OK, guys, help me out here

[Shattered_Steel]

I have about $600 of my meager savings I feel comfortable using to upgrade my computer. I'm going to need a new motherboard, CPU, RAM, power supply, probably a new CD drive; what else?

TAZ, you said you had a PS for me, right? What were the specs? Was anyone else donating to the cause? DP?

Where should I go to order my other parts? Should I go online or order from a store? Get all my stuff at one place or shop around?

I'm really looking forward to this upgrade. I feel I should add a disclaimer, since I use this computer for more than just UT. I do a lot of gaming, and an upgraded machine will help a lot for new games. UT is one of the main reasons for upgrading, however. I'm not really asking for parts or anything, mostly info. Those making contributions are doing so only to help out a fellow clanner (and hopefully, friend) that's been down on his luck financially.

 

[Iceburgs]

You can get all of those for under $600 with no problem. Newegg.com rocks, btw! :tup:

 

[MaverickEIG]

newegg.com is generally the best place to get cheap electronics.

 

[Iceburgs]

Hey SS, here's a sweet deal on RAM. Outpost.com has Kingston HYPER X 1GB PC3200 400MHz 2x512MB HyperX DDR Memory Kit - 184Pin - Lifetime Warranty for $89.99 after rebate. Just to put things in perspective, the same kit retails for $189.93 on Newegg.com. You might want to snag this RAM while you can.

 

[Morty]

You go boy. Newegg.com is the best around. Trust me. I've been trying to upgrade until that when south with van problems and getting new windows for the house. You should be able to build a nice system via newegg.

 

[Shattered_Steel]

OK, go to newegg. I got that part. What brands/makes should I get? What should I avoid? I never claimed to be a hradware expert. Little help over here!

 

[Bonecrusher]

Go with Asus or Gigabyte for the mobo, they last the longest IMO.

Really if you want the best prices...have an idea of how far you want to go and what is more important to get with that $600...and go to pricewatch.com

How big of an HD do you NEED?

EDIT:

This looks like a good buy.
http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=116

 

[MaverickEIG]

MSI is an excellent brand of mobo.

before you buy a mobo pick either amd or pentium (i'm an AMD fan, even though they run hotter (which is normal for them), just make sure you get a good heatsink for it). then make sure that the mobo you want has certain things like: AGP Slot, at least 5 PCI slots, at least 3 slots for DDR Ram, compatible with the processor you choose. you may also want to check to see what kind of chipset it has. if you want an nvidia graphix card then get a mobo with an nvidia chipset (nforce2 or i think they even have nforce 3, i haven't done the research in a wihle). via chipsets work better with ATI vid cards. you should also purchase a seperate soundcard and network card, because onboard usually sucks. look to see how many USB slots you'll need, some only have 2-4, others have up to 10 or maybe more. check about firewire... the mobo is the most important thing you can get. you can get the best quality hardware but if your mobo sucks then your comp will suck. look to see about the harddrives, SATA or whatever it is that i don't know about, RAID and alla that good stuff... (RAID is silly, it's just a backup, really) depends on what you want. list what you want and we can give you better help. what input devices will you be using, cam, webcam, usb keyboard, mouse, what??

 

[Bonecrusher]

Yeah. Give us some minimums. I'm sure you want over 2 GHz right? ATLEAST 512 Ram Mr. 384 noob LOL. New videocards should be coming out soon. So prices on decent ones will drop.

Come on dude! Work with us here!

 

[Iceburgs]

I believe that SS has already shelled out for a good video card, which is why he's looking to upgrade the mobo, cpu, ram, and power supply. So what's the deal, SS? You gonna go with that RAM from Outpost? That's one hell of a good deal.

P.S. That link in my earlier post is actually a link to the page for the RAM, in case you haven't checked it out.

 

[Shattered_Steel]

I did check that out, Ice. Looks like a good deal.

And Ice is also correct, I'm keeping everything else on my comp because everything else is already newer (or good enough to leave alone) than when I purchased this system. Therefore the keyboard will remain; I have a new MX510 Logitech mouse; my vid card is a Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB AGP, so that stays; sound card is a Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live! Platinum 5.1 with Live! Drive, so I wouldn't be able to replace it with something comparable without shelling out some cash; my speakers are still fine (Altec Lansing); my case is absolutely huge, a full tower ATX case; my hard drive I purschased early last fall, I believe, maybe a little sooner (80 Gigs - I don't download music or anything).

Things I'm replacing:
1) ASUS P4T Motherboard for Pentium 4 w/ 400Mhz bus
2) Intel Pentium 4 1.3Ghz processor
3) 384MB PC-800 RAMBUS 184 PIN (2 sticks 64, 2 sticks 128)
4) Possibly replace -> Toshiba 16X / 48X IDE DVD-ROM, SD-M1502
5) Another possible replacement opportunity -> I'm running Windows ME

Replacing number 1-3 will be HUGE for my system, so I'd rather just get those right than screw around finding the cheapest things. I need the stuff to work together correctly. I figure I'll stay with Intel for the processor. I happen to think that ASUS and Intel have treated me fairly well, considering how well and long this current system has lasted. I know a step below cutting edge offers a good price break, so that's sort of what I'm looking for. Very good quality stuff that is just a step below.

Looks like I'm looking for around a 3.0Ghz processor, and around a Gig of RAM (DDR, I assume). Anyone having better ideas please post. Ice's suggestion looks good for the RAM, but I don't want to have to work my system around the RAM. I'd rather work it around the processor (of course).

For new Intel processors, do I have to get a Prescott, or is that just what Newegg is mostly selling? Is the RAM Ice suggested good RAM? I looked it up and they say Kingston is an established company. Dunno what else to ask.

 

[MaverickEIG]

get the RAM that Ice posted. it's not corsair brand, but kingston is good.

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131484
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116171
RAM: (icey's link)
DVD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151076 or in black?: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151075

Hope that helps out.

 

[Shattered_Steel]

Ordered. Thank you Mav and Ice. Looks like a good upgrade.

Now, if Tazzy-poo will please send me that power supply? Pretty please? With sugar on top? And a cherry? Chocolate syrup?

 

[TAZTG]

Please Tell me you didn't order a Motherboard with a 865PE Northbridge Chipset in a Socket 478!! Why INTEL?? Something wrong with AMD, they are better for gaming. If your hooked on Intel you should have ordered a mobo with Socket T (LGA 775), and (Intel 875P) NorthBridge. I wish you would have called me. Socket 478 is on the fast track for retirement.
If its possible contact NewEgg and change your MOBO towhat I suggested below. Its your choice!! BTW: you still need WINXP get rid of WIN ME...

Here's what I would have ordered:
ASUS A8V DELUXE Socket 939 VIA K8T800 Pro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail 118.00
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Winchester Integrated into Chip FSB 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor - Retail 190.00

My PowerSupply sitaution has changed somewhat since we last spoke.
I have modded the Enermax 431 that was in BigBlue and put my spare PS in BigBlue which is a Antec 380W which came with the Sonata. I am not sure how much longer the case will take to put together. You can always pick up a PS at Newegg or wait til I am done.. Sounds like you don't want to wait.

THERMALTAKE Silent PurePower TT-420AD(DUAL FAN) ATX 420W Power Supply 115/230 V - Retail 36.99

 

[Shattered_Steel]

Hmm, let's see. I've been saying I was going to upgrade for about a month now. I started this thread two days ago asking for advice. I emailed you (TAZ) with my specs and asked for advice more than a month ago. And I'm not waiting for your advice?!?

As for the processor, I've never been an AMD fan. The main thing I see I need to know is the difference between the LGA 775 and 478 sockets. But, I have already ordered, so it's all moot anyway.

TAZ is that PS you suggested best for me with the hardware I have and am getting?

 

[«BuA» !)V(@[.)_(.]øG!]

Steel,

I have an Asus p4p800 deluxe mobo with an intel pentium 3ghz processor. Although all I've ever used is intel I tend to think that the Amd is better for gaming. IMO I think you should get and mobo and proc for an AMD system that's just my opinion.


PS.
If you ordered it from newegg which in my opinion would be the smartest thing you have ever done in your life then you should have no problems returning the mobo and proc in exchange for an AMD. Trust me Steel, I have an intel socket 478 and it is not all it's crack up to be when it comes to gaming AMD is a much better choice. My next pc will be an AMD. Also don't forget what Mav said about the Via chipset being better for Ati video card so make sure you get a mobo with a Via chipset. Come on man get with the program for once.

 

[TAZTG]

Sorry, I don't like giving advice without knowing how much someones willing to spend and I also like the latest stuff. 1 month ago isn't that long but some folks wait longer like BT!!! LOL Like we discussed on the phone its not a bad system, DEV thats the MOBO you have right??

 

[Devastator]

P4P800...yeah thats what I have.

When I'll upgrade I'll go with AMD for sure. But i'll stick with an nVidia vid card.

 

[«BuA»Meat]

My 2 pc has an amd mobo......

and yeah nvidia is the roxxor.

 

[MaverickEIG]

I have an AMD and an nforce2 chipset on the mobo with a Geforce FX 5700 Ultra (overclocked card). i don't know much about Intel, but I am familiar with socket 478. I hadn't done any research so I didn't know that there was another socket. I merely looked at the processor and saw which socket it was so I picked the mobo that corresponded with the correct socket type.

Newegg has an easy return/exchange policy, Steel if you decide to switch it out.

BTW, AMD is better for gaming, it also overclocks more safely (if kept cool) than an Intel. Nvidia and ATI, well that's up for grabs really. ATI has better cards, but they have a monopoly on their chipset. With NVidia there's more support with drivers and their chipset, because nvidia sells the chipset ONLY and other manufacturers (like EVGA and MSI etc...) manufacture the rest of te card with the nvidia chipset. This often times leads to more competition and cheaper cards for NVidia.