Tell me what you think about this barebone deal

[james636]

Guys, I'm about to build me a pc and I need you guys to let me know what you think about this barebone deal

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=F-BBS775-K6&cat=BBK




I would using the pc for surfing, some gaming (not to intense), converting, downloading, burning cds and dvds etc. nothing too extreme.


If you have a better barebone deal. please post it

PS I have my own burners so pay no mind to those at the site.

[james636]

Anyone?

[redwudz]

Is that the motherboard you really want? The problem with barebone setups is that somebody else makes all the decisions.

I always start with the motherboard selection. That's really the whole computer. If you already have the CPU and memory, check a few motherboard review sites to see how they rate that one. I have no problem with Biostar MBs, I've used a few.

Figure that MB is about $55US, case $35, about $90 total. The burners you say you don't need, and a floppy drive.

I'd say it's OK for a deal, but nothing great. The case, PS may be unknown quality, along with the KB and mouse. Ignore the software, it's generally not worth much.

But, if that's what you want. Sorry, I couldn't find many barebones I really liked. I usually purchase the individual components so I have better control over the end product.

[budz]

Best to buy the components separately or if you want buy a motherboard/cpu combo. I agree with redwudz that you would have better control over the end product. Buy a brand name power supply like ANTEC and even their computer cases are well built and easy to change components like dvd burners all you do is slide it out, no need to unscrew any screws.

[james636]

Take a look at these items and tell me if there Good or Bad
CPU
http://www.directron.com/bx80547pg3000f.html

Mobo
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1337304&CatId=1533

PSU
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PS-550AL-BE&cat=PWR

PC Case
http://store.yahoo.com/directron/atxb8klwbk.html

Vid Card
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=V6200-256A&cat=VCD

Audio Card
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=70SB040000005-DT&cat=SND

[budz]

No offense but why are you getting components from all over the place. If you're getting the Intel processor you will probably need to get a 3rd party heatsink fan since those PRESCOTT processors run high temps. My suggestion is to get all your computer components from NEWEGG.COM. Antec makes good power supplies and computer cases. What about getting a AMD processor? AMD doesn't have high heat temps like the Intel PRESCOTT processors. Here's my suggestion for your build:

1. AMD 64 3000+ 939 VENICE processor $142.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103537

2. ASUS A8V DELUXE MOBO $115.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131510

3. ANTEC CASE SLK3000-B $49.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129152

4. CHAINTECH 256MB GEFORCE VIDEO CARD $62.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145076

5. ANTEC TRUE POWER II SUPPLY 430 WATTS $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103928

6. SOUND AUDIGY OEM CARD $70.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102178

[redwudz]

I'd go with a similar package to what budz listed. I probably would skip on the sound card, as least for now. Most MBs have audio built in. The Audigy is nice, but you would need a good speaker setup to really make use of it. Add in 512MB of DDR 3200 memory, also.

The CPU comes with a decent cooler, and that package extends the CPU warranty.

The power supply is an important item to protect all the rest of the system. It doesn't pay to go cheap there. The Antec one listed is good.

EDIT: james636, I should mention also that the MB you listed is a PCI-E type and that AGP video card won't work. You would need a PCI-E video card.

[ROF]

Definitely a bargain there. Thanks for the link. There is only really three things missing to make this a complete starter system, which when you look at the pricing it only makes sense. The barebones in the first post includes no processor core, no system memory, and no Hard drive, which is good because barebones kits usually include cheapo RAM and in most cases they also include a "pulled" processor, and a micro sized sub 100 GB Hard drive. I was looking in the last few days for a decent price on a micro ATX or ATX style barebones to build a small start up system. This is perfect and will look really cool for the customer at christmas time(friends 13 year old son).

[james636]

@redwudz and budz; Actually, what I was looking for was an opinion on information about the items that I provided based on their specs. The information about the video card and MB I provided wouldn't be compatible with each other is the type of info that I'm seeking. And BTW, thanx redwudz

[budz]

Here's a good deal on CORSAIR MEMORY (2) 512 MB PC3200 $79.77:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440


In my opinion those components you chose isn't the best for the buck and in the long run you'd be better off with good quality components then something that is less expensive. Just my 2 cents!!!!

[james636]

Hey Budz, do you mean all the components?

What about this Vid card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145116

[budz]

Hey Budz, do you mean all the components?

What about this Vid card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145116

Yes, all the components. The video card I choose for you is a AGP SLOT CARD. The one you posted up above is a PCI-E VIDEO CARD. The motherboard link I posted is a AGP VIDEO CARD not PCI-E.

[james636]

Hey Budz, do you mean all the components?

What about this Vid card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145116

Yes, all the components. The video card I choose for you is a AGP SLOT CARD. The one you posted up above is a PCI-E VIDEO CARD. The motherboard link I posted is a AGP VIDEO CARD not PCI-E.

Well the mobo I chose was PCI-E, So therefore I had to purchace a PCI Vid card right?

Whats wrong with the cpu, mobo, and psu I have posted

I plan to have 2gigs of RAM, so would this memory stick work with the MB and cpu I have posted?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145505

[budz]

Hey Budz, do you mean all the components?

What about this Vid card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145116

Yes, all the components. The video card I choose for you is a AGP SLOT CARD. The one you posted up above is a PCI-E VIDEO CARD. The motherboard link I posted is a AGP VIDEO CARD not PCI-E.

Well the mobo I chose was PCI-E, So therefore I had to purchace a PCI Vid card right?

Whats wrong with the cpu, mobo, and psu I have posted

I plan to have 2gigs of RAM, so would this memory stick work with the MB and cpu I have posted?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145505

Yes, the mobo you chose was PCI-E so therefore you would need a PCI-E VIDEO CARD.

As I've mentioned if you get a INTEL PRESCOTT PROCESSOR you would need to purchase a new heatsink fan because the PRESCOTT PROCESSORS have high CPU TEMPS, the stock heatsink fan isn't the greatest to use. As for the mobo everyone has their own fav brand to use. I personally like using ASUS mobos because they have a 3 year warranty and I've never had problems with brand new ASUS mobos. As for your power supply choice I wouldn't go with some unknown brand. ANTEC makes good quality power supplies as well as computer cases. If I had the spare money I would buy those components that I suggested to you.

I been there done that when it comes to using cheaper components where you end up spending more money in the long run. Live and Learn!!!!!

[redwudz]

I guess I should add, 2Gb of DDR RAM won't do much with a 32bit OS. 1Gb is about all it can use, and that only with a program like Photoshop, not any video processing programs that I am aware of. It will be there, but encoders won't use it. Not really worth the extra cost. A 64bit OS can use it, but not many encoders are capable of 64bit operations. BTW, I have used Corsair Value Select and it works fine, even with a moderate overclock.

Nothing wrong with the MB, get what you really want. The PSU looks like more flash than substance. Very pretty, but I would like to see how it compares to some of the better known PSUs. Just because they rate it at 500+ Watts, doesn't mean it's entirely true. I would recommend one of the major PS companies instead.

[james636]

Hey Budz, do you mean all the components?

What about this Vid card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145116

Yes, all the components. The video card I choose for you is a AGP SLOT CARD. The one you posted up above is a PCI-E VIDEO CARD. The motherboard link I posted is a AGP VIDEO CARD not PCI-E.

Well the mobo I chose was PCI-E, So therefore I had to purchace a PCI Vid card right?

Whats wrong with the cpu, mobo, and psu I have posted

I plan to have 2gigs of RAM, so would this memory stick work with the MB and cpu I have posted?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145505

Yes, the mobo you chose was PCI-E so therefore you would need a PCI-E VIDEO CARD.

As I've mentioned if you get a INTEL PRESCOTT PROCESSOR you would need to purchase a new heatsink fan because the PRESCOTT PROCESSORS have high CPU TEMPS, the stock heatsink fan isn't the greatest to use.

So budz, where can I buy a good heatsink fan from

I came across this one, but it states that its for a 3.6GHz.

http://www.radianstore.com/cpu-cooler-cs7128.html

Do you think it will work on a 3.2GHz

[budz]

Hey Budz, do you mean all the components?

What about this Vid card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145116

Yes, all the components. The video card I choose for you is a AGP SLOT CARD. The one you posted up above is a PCI-E VIDEO CARD. The motherboard link I posted is a AGP VIDEO CARD not PCI-E.

Well the mobo I chose was PCI-E, So therefore I had to purchace a PCI Vid card right?

Whats wrong with the cpu, mobo, and psu I have posted

I plan to have 2gigs of RAM, so would this memory stick work with the MB and cpu I have posted?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145505

Yes, the mobo you chose was PCI-E so therefore you would need a PCI-E VIDEO CARD.

As I've mentioned if you get a INTEL PRESCOTT PROCESSOR you would need to purchase a new heatsink fan because the PRESCOTT PROCESSORS have high CPU TEMPS, the stock heatsink fan isn't the greatest to use.

So budz, where can I buy a good heatsink fan from

I came across this one, but it states that its for a 3.6GHz.

http://www.radianstore.com/cpu-cooler-cs7128.html

Do you think it will work on a 3.2GHz

I have to say the SWIFTECH heatsinks are great. It's easy to attach to the motherboard compared to other heatsinks. I got my socket 462 SWIFTECH heatsink from NEWEGG.COM.

Here is a link for the SWIFTECH heatsink for P4 775 mobo.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835108062

The heatsink link you provided looks ok. It boils down to how much you want to spend. With the SWIFTECH heatsinks they do not come with a fan, iit has to be purchased separately. The VANTEC TORNADO fans are recommended to use but they are freaking LOUD that you would need a fan controller. There are other brands that they also recommend.

[james636]

Ok, with all the talk of the prescott P4's extreme heat output, it is widely recommended that those who purchase one, also purchase a better heatsink fan than the one that comes with the cpu. Well after receiving my PC case the other day, I noticed that there are five 80mm fans; 2 in the front, 1 on the top and bottom, and finally, 1 on the side, which has an airduct that can be adjusted to move either closer (and I mean right on top) or away from the cpu.

Now to all you experts, with all these ventilation features I've provided, do you think that it would be enough cooling and ventilation dispite of the heat that P4s exhert?

[budz]

In my opinion it would be wise to purchase a better heatsink fan than the one Intel provides. Just my 2 cents!

[james636]

Thanx :thumbs:

Hey Budz, Are these two vid cards pretty much the same

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PCIE-OCT-FX6600GT128&cat=VCD

http://store.yahoo.com/directron/pvt43gnd.html

[james636]

Anyone?

[budz]

Thanx :thumbs:

Hey Budz, Are these two vid cards pretty much the same

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PCIE-OCT-FX6600GT128&cat=VCD

http://store.yahoo.com/directron/pvt43gnd.html

They both look like they use the same chipset. Computergeeks.com has it on sale now during their SIZZLING SUNDAY sale. Buy it!

[james636]

[james636]

Tell me this, will either of these HDD In the link below work with my mobo?

HDD

http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A3494853&tab=4

Maxtor MaXLine III 250GB ATA/133 Hard Drive 7B250R0, 7200RPM, ...

MoBo

http://store.yahoo.com/directron/ga8i915plgrev1.html

[redwudz]

Either one will work fine. The SATA has a small advantage as it frees up your IDE (PATA) bus for other drives if you need them. SATA may be slightly faster, though I doubt if anyone will notice a difference.

SATA also generally uses less power and runs cooler than a comparable PATA hard drive.

[james636]

OK, I noticed that both the drives that I've linked are SATA II and I think my drive says SATA, Will this affect whether the mobo will be capatible with the drives

[redwudz]

No problem with SATA II, It's backwards compatible with SATA I.

I have five SATA II drives on two computers and both MBs are SATA I. Most SATA drives seem to be SATA II, at least the ones I buy. Must be cheaper to produce. It's funny because SATA II controllers are a little expensive yet.

[james636]

No problem with SATA II, It's backwards compatible with SATA I.

I have five SATA II drives on two computers and both MBs are SATA I. Most SATA drives seem to be SATA II, at least the ones I buy. Must be cheaper to produce. It's funny because SATA II controllers are a little expensive yet.

Great

Now will there be a noticable difference in speed or rate of transfer, between 8MB cache 7200rpm and 16MB cache 7200rpm

[james636]

OK, I've been searching all over for a 10-20GB hard drive to run my os on, but the only results that I get that match that storage capacity are notebook or laptop HDDs.

Is it possible to find an HDD for a desktop pc with only 10-20GBs of storage

Are notebook and laptop HDDs compatible with desktop PCs?

PS: I'm only looking to pay about $20-$30 for this second drive

Also, is "Data Transfer Rate- 150MB" sufficent enough for only the OS

[redwudz]

It would be hard to find that small of hard drive. 40 Gb HDs are even getting rarer. I use 80Gb drives because I got a good deal on them.

You might find a discounted 40 Gb drive for about $40US or pick up a used or reconditioned one for your price. Check Maxtor's HD site or one of the other major manufacturers for deals on refurbs.

Laptop drives are small in size, a little bigger than a credit card and not really practical to use in a full size computer. Connectors and mounting would be a pain.

If you are talking about the advertised speed of a SATA drive, 150Mb/Sec, it's maybe a little faster than a comparable IDE (PATA) drive, but it really depends on the controller. Plenty fast for the OS or most any typical use.

For a boot drive, drive speed is not as much of an issue as it would be with a video capture drive. Even a ATA 100 would likely be sufficient. If you are using a video card to capture, then a faster drive may help.

As far as 8 Mb to 16 Mb buffer size, the larger should be slightly better, but depends again on the drive and the controller.