Howdy,

I really want to get a new computer because my current one just isnt cutting it. Here are my current rigs stats:

P? 1.7ghz
256MB ram
ATI Radeon AIW 7500
80gig HDD

What I am having trouble deciding is whether or not to get an AMD or Intel processor. I don't really want to get into overclocking unless it is really that simple. I don't have time to build the system although I plan to install some parts myself. Could anyone refer a good website that makes good but inexpensive computers. I play alot of video games so I am looking for something like this:

P4 3.2 or AMD 3200
ATI 9800 Pro
1024 MB PC3200 RAM
120gb+ HDD
Cool looking case =)
DVD +- RW

Also, what brands are good for Motherboards, RAM, and Harddrives?

Thanks in advance for answering my newbie computer questions,

Fanta

I would be happy to help you out. It really depends on what you call inexpensive, what kind of price range are you talking about. Let me know and I'll be able to help a little more.

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If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization.

I have a more generalized view on computer hardware as I am not skilled like pcx is.

I always thought Intel was more expensive, but they worked better (in most cases).

Either one should do fine. I have an Intel P4 in my computer and love it. Typically if you have a lot to spend, always buy Intel.

Anyways, have a look at some of these threads too:
http://www.gidforums.com/t-2298.html
http://www.gidforums.com/t-1476.html
http://www.gidforums.com/t-2041.html

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Mr. Bob's Web Design - Tirelessly looking for ways to enhance the customer base of your business.

After reading some posts I went ahead and ordered a computer from cyberpowersystem.com. They got many good reviews from cnet, etc.

What i ordered was:
X-BLADE Mid-Tower 450W W/ WINDOW & LCD Temperature Display + FAN CONTROL

p4 3.2 Ghz w/HT

SONY 16X DVD-ROM

NU DDW-081 8X DVD+R/+RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE

Seagate 120GB 7200RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache

256 MB PC3200 400MHz DDR (Im going to buy a pair of Kingston 512 PC3200 later)

ASUSP4P800 SE DELUXE I865PE AGP8X DUAL DDR w/AUD,USB2,LAN Motherboard

ATI Radeon 9600 SE 128MB DDR AGP 8X w/ TV-Out & DVI(they had a special on this card, i plan to upgrade to a 9800 pro when the new video cards come out and the old ones get cheaper)

All this and some more stuff came out to be $839 + shipping. Is this is a good deal? If this is terrible there is still time to cancel the order before I screw myself. I can spend up to $1000 right now and I can add some stuff on later. Thanks for the help

Fanta

Nope pretty good deal I think. The only thing I would do is add more RAM when you get a chance 265 is good but 512 or 1GB would be much better. Oops didn't see that part about the going to add RAM later. Also what sound card are you getting?

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If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization.

Alrighty thanks for the confirmation. Yeah I know 256 MB is too little, but i hear that Kingston goes real well with my motherboard so I'll get 2 512 MB strips with the heat spreaders (so pretty). Well, now I just sit and wait for my computer to get here =).

As far as I know, this is the BEST ram you can get, http://www.hardcorecooling.us/index....ROD&ProdID=597

Do i need PC3500? I was under the impression that anything above PC3200 was mainly used for overclocking which I don't really plan on doing. However, if you know something I don't please let me know. Would the 2X256 PC3500 be better than 2X512 PC3200?

Someone who knows what he is talking about will have to clarify this for you. I don't overclock my machine, yet I was still reccomended this RAM.

Could you get the 2X512 PC3200 for less than the price the link above shows?

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You would want to get 1 GB or 512MB like suggested above. Remember that the link is for 512MB RAM and NOT 1GB. So you would have to order two.

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Mr. Bob's Web Design - Tirelessly looking for ways to enhance the customer base of your business.

Does anyone know whether or not I need PC3200 or PC3500 with a P4 3.2 GHz processor? If so, is it better to get 4X256 or 2X512? I would think even if the 512 is slower, it would be better to get in case I feel like upgrading ram even more in the future. Once again thanks for the help guys.

FaNTa