've shown you my current system....you shouldnt have a hard time :lol:

[Let's Chop Cats!]

Motherboard - MSI K8N Neo4-F NVIDIA Socket 939 (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=1366536&sku=M452-2810) $122
Processor - AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1366608&CatId=1177) $270
RAM - Ultra 512MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=586829&CatId=1304) $60 x2
Video Card - Gigabyte GeForce 6600GT (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1428487&CatId=1559) $216
PSU - Coolmax / CX-300B / Silver / 300-Watt (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=719577&CatId=0) $42
CD/DVD Drive - Samsung / 16x DVD-ROM / 48x CD-ROM (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1519026&CatId=480) $27
Floppy Drive - Premium 1.44 MB Floppy (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=144614&CatId=630) $25
Hard Drive - Maxtor / 80GB (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=121092) $81
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total - $910 before taxes+shipping

Also I didn't pick out a case.

[bobby__johnny]

ahh, the case is all personal perferance anyway


that said, your system comes to $1,179.90 after shipping and taxes....good job

(noob question, any upright case will be sufficent right?)

[JEW]

I'm shopping for you as well.

[JohnXDoe]

MBM-K8V-A643700 :: Asus K8V SE Deluxe Socket 754 ATX Motherboard and AMD Athlon 64 3700+ Processor - $538.99

K24-5200 :: Kingston Dual Channel 1024MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz Memory(2 x 512MB) - $144.99

B452-1124 :: Just4PC 747 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Front USB and 425Watt Power Supply - Black - $53.99

THD-160MM8 :: Maxtor / DiamondMax 10 / 160GB / 7200 / 8MB / ATA-133 / EIDE / OEM / Hard Drive - $121.99

P56-2700 W :: PNY GeForce FX 5200 / 128MB / AGP 8X / VGA / TV Out / White Box Video Card - $53.99

S203-2206 :: Samsung / 52x32x52x CD-RW / 16x DVD-ROM / Beige OEM Combo Drive with Software -$47.99

That's what I came up with. Around $960 dollars before rebate/discount on the Vid card and HD. Around $910 after, and before tax and shipping. I went super low buck on the vid card because it didn't seem to mean that much to you, and the FX5200 is just as well as the FX5500. With the extra cash I bumped up the processor. That said, I think Reiner's set up is better. Although I couldn't tell you exactly why :confused:

This is really the first time I've done this, so I don't even know if all is compatible. But I had fun doing it. What do you think, Reiner?

[bobby__johnny]

keep in mind, some of the case on that site include a powersupply too

[Let's Chop Cats!]

That setup is good aside from the video card, but you know that already. The setups are similar except the one I picked out has a slower processor and a better video card and your's is the inverse.

[JohnXDoe]

That setup is good aside from the video card, but you know that already. The setups are similar except the one I picked out has a slower processor and a better video card and your's is the inverse.

Yeah. The vid cards are overpriced on that site. I couldn't believe the lowest priced 6600GT was $185 after rebate. :smash:

[Let's Chop Cats!]

Yeah same.

[JEW]

$282.41 Athlon 64 3500+
http://www.dangeo.com/proddetail.php?sku=51695

$142.60 ASUS A8N-E
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14268&vpn=A8N-E&manufacture=ASUS

$165.98 Corsair PC3200 1GB DDR RAM
http://www.dangeo.com/proddetail.php?sku=16335

$212.04 Gigabyte GF6600GT 128MB
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13856&vpn=GV-NX66T128D&manufacture=Gigabyte

$26.99 Samsung 16x DVD-ROM/48X CD-RW
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1519026&CatId=480

$77.25 Western Digital 80GB IDE HDD
http://www.dangeo.com/proddetail.php?sku=20310

$35.63 Sparkle 300W ATX PS
http://www.dangeo.com/proddetail.php?sku=50480

$942.90 TOTAL


All top of the line parts, by the way. I chose manufacturers that I have had success with in the past. Also the RAM is a bit more expensive than the others that have been posted because it's CAS2.

[bobby__johnny]

canadian dollars though guys.....(if your not canadian)

that 185 canadian, is about 160 US

[JohnXDoe]

canadian dollars though guys.....(if your not canadian)

that 185 canadian, is about 160 US

It's a Canadian site, so I figured all prices were Canadian. Sorry I didn't post links. I'm going back and will edit them in. :)

[JEW]

This is a bad *** case. (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14083&vpn=VENTO/RED&manufacture=ASUS)

[JohnXDoe]

Here's mine with the links. The mobo/processor also has a rebate included of $90. I didn't notice that the first time. So I bumped up the vid card to a 256mb FX5500. That would be ok to start with, I suppose. You could always upgrade later. I actually like this set up. It's quite substantial. About $836 after rebates, but before shipping/handling and tax.

MBM-K8V-A643700 :: Asus K8V SE Deluxe Socket 754 ATX Motherboard and AMD Athlon 64 3700+ Processor - $538.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1178956&sku=MBM-K8V-A643700


K24-5200 :: Kingston Dual Channel 1024MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz Memory (2 x 512MB) - $144.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=84387


B452-1124 :: Just4PC 747 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Front USB and 425Watt Power Supply - Black - $53.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=674553&sku=B452-1124


THD-160MM8 :: Maxtor / DiamondMax 10 / 160GB / 7200 / 8MB / ATA-133 / EIDE / OEM / Hard Drive - $121.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1422521

C460-7030 :: Chaintech GeForce FX 5500 / 256MB DDR / AGP 8X / VGA / DVI / TV Out / Video Card (1 lbs)
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1186656&CatId=0

S203-2206 :: Samsung / 52x32x52x CD-RW / 16x DVD-ROM / Beige OEM Combo Drive with Software -$47.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1216713&CatId=88

[JohnXDoe]

^I had to fix some of the links above. Hope they work ok for you.

[bobby__johnny]

well, JohnXDoe, yours comes to $1207 after shipping and taxes.

if the 6600gt is a better card, how come its a 128MB, when the FX5500 is a 256MB card....this is the one thing thats confusing me.

(noob to computer hardware)

[JEW]

how much does mine come out to with shipping and tax?

[JEW]

well, JohnXDoe, yours comes to $1207 after shipping and taxes.

if the 6600gt is a better card, how come its a 128MB, when the FX5500 is a 256MB card....this is the one thing thats confusing me.

(noob to computer hardware)


because RAM isn't the only thing that determines how powerful the card is. 6600 is a much faster card than the 5500.

[bobby__johnny]

how much does mine come out to with shipping and tax?

it would've been nice is some of the links worked, and if it was from one site...so i dont have to pay a fortune in shipping x 3

[JEW]

looks like www.ncix.com is down. shipping is by weight anyways, not per order. so the number of places you order from shouldn't matter.

[JohnXDoe]

With this mobo/processor the price will be $1077:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1205787&CatId=0

Still a few hundred over what you were initially going to spend, but the processor is 64 bit and ready for the future. The set up in you initial post is stating to leg like a bargain for a budget system at 700 and some odd dollars. And you really could upgrade the vid card later if you want. I wonder if the prices at tigerdirect are listed in US dollars or Canadian? If US they are a bit high for a few things. I would love to shop at newegg for this stuff. :p

[bobby__johnny]

as long as it was in the neighbourhood of 1000 after shipping...a hundred or so over wont break my bank

tigerdirect is all canadian....the dot ca site anyway

[JohnXDoe]

I put this together at newegg. It is completely modern and the Mobo is pci express and has an AGP slot, as well. So it's versatile. It's $731 American which would be just under $800 with tax. There must be a way to get it up to Canada for $200 or so? newegg has pretty cheap shipping. Maybe if you have an American friend/contact you can have it shipped domestically to them and then they can ship it to you in Canada. Might work out? Like I said, newegg has pretty inexpensive domestic shipping. And it's speedy, too.

Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103533

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813157081

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141427

Case and Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144076

DVD Drive/Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151066

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148034

Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814133137
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125156

[JEW]

well the problem is duty (VAT) which is basically import tax. you have to pay like 25% of the value of the products.

[JohnXDoe]

well the problem is duty (VAT) which is basically import tax. you have to pay like 25% of the value of the products.

25%! Wow, that's steep. But if it's shipped to someone in the states first, cleverly repackaged (just enough to cover it's origins) and then shipped across the border, who's to say the value of the contents?

[bobby__johnny]

heh...actually, i have a friend in the staes about 3 hours away....i'm down there (or my parents are) at least once a month....unpack it, throw it all together, and take it home.

wouldnt take more than an hour or so to peice everything together to make it look used

[JEW]

ya, if you send each part separately and mark them defective or something with permanent ink, then you can get around it. you can also lie, and say a HDD is a book or something, because printed works don't get taxed.

[JohnXDoe]

heh...actually, i have a friend in the staes about 3 hours away....i'm down there (or my parents are) at least once a month....unpack it, throw it all together, and take it home.

wouldnt take more than an hour or so to peice everything together to make it look used

That's right....Just bringing a little 'ol used computer back with you from the states. :shifty: :p

Oh, and if you do get something from newegg like the set up I listed above, get the pci express video card. They perform a bit better. And if you change mobo's, get one set up for pci-e, anyway. AGP is not really necessary these days.

[bobby__johnny]

just a quick question regarding all this, (and sorry for the bump)

would it be worth my time and money to get Dual Geforce 6600GT's where hey are SLI enabled? or just stick with one?

[RyMac59]

what about a soundcard

[bobby__johnny]

i was going for a Soundblaster Live 24bit anyway.

[g°®†]

www.newegg.com


Buy your components from here.

[bobby__johnny]

i'm canadian. not a good idea for me

[bassplayer18]

This is a bad *** case. (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14083&vpn=VENTO/RED&manufacture=ASUS)
sorry but that case is ugly

[bobby__johnny]

like a red darth vader helmet

[Imrik]

I don't like Alienware much, but the Case's they do are really nice IMO.