Good cost estimate?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Harry Avant
  • Start date Start date
Anon said:
Most who
are knowledgeable enough to build their own systems wouldn't even think
about buying Intel. Does that mean someone who prefers to buy a ready-made
Intel box is wrong? I don't think so. It's not like he's going to get an
inferior product . . . he's just going to pay a bit more.
Click to expand...

You have not followed Dell's prices in the past year and a half.
 
Harry said:
My local "mom and pop" store has made the following bid for a new
system I'm considering. I'd like some opinions about what you think.
I'd like to buy local if possible. Expected use is web surfing, email,
limited dvd making someday. System will replace a 3 year old P-3
running Win98SE.

Intel Pentium 4 2.6 GHz 800MHz FSB
Intel D865 Perl Motherboard
1024MB DDR PC3200 Memory
Seagate 120GB SATA Hard Disk w/ 8MB Cache
ATI 9600PRO 128MB DVI/TV Out Video Card
Lite-on 8X DVD +/- RW Rewritable Drive
52x24x52 CD-RW Drive
3.5" Floppy Disk
Standard Case w/ 500W Power Supply
Windows XP Home Edition (OEM)
$1217.00

Harry
Click to expand...

That is more RAM than you need and a way-bigger power supply than you
need. I don't know how expensive that video card is, but you won't need
a fancy one for your applications as stated. The HT Technology is good,
but again you could spend much less. You could wait until dvd burners
are down to $50. For your apps you should be able to get a very nice
setup for around $600. Ask for a quote substituting these:

Biostar M7NCD Pro mobo
AMD Barton 2500+ CPU
Antec SLK3700 case w/ 350W PSU
512MB RAM, any speed
 
That is more RAM than you need and a way-bigger power supply than you
need. I don't know how expensive that video card is, but you won't need
a fancy one for your applications as stated. The HT Technology is good,
but again you could spend much less. You could wait until dvd burners
are down to $50. For your apps you should be able to get a very nice
setup for around $600. Ask for a quote substituting these:

Biostar M7NCD Pro mobo
AMD Barton 2500+ CPU
Antec SLK3700 case w/ 350W PSU
512MB RAM, any speed
Click to expand...

BigM:

In a recent build I've had less-than-wonderful experiences with an
Antec400 case: sharp edges, front panel wires that blocked a component
port and sticky "feet". I think workmanship has slipped .
 
Which is exactly the opposite of BTX.

BTX is crap and should be avoided at all costs.
Click to expand...

I agree with your sentiments. Unfortunately, the "costs" are that we won't
be able to upgrade after 2004, if we want to avoid BTX. -Dave
 
(not dumping on any particular post here...)
If you pull the heat out right at the source, and don't let hot air mix
with cool air, you can have a cool case with just one slow case fan and
no CPU fan.
Click to expand...

Which is exactly the opposite of BTX.

BTX is crap and should be avoided at all costs.
 
Looks like a fairly good system for the money, ask for an Abit IC7 Mobo,
stick with 1GB DDR, make sure it is good name brand memory, preferably tight
timing.

Power supply is great, will support future add-ons.

Dashi
 
ray hartman said:
BigM:

In a recent build I've had less-than-wonderful experiences with an
Antec400 case: sharp edges, front panel wires that blocked a component
port and sticky "feet". I think workmanship has slipped .
Click to expand...


I don't know what an Antec400 case is but I just snagged a SLK3700 BQE (black)
out of the refurb bin on Newegg for 57 bucks and this case is a dream. Sonata
styling except a few nice improvements like the front case fan installs in the
front of the drive cage, a matte black finish instead of the glossy black and it
seems a little heavier. No sharp edges and the layout is really nice for
airflow. I was going to build a system for a friend with this case but after I
unpacked it and checked it out I may just have to make this one a homeboy.

Ed
 
Anon said:
I agree with your sentiments. Unfortunately, the "costs" are that we won't
be able to upgrade after 2004, if we want to avoid BTX. -Dave
Click to expand...

Do what you can to let the manufacturers know that you won't be following
the BTX trend. Get as much bad press for BTX on the hardware review sites as
possible.

*I* could put together a better standard than what BTX is proposing and do
with the 95% ATX parts.
 
Do what you can to let the manufacturers know that you won't be following
the BTX trend. Get as much bad press for BTX on the hardware review sites as
possible.

*I* could put together a better standard than what BTX is proposing and do
with the 95% ATX parts.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the odd thing is . . . the more you learn about BTX, the more you
realize how similar it is to ATX. And then the more you wonder why a new
form factor is needed. And then the more you realize a new form factor is
NOT needed at all. -Dave
 
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