Calling All Computer Geeks

I have begun to accept the fact that it is time to upgrade my computer. I'm looking at a new motherboard, processor, power supply, ram and possibly a case. Anyone know of someplace local that isn't too expensive? Any help would be appreciated. Laterz.

 

Hey, what's up, props to you for admitting that your comp has outlived its time.

If you want help, I'll provide. I know how to program em and build em.

As for a cheap place locally, your grasping as straws.

I use the following supplier online and no matter what shipping is only $7.95.

www.tcwo.com has great prices and a full range of products from barebones systems to simply pieces so you can go as cheap or as expensive as you want.

I recommend an AMD Athlon XP processor rather than the Pentium 4. They outbenchmark Intel and run hundreds cheaper.

All 3 of my computers are AMD's and the oldest is 4 years with no problems.(Except its old and only 500 mhz.)

Get a motherboard that supports DDR ram memory. You'll notice the differenct in quickness. If you like gameing you should get at least 512mb of ram.


Another thing you may consider, sometimes parts can run more than just getting a new computer from a store. If that costs add up you may want to consider calling Dell or Going to Gateway on ambassidor in Lafayette.

Beware of shared memory systems that pull system memory for video. They run like crap and they video isn't what is should be.

A seperate video card is always better.

If you have any questions for me I'll be checking back here every night. Right now you get a free DVD burner upgrade with a new DELL system, just a little something I thought you may want to know.

 

Yes stick with the Athlons!!!

GeForce 4 is great as well for video. I have no complaints with mine.

Also ATI's are a good brand. Raidon too.

 

The really sad part about my statement is that I don't HAVE to upgrade...I just really need/want to. I currently have an AMD and will probably stay that way unless I come across a great deal. I know DDR ram is the way to go and i need lots. (The biggest reason for the upgrade is a game (that I can't mention) that i'm involved in and it runs poorly.)

Thanks for the offers of help jmayeux. Maybe we could get together and discuss a few things?

I am fairly knowledgeable but motherboards have always bettered me.

Jedi-Solo, geforce cards are nice but I prefer the Raedon. Thanks for the help.

 

Another thing I thought of...Did anyone here ever go to or know off Gamerz Hub? I tried to go there sunday and it seems they are closed. I was wondering if anyone here knew what happened (are they closed for good or what)? If anyone knows anything, I would like to pick your brain. Thanks.

 

I'd be happy to discuss the mother board with you. Just a note. They usually come out of the box ready to go. All you have to do is disable the onboard video and sound in CMOS, if you are installing seperate cards, otherwise all hell will break loose.

 

Do either of you know what has happened to SwampSurfer. It is like he has dropped off of the face of the planet. Havn't heard from him here or through email for a long time. There isn't anything wrong with him is their?

 

Don't know what happened to Swampsurfer. Haven't seen him post in a while. When are you available to get together jmayeux? I work retail so my schedule changes weekly...

Choosing which motherboard to use is my problem. I know that the mobo and processor have to be compatibile, but beyond that my knowledge gets iffy. It's killing me having a little money to upgradebut not being able to deceide on the parts. ?

Also, isn't attaching the processor to the mobo a difficult process? (thermal paste, shims, fans, etc.)

 

I am wondering if maybe Swamp got deployed to Iraq?

I know he was in the reserves...........

I have been thinking the samething but I am sure if that happened he would have SAID something!

 

I've thought the same thing also, but one would think if he had to go, we would have heard something.

The processors fan unit usually comes with the thermal goop already on the processor surfact. I will admit that it is a bitch to attach the fan to the unit though, that clip can be scarry especially when you see yourself taking a screw driver to you motherboard to press it into place. That is the only way to do it I'm afraid.

As for motherboard namebrands I'm partial to microstar. They are stable, reliable and tend to last long, but they are among the pricy ones. Let me look for a deal for you and ask my comp geek friends to recomment one and I'll get back to you.

I also work in retail but in autoparts, I get off at 3:30 pm everyday and I'm off on every weekend. Just get back to me with a time that is good for you and we'll try to make it work.

 

http://www.tcwo.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=2885&sid=44oBmP0lrCeY0Mf

copy and paste this into your address bar and see a kick-ass motherboard with integrated nvidia gforce 4 graphics and nforce controllers. They call it the king of gaming.

If it is too much check out the motherboard bundles for a processor and board at good prices.

your looking at around $300 for memory, board and processor. It can be cheaper, but this is around the price you should be looking to spend. Unless you can go higher. Let me know how much you can spend and I'll see whats online that will give you a decent gaming solution for the money.
Remember more gets you better in the computer world, yet being dirt poor myself, I know all about a tight budget.

 

That is a nice mobo. I am currently looking to spend $300ish, the cheaper I keep it the happier the wife is but I could be convinced to spend closer to $500 total (that would have to include shipping)

I have an ATI Radeon 9700 Pro video card already (christmas gift) so I am set as far as video cards go. I've got a sound blaster sound card. Having that stuff on board isn't a priority. I have been looking at the Asus A7N8X-Deluxe mobo. It was recommended.

This week I should be available after 4pm everyday except Friday. Maybe we could meet for Dinner one nite? Let me know.

 

I wouldn't mind meeting. Just pick a time and place. I'll go on the search again at the online places. Well if you already have a video card you are happy with and a sound card you are happy with, that may save a bit of money, but most boards come with either or built on. You'll just have to disable it and install yours.

I did find out that ASUS boards are very finiky and hard to set up, Guys I know told me that they are more trouble than they are worth. Of course we are all spoiled by Microstar. I can remember my uncle haveing headaches with ASUS boards as well.

Do you know if your 9700 pro is 4x and 8x AGP compatable or just 8X. It limits the boards that will accept it. They are usually backwards compatable.

 

Sorry for such a delay in responding. My (very) pregnant wife has been occupying most of my time. Consequently, meeting any time soon is out of the question. Thanks for the info you have given me thus far.

What have you heard about Asus boards that makes them so finiky? I have heard nothing but good things about their mobo boards.

My 9700 Pro is 2x/4x/8x AGP compatible so I think I'm good any way I wanna go...right?

 

I completely understand. There's been a baby boom in my workplace as well, and Congrats by the way.

I've not heard that ASUS boards are bad boards, just that they are a bear to set up while building. Your vid card will work on anything. Just wanted to make sure.

ASUS has just also dropped a bit out of the picture as of late. I think that they are hiding out waiting for the right time to unleash something big(you know how companys are with their big secrets). Microstar was the first company to create a borad for AMD processors. ASUS boards are in the top 4 rated (you just have to be very careful on initial startup, and go to their site and see what memory they recommend for their board, that has been an issue. If the board doesn't like the memory you chose, it just will never work like it is suppose to. Biostar boards are starting to climb the ladder in ratings for AMD's as well and they are known to be less expensive. So those are the 3 names I'd recommend. Microstar, ASUS, Biostar. Get one of these 3 and you shouldn't have a problem.

Tell your wife GOOD LUCK and "May the Force Be with her!"

 

Thank you and Thank you. My wife has been going nuts wondering why I "just don't buy the stuff" as opposed to shopping around and finding out everything I can...computer savvy she is not.

Thanks for everything. I like my computer but my real hope is that the Force is with the littlest jedi soon to be in our midst. I shall let you know how everything works out.

"Peace out and to your ruler I give props. And his queen...Latifah"

 

Well I've decided to take your work for it and I ordered an ATI Radeon 9200 Pro video card. I'll be pulling my GForce III. I guess that will be the ultimate test...

 

Radeon is good....hmmm!

 

Hey guys,Swamps number is in his Sig. Can one of yall call his house (long distance for me) and see what happens?

 

I tried calling Swampsurfers number no one answers. I would suggest someone try his work and ask there.

 

Hey everyone, I did NOT fall off of the face of the world, just off of the FanForce wagon.

I have been busy with an assortment of projects. One of which was the reconstruction of DarthRender's computer. I think it works now, except for some quirky InternetExplorer error. I hope it passes like the gas he just expelled. He's a rotten stinky dude!

I will be posting more in the future. DarthRender says we need to have a meeting. Anyone can make this type of proposal, but I plan to soon if it does not get on the way otherwise.

Later everyone.

P.S. I have been ignoring a lot of Phone calls lately. Sorry everyone.

 

Well hell good to hear from you FINALLY after 4months of silence.

 

By the way JEDI-SOLO, nice Icon. I really mean it this time. I like it

 

LOL

WHY did I get the feeling you would say something about it!!!!

I am glad you approve of it.