I want a new computer... build or buy?
 

OK, After a lot of thought I've decided I want a new computer. I'm looking for some advice about whether I should buy one (if so, where?) or if I should make the leap and attempt to build it myself. Here's a breakdown of my situation (what I have, what I want)

• I want dual monitor support right out of the box. I've got 2 monitors (one CRT, one LCD with DVI), so I'm not looking to buy one (If I get another monitor I'll buy a high-end LCD later). Is DVI even a real need considering my uses? (more detail below)
• I never play 3D video games, so I guess I want to know "how low can I go?" in terms of video card.
• I've got a 160 gig hard drive I can plop into the new machine, so storage space with the machine I'm buying is a non-issue.
• I can pull my CDRW out of this current machine for the new one, so I'd want just one drive when buying (DVD/CD or DVD-RW/CD)
• I guess I need room to expand, so i probably want a big case
• I tend to run a lot of shit at once, so I guess RAM should be a priority, right? (I'm talking about running 2 or 3 browser windows, 2 or 3 poker tables, Paint Shop Pro, and FOF all at the same time)

To me it kind of sounds like I should build... but I'm a bit worried that I'll fuck something up over overlook something. If I can save a significant amount of money, I'll build. But If I can get a good deal on a machine that is a good fit, I'll buy.

suggestions?

I always build my own computers. It allows me to mix and match parts from my old one as well as ensure that my setup only has what I want. It's really easy to build a computer once you get comfortable with the blueprint. If you overlook something, you can always buy it later and plug it in.

I'm a big fan of building, provided you know what you're doing- saves a decent chunk of change and you can customize for what you want.


I don't know too many cards that support dual DVI out of the box or even dual monitors with 1 DVI but that's going to be what limits your graphic card. I can't tell you how good DVI even is as I'm still using the Radiation Master Nine Million (TM) that came with my Gateway 7 years ago. Almost all of the recent Radeon AIW's come with dual monitor support but that's probably more than you want to pay. Actually, after looking at newegg, most Radeons these days have 1 DVI/1 VGA outlet so that should work for you. If you're not looking to spend a lot of cash but still get an ok card, I'd look at the Radeon 9600 SE's. They kindof suck but they aren't too bad and are cheap ($70ish)- about the level you are looking for.



DVD writeable drives can be had for fairly cheap this Christmas (>$100). Also, if you have a 160GB hard drive, you probably don't need another so that's another easy thing off your list.



Yes, you'll want lots of RAM for what you're doing. Also, I'd look to get a Athlon XP 3000-3200 or Athlon 64 2800 to get the best bang for your processor buck.





SI

Building is usually the best way to go if you already have some of the parts and an Operating System. If you buy an already built machine from a store you would likely be paying a markup, for software and operating system you might already have and for components you might already have. Just do a lot of reading on the subject and afterwards run your final build through someone who really knows their stuff. I am sure there is a forum dedicated to just this subject.

building isn't really that hard, and you can definately save a significant amount of $$ on the parts. The labor is relatively simple...I built my last desktop and I think it took all-told, less than oh...15 minutes to put everything together. That may not be including the time it took to screw everything in, but that's how long it took to...make sure everything was cabeled right. Building is the way to go! Embrace your inner-geek!

With the amount of stuff you already have and the fact that you won't need too nice of a video card, you'll save a good bit of money by just building one yourself.

I'd check out newegg.com for a nice motherboard, processor, and ram. I suggest one of the Athlon 64 processors and a motherboard that supports dual channel memory (I'd get 1GB, which should run in the $170-$190 range). The case I bought from newegg was $40, came with a 400 watt power supply, has 4 5.25 drive bays, and 2 3.5 bays; plenty for most people. They have DVD/CD-RWs for $100 right now and there is actually a Plextor that has a $30 rebate and you can get 100 DVD-Rs for $35 when you buy it.

How do the barebone systems work? What do they come with?

Can you just go in there and plug stuff in? What all additional stuf do you need?

Newegg also sells packages with Processor, Motherboard, and RAM. Great deals usually.

well, it sounds like building is the right move here. so what exactly do I need? I think i'm smart enough to figure out putting this stuff together, but a moron in terms of figuring out what i need.

- case/power
- motherboard (with on-board audio?)
- processor
- ram (1gig)
- video card (a DVI+VGA output is fine)
- DVD/CD or DVD-RW/CD
- 3.5 drive (these must be dirt cheap)

i'm probably missing something...

Any of the motherboards that support the Athlon 64 processors have decent on-board audio. However, if you want to do anything that requires decent sound (movies, games, ect.), I suggest picking up a cheap sound card. On-board audio tends to have some static in it.

Everything else looks pretty good.

EDIT: Is there a price range you are looking for on the video card?

I know the prices can vary wildly. I'm probably looking for one-step up from the minimum. As I said I basically do nothing graphics-intensive. The most visually important things I do are screw around in photo editing programs for personal use only. I'm neither graphic designer nor hardcore gamer, so I really don't think video is a priority.

If you go with an AMD CPU, and want to use on-board sound, then a motherboard with the nForce chipset is the way to go. I've never heard of anyone having any troubles using the on-board audio of these boards.

I'd suggest getting something with at least 128MB. Here's a $50 128MB card. It's PCI, but if you don't run anything graphics intensive, that shouldn't matter. Has VGA+DVI+TV out.

hxxp://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-102-354&DEPA=1

I figure I might as well give on-board sound a shot. If can always get a sound card if I'm dissatisfied.

any thoughts on this MB/CPU/RAM bundle? Too much for my needs?

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...ion=13-128-263

(the bundle is listed below the product description).
$466
Motherboard (with NForce2 chipset and on-board audio)
AMD 64 3000+ (2.2 GHz)
512 MB DDRAM (I would add another 512)

NewEgg and TigerDirect have both worked well for me... both have good bundle deals.

Not sure on that bundle, but wanted to chime in for the "build" side. I did it last year and will always go the build route from now on.

In case it helps, this is a thread from last year when a few people here were building computers:
Building a Computer

It takes time the first time you do it, but it's a neat sense of accomplishment when you finish the thing.

You are in the tri-state area i see and the Market Pro Computer Show and Sale are constantly in the area. Not sure if they are in Jersey, but I know they are down by Philly all the time.

This is where I usually go for my stuff and it is all there under one roof.