Is this a good deal, and what would I need to make this a running PC?

[Denvers Dawgs]

Intel D945GPMLKR Socket 775 Barebone Kit / Intel Pentium D 840 OEM / 320GB HDD / 16x DL DVD±RW / 1GB DDR2 PC4200 / CPU Fan / ATX Mid Tower Case / 500 Watt Power Supply for $499.99

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2353710&sku...CCODE=WEM1159C

[redwudz]

Mainly, just an operating system, monitor, mouse, keyboard, unless I missed something.

I would throw in a extra 80GB SATA hard drive to use for boot, and use the 320 SATA as a secondary drive. From what I can see, it seems to list that only 2 IDE devices can be used. So you should still have one IDE open for a second DVD ROM or burner. It does have 4 SATA channels, though.

If you do gaming, maybe a more advanced PCI-E video card.

I don't know Intel systems that well, so I'll let someone else comment on the MB, CPU.

[kschang]

You'll want a better video card. Those "Intel Extreme Graphics" stuff are just **** for playing games. They don't even support hardware T&L!

[Faustus]

You'll want a better video card. Those "Intel Extreme Graphics" stuff are just **** for playing games. They don't even support hardware T&L!

Not JUST games when Vista comes out it will be a dog also. But then something low end to fix that problem isn't gonna break the bank either.

[BJ_M]

and no one will force you to switch to vista for a few years anyway

[falberni]

It doesn't seems like they included any fans for the case. It does not come with any.

[Denvers Dawgs]

falberni, It does say CPU Fan when listed at the top.

So all I would need is a windows XP disc, and dvd-rom for ripping, and 80GB for boot disc, and that's basically it (I already have keyboard mouse, LCD). Do I need a soundcard or is it with it? I don't game only photo and video projects, so would the supplied videocard be ok for that (Photoshop, TMPGEnc Dvd Author)

Also, do you think this all comes together or each product is packeged individually, and I need to install all the parts?

Is the Ultra 1024MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz Memory a decent memory? I have always used crucial for my RAM, so don't know any other brands

Finally, there is (2) 3.5 drive bays. Do they make some sort of USB/Firewire part I could put there to have front ports?

Oh and I am assuming there would be no way to use my winXP that came with my HP to use as the OS right? I think it says that it isn't the hp it was intended for, or am I wrong?

[budz]

You'll have to contact tigerdirect regarding if the cpu will be assembled on the motherboard. I assume it would be but you should check with them first.

I've never heard of ULTRA brand memory. Do a search on google to see how it rates. I've only used Crucial, Kingston & Corsair which are all good brands of memory.

As redwuz mentioned use the 80gb hard drive as your boot drive with xp on it. Use the 320gb hard drive as a secondary hard drive for video stuff. For pc's that I build I will even use a 40gb for the boot drive.

The 3.5 bays can be used to house a USB/FIREWIRE combo internal front bay connector module. You would have to make sure the mobo has built in USB/FIREWIRE (1394) Host controllers.

Here's a few of the USB/FIREWIRE COMBO internal front bay connector modules:

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=A-CRP5&cpc=SCH

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815104225

Lastly you'll need to purchase a new windows xp disc. The HP one you have is only to be used with that particular pc. Usually they have all the drivers built into the HP windows xp disc which they call a RESTORE DISC.

[Denvers Dawgs]

I do have a XP home cd, but no reg key? Does anyone know much would it cost to get a new key from MS?

But over all is this a good deal for the PC and is the Pent D 840 a good Precessor for photoediting and dvd authoring?

[BJ_M]

the same price as a new copy of xp - unless you can prove somehow that it is legit .... not to likely , though MS is real good about replacing damaged disks for next to nothing ...

[pijetro]

Wow, that panel's sweet..I've never seen that before, I must be getting old..

[redwudz]

The case doesn't appear to come with case fans, so I would pick up a couple of low RPM 120mm fans with either 4 pin Molex plugs that would use a spare power supply lead or 3 pin connectors if the motherboard has 2 extra fan connectors.

I didn't mention a floppy drive, as I don't install them in new computers any more, but they should be less than $10US, or put in a used one if you really need it.

The video setup is probably OK for now. You can always add a PCI-E video card in the future. The motherboard has audio, so you don't need a audio card.

Ultra is a economy brand of memory, but it is lifetime guaranteed, so should be OK for that setup.

I wouldn't be surprised if all the parts come in individual boxes, but check with Tiger. Not really that big of deal. There are plenty of websites that have detailed instructions for putting a PC together. I believe Tiger has some tutorials.

The first thing I would do is download the motherboard manual and study that while you wait for the packages to arrive. It helps to be familiar with the connections before assembly. Then just take your time and double check everything. About all you need for tools is a Phillips screwdriver and a hand full of plastic wire ties to tidy things up.

[Denvers Dawgs]

For those who have looked at the case, do you think that I would need to open the front face plate everytime I made a dvd or cd?

[jagabo]

For those who have looked at the case, do you think that I would need to open the front face plate everytime I made a dvd or cd?

Looks that way.

http://images.tigerdirect.com/SkuImages/gallery/large/ULT31826_HR_3.jpg

[Zen of Encoding]

Intel D945GPMLKR Socket 775 Barebone Kit / Intel Pentium D 840 OEM / 320GB HDD / 16x DL DVD±RW / 1GB DDR2 PC4200 / CPU Fan / ATX Mid Tower Case / 500 Watt Power Supply for $499.99

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2353710&sku...CCODE=WEM1159C

The general consensus from most users at both slickdeals.net and fatwallet.com is
that one should NEVER trust a Tiger Direct rebate. Add back the $190 and ask yourself
if you still think it's a hot deal.

[redwudz]

I have a similar Uneec case, and yes, you have to open the door to use the drives. It's a server type of case that hides the drives. I just leave the door open on mine, but it comes off easily if you want. Not really a big deal. A lot of the 'designer' cases hide the drives to make the outward appearance of the case more pleasing.

I can't really comment on Tigerdirect rebates, but I have delt with the company on and off for about 5 years and never had any issues with them. I would check other sources before I base my decision on that type of info. But I always try to check on any dealer before I commit my cash. Sometimes a Google search for 'Tigerdirect problems' will give you some ideas. But keep an open mind until you read both sides.

[Denvers Dawgs]

When buying WinXP home OEM, should I get the one with SP2 or the one without. I assume the only difference is the one without SP2 would have me spending more time on the microsoft updates page?

[Denvers Dawgs]

One final thing I guess, How hard would it be for me to possibly in the future take all the components out of this case and into a a smaller one? What would be the ost important thing to look at when buying a new case for this setup? I only ask, because the case is a little larger than I like, but for the price and power of this thing....Im not sure I can pass this up?

[Timoleon]

Get the cheapest version of WinXP Home that you can. You should have no problem reusing components in another box --- I've built many machines over the last twenty years, and I'll often reuse some of the components. Lastly, TigerDirect is fine. I've done business with them since 1993, and have never had a problem that they didn't help with or a rebate that they didn't honor.

Go ahead and buy the kit!

[jagabo]

I wouldn't buy a Pentium D at this point in time. Intel's Core 2 Duo chips will be released in a few days and they are blowing the Pentium D away. They consume less power and run cooler and quieter. Look at some of the reviews referenced here:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1549987#1549987

[redwudz]

I have 2 server cases similar to that one. Both of mine are steel and weight a 'ton'. It's a nice design, with lots of room to run cables and good air circulation. But they are big. Since a server rarely needs access to the optical or other 5 1/4 drives, they commonly have a door to cover them.

One thing to mention is because of the size of the case, you may need long IDE or SATA cables to reach to the top 5 1/4 bays. I think I used 36" round cables on both of mine for that. Same problem with the power supply cables. If they are long enough, no problem, otherwise they may need extensions to reach everywhere needed. The arrangement of the motherboard sockets, power and IDE sockets, also have a bearing on cable lengths.

Don't feel you are committed to that barebone package. If it's a good deal and it has what you want, go for it. But comparison shop for other bare bones with Newegg or others. (Which you have probably already done. ) The reason a company usually offers a barebone for a bargain price is that they got a good deal on the individual components or have a surplus of them they would like to sell off. Many times the discount is quite a bit compared to the price of the individual items.

Or instead of a barebone, pick up a package deal of just the motherboard, CPU and memory, add your other components and assemble it all yourself.

I always consider first the CPU, then the motherboard, then the case when building a new computer, in that order. Everything else is just add ons.

[BobK]

The general consensus from most users at both slickdeals.net and fatwallet.com is that one should NEVER trust a Tiger Direct rebate. Add back the $190 and ask yourself if you still think it's a hot deal.

Maybe. But I trust them with bad manufacturere rebates. I ordered a barebones from them about a year ago with several manufacturer rebates. When I didn't get the rebates I tried contacting the manufacturer. That was a problem, but when I finally did get a reply from the manu. they asked for more information. I sent what they asked for and then tried for 3 weeks to get another answer from them. When I finally called Tiger Direct to complain, Tiger Direct ended up crediting my credit card for the total amount of rebates that the manufacturer was cheating me out of.

[Denvers Dawgs]

I wouldn't buy a Pentium D at this point in time. Intel's Core 2 Duo chips will be released in a few days and they are blowing the Pentium D away. They consume less power and run cooler and quieter. Look at some of the reviews referenced here:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1549987#1549987

Any idea what these Core 2 Duo will go for? I'm on a tight budget.

[jagabo]

I wouldn't buy a Pentium D at this point in time. Intel's Core 2 Duo chips will be released in a few days and they are blowing the Pentium D away. They consume less power and run cooler and quieter. Look at some of the reviews referenced here:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1549987#1549987

Any idea what these Core 2 Duo will go for? I'm on a tight budget.

The link I gave had links to expected quantity 1000 pricing ($180 to $1000) and benchmarks for comparison (see my other posts in that thread too). Retail would normally be 10 or 15 percent higher but since it's a new product you'll probably have to pay more. Motherboards are expensive too. Most are running about $250 now. Prices should come down in a few months. On the other hand, the Core 2 Duo CPUs use so much less power (~50 watts less in the range you're looking at) you may recoup the additional cost on your electric bill if you plan on a lot of video encoding.