rec.autos.simulators

Probably going with an Athlon P-4 2.4, a GeForce card (have a Radeon and not
happy with it) Soundblaster audio, 512-1024 ram, but other than that, anything
you guys can pass on to me would be greatly appreciated.

Oh yeah, off topic...last night I was informed that I will be a GRANDFATHER for
the first time!  Can't seem to wipe the smile off of my face.

Michael

   THe P4 2.4 is an Intel chip, not an Athlon.  A Geforce 4 is good so long
as you avoid any of the MX line.  Depending upon your OS, (windows 98 or
xp) you should stop at 512 ram for windows 98, but have at LEAST 1024 for
xp(the more the better)
   The biggest advantage of building your own is future upgradability.  Too
often the major retailors sell boxes that don't have standard components.  
You can't slap a new mother board in a Gateway because they use non-
standard powersupplies and connectors,  A HP might not be upgradable
because the have a 2 piece mother board on some systems.  Most have custom
vanilla drivers that are designed not so much for speed and features but a
lack of problems.  You will be much happier, if your son is any sort of
tech, with a homebuilt.  goodluck.

   Get as much computer hardware as you can now...Your missus will spend
tons on the baby.  
dave henrie

I'll jump in with some components that seem to be the common choice (and
what I would build as an upgrade from my AMD 1600/512MB RAM/GF4 Ti4400 rig):

Asus A7N8X Mobo Deluxe

Popular because of dual channel memory=more speed (need 2 dimms to take
advantage), highly regarding BUILT IN 5.1 sound, USB 2.0 (1.1 compatible),
built in ethernet, built in fire wire, etc.  Great deal for $147 (deluxe
model).

AMD 2400+ (best bang for the $ at $175) or if you can splurge go for the AMD
2800+ ($395).

2x512 MB PC 2700 DDR RAM (take advantage of dual channel architecture -
Corsair XMS - $300 total but worth it for the speed - one review showed a
gain of 10-15% between identical processors/video cards due to the mobo and
ram configuration).  This RAM will also support 333 FSB processor for a
later upgrade.

ATI 9700 Pro - should really reconsider graphics card, this thing will fly
on your system and driver support has been great ($339).  You can run most
games with 4x or 6xFSAA and 16xAnis with little performance loss.

Sound Card - built-in see above.

Since you didn't mention a budget I opted for high end.  You can save on
2x256 MB Ram and a cheaper video card (GF4 Ti 4600 128 MB RAM).

--
Joe M.

Eldred
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Mike

Eldred
--
Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett
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Never argue with an idiot.  He brings you down to his level, then beats you
with experience...
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