rec.autos.simulators

by **Tom** » Mon, 19 Nov 2001 10:52:37

I'm finally ready to replace my old slow computer system with a new super
fast one. I was considering simply buying a *** system, but everyone is
telling me to build my own instead. I'm not exactly a computer whiz, but I
am conformable swapping components and such.

Do any of you know of any good web sites that outline how to build a good
system? How do I know which different components, such as motherboards,
chipsets, CPU's, power supply, etc. may conflict which each other? I have an
idea of what over all parts I need, it's just which ones and questions like
what type of cooling fans and to run and such that seem intimidating to me.

I guess I'm in need of a good recipe for which components to purchase. I
have a budget of around $2000. or so for the entire system including the
monitor. I'd like to build something using the new AMD XP 1.5 or 1.6 ghz.,
with least 512 mb of ram (what type of ram??) and a GF3 TI500.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
Tom

by **Mike Grand** » Mon, 19 Nov 2001 11:54:38

If you plan on spending $2000 take a look at Alienware

They build some excellent *** machines.

--
Mike Grandy
www.precision-racing.com

> I'm finally ready to replace my old slow computer system with a new super
> fast one. I was considering simply buying a *** system, but everyone is
> telling me to build my own instead. I'm not exactly a computer whiz, but I
> am conformable swapping components and such.

> Do any of you know of any good web sites that outline how to build a good
> system? How do I know which different components, such as motherboards,
> chipsets, CPU's, power supply, etc. may conflict which each other? I have an
> idea of what over all parts I need, it's just which ones and questions like
> what type of cooling fans and to run and such that seem intimidating to me.

> I guess I'm in need of a good recipe for which components to purchase. I
> have a budget of around $2000. or so for the entire system including the
> monitor. I'd like to build something using the new AMD XP 1.5 or 1.6 ghz.,
> with least 512 mb of ram (what type of ram??) and a GF3 TI500.

> Any suggestions?

> Thanks in advance.
> Tom

by **Glen Pittma** » Mon, 19 Nov 2001 13:57:00

I would start out with the Epox 8KHA+ Motherboard, use the Athlon XP
Processor, and get about 512 MB of PC2100 Memory. The memory is pretty
important to get the name brand stuff instaed of the generic. Most problems
that people incounter with the AMD instability arises from Memory problems.
The Corsair, or Crucial Technologies, are both great brands. I personally
have a GF3 - Ti500 by Visiontek, and love it. Everyone that I have heard
recommending hard drives has stated that the IBM 7200 r.p.m. ATA 100 drives
are the best choice. I personally use Western Digitals, but mainly because
I have not had to replace a drive lately. The next ones I buy will be IBM.
I can't really say which P/S and case would be best, but as long as you stay
with an AMD approved one (list available at www.amd.com) you should be fine.
I would recommend a 400W at least since you are building a new system. May
as well have room for future requirements, hopefully. I would get a decent
cooler for the CPU, but unless you plan to overclock, just about any
aftermarket cooler designed for the new AMD chips should be OK. I have used
Alpha coolers in the past, and they are amoung the best, but are also
costly. I currently have a Volcano 5 by Thermaltake on my 1.4 AMD. It runs
about 97 degrees F. at most. That is well within the recommended range.

There are sites online that will have reviews of the different hardware, but
I haven't stumbled across any that actually recommend all of the components
needed for a complete PC.

www.pricewatch.com will get you the lowest prices

www.tomshardware.com has a "how to" section
www.hardocp.com pretty good reviews here
www.outsideloop.com has some really nice cases and a great supply of coolers

by **Glen Pittma** » Mon, 19 Nov 2001 14:03:12

If I could only remember to use spell checker. My fingers never press the
keys the way my mind thinks they are...

> I would start out with the Epox 8KHA+ Motherboard, use the Athlon XP
> Processor, and get about 512 MB of PC2100 Memory. The memory is pretty
> important to get the name brand stuff instaed of the generic. Most
problems
> that people incounter with the AMD instability arises from Memory
problems.
> The Corsair, or Crucial Technologies, are both great brands. I personally
> have a GF3 - Ti500 by Visiontek, and love it. Everyone that I have heard
> recommending hard drives has stated that the IBM 7200 r.p.m. ATA 100
drives
> are the best choice. I personally use Western Digitals, but mainly
because
> I have not had to replace a drive lately. The next ones I buy will be
IBM.
> I can't really say which P/S and case would be best, but as long as you
stay
> with an AMD approved one (list available at www.amd.com) you should be
fine.
> I would recommend a 400W at least since you are building a new system.
May
> as well have room for future requirements, hopefully. I would get a
decent
> cooler for the CPU, but unless you plan to overclock, just about any
> aftermarket cooler designed for the new AMD chips should be OK. I have
used
> Alpha coolers in the past, and they are amoung the best, but are also
> costly. I currently have a Volcano 5 by Thermaltake on my 1.4 AMD. It
runs
> about 97 degrees F. at most. That is well within the recommended range.

> There are sites online that will have reviews of the different hardware,
but
> I haven't stumbled across any that actually recommend all of the
components
> needed for a complete PC.

> www.pricewatch.com will get you the lowest prices

> www.tomshardware.com has a "how to" section
> www.hardocp.com pretty good reviews here
> www.outsideloop.com has some really nice cases and a great supply of
coolers

> > I'm finally ready to replace my old slow computer system with a new
super
> > fast one. I was considering simply buying a *** system, but everyone
is
> > telling me to build my own instead. I'm not exactly a computer whiz, but
I
> > am conformable swapping components and such.

> > Do any of you know of any good web sites that outline how to build a
good
> > system? How do I know which different components, such as motherboards,
> > chipsets, CPU's, power supply, etc. may conflict which each other? I
have
> an
> > idea of what over all parts I need, it's just which ones and questions
> like
> > what type of cooling fans and to run and such that seem intimidating to
> me.

> > I guess I'm in need of a good recipe for which components to purchase. I
> > have a budget of around $2000. or so for the entire system including the
> > monitor. I'd like to build something using the new AMD XP 1.5 or 1.6
ghz.,
> > with least 512 mb of ram (what type of ram??) and a GF3 TI500.

> > Any suggestions?

> > Thanks in advance.
> > Tom

by **Tim** » Mon, 19 Nov 2001 15:25:37

Man for 2 grand youll have one kick ass box
You can probably get everything you need for well under 1500

Tim White
INTRAC Motorsports
www.birds-i-view.com/intrac

by **Atom** » Mon, 19 Nov 2001 20:25:33

go to http://www.racesimcentral.net/;and take a look at their specs for
value and high-end *** systems for an idea o what to buy

Go to http://www.racesimcentral.net/;to find out how to put it
together .

Search for newsgrups under the key "homebuilt" for more advice

Cheers

AT

by **Spadge Fromle** » Tue, 20 Nov 2001 08:59:47

On Sat, 17 Nov 2001 23:57:00 -0500, "Glen Pittman"

>I can't really say which P/S and case would be best, but as long as you stay
>with an AMD approved one (list available at www.amd.com) you should be fine.
>I would recommend a 400W at least since you are building a new system. May
>as well have room for future requirements, hopefully. I would get a decent
>cooler for the CPU, but unless you plan to overclock, just about any
>aftermarket cooler designed for the new AMD chips should be OK. I have used
>Alpha coolers in the past, and they are amoung the best, but are also
>costly

ok, Ennermax make fine PSUs. 400wt+ is recommended for
future-proofing.

And as for the cost of a HSF, why spend GBP200 on a superfast CPU and
then cool it with some sub-standard kit? Alpha do indeed make nice
HSFs. Sure, they cost a bit more than say a Coolermaster, but I
believe it to be money well spent. And I think that anyone who has
ever lost a CPU due to a dodgy HSF would agree.

Cases are a trickier matter. Some people buy what looks nice, some
buy what's easy to move around in side of. Some people want something
that's moddable, etc. I like to think that my next case would be a
roomy aluminium Lian-Li tower, but it's more likely to be the cheapest
thing I can get my hands on.

--
Spadge Fromley
''collect your rubbsih
and in my belly it will go ...''

by **Rob Beru** » Tue, 20 Nov 2001 12:25:04

I've got to say that my recently purchased Lian-Li PC-60USB is an awesome
case, as is the Enermax power supply.

I, however, think that 400watts is overkill. I have a 350 watt PS, and that
drives an Intel P4/1.7, 512MB RIMM, GeForce 2 Ultra 64MB DDR, SB Live, 2 IBM
60gb HDDs, DVD-ROM, CDRW, ZIP 100, modem, ATI TV-Wonder and 2 IDE removable
drive trays. As you can see, my system is loaded, and is stable.

> On Sat, 17 Nov 2001 23:57:00 -0500, "Glen Pittman"

> >I can't really say which P/S and case would be best, but as long as you
stay
> >with an AMD approved one (list available at www.amd.com) you should be
fine.
> >I would recommend a 400W at least since you are building a new system.
May
> >as well have room for future requirements, hopefully. I would get a
decent
> >cooler for the CPU, but unless you plan to overclock, just about any
> >aftermarket cooler designed for the new AMD chips should be OK. I have
used
> >Alpha coolers in the past, and they are amoung the best, but are also
> >costly

> ok, Ennermax make fine PSUs. 400wt+ is recommended for
> future-proofing.

> And as for the cost of a HSF, why spend GBP200 on a superfast CPU and
> then cool it with some sub-standard kit? Alpha do indeed make nice
> HSFs. Sure, they cost a bit more than say a Coolermaster, but I
> believe it to be money well spent. And I think that anyone who has
> ever lost a CPU due to a dodgy HSF would agree.

> Cases are a trickier matter. Some people buy what looks nice, some
> buy what's easy to move around in side of. Some people want something
> that's moddable, etc. I like to think that my next case would be a
> roomy aluminium Lian-Li tower, but it's more likely to be the cheapest
> thing I can get my hands on.

> --
> Spadge Fromley
> ''collect your rubbsih
> and in my belly it will go ...''

by **pjgt..** » Tue, 20 Nov 2001 21:46:09

I've built my last two pc's myself and its very satisfying when you
switch it on and everything works (eventually!) However....

Some of the good PC manufacturers and PC distributors will build you a
pc to your exact specifications. And they can usually do it cheaper cos
they buy in bulk.

Try www.overclockers.co.uk

Or www.watford.co.uk

Or www.meshcomputers.com

Also try reading Toms Hardware page and Anand Tech's hardware page too
for general advice oh hardware compatibility and performance stuff.

Good luck....

8-)

*Peter* - http://www.cix.co.uk/~peterpc/home.html

by **Richard Walke** » Tue, 20 Nov 2001 22:54:25

Aarrgghh! Watfraud!!! :-o

--
Richard.

"In Penny Lane there is a barber showing photographs."

by **Gerald Moo** » Wed, 21 Nov 2001 00:05:12

Like someone else said, if you want to go with AMD, stick with
AMD-approved components. Cooling fan, mobo, PSU, etc.

I went to the Alienware site, made a list of the components they use
to build their boxes, and basically, went with that. Saved $1000
bucks or so not having them build it for me. Didn't get the neat book
and nice origami cables, and if it breaks I have to fix it myself, but
I'd rather keep the $1000.

Make sure your motherboard has enough slots for all the components you
plan to use, now and in the future. Then make sure it has one more
than that.

www.tomshardware.com and www.anandtech.com have pretty decent reviews
of the latest toys.

Once you decide on a motherboard, check out the AMDMB forums for
common complaints, suggestions, etc. Make sure the stuff you plan to
buy will work well with whatever OS you plan to install. Be sure to
do this before you buy your stuff.

HTH, and Good Luck
Gerald

> I'm finally ready to replace my old slow computer system with a new super
> fast one. I was considering simply buying a *** system, but everyone is
> telling me to build my own instead. I'm not exactly a computer whiz, but I
> am conformable swapping components and such.

> Do any of you know of any good web sites that outline how to build a good
> system? How do I know which different components, such as motherboards,
> chipsets, CPU's, power supply, etc. may conflict which each other? I have an
> idea of what over all parts I need, it's just which ones and questions like
> what type of cooling fans and to run and such that seem intimidating to me.

> I guess I'm in need of a good recipe for which components to purchase. I
> have a budget of around $2000. or so for the entire system including the
> monitor. I'd like to build something using the new AMD XP 1.5 or 1.6 ghz.,
> with least 512 mb of ram (what type of ram??) and a GF3 TI500.

> Any suggestions?

> Thanks in advance.
> Tom

by **Spadge Fromle** » Wed, 21 Nov 2001 19:46:48

I like the idea of running PSUs well within their limits, rather than
*** around the outer limits. Maybe cos I've seen someone try and
boot an Athlon based PC with a 200wt PSU (this called for creative
device management at times, like unplugging the floppy and CDRW for
***).

The funniest day was when this guy (in a state of inebriation) decided
to try overclocking the computer. Reminded me of a joke involving a
cow, a cork and a monkey.

--
Spadge Fromley
''collect your rubbsih
and in my belly it will go ...''

by **pjgt..** » Thu, 22 Nov 2001 02:55:45

> > Or www.watford.co.uk

> Aarrgghh! Watfraud!!! :-o

Eh?

*Peter* - http://www.cix.co.uk/~peterpc/home.html

by **Richard Walke** » Thu, 22 Nov 2001 04:18:00

> > > Or www.watford.co.uk

> > Aarrgghh! Watfraud!!! :-o

> Eh?

They have been known to be, well, dodgy with people in the past. Just like
Scan ('scam').

--
Richard.

"I should have known better with a girl like you."

by **Spadge Fromle** » Fri, 23 Nov 2001 04:54:44

On Tue, 20 Nov 2001 19:18:00 GMT, Richard Walker

>They have been known to be, well, dodgy with people in the past. Just like
>Scan ('scam').

>--
>Richard.

Box-pushers, they are all evil!

<g>

--
Spadge Fromley
''collect your rubbsih
and in my belly it will go ...''

rec.autos.simulators

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC

Building my first PC