Looking to Buy New Computer...

[Keebler Elf]

So me thinks my computer is starting to reach the end of it's (efficient) life span and I'm considering buying a new computer.

I'm looking for components to build it myself.

I want it to be fully SATA II (?) compatible because I want all my drives to be SATA drives. The more SATA ports, the better.

I'm not a huge gamer. In terms of graphics, all I need is enough for WoW. That being said, I want the computer to last 3-5 years so I don't want a low end mobo with no room to upgrade the video card down the road (actually, I'm looking for upgradability across the board for all components).

I won't need a monitor or peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer, etc.).

One of the key issues I'm going to face is Windows. I have WinXP Home Edition (on disk) but I figure I'm going to be forced to buy Vista (ugh!). My WinXP is only a couple years old but I think I'll be changing too many components for it to continue working.

My sound card is less than a year old so I think it's probably sufficient (Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio).

So what I think I'm going to need is as follows:

- CPU
- Motherboard (I've always been an Asus guy)
- RAM
- Video Card (?)
- Hard Drive (I want to replace my old EIDE drives with a new SATA)

I'm thinking of buying from Tiger Direct or Canada Computers (the stores, not online).

Ideally, I'd like to spend around $750-800 but no more than a grand.

Suggestions? Tips? Recommendations?

 

[Horney_Senior]

I've always liked this little store at Warden and Sheppard. Their prices are very good and you can at least see if the others are competitive:

http://www.svtopcomputer.com/

 

[star_lord1]

So me thinks my computer is starting to reach the end of it's (efficient) life span and I'm considering buying a new computer.

I'm looking for components to build it myself.

I want it to be fully SATA II (?) compatible because I want all my drives to be SATA drives. The more SATA ports, the better.

I'm not a huge gamer. In terms of graphics, all I need is enough for WoW. That being said, I want the computer to last 3-5 years so I don't want a low end mobo with no room to upgrade the video card down the road (actually, I'm looking for upgradability across the board for all components).

I won't need a monitor or peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer, etc.).

One of the key issues I'm going to face is Windows. I have WinXP Home Edition (on disk) but I figure I'm going to be forced to buy Vista (ugh!). My WinXP is only a couple years old but I think I'll be changing too many components for it to continue working.

My sound card is less than a year old so I think it's probably sufficient (Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio).

So what I think I'm going to need is as follows:

- CPU
- Motherboard (I've always been an Asus guy)
- RAM
- Video Card (?)
- Hard Drive (I want to replace my old EIDE drives with a new SATA)

I'm thinking of buying from Tiger Direct or Canada Computers (the stores, not online).

Ideally, I'd like to spend around $750-800 but no more than a grand.

Suggestions? Tips? Recommendations?

I've always built my own "white box" machine. Lately I added 2G of memory for a total of 3G. Just replaced my video card with an ASUS EN8800 GTX. I should probably be able to play Crysis at a reasonable framerate. I may or may not upgrade the cpu - I currently have an Athlon 4000. In all, these changes should keep me going another 2-3 years before I'll need another upgrade. The PSU will be a biggie next time around just to handle the expected power demands from the latest graphics cards (my current 480 W supply blocked me from a card more powerful than the 8800 GTX).

So, some advice:

CPU: Intel seems to have the lead right now and multicore is a good way to go. Dual core should be sufficient for WoW.

Motherboard: ASUS is good, I've always used their MB's.

Memory: DDR3 is good but expensive. DDR2 should be ok for a couple of more years. Buy at least 2G, 3 or 4 if you're getting Vista.

Video card: I prefer nVidia based cards for no particular reason. Well, there is one reason and that's their continuing support of Linux which they have done better than ATI. WoW will probably run well on a 512M card now and for the near future. An nVidia GTS based card should be fine. PCI Express is pretty much unavoidable now even if you have 'druthers.

Hard drives: most MB's have SATA support built in - all the vendors prefer it. You should expect 4 SATA ports as standard. You might want to try for a MB with PATA support so you can carry over your old drives as well - makes the data transfer very efficient. Both Western Digital and Seagate make quality hard drives. Capacity should be >= 120 GB. I'd spend extra for a 7200 RPM drive. You probably won't need RAID, I don't use it.

Audio card: I'm still using my SB Audigy card and see no reason to upgrade at this time. Your X-FI should be just fine.

As far as where to buy it, I've been using Infonec (http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php) since Logic Computer House went under. Their prices are very good and their web store is a good place to browse prior to the purchase. The have stores in Markham and Mississauga.

If you're building from components, then you should NOT be forced to buy Vista. If you do end up with Vista, remember that your purchase includes a license for XP as well which you can download from the Microsoft site. I setup my PC at work to dual boot either Vista or XP.

Here's a GOTCHA: Windows XP does NOT have support for SATA drives for installation purposes! Windows XP SP1 does. Check your disk: if it says SP1 (or Service Pack 1) on it then you're golden, otherwise you'll need to install using SATA drivers on a floppy or install to a PATA drive and get your SATA drive support once you install SP1.

Good luck and YMMV as always.

 

[Anynym]

Oddly, I can't find a certain specific thread which I recall discussing this topic. No matter.

Ars Technica has some good guides to start the thinking. Then you can go to Tom's Hardware and trade components up or down based on your performance needs. Check out prices and availability from some local vendor (in Ottawa, we have PCCyber).

I recently had a machine assembled with an Intel Quad Core Q6600 (about $240) on an Asus P5B Deluxe MoBo (may be no longer available?), adding a 4Gig RAM kit, and an Asus GF8500GT 256MB video card (among other add-ins). Happy with the performance, but you can choose whatever components / performance / price suit your needs.

 

[svtcobra]

Above mentioned replies are all good, and I recommend this also.

I would stick with Canada Computers and also this company. http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php

They both have awesome pricing for people off the street. Honestly I will personally stay away from Tiger-direct.

Most asus MB come on board 6 sata 2 port, 1 IDE port, 1 floppy port, and a humm at least 4 E-SATA ports on the back of the mobo.

I don't know what you're budget is like but if you want something to last 4-5 yrs. I would suggest getting the Intel Quad Core Extreme processor. Yes it is expensive but well worth it and it will give you the "WOW" factor that you are looking for.

 

[canucklehead]

WoW = world of warcraft

 

[svtcobra]

WoW = world of warcraft

LOL I get it, but he still going to get the WOW with that processor and speeds.

LOL.. I'm not a gamer.

 

[vavog]

Star Lord and Cobra know of what they speak. I concur and fully support their views. Buy what you can afford (which translates into Intel Core 2 Duo and DDR2 memory .. those are the sweet price / performance items right now).

Video Card? Up to you, but WOW doesn't require anything extreme from what I know. Whole unit without monitor will be less than $600 likely (cheaper if you reuse some of your parts from your existing machine.. if you're only gonna toss it anyway)

 

[Never Compromised]

Buy a Mac.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Buy a Mac.

LOL!!!
A Mac is too expensive if you want to save money.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Buy a Mac.

No thanks.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Gateway also has some pretty nice prices with plenty of features thrown in.

http://www.gateway.com/systems/series/529598059.php

Heck, with a few critical upgrades, my 11yr old Gateway P2 still runs like new running XP Pro & Linux....and the kicker is I still got free phone support (North American based) on it!

 

[svtcobra]

Gateway also has some pretty nice prices with plenty of features thrown in.

http://www.gateway.com/systems/series/529598059.php

Heck, with a few critical upgrades, my 11yr old Gateway P2 still runs like new running XP Pro & Linux....and the kicker is I still got free phone support (North American based) on it!

I would stay away from pre-built systems personally. The only time I would use them if it is for a corporate office's and just normal home use. It is totally better to go the custom built system, as you know what you have put into it. It may cost you a little more in the end but U know you have a solid machine.

 

[Keebler Elf]

I'm not doin' pre-built. I always build my own.

 

[vavog]

Again I have to support Cobra on this. Mobo's like Asus just seem to last forever. Sure I've had a few blow but I've also had Dell's blow as well. I find there is absolutely no cost savings in buiding your own verses a well educated purchase but I do believe the components used are of better quality. IMHO

 

[sailorsix]

have you looked into Heathkit?

You could have a PC with a built in oscilloscope and ham radio.

 

[mwong168]

Looking to Buy New Computer

Between CPU's I would probably go with Intel even through AMD seems to provide better bang for buck but since you want a system to last and be upgradable in the future I would go with Intel and get a Core 2 Duo and upgrade to Intel quad core processor later once more applications or games utilizle this. The only game I know of that utilizies quad core is Supreme Commander. Another plus is Core 2 Duo and Quad use the same socket LGA775.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3 GHz Dual Core Processor (1333 MHz ) Socket 775 (6 MB L2 Cache) - Box BX80570E8400
http://www.pcvonline.com/productDetails.aspx?id=6564
$194.95

There are many choices for motherboards and I use to lean more towards Gigabyte but I'm quite impressed with what ASUS has to offer nowadays. This board here should suit all your SATA needs and even has integrated Wifi and you can easily overclock the E8400 CPU from 3Ghz to 3.6Ghz using the stock Intel cooler although I don't suggest this. I will suggest what you can get for an aftermarket CPU cooler further down.

Asus P5K-Premium WiFi-AP Socket 775 Intel P35 ICH9R Chipset Dual-Channel DDR2 1066/800/667Mhz Dual GigaLAN 2x PCIe x16 eSATA/SATA 3.0Gb/s Firewire 10x USB 2.0
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=015456&cid=MB.157
$167.99

As for ram for can either get DDR2 800 or DDR2 1066. Also note that if you are running the regular 32bit version of XP your system will only recognize 3GB out of the 4GB of available ram. You are probably best to run Vista Ultimate 64bit to take advantage of DirectX 10 for gaming anyways. DDR2 800 is about $50-60 cheaper then 1066. Besides if you plan on overclocking the CPU a little bit it can be easily done with good quality DDR2 800.

OCZ (OCZ2RPR8004GK) DDR2 PC2-6400 800 MHz Reaper HPC Edition 4GB Dual Channel
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=018764&cid=RAM.346.307
$82.99 after $30 mail in rebate


For the hard drive there are two options I would go with. The first one is the Samsung Spinpoint F1 Series 750 gig 32M cache drive. I think this drive give you best bang for buck as well as being 7200rpm and 32M cache it is a good choice.
http://www.pcvonline.com/productDetails.aspx?id=7188
$109.95

The other alternative is the Western Digital Caviar (WD6400AAKS) 640GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Buffer (OEM). It is an odd size because of the plater size western digital decided to go with. From some reviews I read online this drive performs very fast and close to the raptor series drives which is 10,000rpm.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=018205&cid=HD.443.877
$94.99

Now choosing a video card can be very subjective and everyone is going to have their own opinion. I will recommend what I think will give you the best value and most for your dollar in terms of longevity and performance. I think right now is a great time to pick up a decent Nvidia card because Nvidia just introduced their new GTX280 chipset a few weeks ago. Next month is when all the new video cards are coming out so there are lots of mail in rebates available from many companies.

I like the BFG GeForce 8800GT OC nVidia GeForce 8800GT Chipset (625Mhz) 512MB (1800Mhz) GDDR3 Dual Dual-Link DVI PCI-Express 2.0 Graphics Card because it does not use a dual slot type cooler and it operates pretty silent compared to some ATI cards I've heard in the past when they are under 100% load.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=016647&cid=999.243.390
$154.99 after $40 mail in rebate

Another video card worth considering is the XFX GeForce 9800GTX 675MHZ 512MB 2.2GHZ GDDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out Video Card. Keep in mind this card and most GTX cards are very big and long. It also takes up an extra slot too because of the cooler on it.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29217&vpn=PVT98FYDF9&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1060
$185.99 after $20 mail in rebate

Now depending on your preference for a case I believe the Antec Sonata III Quiet Super Mid Tower w/ 500W PSU Metallic Charcoal Color (Canada Computers Exclusive) is your best choice. You get a very good quality built case and an Antec 500W power supply as well.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=016276&cid=CS.664
$99.99

Most people buy a case and power supply seperately but this ends of costing more. From what you wrote you do not seem like a hardcore gamer so a dual SLI or crossfire setup is not in question here so the 500W power supply that comes with this case is more then enough for all your needs. But in case you are curious and want to go that other route here is what I would recommend.

The popular gamer's choice for case from what I have read is the Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Ultimate Gamer Case. It's the same price at the case listed above except no power supply.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011391&cid=CS.664
$99.99

Now since we need to purchase a power supply seperately we will get something a bit more powerful then 500watts such as Antec TPQ-850 850W ATX EPS12V 80mm Fan 80PLUS RoHS Power Supply.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=014263&cid=PS.808
$185.99

See how much more the adds to the cost of a system? 850watts might be overkill for your application but just to give you an idea. Again I would get the Sonata III and when the 500 watt power supply eventually dies after a few years you can replace it with a better one.

Now lastly, the CPU fan. The stock cooler that comes from Intel works just fine but from reviews and benchmarks after market fans run the CPU almost 5-8 degrees cooler. Personally I think the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 CPU Cooler for Intel Socket 775 & AMD Socket AM2/939/940/754 provides you will excellent cooling and is very cheap compared to some of the best aftermarket coolers our there.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=018142&cid=FN.349
$34.99

Here is a comparison of what the XIGMATEK (left)cpu coolers looks like compared to the stock Intel (right) cooler.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/ProductImages//33812.jpg
http://www.canadacomputers.com/ProductImages//256.jpg

The king of all coolers is the Thermalright U-120E Ultra-120 eXtreme (Ultra-120). It is around $55-60 and does not include a fan which could run you an extra $25 on top. From some overclocking forums some people have been able to overclock the E8400 from 3Ghz to 4.2Ghz using this.

Now you can understand my point about the XIGMATEK being the best bang for buck since you get a good quality heatsink and fan bundled. If you do do with aftermarket cpu cooler don't forget to pickup a tube of of Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=003060&cid=FN.687
$7.83.

So in summary you shopping list should look like this:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3 GHz Dual Core Processor (1333 MHz ) Socket 775 (6 MB L2 Cache) - Box BX80570E8400 $194.95
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 CPU Cooler for Intel Socket 775 & AMD Socket AM2/939/940/754 $34.99
Asus P5K Premium /Wifi-AP Motherboard ---- Socket 775, Intel P35/ICH9R , 4XDDR2, 2XPCI-E 16 $167.99
OCZ Reaper Hpc Edition PC2-8500 DDR2 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1066 CL5-5-5-15 Dual Channel EPP Memory Kit - OCZ2RPR10664GK $82.99
Samsung Spinpoint F1 Series 750G 32M SATA Hard Drive --HD753LJ $109.95
BFG GeForce 8800GT OC nVidia GeForce 8800GT Chipset (625Mhz) 512MB (1800Mhz) GDDR3 Dual Dual-Link DVI PCI-Express 2.0 Graphics Card $154.99
Artic Silver $7.83
Antec Sonata III Quiet Super Mid Tower w/ 500W PSU Metallic Charcoal Color $99.99
Subtotal $853.68
PST $68.29
GST $42.68
TOTAL $964.66

or if you go with the Western Digital 640GB hard drive then

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3 GHz Dual Core Processor (1333 MHz ) Socket 775 (6 MB L2 Cache) - Box BX80570E8400 $194.95
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 CPU Cooler for Intel Socket 775 & AMD Socket AM2/939/940/754 $34.99
Asus P5K Premium /Wifi-AP Motherboard ---- Socket 775, Intel P35/ICH9R , 4XDDR2, 2XPCI-E 16 $167.99
OCZ Reaper Hpc Edition PC2-8500 DDR2 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1066 CL5-5-5-15 Dual Channel EPP Memory Kit - OCZ2RPR10664GK $82.99
Western Digital Caviar (WD6400AAKS) 640GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Buffer (OEM) $94.99
BFG GeForce 8800GT OC nVidia GeForce 8800GT Chipset (625Mhz) 512MB (1800Mhz) GDDR3 Dual Dual-Link DVI PCI-Express 2.0 Graphics Card $154.99
Artic Silver $7.89
Antec Sonata III Quiet Super Mid Tower w/ 500W PSU Metallic Charcoal Color $99.99
Subtotal $838.78
PST $67.10
GST $41.94
TOTAL $947.82

The links I provide are the cheapeat I could find at the moment. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions and hope this helps you. Good luck.

 

[baci2004]

Buy a Mac.

https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=2150312&postcount=91

 

[overlgrover]

Buy a Mac.

Hell's Ya! Once you go mac you never go back!
Just stating facts it is a better machine in every way.

 

[Latte]

Gay?

https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=2150312&postcount=91

Gay except the sex with men part. Baci, I thought you Ginos were up on good design. You know Ferrari, Prada, Gucci. Why would you submit to Soviet era design?