I know this is asked to death, but I'll still appreciate the guidance...
I haven't kept up in the technology, either in reading, or owning. I'm
thinking about upgrading my aged c566/850 + V3-2000 and getting back into the
occasional race simming (only so many hrs you can replay GT3!). This time,
I'm probably going to get a complete new PC rather than upgrading. Will play
F1-2002 (have F1-2001 sitting here unplayable for 6 mths) and similar. Even
GPL (which since I last "upgraded" runs slower for reasons unknown). Looking
at a middle-of-the-road system. Basically a Dell 4550 with about a P4-2.4G
and a G4-Ti4200 seems reasonable. Probably with a 17" flat panel for style,
convenience, and space-savings. Suggestions?
Checking pricewatch, I don't think I could build a system for significantly
less than a Dell. They only carry Intel, though I'd otherwise consider AMD's.
If Intel, am I making a mistake not getting a RDRAM-based MB and memory?
I looked at Alienware and Falcon-NW. Though gamer-oriented, they just don't
seem to be very good values.
Is a T14200 obsolesence-proof for at least a year or two in terms of being
able to play games? I'm more interested in DX future compatibility rather
than requiring cutting edge speed.
Are there gaming issues that suggest not getting a flat panel? I've heard of
potential trailing. I'd be happy with 1024 or 1280 resolution (hey, I've made
do with 800x600).
Any soundcard issues, or is a SB Live 5.1 sufficient? I'm happy with just my
Boston Acoustics 3-piece basic system and don't think I need spend $100's for
a fancy soundcard+speaker setup.
Not into ripping music or video.
Any other things I should look for?
TIA,
Dave
"DM" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:MCtD9.160219$[email hidden]...
> I know this is asked to death, but I'll still appreciate the guidance...
>
> I haven't kept up in the technology, either in reading, or owning. I'm
> thinking about upgrading my aged c566/850 + V3-2000 and getting back intothe
> occasional race simming (only so many hrs you can replay GT3!). Thistime,
> I'm probably going to get a complete new PC rather than upgrading. Willplay
> F1-2002 (have F1-2001 sitting here unplayable for 6 mths) and similar.Even
> GPL (which since I last "upgraded" runs slower for reasons unknown).Looking
> at a middle-of-the-road system. Basically a Dell 4550 with about aP4-2.4G
> and a G4-Ti4200 seems reasonable. Probably with a 17" flat panel forstyle,
> convenience, and space-savings. Suggestions?
>
> Checking pricewatch, I don't think I could build a system forsignificantly
> less than a Dell. They only carry Intel, though I'd otherwise considerAMD's.
>
> If Intel, am I making a mistake not getting a RDRAM-based MB and memory?
>
> I looked at Alienware and Falcon-NW. Though gamer-oriented, they justdon't
of
> potential trailing. I'd be happy with 1024 or 1280 resolution (hey, I'vemade
> do with 800x600).
>
> Any soundcard issues, or is a SB Live 5.1 sufficient? I'm happy with justmy
> Boston Acoustics 3-piece basic system and don't think I need spend $100'sfor
Dell and Gateway make good boxes, IF you don't want to dig inside and
change things 6 months from now. The low price machines often have built
in sound, and built in video...but from your description, the system you are
looking at will have a dedicated video card. That's good.
RDram is fine...in fact, except for being more expensive it has been shown
to be really fast in the right situations.
Falcon and Alienware are CUSTOM built machines with hand installation of
software and and quite a-bit of personal service. You are paying as much
for the people costs as the machine costs. (great systems if you have lots
of cash!)
The higher speed P4's are quite speedy...For any new sim...the higher the
cpu speed the better. 256k IS A MINIMUM. (dell has been piling memory in
their systems lately so that shouldn't be a problem.)
I've never used a flat panel display, but I have heard of issues with
refresh rate and screen sizes...some video cards may or may not display the
ideal LCD screen size...and since they don't "refresh" the screen like a CRT
they may seem slower than a good CRT. 17 in/ or better for the older bigger
ones...(but that should be the last thing you want to spend money on if you
are looking a performance vs. cost.)
good luck
dave henrie
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.422 / Virus Database: 237 - Release Date: 11/20/02
Quoted text (7 lines)
> seem to be very good values. > > Is a T14200 obsolesence-proof for at least a year or two in terms of being > able to play games? I'm more interested in DX future compatibility rather > than requiring cutting edge speed. > > Are there gaming issues that suggest not getting a flat panel? I've heardQuoted text (8 lines)
> a fancy soundcard+speaker setup. > > Not into ripping music or video. > > Any other things I should look for? > > TIA, > DaveFlat panels have "fixed pixels", i.e. you can only really use one screen
resolution (1024 x 768 mostly) because all others look terrible.
Last time I read they were really not yet recommended for sim racing games
because they cannot handle very high frame rates well, pixels tend to stay
lit up for a while (kind of memory) and this causes a dragging effect on
high speed images (over 30 fps).
You will say 30 fps is good enough but on most games (except GP4?) you
cannot set fps so this is not controllable.
Maybe somebody using a flat panel can shed more light in this issue?
Regards,
Jo�o Gonzalez
"Dave Henrie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:m5uD9.109617$QZ.17743@sccrnsc02...
into
being
> > able to play games? I'm more interested in DX future compatibilityrather
> > than requiring cutting edge speed.
> >
> > Are there gaming issues that suggest not getting a flat panel? I'veheard
> of
> > potential trailing. I'd be happy with 1024 or 1280 resolution (hey,I've
> made
> > do with 800x600).
> >
> > Any soundcard issues, or is a SB Live 5.1 sufficient? I'm happy withjust
> my
> > Boston Acoustics 3-piece basic system and don't think I need spend$100's
are
> looking at will have a dedicated video card. That's good.
> RDram is fine...in fact, except for being more expensive it has beenshown
> to be really fast in the right situations.
> Falcon and Alienware are CUSTOM built machines with hand installation of
> software and and quite a-bit of personal service. You are paying as much
> for the people costs as the machine costs. (great systems if you havelots
> of cash!)
> The higher speed P4's are quite speedy...For any new sim...the higherthe
> cpu speed the better. 256k IS A MINIMUM. (dell has been piling memory in
> their systems lately so that shouldn't be a problem.)
> I've never used a flat panel display, but I have heard of issues with
> refresh rate and screen sizes...some video cards may or may not displaythe
> ideal LCD screen size...and since they don't "refresh" the screen like aCRT
> they may seem slower than a good CRT. 17 in/ or better for the olderbigger
> ones...(but that should be the last thing you want to spend money on ifyou
Quoted text (7 lines)
> > "DM" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:MCtD9.160219$[email hidden]... > > I know this is asked to death, but I'll still appreciate the guidance... > > > > I haven't kept up in the technology, either in reading, or owning. I'm > > thinking about upgrading my aged c566/850 + V3-2000 and getting backQuoted text (27 lines)
> the > > occasional race simming (only so many hrs you can replay GT3!). This > time, > > I'm probably going to get a complete new PC rather than upgrading. Will > play > > F1-2002 (have F1-2001 sitting here unplayable for 6 mths) and similar. > Even > > GPL (which since I last "upgraded" runs slower for reasons unknown). > Looking > > at a middle-of-the-road system. Basically a Dell 4550 with about a > P4-2.4G > > and a G4-Ti4200 seems reasonable. Probably with a 17" flat panel for > style, > > convenience, and space-savings. Suggestions? > > > > Checking pricewatch, I don't think I could build a system for > significantly > > less than a Dell. They only carry Intel, though I'd otherwise consider > AMD's. > > > > If Intel, am I making a mistake not getting a RDRAM-based MB and memory? > > > > I looked at Alienware and Falcon-NW. Though gamer-oriented, they just > don't > > seem to be very good values. > > > > Is a T14200 obsolesence-proof for at least a year or two in terms ofQuoted text (12 lines)
> for > > a fancy soundcard+speaker setup. > > > > Not into ripping music or video. > > > > Any other things I should look for? > > > > TIA, > > Dave > Dell and Gateway make good boxes, IF you don't want to dig inside and > change things 6 months from now. The low price machines often have built > in sound, and built in video...but from your description, the system youQuoted text (12 lines)
> are looking a performance vs. cost.) > good luck > dave henrie > > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.422 / Virus Database: 237 - Release Date: 11/20/02 > >You might consider a Ti4400 or 4600 if you're going to keep it for a while.
Memory makes a huge difference. If you were using PC133 memory, for example,
think of it as a 2.5 ghz PC133 machine being about the same speed as a 1.8
ghz computer using 1066RDRAM. DDR memory is also good. Anything over DDR333.
Not quite as fast as 1066RDRAM, but still very good.
--
Slot
Tweaks & Reviews
www.slottweak.com
It's not a refresh problem, it's a response problem.
LCD's have a pixel "Response Rate". The number I've seen tossed around is
25ms is as high as you want it to be for gaming, and much lower is better.
-Larry
"Dave Henrie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:m5uD9.109617$QZ.17743@sccrnsc02...
into
being
> > able to play games? I'm more interested in DX future compatibilityrather
> > than requiring cutting edge speed.
> >
> > Are there gaming issues that suggest not getting a flat panel? I'veheard
> of
> > potential trailing. I'd be happy with 1024 or 1280 resolution (hey,I've
> made
> > do with 800x600).
> >
> > Any soundcard issues, or is a SB Live 5.1 sufficient? I'm happy withjust
> my
> > Boston Acoustics 3-piece basic system and don't think I need spend$100's
are
> looking at will have a dedicated video card. That's good.
> RDram is fine...in fact, except for being more expensive it has beenshown
> to be really fast in the right situations.
> Falcon and Alienware are CUSTOM built machines with hand installation of
> software and and quite a-bit of personal service. You are paying as much
> for the people costs as the machine costs. (great systems if you havelots
> of cash!)
> The higher speed P4's are quite speedy...For any new sim...the higherthe
> cpu speed the better. 256k IS A MINIMUM. (dell has been piling memory in
> their systems lately so that shouldn't be a problem.)
> I've never used a flat panel display, but I have heard of issues with
> refresh rate and screen sizes...some video cards may or may not displaythe
> ideal LCD screen size...and since they don't "refresh" the screen like aCRT
> they may seem slower than a good CRT. 17 in/ or better for the olderbigger
> ones...(but that should be the last thing you want to spend money on ifyou
Quoted text (7 lines)
> > "DM" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:MCtD9.160219$[email hidden]... > > I know this is asked to death, but I'll still appreciate the guidance... > > > > I haven't kept up in the technology, either in reading, or owning. I'm > > thinking about upgrading my aged c566/850 + V3-2000 and getting backQuoted text (27 lines)
> the > > occasional race simming (only so many hrs you can replay GT3!). This > time, > > I'm probably going to get a complete new PC rather than upgrading. Will > play > > F1-2002 (have F1-2001 sitting here unplayable for 6 mths) and similar. > Even > > GPL (which since I last "upgraded" runs slower for reasons unknown). > Looking > > at a middle-of-the-road system. Basically a Dell 4550 with about a > P4-2.4G > > and a G4-Ti4200 seems reasonable. Probably with a 17" flat panel for > style, > > convenience, and space-savings. Suggestions? > > > > Checking pricewatch, I don't think I could build a system for > significantly > > less than a Dell. They only carry Intel, though I'd otherwise consider > AMD's. > > > > If Intel, am I making a mistake not getting a RDRAM-based MB and memory? > > > > I looked at Alienware and Falcon-NW. Though gamer-oriented, they just > don't > > seem to be very good values. > > > > Is a T14200 obsolesence-proof for at least a year or two in terms ofQuoted text (12 lines)
> for > > a fancy soundcard+speaker setup. > > > > Not into ripping music or video. > > > > Any other things I should look for? > > > > TIA, > > Dave > Dell and Gateway make good boxes, IF you don't want to dig inside and > change things 6 months from now. The low price machines often have built > in sound, and built in video...but from your description, the system youQuoted text (12 lines)
> are looking a performance vs. cost.) > good luck > dave henrie > > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.422 / Virus Database: 237 - Release Date: 11/20/02 > >In article <[email hidden]>, Dastardly Dan <[email hidden]> wrote:
First, thanks for all the info guys. Keep it coming :-)
>The native res of my 17" LCD is 1280x1024 but I play most games at
>1024x768 and it really looks fine. It's when you use 800x600 and lower
>it starts to look blurry due to the interpolation of pixels.
Hmmm, so if I find framerate isn't up to spec and I want to drop to 800x600,
I'll see a marked detioriation in picture? Gives me pause...
I wouldn't go Dell or Gateway, but I wouldn't go Alienware or Falcon either.
Build it yourself, plain and simple. Then you'll know exactly what is in
your computer, and exactly how far you can upgrade it. Then you can spend as
much as you want on important bits now (like vid card) and maybe save some
money on other things (like sound card). Then upgrade when you got more
money. And you'll have the satisfaction of doing it yourself, and you'll
knnow that you loaded in the newest drivers, etc.. etc..
You'll also save money by doing it yourself, cause you aren't payin' some
lackey to put it together for you and you can shop around for the best
prices on each component.
Mike
http://mikebeauchamp.com
"Dave Henrie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:m5uD9.109617$QZ.17743@sccrnsc02...
into
being
> > able to play games? I'm more interested in DX future compatibilityrather
> > than requiring cutting edge speed.
> >
> > Are there gaming issues that suggest not getting a flat panel? I'veheard
> of
> > potential trailing. I'd be happy with 1024 or 1280 resolution (hey,I've
> made
> > do with 800x600).
> >
> > Any soundcard issues, or is a SB Live 5.1 sufficient? I'm happy withjust
> my
> > Boston Acoustics 3-piece basic system and don't think I need spend$100's
are
> looking at will have a dedicated video card. That's good.
> RDram is fine...in fact, except for being more expensive it has beenshown
> to be really fast in the right situations.
> Falcon and Alienware are CUSTOM built machines with hand installation of
> software and and quite a-bit of personal service. You are paying as much
> for the people costs as the machine costs. (great systems if you havelots
> of cash!)
> The higher speed P4's are quite speedy...For any new sim...the higherthe
> cpu speed the better. 256k IS A MINIMUM. (dell has been piling memory in
> their systems lately so that shouldn't be a problem.)
> I've never used a flat panel display, but I have heard of issues with
> refresh rate and screen sizes...some video cards may or may not displaythe
> ideal LCD screen size...and since they don't "refresh" the screen like aCRT
> they may seem slower than a good CRT. 17 in/ or better for the olderbigger
> ones...(but that should be the last thing you want to spend money on ifyou
Quoted text (7 lines)
> > "DM" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:MCtD9.160219$[email hidden]... > > I know this is asked to death, but I'll still appreciate the guidance... > > > > I haven't kept up in the technology, either in reading, or owning. I'm > > thinking about upgrading my aged c566/850 + V3-2000 and getting backQuoted text (27 lines)
> the > > occasional race simming (only so many hrs you can replay GT3!). This > time, > > I'm probably going to get a complete new PC rather than upgrading. Will > play > > F1-2002 (have F1-2001 sitting here unplayable for 6 mths) and similar. > Even > > GPL (which since I last "upgraded" runs slower for reasons unknown). > Looking > > at a middle-of-the-road system. Basically a Dell 4550 with about a > P4-2.4G > > and a G4-Ti4200 seems reasonable. Probably with a 17" flat panel for > style, > > convenience, and space-savings. Suggestions? > > > > Checking pricewatch, I don't think I could build a system for > significantly > > less than a Dell. They only carry Intel, though I'd otherwise consider > AMD's. > > > > If Intel, am I making a mistake not getting a RDRAM-based MB and memory? > > > > I looked at Alienware and Falcon-NW. Though gamer-oriented, they just > don't > > seem to be very good values. > > > > Is a T14200 obsolesence-proof for at least a year or two in terms ofQuoted text (12 lines)
> for > > a fancy soundcard+speaker setup. > > > > Not into ripping music or video. > > > > Any other things I should look for? > > > > TIA, > > Dave > Dell and Gateway make good boxes, IF you don't want to dig inside and > change things 6 months from now. The low price machines often have built > in sound, and built in video...but from your description, the system youQuoted text (12 lines)
> are looking a performance vs. cost.) > good luck > dave henrie > > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.422 / Virus Database: 237 - Release Date: 11/20/02 > >In article <OzAD9.21868$[email hidden]>, "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote:
>I wouldn't go Dell or Gateway, but I wouldn't go Alienware or Falcon either.
>
>Build it yourself, plain and simple. Then you'll know exactly what is in
>your computer, and exactly how far you can upgrade it. [...]
>You'll also save money by doing it yourself, cause you aren't payin' some
>lackey to put it together for you and you can shop around for the best
>prices on each component.
Thanks for the advice. This was my original plan and what I've done in the
past. However, Dell pretty much lets you select all the pieces, except MB.
Yes, that's a pretty big "except", but I'm so far behind I'd have no idea what
MB to get. Might as well ask:
If AMD, which MB? (and which ram?)
If P4, with DDR SDRAM, which MB?
If P4 with RDRAM, which MB?
Note, I would consider oc'ing as I've often done so in the past.
And I did a pretty thorough Pricewatch search and found that Dell was within
$10's of the price of my parting together a machine! Guess their economies of
scale pay off. Plus this way I don't have to worry about selecting from a
number of unknown-reputation resellers and paying a umpteen shipping fees.
Still, before I buy, I'll reconsider one last time.
I'm still leaning P4-2.4G (oc??), 256-512K 333Mhz SDRAM (PC2700??), whatever
gig 7200rpm drive, SB5.1 Live (is the TB worth the extra?), Ti-4200 (oc'able
right?). I'm second guessing the 17" flat panel, but I was planning on giving
my current 17" CRT to my sister when I upgrade.
Is there a reason to choose one of the ATI's, or shoot the wad and go for the
ATI 9700, vs the G4-4200?
Thanks again,
Dave
I would agree wholeheartedly with Mike here. Building it yourself is not difficult at all, you hand pick and install all the components, and makes it much easier to upgrade in the future. I have built my last 3 systems, and upgrade fairly regularly. I just dropped an Athlon XP2400+ in with a new EPoX 8K5A2 kt333 mb. Plus, you learn more about your system and troubleshooting becomes easier as you gain knowledge. I would say most folks that go to building their own rarely go back to buying a completed system from anyone.
Check out the components at newegg.com, they have quality parts at very reasonable prices, and the service is great. I buy most all my hardware components from them.
Good luck in whatever decision you may make.
Don Burnette
Mike Beauchamp wrote:
Quoted text (106 lines)
> I wouldn't go Dell or Gateway, but I wouldn't go Alienware or Falcon > either. > > Build it yourself, plain and simple. Then you'll know exactly what is > in your computer, and exactly how far you can upgrade it. Then you > can spend as much as you want on important bits now (like vid card) > and maybe save some money on other things (like sound card). Then > upgrade when you got more money. And you'll have the satisfaction of > doing it yourself, and you'll knnow that you loaded in the newest > drivers, etc.. etc.. > > You'll also save money by doing it yourself, cause you aren't payin' > some lackey to put it together for you and you can shop around for > the best prices on each component. > > Mike > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > "Dave Henrie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:m5uD9.109617$QZ.17743@sccrnsc02... >> >> "DM" <[email hidden]> wrote in message >> news:MCtD9.160219$[email hidden]... >>> I know this is asked to death, but I'll still appreciate the >>> guidance... >>> >>> I haven't kept up in the technology, either in reading, or owning. >>> I'm thinking about upgrading my aged c566/850 + V3-2000 and getting >>> back > into >> the >>> occasional race simming (only so many hrs you can replay GT3!). >>> This time, I'm probably going to get a complete new PC rather than >>> upgrading. Will play F1-2002 (have F1-2001 sitting here unplayable >>> for 6 mths) and similar. Even GPL (which since I last "upgraded" >>> runs slower for reasons unknown). Looking at a middle-of-the-road >>> system. Basically a Dell 4550 with about a P4-2.4G and a G4-Ti4200 >>> seems reasonable. Probably with a 17" flat panel for style, >>> convenience, and space-savings. Suggestions? >>> >>> Checking pricewatch, I don't think I could build a system for >>> significantly less than a Dell. They only carry Intel, though I'd >>> otherwise consider AMD's. >>> >>> If Intel, am I making a mistake not getting a RDRAM-based MB and >>> memory? >>> >>> I looked at Alienware and Falcon-NW. Though gamer-oriented, they >>> just don't seem to be very good values. >>> >>> Is a T14200 obsolesence-proof for at least a year or two in terms >>> of being able to play games? I'm more interested in DX future >>> compatibility rather than requiring cutting edge speed. >>> >>> Are there gaming issues that suggest not getting a flat panel? I've > heard >> of >>> potential trailing. I'd be happy with 1024 or 1280 resolution (hey, > I've >> made >>> do with 800x600). >>> >>> Any soundcard issues, or is a SB Live 5.1 sufficient? I'm happy >>> with > just >> my >>> Boston Acoustics 3-piece basic system and don't think I need spend > $100's >> for >>> a fancy soundcard+speaker setup. >>> >>> Not into ripping music or video. >>> >>> Any other things I should look for? >>> >>> TIA, >>> Dave >> Dell and Gateway make good boxes, IF you don't want to dig inside >> and change things 6 months from now. The low price machines often >> have built in sound, and built in video...but from your description, >> the system you are looking at will have a dedicated video card. >> That's good. RDram is fine...in fact, except for being more >> expensive it has been shown to be really fast in the right >> situations. Falcon and Alienware are CUSTOM built machines with >> hand installation of software and and quite a-bit of personal >> service. You are paying as much for the people costs as the machine >> costs. (great systems if you have lots of cash!) >> The higher speed P4's are quite speedy...For any new sim...the >> higher the cpu speed the better. 256k IS A MINIMUM. (dell has been >> piling memory in their systems lately so that shouldn't be a >> problem.) I've never used a flat panel display, but I have heard >> of issues with refresh rate and screen sizes...some video cards may >> or may not display the ideal LCD screen size...and since they don't >> "refresh" the screen like a CRT they may seem slower than a good >> CRT. 17 in/ or better for the older bigger ones...(but that should >> be the last thing you want to spend money on if you are looking a >> performance vs. cost.) good luck >> dave henrie >> >> >> >> --- >> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. >> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). >> Version: 6.0.422 / Virus Database: 237 - Release Date: 11/20/02
Larry wrote:
>
> It's not a refresh problem, it's a response problem.
>
> LCD's have a pixel "Response Rate". The number I've seen tossed around is
> 25ms is as high as you want it to be for gaming, and much lower is better.
Exactly, if I've understood this response time thing correctly, I'm a
relative newbie to LCD screens, a response time of 25ms would allow up
to 40 FPS to be shown on the screen, a response time ow 30ms would allow
33 FPS and so on
Beers and cheers
(uncle) Goy
"goyl at nettx dot no"
"The Pits" http://www.theuspits.com/
"A man is only as old as the woman he feels"
--Groucho Marx--
Dastardly Dan wrote:
Possibly not, but it's in the neighborhood at least :-)
I mean, even if it's 15-20% faster in some cases, that still doesn't
amount to more than another 6-8 FPS on a 25ms monitor, which is some of
faster response times you will see advertised on mainstream LCD's, many
are in the 30-40 ms range, which would equate to 25-33 FPS on average,
give or take another 4-7 FPS
Or am I getting it all wrong ?
Beers and cheers
(uncle) Goy
"goyl at nettx dot no"
"The Pits" http://www.theuspits.com/
"A man is only as old as the woman he feels"
--Groucho Marx--
Quoted text (12 lines)
> > On Sat, 23 Nov 2002 13:56:11 +0100, Goy Larsen <[email hidden]> > wrote: > > >Exactly, if I've understood this response time thing correctly, I'm a > >relative newbie to LCD screens, a response time of 25ms would allow up > >to 40 FPS to be shown on the screen, a response time ow 30ms would allow > >33 FPS and so on > > The response times are variable depending on what is being drawn on > the screen. When they give a number in ms it is an average so that > formula for frame rate is not accurate.I think the AT7-MAX2 or IT7-MAX2 (2.0) from Abit will have you covered
either way.
I have the IT7-MAX2 and it's the cats meow.
-Larry
"DM" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:ssBD9.80371$[email hidden]...
> In article <OzAD9.21868$[email hidden]>, "Mike Beauchamp"<[email hidden]> wrote:
> >I wouldn't go Dell or Gateway, but I wouldn't go Alienware or Falconeither.
the
> past. However, Dell pretty much lets you select all the pieces, exceptMB.
> Yes, that's a pretty big "except", but I'm so far behind I'd have no ideawhat
within
> $10's of the price of my parting together a machine! Guess theireconomies of
> scale pay off. Plus this way I don't have to worry about selecting from a
> number of unknown-reputation resellers and paying a umpteen shipping fees.
> Still, before I buy, I'll reconsider one last time.
>
> I'm still leaning P4-2.4G (oc??), 256-512K 333Mhz SDRAM (PC2700??),whatever
> gig 7200rpm drive, SB5.1 Live (is the TB worth the extra?), Ti-4200(oc'able
> right?). I'm second guessing the 17" flat panel, but I was planning ongiving
> my current 17" CRT to my sister when I upgrade.
>
> Is there a reason to choose one of the ATI's, or shoot the wad and go forthe
> ATI 9700, vs the G4-4200?
>
> Thanks again,
> Dave
