New Machine

I currently have a blah computer, and am looking to upgrade. I'm techie and can build my own, but i want to make sure if I go and spend the money, that I get the best bang for my buck. To be honest, Alienware's machines are making me drool, but are pricey. I would like to poll everyone and get your views. Money isnt really a BIG restriction, but i'm not looking to spend 4-5 grand on a system unless I can slide it by the roommate...wife....whatever you call it. 🙂 I need opinions on:

Stores for parts
Processor
Motherboards
RAM (I'm looking to get a Gig, but what brand is recommended?)
HD (should I move to a RAID setup for a home machine?)
Cases (If i'm gonna rebuilt, i'm going all out. If it performs well, it has to look GREAT!)

Thanks Guys / Gals!

Try http://www.monarchcomputer.com for motherboard, processor and RAM combos and go from there. They offer alot, they send the CPU/Mobo/Ram combo pre-assembled and tested at prices comparable to what you'd get on individual purchases and are really good about returns (I've gotten a bad mobo from em, and a no hassle replacement.)

If you aren't into overclocking, I'd go with Corsair Ram if you can afford it. Also, Kingston is good for their upper level stuff available.

Mobo, I prefer AMD now over Pentiums, so my bet would be with ASUS or ABIT as long as they have the newer Nvidia Nforce3 chipsets your doing OK.

Processor you have to decide if you want to go with a P4, or AMD, if AMD, do you want an AMD 64bit or 32bit? You cant fully utilize an AMD64bit yet, but from what Ive read so far, the performance of these in 32bit apps is still wonderful and worth getting. I just got one, but am waiting on a heatsink so I'l llet you know how it turns out.

I know break stands by monarchcomputers but from what I've seen, I can't agree. My first stick of ram that I got from them was bad (after they supposedly tested everything). I did get a replacement with no problem however. Kobi was not so lucky. He had to send his ram back 3 times before he finally got one that worked. It cost him alot of money in shipping and at least an extra month of waiting.

Ram just seems to be very sensitive... or maybe corsair is sensitive. Just something to consider for better or for worse.

I think that had more to do with the RAM manufacturer than them tho. I've gotten free replacement on anything sent back from them. But if you dont like them, Newegg.com or tigerdirect.com are great places to buy from also

I'm a big fan of NewEgg.com myself.

I know Tuna and Racer had some problems with the Ram they bought, but it was off brand and they sent it back and got Giel. I think they've been happy so far.

I got a bad hard drive, but not wasn't there fault. It's worked fine for 4 months, then just slowed down.

Something to consider about RAM is every manufactuer makes varied levels. Even Kingston and Corsair have their low end memory. It's really a crapshoot any more, but I have been happy with my Giel memory.

As for Mobo, I use to be a big Abit fan, but I haven't been as happy with them lately. My new system is Abit and it's ok. I wish I had stuck with Gigabyte to be honest. I was really happy with their mobo and video cards.

I also avoid AMD. I had an AMD and there were too many funny problems that Intel didn't have. Ask Racer about it. He had problems with Rogue Spear, all because of his AMD/video card combo. With that said, I know absolutely nothing about the Nforce chipset and a lot of people swear by it.

If you are looking into SATA, read up on the mobo you buy. I found out after my purchase that because of the south bridge integration of the raid, I could not boot from the SATA if I had it in RAID 1. That was really frustrating.

Read Anandtech, TomsHardware and Sharkey's Extreme for the real details. Thats what I do.

Thanks guys on the info so far. 🙂

Here is what I will always go with... 2 cents if you will...

Asus MB's
AMD CPU's
Corsair Ram
ATI Video Cards...

Heh Ephil thats exactly what I have

Yeah... I think I have seen your specs on OKGG... I think you and I pretty much have the same thing...

Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe
AMD 2600+ Barton
Corsair XMS 3200 512MB
ATI 9800 Pro 128MB
Seagate 80GB SATA

I havent been picky on motherboards in the past, but I know a few who have ASUS. I've leaned towards AMD mostly due to prices, and I hear Cosair memory is very good. I've never had problems with ATI video cards, but I tend to stay away from Seagate HDs. One bad drive and numerous incidents from others caused me to get a bit skiddish. I have a WD and Maxtor, both of which have lasted long with no issues.

Seagate SCSI and SATA are very good HD's... Seagate IDE's suck!

I have WD and maxtor IDE's in mine. The 8mb cache drives really DO make a difference, especially on map load times.

OK, now after I get all this great advise, who is going to help finance me? 🙂 LOL

I have the same setup that ephil has, that is until his MB went poof... But now he just has the upgraded version of the same board. And I have had no issues with the setup and will build my next machine with the same manufactures.

Oh, and about finance.... Sorry, I can only afford the ephil trust. 🙂

LOL...well, my plans got advanced. My machine DIED yesterday. Will only be posting from work for now. I think its the Power Supply or Motherboard, just have to check it out when i get time.

throws holy water on the screen.... get back ye demons of the computer crash. Say out of my system....

:twisted:

the crash rate of the computers around here is stunning.