I'm looking to replace my 5 year old sony desktop. Its a dinosaur machine, but since I no longer play games on my computer, it's mainly used for watching vids/surfing the web so it's been decent for what i need.


Now i'm starting to max out my hdd's (all 600gbs) and i'm starting to think if it's worth it to upgrade to a complete new setup. Something that'll support dual monitor outputs (my sony motherboard only supports agp 4x), wont lag if i'm running multiple programs .


Here's my current build/price list. i will continue to update as i find more prices


2gb ram ($100)
8600gt ($120) link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150230

sound card ($0 reusing my audigy zs)
desktop cases ($ unknown)
psu ($ unknown)
SATA 3.0 hdd ($unknown)
speakers ($0; reusing my 5.1 klipsh)
keyboard/mouse ($0; reusing my old one)






or should i just say **** it and buy a dell.

 

Getting a pre-built will cost you less time and less headaches and potentially less money to buy rather than making your own machine.

However, since you're using a lot of parts from your other computer, you may want to consider building.

If you buy a pre-made machine, make sure it has: PCI-E Port (for your dual monitor card, but it shouldn't be a problem, since you can specify a nice video card in a pre-build) and at least 1 extra space for the HDD. Pre-built machines usually come with a 4 channel sound card, so unless the sound card you're putting in is mainly used for 5.1 or higher sound - it shouldn't be a real issue. Just make note: you will run out of PCI slots and spaces fast with a pre-made machine - and you may even run into the problem of the PSU not having enough power to run all of your hardware.

Other than that - you'll just have to source the parts yourself, its pretty easy to find the right stuff off of newegg.

 

Apple just released the new Mac Pro with Intel's new 45nm Penryn chips, I would go for one of those if you have the cash.

 

oh, im not an apple guy.


not discriminating. i just love the free bugs that billgate gives out for free.

 

i have a question


http://www.dell.com/content/learnmor...p&~tab=details


why does the lowest card on that page allows for hdmi output, but the rest does not? my vizio doesn't have dvi input, only hdmi x 2

 

Different manufacturer: hdmi isn't a huge thing yet for video cards and was recently introduced.

nVidia will have it on their next card: the 9800

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/01/...force_9800gx2/

It even has an optical I/O.

 

hrm, i guess i can just get a dvi > hdmi and it'll be an easy fix for that problem

 

you know you want dual screen so you can look at twice the ****.... yeee

 

of your momma duh. yeeeeee

 

I have this multiple drive enclosure that connects via USB 2.0. I bought it a year ago. The company that released it upgraded the enclosure and now also connects with eSata. Something to consider if you want a ton of space.

edit:

http://www.atacom.com/program/print_...RCA_AMSX_T4_0D

This is the one I have. 4 spots for PATA drives. Supports up to 4 x 750GB drives. I only have two 300GB sitting in there right now.

 

also take note that newer motherboards usually only come with 1 IDE (2 HDs) slot and a lot more SATA slots. If you have 4 IDE Hard drives.. you may run into a problem and would need a PCI IDE card or something along those lines.

If it were me, i'd buy a c2d and overclock that sucker a bit. Most c2d can hit 3.0-3.2 ghz easily with very minimal voltage. As long as you don't try to go for a record, it should be pretty reliable. Also, try to go with low voltage memory as the higher voltage (2.2v) memory get way too hot and you could have problems down the line (i know i did).

Anyway, theres my 2c for ya.

As for dual monitor support, most newer cards will suffice.

 

Dual screens are nice. I've had my set-up for 4 or 5 years now. My roommate also has a set-up as well, and we both like them. 17" LCD's are hella cheap now. Probably can get two for $300. Probably can go to 19's for a little more.

 

**** it buy a dell.

I picked up my 1705 laptop last year for about $1600

dual core 2.0ghz
1gb ram
256 video card

I just use it to surf, watch videos, download crap, and my car.

 

yea they needa make **** in 1080i..

 

As for cases, I have the LianLi PC65 case. Simple, aluminum, and places for a fair amount of fans.