New PC possibility, Is this worth it? Options

[Bargod]

OK, is this worth it or not?

AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor
3 gb ddr2 mem
500 gb SATA II hard drive
NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE
18x DVD r/rw supermulti drive featuring labelflash
vista home premium
8-channel high def audio
high performance 15-1 digital media card reader

Total-
$549.99


Possible drawback....

It's a Gateway

What do you guys think?

[)--S@B0T-->]

Hey BG,

I think you would be happier, in the long run, if you were to build your own machine, vs. buying one. Reason being is you have YOUR machine and not someone else's that you try to make work for you. And, you don't end up with a machine that is overpriced and under powered and loaded with alot of crap you will never use.

On the other hand, it is much easier to go to BestBuy and let those guys steer you into something you will convince yourself to be happy with for the sake of not having to do the research. The choice is yours.

Building your own does require you to educate yourself on every aspect of computer building. Ahhh, therein lies the fun of the whole process....finding all the parts to build your very own machine within the budget you have established for yourself.

Next thought, you would like this machine to take you into the next era of computing (for me that is building a new machine every two years) with regard to your needs now and anticipation of what you might like to be doing with your machine in the near future, i.e. video editing, DVD burning (blue ray or not, etc) and so on.

**Don't let this become overwhelming and most importantly TAKE YOUR TIME!**

Items you will need or things to consider:

1. Computer case: It holds it all together. You will need a quality case ( "quality" does not translate into costly, necessarily) that will accomodate all your parts and allow for those parts to receive enough air to keep them cool. Air flow is most important, imo. I buy cases without the power supply, as again, the power supply is going to be specific to your machine and it's particular needs. The case is usually the last thing to consider after you have decided on everything else, but I started with it so I didn't leave it out by mistake. Just make sure it allows for lots of air movement and will support at least 2 or more fans. I personally use 120mm fans to ensure plenty of air movement throughout the case.

2. Processor: Only 2 to choose from; either Intel or AMD. While AMD builds a fine processor and held marketshare over Intel for a very long time, Intel has taken back the lead and is the processor of choice. You don't have to take my word for it, just google benchmark tests and see for yourself the results. In actuality, it's not about whether you are a die hard AMD or Intel customer (much like rednecks fight over whether a Ford or a Chevy is the better truck) rather it's about which processor outperforms which and, at the moment, it is Intel FTW.

You will want to choose the latest architecture you can afford and most likely we would be talking about the Intel LGA 775 processor. The LGA 775 is basically a nomenclature so that you can match motherboards and processors together. For example, you cannot use an "LGA 775" processor on a "Socket 939" motherboard. They have to match up.

Core 2 (meaning there are 2 processors on one chip) is the best bang for the buck right now, unless of course you would like to buy quad core (4 processors on one chip) but most don't really need that much processing power, besides it's quite expensive. Core 2 should be fine and the most affordable processor providing the most computing power for the money right now is the Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 3.0 GHz processor, LGA 775. Great overclocker, low power consumption and will run circles aroud it's AMD counterpart and it is reasonably affordable.

3. Motherboard: What do you want your machine to do? Try to purchase the latest platform you can afford to work with your processor of choice as there are alot of boards out there that support a variety of processors, but we want a board to support the latest technology that we can afford. I am assuming that for you and I that would be, again, the Intel LGA 775 platform. Also, consider whether you will want to run 2 video cards (SLI, or Crossfire if you like ATI) or just one. You can always buy a board with SLI capability (2 pci express slots) but only want to run one video card for now. Also, consider how many usb, 1394, or other ports and expansion slots you might need.

Now then, we also want that board to accomodate the latest memory (ram) that we can afford and allow the processor to perform to it's full potential. Therefore, look for a board that supports a 1333 mhz front side bus (FSB). This is the speed that the computer and the ram communicate and Faster = Better. Next consideration is CHIPSET. This is the controller that is the heart and soul of how the mobo communicates with the rest of your hardware. Most common are VIA, SIS and NVIDIA chipsets. At the moment NVIDIA chipsets are outperforming the competition and if you are intending to use NVIDIA video, etc., this chipset choice adds compatability throughout your system.

4. Random Access Memory: Choose the best (not necessarily by name i.e Kingston, Crucial, etc.) but by how much you need, how fast it is and what you can afford. Memory is matched to the motherboard and processor. You can go to any motherboard manufacturer website and they will usually provide a list of compatable memory modules or "suggested memory usage" for the motherboard you choose. Again, we want RAM that will support the highest transfer rates and support our 1333mhz FSB. Memory timing is something to consider as well. The lower the numbers the better. This is how fast the memory processes information and is called "memory latency" At present 2.0 GB of RAM is still sufficient for machines running 32 bit XP but by purchasing that can accomodate more memory modules for upgrades is a good idea, i.e. most mobo's these days will accept up to 4 or more GB's of ram.

5. Video: While onboard video is nice, it aint for gamers, period! Buy the best card you can afford and I have to agree with OMM that NVIDIA is still offering the best video out there (i used to buy nothing but ATI) and the EVGA NVIDIA 8800 GT card is one of the finest, excellent video, fast, and affordable. If that card is not an option, definitely don't buy anything less than an NVIDIA 7 (7950GT) series card. I definitely recommend NVIDIA 8 series (8800's) with an affection for the 8800GT. Of course, we are looking to buy PCIE and not the older AGP card here. Don't laugh, they are still out there and an oversight could cost you some time and trouble replacing it with the right card.

6. Sound Card: You can use onboard sound, but it uses system resources and typically is not the quality you might like for other applications such as music or video enjoyment and especially - gaming. I would suggest a Creative sound blaster product in the Audigy 4 class or better. Affordable and provides excellent sound reproduction. You can certainly research the possibilities there.

7. Hard drive(s): Lots of options here. I usually go with the fastest I can afford, with the most cache memory and largest capacity while ensuring they support RAID. RAID is a way in which to arrange disk drives in a manner to ensure the fastest transfer of data and increase storage capacity. Your usual choices here are IDE drive and SATA drives. IDE are most common and typically slower compared to Serial ATA or SATA drives. Make sure your motherboard supports SATA and usually you would like it to support SATAII(faster) Again you can read all about it by Googling.

8. Floppy Drive: Will probably need one to install raid drivers when installing windows. I have tried to use an image file from the CD rom but I have had no luck. So, any 1.44 floppy drive will do here.

9. CD/DVD burner, reader. Recommend you get a multi-tasker when it comes to a media reader. Most are very affordable and here again, you don't need a Sony or a Plextor to survive. I have an LG CD/DVD/Burner/Reader/Writer and it works great. It reads and burns CD's, reads and burns DVD's, plays movies and is fast.

10. Power Supply: The most overlooked component of the PC. Google "PC Power supply calculator" and you should find a powersupply calculator that will ask for each component of your machine and then will calculate how much power supply you will need. Also, check your video card requirements as some specify a "minimum requirement" to run those energy hungry beasts. I'm guessing you should be fine with a quality 450 to 550 watt power supply to build the machine we are talking about here but more importantly is the amperage output, especially to the video. Most require 18 to 28 amps, however most quality pc power supplies have this covered. Do not scrimp on this part of your build or you will be very sorry!

11. Operating system: Recommend buying an OEM copy of windows xp from newegg or google "cheap software/operating systems" and you will find a plethora of opportunities to purchase cheap, LEGAL, full versions of windows. Buy just the disk ("OEM" or "out of box") and it will save you a bundle.

I know this looks like alot, and it is. However, if you follow the guides and component directions, you cannot go wrong and in the end you will have a machine that you are proud of and the satisfaction of knowing you built it yourself. Also, use your old machine as a guide to see how components fit and assemble.

Personally, I use CompUSA from time to time for computer cases. I use Newegg ALOT, as their prices are hard to beat plus they have a great selection, great return policies and if you spend $500.00 or more you get no payment for 6 months. I do that alot as it allows me to build a machine and pay for it with no interest over a six month period. You can't beat that.

Just to give you an idea, I built my machine about 5 months ago, for roughly $800.00 bucks

Sys. Specs

Asus P5N-E SLI motherboard
Intel LGA 775 Core 2 Duo E6850 3.0 GHz Processor
2 GB A-DATA 240 pin DDR 2 800 Ram
EVGA NVIDIA 8800 GTS 640mb PCIE video
2 Seagate 150 GB SATAII hardrives in RAID 0
Antec Trupower 2.0 430 Watt Power Supply
Soundblaster Audigy 4 Sound card
LG CD/DVD reader/writer
2-Coolermaster 120mm fans (front and rear of case)
1-Coolermaster 80mm fan (side of case next to video card)
Coolermaster Eilte midtower case with washable front screens

I would be happy to help you with this too if you would like to build one. I'm sure there are lots of folks in here with much more knowledge than I on the subject, but I thought I'd toss some of the basics out there for you to consider. Again, don't rush into this because as you gain knowledge on the subject, just like anything else, you will find that you could have bought a better product cheaper somewhere else. RESEARCH is the key!

***Disclaimer: While there are many different options, components, attitudes and opinions on assembling the "perfect" computer, this thread is in no way meant to be interpreted as "all inclusive" or from someone who claims to "know it all" or by any means an affront to start WWIII where specific mention of certain manufacturers of components are concerned. It is merely a suggestion offered by an individual who "dabbles" in the world of computers and has put forth this information as a loose guide on what works very well for one individual and is not to be miscommunicated or misinterpreted as anything other than friendly advice. The author claims no responsibility as to the performance of your particular machine, it's components, or its use and is based upon what is a known, working model for this particular person. And, as my good friend, Mule, has already noted; "your mileage may vary".