I want to build a new computer

[lazarus]

I've got some stuff already, and I've got this PC. I'm going to list what I have, and hopefully the PC folks will help me figure out where to go from there.

What I want to end up with is a relatively top-level computer for me, since I do a lot of gaming and surfing, etc.; plus, I'm on the PC a LOT.

The second PC would be for my wife and daughter. The kidlet would use it for school and basic surfing, and my wife would use it for some limited work and also for surfing. So that PC doesn't need to be quite as high end. (Indeed, she's said her old PII E-Machine was just fine before it blew up.)

So, here's what we have:

My system as it stands so far;
A decent 17" monitor (flat screen CRT)
Athlon XP (I think around 1600?)
512MB RAM
new Lite-On CD/RW
GeForce4 MX 420 with 64MB memory (wouldn't mind upgrding this one)
40 GB hard drive
Sound card: on the motherboard, C-Media973x
Sound and networking are both on the motherboard. Would I be better served to get separate ones?
Oh, and motherboard: ECS N2U400A (NVidia firmware, etc.)

two keyboard, two mice, etc. I've got an extra networking card or two. Oh, and a 4 GB hard drive, and an extra case, but the power supply is burnt out.

I also have a fairly tight budget. Should I even bother trying to upgrade what I have, or just go for some moderate stuff to build the secondary PC?

Also, for networking: We're definitely buying a cable modem (makes no sense to rent one). Should we try to get one that also has a router, or get a separate router/firewall? We don't want to go wireless, because of security, and cost.

Thanks, folks!

[sam sarrha]

1. Go to www.PCmech.com.. they have how to instrunctions and info Chat

www.pcmech.com and the cheapet parts i have ever seen..

[salvorhardin]

2. Ars Technica

has complete DIY system guides for multiple price ranges.
http://arstechnica.com/guide/system/index.html

You'll want at least an Athlon XP 2600+.

[Deja Q]

3. Go to pricewatch.com and look for these

Look for dealer reviews, but mwave.com and newegg.com are two great sites.

You can find a Nvidia GeForce 5900FX card for ~$200. Or the new 6800FX card for ~$300. This alone will give you a GIGANTIC performance boost, especially for 3D games (though Unreal Tournament 2003 needs more CPU power... but UT 2004 has a faster engine and will run better anyway... if you're into UT.)

Depending on your RAM, you might be able to still use it, but I doubt it. At any rate, the Athlon XP 3000 is cheaper than the Athlon 64 by far, especially after motherboard and RAM come into play.

Your motherboard could be flash updated to take advantage of newer processors (e.g. AthlonXP 3000). You'd still want newer RAM (PC2700, DDR333) and that's dirt cheap.

If you need a new one, get a motherboard with the Nvidia NForce2 chipset for DDR2 capability. If you use it with two identical RAM modules (e.g. two 256MB CAS 2.5 modules) in the specified slots (usually 1&2), you'll get a big performance boost.


Abit and Asus make the best models. Both can come with integrated sound and networking. I personally prefer separate cards as if one flakes out, I don't need to replace the entire motherboard. Creative Labs Audigy2 sound card is the best for the PC in terms of sound quality and low CPU usage as well... the integrated NIC will likely work perfectly for you, but if you buy a separate one, get a recognizable brand name like 3COM.

You might be able to overclock as well, but if you're not big into PC design then you might want to stick with getting the biggest CPU for the $.
I can say this: On my Abit NF7 motherboard (Nforce2 w/DDR2), I have an Athlon XP2100 (266MHz FSB) overclocked to 2750 just by using a 336MHz FSB. (watch out as newer processors use 333mhz by default and the extra 3mhz isn't much to write home about). Buying 266 and ramping up the bus speed and maybe .5v and you'll LIKELY get a much faster CPU in return. It is touch and go with overclocking, but the Thoroughbred (T-Bred) 2100+ CPUs virtually always allowed the jump in bus with no problems. I'm sure they can still be found. But do this at your own risk. if you don't do it right, you can fry your CPU and/or motherboard. As with all the overclocking sites out there, I only provide information - not a guarantee. :-)

[lazarus]

4. Yikes

I'm not sure about moving up to a $200 graphics card. I'm not that excited about Doom3 or the rest. I play a lot, but generally stuff that's a year or so old, at the least. (I'm currently running through NOLF2, for example.)

I'm having to seriously budget this, too. I'll have to do some looking at the CPU/motherboard combos I can find in the area. I am seriously considering the new sound card, though. Onboard has always been sorta flaky for me.