What should I replace my old computer with?

[LethalOatmeal]

What should I replace my old computer with?
My current computer with 700 Duron processer and so so video card is beginning to crap out.
I plan to start from scratch I get all new every thing (inside the tower that is). What would be good for RBR and GTL? without getting too expensive
no more than $1500 Canadian including taxes (less than 1100 Euro).

[Zieman]

Here's my two cents:

Spare the monitor if it is ok, they are expensive. Also helps to keep your budget low if you don't need to buy a new OS.

To a gaming computer you'll want to buy an Athlon64 (at least 3000+) or a P4 3+ GHz and a good mobo for it. And of course 2x512MB of RAM & a graphics card with at least 128 MB memory.
With a new processor & compliant mobo, new graphics card and probably new hd, you may need to upgrade your PSU too.

Computer- (or technology-) oriented magazines & internet give you good clues for what exactly to buy...

[LethalOatmeal]

I just need the stuff that goes in the tower. I will use my old monitor, wheel, joystick and keyboard.
Plus I will have to buy an operating system, unless I can use my girl friends XP disc, we are hooked up to the same modem so is that legal? oh well it would only be another $100 for Home XP anyway

one computer package at the local gaming store in my neighbourhood is $1400
AMD Athon 64 3500+
MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum nForce4 mainboard
1Gb PC3200-400 dul channel DDR-RAM
200 Gb harddrive
nVidia GeForce 6600GT 128Mb PCI-e video
Sound Blaster Audigy2
DVD-ROM and DVD+RW
2 years parts and labour warranty

I could get cheaper by mail order or e-Bay, but I'm not computer literate enough to put one together from parts and/or figure out problems

[MudSnow]

That all sounds like a good package, but you are right, you can get all that on eBay for <$800 (US), and even get an nVidia 6800 256MB, instead.

[LethalOatmeal]

is nVidia 6800 256MB worth a $200 upgrade?

[MudSnow]

is nVidia 6800 256MB worth a $200 upgrade?

:OMG: You mean $200 additional to the price of 6600? Probably not, but I have seen it at eBay for <$175 selling price. Yes, the 256 is quite a bit faster than 128, about 10% on some tests.

[vrmx]

Give a link to a store where you're planning on getting the system. Will be much easier for me to say what to get as I think the prices are cheaper there than here.

And also do you want it to be quiet or normal noisy system?
I myself prefer silent power as my own system is quieter than my vcr playing a tape :D.

[Tarzan]

I think NCIX www.ncix.com is one of the most recommended Canadian stores for this. Appears to be. http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?p=3424123#post3424123 also check http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2064.html

Well they let you build own computer, select parts then they build and test for 50$. They run Memtest86, cpu test, vcard test. Not too bad. I ticked off some stuff as you can see. Video card is the brandnew ATI 800GT which seems a bit faster than Nvidia 6600GT but with 256mb of fast ram. Price about the same. http://www.hexus.net/content/reviews/review.php?dXJsX3Jldmlld19JRD0xNDU2JnVybF9wYWdlPTE z

If you look at case you will notice it only comes with 1 120mm fan. Think you should get 1 more for intake - I forgot to add. You dont need to make use of cpu duct or extra cooling for video card. I have same cpu, runs very cool even with standard AMD cooler and extra volt. Can do that later, I doubt ever - but nice case and comes with ok Antec 450W power supply. If you find it ugly may be Coolermaster Centurion 5 will be better - add powersupply like Fortron 400W - be sure powersupply is one designed for these new motherboards and PCI-E cards. They still sell older models which might work, might not.

Motherboard, memory will work together. Mobo has onboard sound though Audigy 2 (cheap value model perhaps) probably will be better. Try the onboard chip first, Audigy can be added later if needed. DFI do not support old power supplies which need adaptors to make use of 24pin connector. Another good reason to get right psu.

I included XP Home OEM. You will have to install yourself - and no matter what you buy expect some trial and error. Really a no brainer to set up but things can go wrong ;) Good parts helps to minimize problems.

Tax about 15% right? I cant see total price unless I register and didnt bother. Shipment I also dont know about. Anyway, search a bit for shopname if you are concerned about reliability etc. You should but I think it is ok. Very good website and options like picking parts yourself often means good service. Also details like they mention Memtest86 and 3dmark loops as base of testing is worth something. Just the selection has much quality smell. Most likely not cheapest of course, thats how it is. http://www.pricegrabber.ca/ compare.


http://www.nogripracing.com/forum/files/Tarzan_1125575121_ncix.jpg

[nicky6r4]

im going to be buying a new pc but was wondering if anyone can tell me if this is anygood for the money http://www.evesham.com/PCs/Info.asp?e=5DD5485C-1488-44C5-B9FB-CF6CD70C6035

I will be using it mainly for gaming and keeping the one im using now for video editing. Any help would be appreciated.

[vrmx]

No it's not good for the money.
Too low ram and slow gfx.

[nicky6r4]

http://www.evesham.com/PCs/Info.asp?e=6D2B5F09-F08A-47EC-AD02-B1B0A8418644

[vrmx]

Heh. Wouldn't say it's any better.

Personally I never look at ready systems and pick the parts myself.

See my system specs here (http://pc.gt42.net/) and consider it that all those parts cost less than 1400€ (~950£) new together ;).

[LethalOatmeal]

since I don't know DOS I am not able to "assemble" a computer and will need a "ready" system with good support (such as an in-person person in my neighbourhood rather than some phone help line or this forum)

Also QUIET is very important

[vrmx]

LethalOatmeal, if you give a link to a shop you're going to get the parts I could look up something.
Or is that http://www.ncix.com/ ok what Tarzan linked?

[Tarzan]

Well being afraid of installing XP is really nonsense. It is very very userfriendly. As I said there will be some trial and error but computer is ready for kick-off and it will most likely be in good condition = you can not mess up by installing parts yourself.

All the drivers and such for motherboard, video card install themself, almost automatically. Same as Windows.

You expect local shop to come around and show you how-to? They would love to but you have that kind of money? ;) If online-shop is good, which I think it is, there will be no problem with service. Inconvinient having to send back stuff for replacement (can happen to anyone and any computer part no matter price) but since they do some basic tests it is hopefully theory.

There are plenty of guides/help for everything. Just ask, not an Xbox you get but after some getting used to I dont really know what you should need help for. Not more than the rest of us. If you bought cheap but terrible parts from worst onlineshop in Canady we have new situation. But there are good and bad shops. Saving 20$ can kick you in the butt after purchase. Investigate and evaluate what options you have, and dont rush decisions! "Locally" parameter I dont understand. There is little benefit I think. Even if you are wet behind the ears, excuse my language!, I would bet an old floppy drive you could assemple/setup computer yourself. If you dont want to you shouldnt and 50$ is ok price for letting shop do dirty work.

I have troublesome relationship to "local" shops so will vote buy online anytime. Not only to save a few $ but also to have better parts to select from. May be you have a really good one close by, hard to know. I assume they do exist. From what Ive seen at NCIX I wouldnt mind buying from them.

Forgot, may be you should consider getting a few more parts like Logitech wireless keyb/mouse (LX700 should do), some DVD/CD drive etc. so you dont have to cripple old computer. 2 working computers are better than 1.5. Dont know if it matters.

If you research a bit more and decide NCIX is it post again, may be vrmx have better alternative. You can have 20 to pick from if you want. I just wanted to show you can get good stuff for 1500. You probably could squeeze in a faster video card like 800XL but Im not too happy about getting cheaper VIA motherboard when Nvidias are so good. Priorities. Also important to get one which is popular and have good support - no unknown secrets etc. DFI is actually a brand loved by overclockers and those who like to fiddle - very opposite you, but also good quality and price seems right. Dont go buy anything though - more options needs to be checked, 1 with 800XL I think, and you must confirm price is right.

Did you say DOS? :cool:

[vrmx]

Im not too happy about getting cheaper VIA motherboard when Nvidias are so good. Priorities.

Did you say DOS? :cool:
Heh. I just changed from Nforce4 SLI to VIA K8T800Pro and haven't regret it. Nvidia chipset mobos are almost always active cooled = noise :(.

And DOS is cool :cool:.

[JamesGT]

If you can build your own, you can do better to get it piece by piece and put it together yourself.

[LethalOatmeal]

my neighbourhood store is
http://www.gameaction.com/

and I don't want to build my own computer due to all the problems I have already had with home made by so called computer geeks systems

I am likely out of computer action until Sept 14
won't even be near electrical power

[MudSnow]

since I don't know DOS I am not able to "assemble" a computer

Hmmm? DOS has nothing to do with assembling a computer for many years now, especially since Windows XP. XP installs 99.5% of drivers automically, and all you need to know about assembling hardware is how to turn a screwdriver, really and honestly that simple.

The best advice for parts is to go to an overclockers forum, read system specs, and find those parts on ebay. In fact, just copy vrmx, which is what I will do (except I will get nvidia 6800 GT 256), and you will be happy, I am sure.

If you have common ability, and can turn a screwdriver with confidence, you will have no trouble.

[Tarzan]

If there is no interest it can go wrong.

I dont like that typical computer-shop, buy online and possibly make use of their "service" if you get into problems which cant be solved otherwize. Cant think of what that should be. I doubt they test their unkown memory with Memtest or run 3D loops before shipping out video cards. Why assume the worst? Also I would like to add you just might have to upgrade yourself a little :cool: No good in relying completely on other peoples advice then start crying at first sign of trouble. That dont work too well with computers. There will be problems but all can be fixed unless something is broken. That is why you should get good known to work parts, get shop to build and test computer is in working conditon when you receive it. Ncix is one example - you can search google, hardware forums, their own forums to get an idea of how crappy they are ;) Find something better. No matter shop best way for you is as shown. You select parts yourself but let them do the dirty work. Not doing it yourself will allways cost more but I find 50$ reasonable for such a shortcut - as a total package it will be better than computer from local store for sure.

Who install and setup racing game for you btw.? Not a stupid question if you are so helpless with computers, OS as you think you are. Nothing to it if you invest some time and have just average patience. Rushing events is where it go wrong - also with software.

[vrmx]

Well here's (http://www.nogripracing.com/forum/files/vrmx_1125845053_pcsystem.png) my suggestion for now.

I added a better cooler for cpu and dvd-writer.
Motherboard should be passive cooled. Case has adjustable fan. If you want it to be more quiet get a Zalman VF700-AlCu or VF700-Cu for the gfx and inform the store to install it too.

[LethalOatmeal]

I went with
AMD Athon 64 3500+
MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum nForce4 mainboard
1Gb PC3200-400 dul channel DDR-RAM
200 Gb harddrive
nVidia GeForce 7800GT 256Mb video
.
.
.
and TV tuner card

bought it at InterAction my local shop. It was about 10 % more than NCIX but they recovered my old hard drive loaded and tested everything and spent over an hour with me to make sure I new how it all worked (saved a lot of my time getting RT back up and running with all the Real Physics updates), plus they are only a few blocks away and are willing to help with what ever problems or questions I might have (also saved lots of time shopping and waiting for delivery). Far better and quicker service than DEL
Am now able to run RT at highest graphics settings (doesn't really make a big difference to my driving) and can think about getting RBR. Hey Dan, are you still selling them?

[vrmx]

I bet it isn't so quiet though, atleast not on my standards ;).

And went over your original budget I believe.

[LethalOatmeal]

yeah :o over budget but I looked at the recommended requirements for GTL and figured to be a little ahead of new stuff coming out and didn't want to wait any longer to re enter computer land. I was missing RT too much to save 10%
As far as quiet I still have my wood and foam box for the tower (cave man technology still works)
does your set up not have any fans running? I think that would be the only way to improve on my box

[vrmx]

I have 6 fans total (2x case, 2x psu, cpu and gfx) but still the whole system is more quiet than my vcr playing a tape :).

[MudSnow]

L.O. congratulations on your new PC! Exactly what I would like to have. I will probably get about the same, but with a 6800GT next year. More in my price range. A wood and foam box sounds great to me so long as there is enough ventilation. I am using Antec SmartCool 120mm thermostatic case fans, and Cooler Master centrifugal fans for my CPU, almost as quiet as vrmx's, but I have the whole thing in a wooden cupboard, as well.

I haven't had a VCR for more than 5 years. ;) Never did have a cassette player.