Skullbearer
BoardBunny
Global user
Registered: 12-2004
Location: An anime filled void... yay!
Posts: 244
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Need a new high-utility long-lasting computer fast and cheap?
This is for Joe...
Computers retail (when you buy a 'new' system that will be worth it for more than 3 months) cost anywhere from $500 - $4,000
I can build you the equivalent (or even better because of higher part quality) to a $3,000 computer, with no monitor, for about $1,200
If you only want to spend about $600, I can build you a system that will last you about 2 years on that... once again, with no monitor.
If you want to really go all out... $1,600 and you got yourself the mother of all (monitorless) systems that I personally guarantee will run the newest games in 'High' mode for 3 years AT LEAST.
Remember, I can do it for 50% or less what you will pay for pre-built, and you will get longer-lasting parts, a kickass case (if you want to pop about $80 on a nice custom case from one of over 100 choices I can get for you for that price or less), and a solid amount of HD space and good cooling.
Need RAM? No problem. More HD? No problem. Need to up your frags on Unreal Tournament 2004... well, if its a laggy FPS rate, then look no further.
Contact my e-mail (skullbearer@gmail-SPAMMERS-.com)
*remove -SPAMMERS-*
For any sytem you need for anything video, picture, audio, or just kickassness, contact me, and save today!
*Modest service charge, often less than $100, plus shipping, significantly smaller charge if you just need me to find the parts for you, rather than assemble it. Windows XP license less than $30 with parts... if needed. Linux if you like, and I'll install any other program you wish, as long as it has been legally obtained*
(For more on 'legally obtained' ask me by e-mail *hint hint*)
--- "Only YOU can prevent forum fires."
-Geeky the Bear
 |
|
4/18/05, 2:15 pm
|
Send Email to Skullbearer
Send PM to Skullbearer
|
Marachan
Head Carrot
Global user
Registered: 07-2004
Location: Florida
Posts: 633
Karma: 4 (+5/-1)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Need a new high-utility long-lasting computer fast and cheap?
I actually got a very nice machine (P4, 3ghz w/HT, 1 gig, 180gb SATA drive, Dual layer DVD for $650ish. About 40% off list at Best Buy. They had a clearance sale.
A Gateway... not my first choice in brands, but it wasn't a crap-fest in house or E-machines (basically gateway's bargain brand). Not a celeron or anything either, so I think I made out pretty well.
Now I just have to get all the software back on there and working again... then transfer off the pictures from this weekend... get the comic on there... get the scanner working.. etc...
Should be up and running for Thurs' comic.
---
* Joe *
Writer/webmaster
www.marachan.com
|
|
4/18/05, 3:40 pm
|
Send Email to Marachan
Send PM to Marachan
|
Skullbearer
BoardBunny
Global user
Registered: 12-2004
Location: An anime filled void... yay!
Posts: 244
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Need a new high-utility long-lasting computer fast and cheap?
Not too bad... I could have done you a little better...
The biggest problem I have with Gateway, is they, like Dell and most commercial computer retailers, use whoever has the cheapest parts at the time in their 'in store' models.
This means that your 1gig RAM may not be 400 or 533mhz RAM, but an older type...
It also might not be a low ratio RAM, which means it actually runs more slowly...
Just having '1 gig of RAM' doesn't actually mean its worth it.
The processor should be fine, but I doubt it is a chipset with a large cache at that cost... and it probably doesn't have many open (if any) PCI slots on the MB (which means you can't add any new cards without removing old ones)
It also may not have a good power supply... many factors lead to 'in store' models generally having at least 1 failing part within the first year, unless you jump into the $2,500+ range, in which they literally cannot justify the price without higher quality parts.
Hope it works for you without problems... but just to keep in mind...
If you need a new HD or more space:
Steer towards Western Digital... I have yet to have a single drive die on me from them (some over 8 years old, which is ancient for an IDE drive)
Always make sure that your MB is compatible with any new cards or memory... since its an 'in store' model it probably is compatible with only a few brands, and probably not many new cards, unless its an Intel (which I doubt for that price)
It never hurts to have a BIGGER power supply than you need... but it always hurts to have a SMALLER power supply... they probably have it borderlined to save cost, so if you ever add something rather than replace, make sure you have the power supply to handle it.
CD Roms are always the first to go... it may be a 52x drive now, but in three months of use, it might only be good as a cupholder. Fortunately, CD Roms are probably the cheapest part to replace... hold onto at least one old CD rom you know works from your previous comp in case of failure... then if you have to replace, I recommend buying a good high speed read, high speed write CD-R/RW read/write drive. Don't go for the cheapy one unless its got a big rebate (so normally is more expensive) because it would probably break down more quickly.
A good CD drive should last you 20-30 years before breaking down... most company's drives only last about 6 months - 2 years because they use low quality plastic components that gradually weaken from the heat and vibration. That's what you call "Programmed Absolesence". Generally, if its very light and mostly plastic, it will die before the rest of your computer will... this is how CD drive companies can make money with a product that is far less expensive than other parts.
Headphones are cheaper and better quality than all but extremely expensive sound systems...
Get a nice set of name-brand 'concert hall' headphones... those are the ones that eliminate outside noise and have comfy earpads. You can wear it on one ear for anything not-stereo sound (most internet videos/games/mp3s) if not hearing the world is a problem. They are comfy if you get good ones, and they (should be) full range surround sound capable... CHECK FOR FULL RANGE. Lots of speakers or headphones don't go the full audio range of the human ear... they should go WAY BEYOND that range to ensure quality tone. Avoid wireless, as full range wireless will jump you from $40 phones to $400 phones.
Video card...
1. On board memory (First thing to look for)
2. Chipset (Second thing... Radeon is actually making good versatile chipsets now, while in the past it worked with only certain programs, they are good for almost everything, Nvidia is going cheap to try and keep up sales, so forget that they used to be reliable, and go Radeon)
3. Power capacity (Third thing) This is very important... modern cards are actually like 2 cards in one... they suck up the juice like mad. Just as a 3ghz comp is better than an 800mhz comp, the same way higher power cards are (generally) faster than the same card with a lower power.
There are more little things, but only someone who's really super-nit picky would need to know about them... I rarely even have to think about them, so I have them written down somewhere.
Sound Card
Sound is one area you don't have to be picky in... just don't go cheap... make sure it has surround sound capabilities (you'd almost be hard pressed to find one that doesn't). Doesn't have to have more than 1 out, and 1 in(mic) at the minimum, unless you got some monster of a sound system to use it with. SoundBlaster is always a good choice... they work well, have been repeatedly reliable, and are generally a basic for any system. You probably have a SoundBlaster or Intel integrated card... if it isn't either AND its integrated... it probably won't handle true 3d sound well... but it should do it. Generally, integrated use less power for more speed, but the chipsets are way behind in technology, so you get a heck of a lot more from a (easily replaceable) card, plus its not fused to your MB.
Double check your BUS power rating... you should have AT LEAST 533mhz... 800mhz is the current 'good' standard... 533mhz is going out the window, but its very popular among cheaper builds, because it is significantly less expensive. You will notice quite a speed difference in the exact same system running at 533mhz as compared to 800mhz.
Memory... just to recap... 333mhz is too slow, and its older tech, you will notice the memory loads if you do anything major. 400mhz, low frequency (if this isn't listed, generally, you are ok with a solid brand, but cheap ones might have crappy frequencies), and DOUBLE SIDED. Now, believe it or not, I still find people with single sided RAM... this is just a huge waste of space... you get half the storage out of each stick... its like they took one side of the memory stick and wiped it clean. You might pay more for a single sided of the same size as a double-sided... because that 256 SS is like half a 512, so you might pay nearly the cost of the 512.
On the flip-side... you won't get more speed out of it either as compared to the same storage double-sided RAM, because its still moving the same amount of information. Gold plated if you can get it... most people have silver plated, you won't notice the difference, since it isn't huge, but the cost is only a little more (often less than $10 difference) to go to a company that does gold contacts.
That's what I can remember about what I recommend to clients when they get a computer because it 'seems' to be a better system for less... don't forget... if it smells like its burning, the image is getting a little wierd, or the noise is actually frightening your animals, there is probably a problem. Turn it off, arm yourself with a fire extinguisher and a thick kitchen towel, and open the case to check for damage. If there isn't any aparent problem, and its not overheating...
Just keep going, you probably don't need help yet. (Hey, just cause I do this for money, doesn't mean I'm gonna tell old ladies and stuff to have me run over at $50/hr just because the HD is buzzing like a swarm of bees)
--- "Only YOU can prevent forum fires."
-Geeky the Bear
|
|
4/18/05, 4:42 pm
|
Send Email to Skullbearer
Send PM to Skullbearer
|
Marachan
Head Carrot
Global user
Registered: 07-2004
Location: Florida
Posts: 633
Karma: 4 (+5/-1)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Need a new high-utility long-lasting computer fast and cheap?
Um...
Did I ever mention I've worked for 15 years in the machines/computer department of Staples?
Here's the specs:
http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/3724/4172su4.shtml
Yeah, shared video sucks... but if I want to make it a gaming rig, I can add in a new card for that.
I built my last few machines... but the prices have dropped so far that it's not worth the trouble.
I could have 'fixed' my current machine for about $200... new HD(s), new MB. *IF* I could find another MB that was compatable with the ram and processor I have.
If I went to a faster machine with new ram, it would run about $5-600. So not much more I got the new case, new DVD drive, etc. Not to mention the whole not having to re-install windows and everything and make sure everything's cross compatable.
now I can use my old case and sound card to upgrade my mom's machine, the old DVD will go in Dot's machine. HD's I dunno if I can salvage or not. As for the MB and RAM... who knows.
---
* Joe *
Writer/webmaster
www.marachan.com
|
|
4/18/05, 5:23 pm
|
Send Email to Marachan
Send PM to Marachan
|
Skullbearer
BoardBunny
Global user
Registered: 12-2004
Location: An anime filled void... yay!
Posts: 244
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Need a new high-utility long-lasting computer fast and cheap?
Not too bad... certainly that video gard isn't pulling any heavy shift on you, but the sound is not bad.
I personally still want to know the specific MB, but otherwise its not that bad of a system for that price.
--- "Only YOU can prevent forum fires."
-Geeky the Bear
|
|
4/19/05, 1:35 am
|
Send Email to Skullbearer
Send PM to Skullbearer
|
Add a reply
Powered by AkBBS 0.9.5b - Link to us
- Blogs
- Hall of Honour
- Chat
Click here to get your own free message board
|
You are not logged in (login)
Board's time is: 1/9/09, 6:07 am
|
|
|
