OT?> What can $1,100 buy me?

[madrox99]

Greetings,

I'm a "guest" so to speak, and I'm under the assumption that the vast
majority of you know your hardware. I'm looking at buying a computer in
about two or three weeks and about $1,000 is my budget. My use: A lot
of music & MP3s, Digital photos, surfing the web, short video clips.

I have this "draft" configured. I'm not physically building it myself,
but there are places where you can customize the specs. Is this decent
for $1,042? :

Intel CPU : Intel Pentium D 805 2.66GHz, (Dual Core) 2048K Socket
775
Intel CPU Fans : Spire Socket 775 Intel P4 fan
Intel Motherboards : ASRock 775Dual-Vista ,AGP & PCI Express, DDR &
DDR2, Sound, LAN
DDR2 memory : 2GB (2x1GB) PC4200 DDR2 533 Dual Channel
PCI-Express Video cards : GeForce 7300GS 256Mb PCI EXpress 16X
dual
head, tv out
Hard Drives : 250.0GB Samsung 7200rpm SATA2 UDMA 300 8m Cache
CD/DVD Drives : 16X DVD-ROM Drive
DVD Recorders : LG 18x DVD Recorder Dual Layer +R/RW -R/RW
(black)
Sound Cards : Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1
Network Cards : WIRELESS 802.11 G PCI NETWORK CARD
Cases : Cooler Master Cavalier 3 black aluminum, front USB &
IEEE
Power Supply : Okia 400W ATX Power Supply
Keyboards : Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop Keyboard & Optical
mouse
combo black
Speakers : Logitech S-200 2.1 3-Piece Subwoofer System Black
Monitors : SOYO 19" Black Flat Panel Wide LCD Monitor

Cheers,

 

[Walter Mitty]

Greetings,

I'm a "guest" so to speak, and I'm under the assumption that the vast
majority of you know your hardware. I'm looking at buying a computer in
about two or three weeks and about $1,000 is my budget. My use: A lot
of music & MP3s, Digital photos, surfing the web, short video clips.

Buy an old IBM Thinkpad for about 300 dollars and a big external hard drive.

You have no need to spend lots of money for those needs.

 

[Rod Speed]

I'm a "guest" so to speak, and I'm under the assumption that the vast
majority of you know your hardware. I'm looking at buying a computer
in about two or three weeks and about $1,000 is my budget. My use:
A lot of music & MP3s, Digital photos, surfing the web, short video clips.

I have this "draft" configured. I'm not physically building it myself, but there
are places where you can customize the specs. Is this decent for $1,042? :

Intel CPU : Intel Pentium D 805 2.66GHz, (Dual Core) 2048K Socket 775

I'd go with the Core 2 Duo myself.

Intel CPU Fans : Spire Socket 775 Intel P4 fan
Intel Motherboards : ASRock 775Dual-Vista ,AGP & PCI Express, DDR & DDR2, Sound, LAN
DDR2 memory : 2GB (2x1GB) PC4200 DDR2 533 Dual Channel
PCI-Express Video cards : GeForce 7300GS 256Mb PCI EXpress 16X dual head, tv out
Hard Drives : 250.0GB Samsung 7200rpm SATA2 UDMA 300 8m Cache
CD/DVD Drives : 16X DVD-ROM Drive

No real point in having this anymore. If you do insist on having
two drives for direct copys, it makes more sense to have two
different brand DVD burners instead. I dont bother anymore.

DVD Recorders : LG 18x DVD Recorder Dual Layer +R/RW -R/RW (black)
Sound Cards : Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1

I wouldnt bother with this initially until you decide that the onboard audio isnt satisfactory.

Network Cards : WIRELESS 802.11 G PCI NETWORK CARD
Cases : Cooler Master Cavalier 3 black aluminum, front USB & IEEE
Power Supply : Okia 400W ATX Power Supply

Thats a bit down market.

Keyboards : Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop Keyboard & Optical mouse combo black

I prefer the Logitech products myself.

 

[Trimble Bracegirdle]

This is a Gaming type News -group which means people expect to have to
buy the best Graphic Card they can..
You list GeForce 7300GS ..nearly every Bunny here will giggle at that.
Right at the bottom of low cost heap...it would be fine for general purpose
use but almost useless for modern (or even not so modern) Games ..To slow.

(watch out for the big performance difference between 'GS' 'GT' 'GX' etc.
at the end of a model No.)
The GeForce 7600 GT is best value for you. Around $170 USD ..
A great deal depends on how much you want to play Games.
Mouse
@@@

 

[madrox99]

This is a Gaming type News -group which means people expect to have to
buy the best Graphic Card they can..

I thought about that...I legit couldn't find "general" computer
websites. I looked for Windows, Microsoft and PC newsgroups. These
two came up with high traffic and from browsing you lot appear
reasonable (usually high volume NGs have a much higher noise:signal
ratio).

You list GeForce 7300GS ..nearly every Bunny here will giggle at that.
Right at the bottom of low cost heap...it would be fine for general purpose
use but almost useless for modern (or even not so modern) Games ..To slow.

My graphic needs are cool high resolution images, and to watch trailers
or clips in HD (when I get the codecs). And to use Vista's Aero
ofcourse.....will that work, or should I still upgrade?

 

[JAD]

I thought about that...I legit couldn't find "general" computer
websites. I looked for Windows, Microsoft and PC newsgroups. These
two came up with high traffic and from browsing you lot appear
reasonable (usually high volume NGs have a much higher noise:signal
ratio).

this is not a 'gamers' newsgroup, although many people who look for advice
play games as well as some of the regulars here

vista will force you into hardware changes...frankly I don't see the need
for the OS to gobble so much damn resources.

 

[Rod Speed]

This is a Gaming type News -group

No it isnt.

 

[pc games]

and about $1,000 is my budget. My use: A lot of music &
MP3s, Digital photos, surfing the web, short video clips.

What about games?
Cause you posted this in a PC Game group I will reply if you
also wanted to play games in your new PC.

Intel CPU : Intel Pentium D 805 2.66GHz, (Dual Core)

Bad choice
If you want to go dual-core go for the new Core 2, yes its
more expensive but cut on other things so your budget can
accommodate it

Intel CPU Fans : Spire Socket 775 Intel P4 fan

Why not use the fan that comes with the processor? If that
doesn't satisfy then you can try another, but don't waste
money when you don't know if you will need this.

Intel Motherboards : ASRock 775Dual-Vista ,AGP & PCI Express

Bad choice
Don't mix AGP and PCIe
Choose a PCIe only

DDR2 memory : 2GB (2x1GB) PC4200 DDR2 533 Dual Channel

2GB is a good choice.

PCI-Express Video cards : GeForce 7300GS 256Mb PCI EXpress

Bad choice
Choose the 7600GT more expensive but a million times better

Hard Drives : 250.0GB Samsung 7200rpm SATA2 UDMA 300 8m Cache

Ok, but a 320GB would be better and it doesn't cost much more

CD/DVD Drives : 16X DVD-ROM Drive
DVD Recorders : LG 18x DVD Recorder Dual Layer +R/RW -R/RW

Why two?
If you don't need to record use instead a reader, if you need to
record use that also as a reader.

Sound Cards : Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1

Try first to use the onboard sound and if you are not satisfied
then go for a add-on card

Power Supply : Okia 400W ATX Power Supply

I guess its enough at least to start

Keyboards : Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop Keyboard & Optical

Don't use Microsoft hardware, they are abusive their OS Monopoly
so everything should be done to penalize them.
Logitech is a great choice for Keyboards and mouse

Monitors : SOYO 19" Black Flat Panel Wide LCD Monitor

Widescreen LCD? do you prefer widescreen?
Widescreen in the PC and PC Gaming is not yet mainstream so I
would look at it more closely.

 

[Dean G.]

No it isnt.

Read the header : he posted to both alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt and
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action.

Dean G.

 

[Dean G.]

Greetings,

I'm a "guest" so to speak, and I'm under the assumption that the vast
majority of you know your hardware. I'm looking at buying a computer in
about two or three weeks and about $1,000 is my budget. My use: A lot
of music & MP3s, Digital photos, surfing the web, short video clips.

I have this "draft" configured. I'm not physically building it myself,
but there are places where you can customize the specs. Is this decent
for $1,042? :

Intel CPU : Intel Pentium D 805 2.66GHz, (Dual Core) 2048K Socket
775

I'd go with the Core 2 Duo. Ignore the clock speed difference, as the
Core 2's are more efficient per clock, and also more energy efficient.

Intel CPU Fans : Spire Socket 775 Intel P4 fan
Intel Motherboards : ASRock 775Dual-Vista ,AGP & PCI Express, DDR &
DDR2, Sound, LAN
DDR2 memory : 2GB (2x1GB) PC4200 DDR2 533 Dual Channel

For the light uses you have mentioned, you may save yourself a few
dollars and go with 1GB for now. RAM is very easy to upgrade later,
while other components are not. Also, I'd go with at least 667MHz RAM.

PCI-Express Video cards : GeForce 7300GS 256Mb PCI EXpress 16X
dual head, tv out

One of the groups you posted to was comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action, so
I'm going to guess that you intend to play at least a few games. This
card is on the very low end for action games (some games would be
unplayable), so you might want to look at something a little better.

Hard Drives : 250.0GB Samsung 7200rpm SATA2 UDMA 300 8m Cache
CD/DVD Drives : 16X DVD-ROM Drive

You can probably leave off the second drive unless you do a lot of
copying. This is another thing that is easy to add later, when
HD/Blu-Ray DVD player/writer prices drop.

DVD Recorders : LG 18x DVD Recorder Dual Layer +R/RW -R/RW
(black)
Sound Cards : Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1

The motherboard has decent sound, and you can add this later, but if
you are primarily using it for sound then you may just want to get this
now.

Network Cards : WIRELESS 802.11 G PCI NETWORK CARD
Cases : Cooler Master Cavalier 3 black aluminum, front USB &
IEEE
Power Supply : Okia 400W ATX Power Supply

This should work for now, but it won't have much juice left to add or
upgrade components later.

Keyboards : Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop Keyboard & Optical
mouse combo black
Speakers : Logitech S-200 2.1 3-Piece Subwoofer System Black
Monitors : SOYO 19" Black Flat Panel Wide LCD Monitor

A few sites to look over for tech info and buying recommendations are :
www.tomshardware.com
www.anandtech.com
www.arstechnica.com

Dean G.

 

[Rod Speed]

Rod Speed wrote

Read the header

Dont need to.

he posted to both alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt
and comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action.

And so it isnt a gaming type newsgroup, its two newsgroups.

 

[Shawk]

Dont need to.


And so it isnt a gaming type newsgroup, its two newsgroups.

So it isn't not a gaming group either?

 

[Rod Speed]

Rod Speed wrote

So it isn't not a gaming group either?

Never said that.

 

[Fidelis K]

Greetings,

I'm a "guest" so to speak, and I'm under the assumption that the vast
majority of you know your hardware. I'm looking at buying a computer in
about two or three weeks and about $1,000 is my budget. My use: A lot
of music & MP3s, Digital photos, surfing the web, short video clips.

For those needs, buy an used P4 Dell for around $200.

 

[Raymond Martineau]

Greetings,

I'm a "guest" so to speak, and I'm under the assumption that the vast
majority of you know your hardware. I'm looking at buying a computer in
about two or three weeks and about $1,000 is my budget. My use: A lot
of music & MP3s, Digital photos, surfing the web, short video clips.

Any prefab can handle this, for a significantly lower price. If you
want a gaming machine, (as I suspect, since you crossposted here) or a
system that can product such content, I've made comments.

Also, I noticed that some aspects of the system imply that you may
want a performance system or a system designed for better "mobility".
Usually, this means there's something else you are looking for in a
system that isn't described here. Usually, this is caused by using a
price-point as a goal for building a system rather than business
requirements.

Here's a quick point of reference you can use:
http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/system-guide-200612.ars/2

I have this "draft" configured. I'm not physically building it myself,
but there are places where you can customize the specs. Is this decent
for $1,042? :

Intel CPU : Intel Pentium D 805 2.66GHz, (Dual Core) 2048K Socket
775
Intel CPU Fans : Spire Socket 775 Intel P4 fan

Not required, unless it's stock or you plan on a quieter system. (In
the latter case, switch to water cooling - it's usually quieter by a
factor of 2, although more expensive.)

Intel Motherboards : ASRock 775Dual-Vista ,AGP & PCI Express, DDR &
DDR2, Sound, LAN

This board uses SATA rather than SATA/300 (which your HD uses). Not a
critical problem.

DDR2 memory : 2GB (2x1GB) PC4200 DDR2 533 Dual Channel

You can safely halve this with a pair of 512MB sticks. Otherwise, use
modules that go at the speed of your mainboard.

PCI-Express Video cards : GeForce 7300GS 256Mb PCI EXpress 16X
dual
head, tv out

Low end for modern games. If you can, step it up a bit or switch to a
newer generation.

Hard Drives : 250.0GB Samsung 7200rpm SATA2 UDMA 300 8m Cache
CD/DVD Drives : 16X DVD-ROM Drive
DVD Recorders : LG 18x DVD Recorder Dual Layer +R/RW -R/RW
(black)

Drop the DVD-ROM - you don't need it if you are on a budget.

Also, with digital photos, there is a small chance where 250GB isn't
enough. If you are interested in games, then it is not enough.
Consider doubling it up to a 500GB or building a raid (for a choice of
either extra space or better reliability).

Sound Cards : Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1
Network Cards : WIRELESS 802.11 G PCI NETWORK CARD

Why do you need the wireless card? The onboard ethernet is usually
good enough for those on a budget (where the cabling is slightly
cheaper). For video clips (short or long), the onboard is also faster
in buffering or downloading.

Overall, avoid wireless if you are on a budget - it should only be
chosen if cabling would otherwise be impractical (i.e. it would run
across an open floor).

Cases : Cooler Master Cavalier 3 black aluminum, front USB &
IEEE
Power Supply : Okia 400W ATX Power Supply
Keyboards : Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop Keyboard & Optical
mouse
combo black

Stock keyboard/mouse should be okay.

 

[big al]

Intel CPU : Intel Pentium D 805

nope. core2duo.

Hard Drives : 250.0GB Samsung 7200rpm SATA2 UDMA 300 8m Cache

I'd shop around for a weekly deal on a 500G or 750G HD at your local
big box stores. 250 will just get you into multiple drives too
soon.

CD/DVD Drives : 16X DVD-ROM Drive

The Pioneer 111D 16x burner is supposed to be a top of the line
reader. If you can't read it, it doesn't matter how fast you can
burn it. ~$33

Cases : Cooler Master Cavalier 3 black aluminum, front USB &
IEEE

I'm not an expert on all the different cases, but you want one that
has fans mounted (or that can be easily mounted) in front of the
hard drives. Trust me.

Power Supply : Okia 400W ATX Power Supply

Spend $160 on a PC Power and Cooling 610 watt supply. It's like a
good point guard, it makes everything else work better.

If you won't spring for that, get at least a 500 watt supply.