NationStates Jolt Archive

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?
I'm afraid I'll have to cover my hatred of Microsoft, and say that if you want to be able to reliably play your CDs you'll need a Windows box. (Just make sure you have lots of anti-virus and anti-spyware software.) I'd recommend buying through Dell, and from their business division (as opposed to their home division) as you can get some very good deals. For £400 I bought this 3GHz P4, 160GB harddisk 512MB RAM, 19" LCD screen box.

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?
Why not use the money to fashion a mock-vagina and "do" it.

get a laptop cos they rule, and look to Dell cos they may be a little more expensive than their rivals but they make up for it in reliability

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?
I recommend Dell. I have one and the price was right, the service is good, and the PC seems to run just fine after two years.

Build your own, screw Dell. It's seriously not a hard task to make a computer, and you'll get a better setup than what you would through Dell.

I recommend Dell. I have one and the price was right, the service is good, and the PC seems to run just fine after two years.
we have Dells here which are 10 years old and still run just fine like the day they were bought (just fucking slow by today's standards :p)

hmm really ought to thow them out :P

never had any problems (bar self-induced software ones) with Dell's machines. i've built my own in the past and dell are more reliable, offer better support if you're not totally techno-confident, and their prices are comparible to building it yourself nowadays (used to be a massive difference)

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?

The 'best' computer is beyond your budget. And it isn't unique, either -- the nature of computers means that you can use several variations of the same components to achieve roughly the same amount power.

If all you want to do is listen to music and perhaps burn some CDs (I don't know whether you want to do that or not, though), then you don't need an expensive computer at all. I would recommend that you build your own computer, as that is usually cheaper and you can squeeze extra power in there. Otherwise, just buy an average-priced PC. All you need are a big hard drive and a CD RW drive. Should only cost you half of your budget.

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?
Tell you what I will help build you one if you want fellow minnesotan :-D you will be number 131 built
lol

hey built my own, it does all you want and more, and it cost 300£ so that is i dunno cant be bothered converting, but it has 120gig hard drive, so can have what 200,000 songs or so of good quality... :p

Here is mine
http://geek.upwardthrust.us/cpuz.htm
http://geek.upwardthrust.us/desk1.jpg

And the hardware

http://geek.upwardthrust.us/picturethree.jpg

I've built many a computer over the past few years. The one I'm currently using is:

AMD Barton 3000+ Mobile (clocked at 2.6Ghz - 200x13) ($150)
Shuttle AN35N/Ultra-400 Mainboard ($50)
1GB Mushkin LII PC3200 Ram (2-3-2-6) ($125)
120GB Hitachi Deskstar HDD (7200RPM, 8MB buffer) ($100)
120GB Seagate Barracuda HDD (7200RPM, 8MB buffer) ($100)
ATI X800Pro VGA ( OC'd - 500 core / 1000 memory) ($350 at the time I bought it)
Custom liquid cooling ($150)
Dual Sparkle Inc. 350W power supplies ($100)
LiteOn DVD/CD-RW Drive x2 ($100)
Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop (mouse / keyboard) ($70)
ViewSonic A90f+ monitor ($250 - cant buy anymore, but $250 will buy a damn good 19" monitor still)
All stuffed inside a Cooler Master Stacker CM case. ($150)


Total price tag was definately over $1000...but, quite a bit of that is due to the video card and could easily be accomplished for under $1000 by dropping the 2nd HDD, VGAs are cheaper, skipping on liquid cooling, and buying a much cheaper case.

I am using the 160 gb SATAII version of your hitachi lol

Mine cost 82 bucks lol

Why not use the money to fashion a mock-vagina and "do" it.

I think you are looking for the bathroom, down the hall, third door on the left. Watch out for the step.

I am using the 160 gb SATAII version of your hitachi lol

Mine cost 82 bucks lol

LOL, that HDD is about 2 years old, the Seagate is about 3...at the time, $100 was a good deal on each of them.

LOL, that HDD is about 2 years old, the Seagate is about 3...at the time, $100 was a good deal on each of them.
deffinatly :)

I payed more for the SATAII portion ... but I love that drive (I am a fan of seagate too but they did not have a SATAII drive out at that time)

ATTENTION
DO NOT buy a Dell, or any other "brand name" for that matter! You can't overclock them (speed them up) ,you have to buy brand specific components in some cases, and the video card and audio cards are lacking in all but the "high end" models. Example: I have a Dell Dimension 4600c. The onboard videocard sucks, the powersupply is brand specific (if it blows, I HAVE to buy a Dell) the Processor speed is locked, so I can't overclock it. Build your own, and if you don't know how, go to a computer shop, and have them do it. You will be able to get a damn nice system for under $1000 if you aren't a complete gamer nut, and if you want to upgrade it to a super gaming machine, then it's as easy as plugging in the new components. Not to mention that you can get some pretty cool shells, and not have your computer look like everyone elses.

But if you like gaming, $1000 just won't cut it. Alienware makes nice gaming computers, but don't go there, because I did, I built my dream computer, drooling the entire time, then guess what happened. It turned out to cost $17,000 dollars. No bullshit! I shook my head, cursed their ability to make things I can't afford, and cried myself to sleep.

Tell you what I will help build you one if you want fellow minnesotan :-D you will be number 131 built
lol

Hey, thanks a lot. I like to get on the internet/web and look for things, listen to music web music stations, word processing and all at the same time if possible.;) I know that may not be possible. But upwardT I would be willing to take you up on the offer.

ATTENTION
DO NOT buy a Dell, or any other "brand name" for that matter! You can't overclock them (speed them up) ,you have to buy brand specific components in some cases, and the video card and audio cards are lacking in all but the "high end" models. Example: I have a Dell Dimension 4600c. The onboard videocard sucks, the powersupply is brand specific (if it blows, I HAVE to buy a Dell) the Processor speed is locked, so I can't overclock it. Build your own, and if you don't know how, go to a computer shop, and have them do it. You will be able to get a damn nice system for under $1000 if you aren't a complete gamer nut.

But if you like gaming, $1000 just won't cut it. Alienware makes nice gaming computers, but don't go there, because I did, I built my dream computer, drooling the entire time, then guess what happened. It turned out to cost $17,000 dollars. No bullshit! I shook my head, cursed their ability to make things I can't afford, and cried myself to sleep.

while I generaly agree I have no problems overclocking my old dell p4 1.6
I pushed it to 2.0 (using a thermalate volcano12 extreme)

Its still running at 2.0 operating as my BSD box

And thats 4 years later

(I got my new build system but I got the dell before I started building)

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?

1 thousand bucks huh...

I'm a Mac fan but I'm also a realist.

If you want a gaming experience with your computer, I'd of course go with a PC. However, I've always found iTunes reliable with my Mac, so that is what I'd suggest. Won't have to worry about viruses.

Hey, thanks a lot. I like to get on the internet/web and look for things, listen to music web music stations, word processing and all at the same time if possible.;) I know that may not be possible. But upwardT I would be willing to take you up on the offer.
No problem ... message me (slackerhobo) on aim or yahoo sometime We will price out the hardware and will see about you visiting me or visaversa sometime and we will take care of it :)

while I generaly agree I have no problems overclocking my old dell p4 1.6
I pushed it to 2.0 (using a thermalate volcano12 extreme)

Its still running at 2.0 operating as my BSD box

And thats 4 years later

(I got my new build system but I got the dell before I started building)
How did you get it to overclock? I have a P4 3.2 gig, and so far I can't get it unlocked, and can't find any software to do it for me. I would love you forever if you have the answer, cause I can't like anything I haven't screwed with. :(

ATTENTION
DO NOT buy a Dell, or any other "brand name" for that matter! You can't overclock them (speed them up) ,you have to buy brand specific components in some cases, and the video card and audio cards are lacking in all but the "high end" models. Example: I have a Dell Dimension 4600c. The onboard videocard sucks, the powersupply is brand specific (if it blows, I HAVE to buy a Dell) the Processor speed is locked, so I can't overclock it. Build your own, and if you don't know how, go to a computer shop, and have them do it. You will be able to get a damn nice system for under $1000 if you aren't a complete gamer nut, and if you want to upgrade it to a super gaming machine, then it's as easy as plugging in the new components. Not to mention that you can get some pretty cool shells, and not have your computer look like everyone elses.

But if you like gaming, $1000 just won't cut it. Alienware makes nice gaming computers, but don't go there, because I did, I built my dream computer, drooling the entire time, then guess what happened. It turned out to cost $17,000 dollars. No bullshit! I shook my head, cursed their ability to make things I can't afford, and cried myself to sleep.

I am not a big gamer. I do play some, but not enough to make that the focus of the machine. Most of what I play is three or four yrs old and I seldom play anymore. I do play some web-based games. How on God's green earth did you spend $17,000? owww that hurts.

How did you get it to overclock? I have a P4 3.2 gig, and so far I can't get it unlocked, and can't find any software to do it for me. I would love you forever if you have the answer, cause I can't like anything I haven't screwed with. :(
I found a bios flash utility for that mobo ... it adds a menu extention that has bios level modification

Are you talking about voltage mod? or just messin with your mult?

No problem ... message me (slackerhobo) on aim or yahoo sometime We will price out the hardware and will see about you visiting me or visaversa sometime and we will take care of it :)

ok, it will be weeks or months before I am ready to go. Many thanks. I'll give you a jar of BBQ sauce for a tip.

I've built many a computer over the past few years. The one I'm currently using is:

AMD Barton 3000+ Mobile (clocked at 2.6Ghz - 200x13) ($150)
Shuttle AN35N/Ultra-400 Mainboard ($50)
1GB Mushkin LII PC3200 Ram (2-3-2-6) ($125)
120GB Hitachi Deskstar HDD (7200RPM, 8MB buffer) ($100)
120GB Seagate Barracuda HDD (7200RPM, 8MB buffer) ($100)
ATI X800Pro VGA ( OC'd - 500 core / 1000 memory) ($350 at the time I bought it)
Custom liquid cooling ($150)
Dual Sparkle Inc. 350W power supplies ($100)
LiteOn DVD/CD-RW Drive x2 ($100)
Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop (mouse / keyboard) ($70)
ViewSonic A90f+ monitor ($250 - cant buy anymore, but $250 will buy a damn good 19" monitor still)
All stuffed inside a Cooler Master Stacker CM case. ($150)


Total price tag was definately over $1000...but, quite a bit of that is due to the video card and could easily be accomplished for under $1000 by dropping the 2nd HDD, VGAs are cheaper, skipping on liquid cooling, and buying a much cheaper case.

rofl? I got this:

[amd athlon xp 2400+ (oc'd to 2.2)
asus a7v8x-x mobo
512mb ddr400 ram
300W aopen powersupp
19 gb harddisk (don't even...)
LG cdplayer] €125
asus v9999/td (nvidia 6800, oc'd of course) €130
mx1000 mouse 80 euros
that's all you need to know, but total is
€335
100 euro = avg 125 dollar, but you get the point
only thing is a dvdplayer, and harddisk... and you will be able to do anything

but: AMD Barton 3000+ Mobile (clocked at 2.6Ghz - 200x13)... is that a laptop, cuz barton is the core?

unless you're an avid gamer, or run the most processer-intensive applications, computers are fast enough nowadays not to worry about overclocking.

besides, from the sound of the OP, overclocking may be a little "advanced" (no offence meant but you do need to know what you're doing)


and to the poster who said you need to buy brand-specific parts... what?? most pc hardware is built to generic and standardised architecture, so i've never heard of this being a problem unless you buy either a Mac or laptops (and thats only cos of the fact they're so bloody compact)

I am not a big gamer. I do play some, but not enough to make that the focus of the machine. Most of what I play is three or four yrs old and I seldom play anymore. I do play some web-based games. How on God's green earth did you spend $17,000? owww that hurts.
Probably dual vid cars before SLI became standard ... I know Alianware did that for a bit

And at the thousand dollar range we can get ya a good computer

If you were looking ultracheep then you can buy for about the same you can build but the more you spend the bigger gap in performance and price
between bought and built gets

I can get on the net and build a better gaming computer than Alienware for approx $10k...

Dual Opteron Italy 280s
Dual GeForce 7800 (SLI)
4GB Mushkin Lvl I PC3200
Dual 120GB HDD (SATAII or SCSI)
Custom liquid cooling
Cooler Master CM Stacker case
Plextor 16x DVD-RW drive
SoundBlaster Platinum
Tyan NForce 4 Pro Mainboard
Quad 20" flat panel monitors from Dell

I am not a big gamer. I do play some, but not enough to make that the focus of the machine. Most of what I play is three or four yrs old and I seldom play anymore. I do play some web-based games. How on God's green earth did you spend $17,000? owww that hurts.
Dual processors, High end video card, High end soundcard, 42 inch HD monitor, quad dvd player/burners, liquid cooled, custom case, wireless everything, 7.1 surround system w/ subwoofers, I think it makes toast too! lol

I found a bios flash utility for that mobo ... it adds a menu extention that has bios level modification

Are you talking about voltage mod? or just messin with your mult?
Multiplier is fine. I have no idea what I'm doing with voltages or overclocking ram. I'm a genius/moron if ya know what I mean.

unless you're an avid gamer, or run the most processer-intensive applications, computers are fast enough nowadays not to worry about overclocking.

besides, from the sound of the OP, overclocking may be a little "advanced" (no offence meant but you do need to know what you're doing)


and to the poster who said you need to buy brand-specific parts... what?? most pc hardware is built to generic and standardised architecture, so i've never heard of this being a problem unless you buy either a Mac or laptops (and thats only cos of the fact they're so bloody compact)
Well to be fair they do make a lot

For example HP makes a different formfactor powersupply

Dell has a propriatary non ATX powersupply connector (well additional one ... ohh and btw I found a converter) so if any of you have to replace a dell powersupply contact me I can get you a converter so you can use a standard power supply

Some hardware is wierd

Dell HP and gateway motherboards use non standard power button connecters as well

unless you're an avid gamer, or run the most processer-intensive applications, computers are fast enough nowadays not to worry about overclocking.

besides, from the sound of the OP, overclocking may be a little "advanced" (no offence meant but you do need to know what you're doing)


and to the poster who said you need to buy brand-specific parts... what?? most pc hardware is built to generic and standardised architecture, so i've never heard of this being a problem unless you buy either a Mac or laptops (and thats only cos of the fact they're so bloody compact)

With Dell and Gateway, it's built into their systems that it only recognizes the stuff they sell you for upgrades. It's all about keeping the customer coming back for marked-up upgrades.

Probably dual vid cars before SLI became standard ... I know Alianware did that for a bit

And at the thousand dollar range we can get ya a good computer

If you were looking ultracheep then you can buy for about the same you can build but the more you spend the bigger gap in performance and price
between bought and built gets

What I really want is a machine that will stay fast enough and has enough ports and places to add things on so that I can keep up with the changes in the computer world, as best as can be expected in the evolving world of computers.

With Dell and Gateway, it's built into their systems that it only recognizes the stuff they sell you for upgrades. It's all about keeping the customer coming back for marked-up upgrades.
no way... crazy! thats not fair. never had any problems adding or swapping components with my dell's :confused:
then again maybe things are different in the states

Build your own, screw Dell. It's seriously not a hard task to make a computer, and you'll get a better setup than what you would through Dell.

right on right on. build your own.

Go with an AMD 64, (3500 or so)get a board using Nvidia chipset that supports 2 or more compatible video cards using PCI Express.

Get 2 Nvidia 6600GT card PCI Express cards.

Get 500W power supply.

Get a cool case (as in looks with large 120MM fans) Antec Lan-Boy is what I have. It's also light.

Get 2GB of ram.

You will spend less that 1000 and have a superb gaming machine.

Dual processors, High end video card, High end soundcard, 42 inch HD monitor, quad dvd player/burners, liquid cooled, custom case, wireless everything, 7.1 surround system w/ subwoofers, I think it makes toast too! lol

Wireless. Hey, that sounds cool. How much does that cost nowadays?

I'd go for a Mac OS X

rofl? I got this:

[amd athlon xp 2400+ (oc'd to 2.2)
asus a7v8x-x mobo
512mb ddr400 ram
300W aopen powersupp
19 gb harddisk (don't even...)
LG cdplayer] €125
asus v9999/td (nvidia 6800, oc'd of course) €130
mx1000 mouse 80 euros
that's all you need to know, but total is
€335
100 euro = avg 125 dollar, but you get the point
only thing is a dvdplayer, and harddisk... and you will be able to do anything

but: AMD Barton 3000+ Mobile (clocked at 2.6Ghz - 200x13)... is that a laptop, cuz barton is the core?

Mobile Barton chips are the same chipset as the regular Bartons, they're all Socket A. In fact, they're the cream of the crop and simply have unlocked multipliers (hence the 13x).

Basically, to get a 'faster' AMD laptop, the FSB is lowered and the multiplier upped to get the same 'effective' speed (200x12 - 2.4Ghz, 166x14.5 - 2.4Ghz) but keeps the heat produced down - also allows for lower speed / cheaper RAM to be installed. Although the overall speed is the same, the lower bus-speed makes for a slightly slower laptop than the equivalent desktop.

However, when these mobile chips are put into a desktop, they still have the ability to run at the same FSB as your regular desktop Bartons (i.e. Barton 3000 - 200FSB x 11 - 2.2, Mobile Barton 3000 - 166FSB x 13.5 - 2.2) so they're better for overclocking because you can up both the FSB and the mulitplier, instead of having a regular desktop chip with a locked multiplier. Barton 3200+ has no other way to increase speed except to bump the FSB. Mobile Barton 3200+ can have the FSB bumped and the multiplier bumped (3200+ 250x12 - 3.0Ghz, 3200+ Mobile 250x15 - 3.75Ghz)

no way... crazy! thats not fair. never had any problems adding or swapping components with my dell's :confused:
then again maybe things are different in the states

Depends on how old it is too. A lot of the new Dells are very proprietary. Cant blame the marketing strategy though, it's pure brillance a la Jennifer Gov't.

unless you're an avid gamer, or run the most processer-intensive applications, computers are fast enough nowadays not to worry about overclocking.

besides, from the sound of the OP, overclocking may be a little "advanced" (no offence meant but you do need to know what you're doing)


and to the poster who said you need to buy brand-specific parts... what?? most pc hardware is built to generic and standardised architecture, so i've never heard of this being a problem unless you buy either a Mac or laptops (and thats only cos of the fact they're so bloody compact)
I don't mean to say that you can't get anything non-dell to work, but as an example, my Dell is a 4600C, and it uses a lot of laptop parts, because it's a compact model. I've also heard from a few people that dell motherboards are odd sized, and are very difficult to put in new cases, and that Dell uses screwy ampage in their power sources, making them brand specific.

I may have overstated, but I erred on the side of caution, due to the fact that the OP seems to be abit lacking in the technical knowledge.

Wireless. Hey, that sounds cool. How much does that cost nowadays?
Added card ... lets call it 30 - 40 bucks more

ASUS has a few delux board with it onboard

I don't mean to say that you can't get anything non-dell to work, but as an example, my Dell is a 4600C, and it uses a lot of laptop parts, because it's a compact model. I've also heard from a few people that dell motherboards are odd sized, and are very difficult to put in new cases, and that Dell uses screwy ampage in their power sources, making them brand specific.

I may have overstated, but I erred on the side of caution, due to the fact that the OP seems to be abit lacking in the technical knowledge.
Standard power non standard adapters

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/dellconverter.html

thats what you need to use a standard ATX supply on a dell mobo

What I really want is a machine that will stay fast enough and has enough ports and places to add things on so that I can keep up with the changes in the computer world, as best as can be expected in the evolving world of computers.
No problem :)

Wireless. Hey, that sounds cool. How much does that cost nowadays?
Depends on what type of wireless your talking about.

Wireless keyboard and mouse
Wireless USB
Wireless headset
Wireless internet
Infrared devices of all sorts.
Wireless moniters

Possibilities are limitless.

Depends on what type of wireless your talking about.

Wireless keyboard and mouse
Wireless USB
Wireless headset
Wireless internet
Infrared devices of all sorts.
Wireless moniters

Possibilities are limited
Yuck infared

Standard power non standard adapters

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/dellconverter.html

thats what you need to use a standard ATX supply on a dell mobo
How about the 4600C (http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/reviews/4912/1)? It's the compact model with the laptop DVD player.

What I really want is a machine that will stay fast enough and has enough ports and places to add things on so that I can keep up with the changes in the computer world, as best as can be expected in the evolving world of computers.

Best to wait a few months. Supposed to be new AMD socket coming out next year...

If you saw what I had to do to get a standard sized Video card to fit in it, you'd either buy me a beer, or slap me in the face, depending on how well you appreciate cheap jerry rigging. :D


EDIT I'll give you a hint, it involved zip ties, bamboo, and pliers!

How about the 4600C (http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/reviews/4912/1)? It's the compact model with the laptop DVD player.
I think so the only one it says it does not work with is the 8100

Best to wait a few months. Supposed to be new AMD socket coming out next year...
Ehhh I would not worry bout that too much yet I dont see the 939 and 940's going away

There is always another "new" inovation just over the hill ... he wont be able to afford anything for a 1000 that will run on it for the first 6 months its out anyways lol

Ehhh I would not worry bout that too much yet I dont see the 939 and 940's going away

There is always another "new" inovation just over the hill ... he wont be able to afford anything for a 1000 that will run on it for the first 6 months its out anyways lol


True, the best option for future upgradeability is probably to run with the Opterons though.

Ehhh I would not worry bout that too much yet I dont see the 939 and 940's going away

There is always another "new" inovation just over the hill ... he wont be able to afford anything for a 1000 that will run on it for the first 6 months its out anyways lol

Wireless, good, bad or some of both? How about just for speakers and keyboard?

True, the best option for future upgradeability is probably to run with the Opterons though.
I know why do you think I am using two of them ;) and the board can support dual cores hehehe

Wireless, good, bad or some of both? How about just for speakers and keyboard?

I wouldnt use wireless speakers, but, that's just the audiophile in me.

I personally love having a cordless desktop...nothing quite like putting some music on in the computer room and then taking the keyboard with me to the bedroom to control the music...

I'm not a fan of wireless networking, but then, I'm also pretty big on security, and wireless networks just seem easier to break into...

I know why do you think I am using two of them ;) and the board can support dual cores hehehe

Plus more RAM than you could ever use...

I mean, who gives a crap that 1GB sticks of RAM have latencies of 3-4-4-8 when you've got 16 of em?

Hopw much do those miniature Macs go for at the moment?
You can probably get one of those, the extra memory you'll need, a keyboard and mouse and a decent monitor for less than a grand.
Or an eMac: you won't need any more memory for one of those.
Or just get one of those end of line catalogues and have a browse through that. I'd imagine you have those in the 'States.

Wireless, good, bad or some of both? How about just for speakers and keyboard?
Keyboard yes speekers no

Keyboards and mice wireless are awsome :) and they can vary in price depending on quality

Like I said drop me a instant message we will puzzle it over

Plus more RAM than you could ever use...

I mean, who gives a crap that 1GB sticks of RAM have latencies of 3-4-4-8 when you've got 16 of em?
LOL my board will handle 6 dimms

If you knotice (posted early on my stats) the CAS is a bit slow but you have to remember I am running ECC Registered ... they tend to be slowr

BTW my board will handle 24 GB ram total
6 ... 4 gig sticks

Keyboard yes speekers no

Keyboards and mice wireless are awsome :) and they can vary in price depending on quality

Like I said drop me a instant message we will puzzle it over

Ok, thanks. I will do that. Gotta go for now. I have a real life too.

LOL my board will handle 6 dimms

If you knotice (posted early on my stats) the CAS is a bit slow but you have to remember I am running ECC Registered ... they tend to be slowr

BTW my board will handle 24 GB ram total
6 ... 4 gig sticks

Exactly my point....I mean, who cares about latency when you have so much? At that point, it's not such a big deal.

One of these days, I'm going to upgrade the RAM in my current box with a 1GB stick...run 2GBs, dual channel at 2-3-2-6...

I wouldnt use wireless speakers, but, that's just the audiophile in me.

I personally love having a cordless desktop...nothing quite like putting some music on in the computer room and then taking the keyboard with me to the bedroom to control the music...

I'm not a fan of wireless networking, but then, I'm also pretty big on security, and wireless networks just seem easier to break into...
It depends (hehehe this is where I get really geeky I have a masters in networking and another in info security)

You have less phisical controll over the network BUT WPA or if you are REALLY worried run a VPN

Exactly my point....I mean, who cares about latency when you have so much? At that point, it's not such a big deal.

One of these days, I'm going to upgrade the RAM in my current box with a 1GB stick...run 2GBs, dual channel at 2-3-2-6...
I got 2 GB sticks corsair in the mail (with the buss setup best if I put them in in pairs)

So total of 3 GB

I got 2 GB sticks corsair in the mail (with the buss setup best if I put them in in pairs)

So total of 3 GB

Yeah, same as on my buss, I just only have 3 slots, so I'm limited to running 2GBs (Unless I want to upgrade to a 2GB stick and 2 1GB sticks)...

One of these days, (maybe with my Tax return this year) I'll be upgrading to dual Opts on a board with IDE Raid for the drives.

Amazingly, most people dont fully understand the benefits of gaming on a dual-proc (or even a dual-core) rig.

I wouldnt use wireless speakers, but, that's just the audiophile in me.

I personally love having a cordless desktop...nothing quite like putting some music on in the computer room and then taking the keyboard with me to the bedroom to control the music...

I'm not a fan of wireless networking, but then, I'm also pretty big on security, and wireless networks just seem easier to break into...
I couldn't agree more. Cordless speakers don't give you the same "sound quality" , if your a serious audiophile.

Wireless mouse and keyboard will give you the opportunity to better integrate your PC with your home entertainment system. Of course, a 42inch HDTV helps too! ;)

Amazingly, most people dont fully understand the benefits of gaming on a dual-proc (or even a dual-core) rig.
Is that anything like hyperthreading? I know my computer "thinks" it has two processors.

Does anyone else use their PC in their entertainment system? I have mine setup so that it's all I use to watch DVDs and if I happen along a movie "without" copyright, it's nice to watch it on the TV instead of the monitor. I also rigged up an adapter so I could plug the audio right into my stereo input, so I get 5.1 (got 5.1, damn stereo fried :mad: , now I'm using an old Technics receiver until I get the $ for a new 7.1 system ) and the remote for sound is more sensitive than the volume knob on my keyboard.

Incidentally, does anyone know of any apps for volume control with more sensitivity than the windows version?

mac mini - $500 and you can use your old monitor
Don't buy another Windows :sniper: machine - you'll regret it in the near future:sniper:

mac mini - $500 and you can use your old monitor
Don't buy another Windows :sniper: machine - you'll regret it in the near future:sniper:
Mac sucks. It's a cult icon, not a serious machine.

Is that anything like hyperthreading? I know my computer "thinks" it has two processors.
sorta...call it "user-selected hyperthreading"

Basically, with a dual-proc board, it's possible to assign programs to a specific proc. For example, while gaming, I can put my game on Proc 2 and all the other programs I'm running (windows, winamp, messengers, etc) on Proc 1. That leaves Proc 2 completely to the game (along with it's share of RAM). Even better is doing this on a dual-monitor system.

For the guys who do the tech stuff, using dual monitors with an emulator (to run Linux and Windows at the same time), you can set one proc to Linux and the other to Windows and then split the monitors the same way. It's like having two computers without the bulk and no KVM switch.

Does anyone else use their PC in their entertainment system? I have mine setup so that it's all I use to watch DVDs and if I happen along a movie "without" copyright, it's nice to watch it on the TV instead of the monitor. I also rigged up an adapter so I could plug the audio right into my stereo input, so I get 5.1 (got 5.1, damn stereo fried :mad: , now I'm using an old Technics receiver until I get the $ for a new 7.1 system ) and the remote for sound is more sensitive than the volume knob on my keyboard.

Incidentally, does anyone know of any apps for volume control with more sensitivity than the windows version?

1st, before you rig something special to go from your computer to the Stereo... Use a soundcard with 5.1 sound output and plug it into the equalizer inputs to your reciever (my Yamaha has them listed as "external decoder" inputs).

2nd, turn the volume on your computer all the way up, and then use the volume control on your reciever. More precision, and the reciever will do a better job of adjusting the volume without loss of sound quality.

http://c-btech.net/

The best rig is whatever you want. :)

1st, before you rig something special to go from your computer to the Stereo... Use a soundcard with 5.1 sound output and plug it into the equalizer inputs to your reciever (my Yamaha has them listed as "external decoder" inputs).

2nd, turn the volume on your computer all the way up, and then use the volume control on your reciever. More precision, and the reciever will do a better job of adjusting the volume without loss of sound quality.
THANK YOU I have this arguement all the fucking time with friends
You want the highest imput into the amp possible (within its limits)

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?

Either: eMac - yes, I know, its an all in one, but that was my first Mac; they're built like a tank, the new ones are finally Quartz Extreme and CoreImage compatible, and the bundle hard disk is pretty damn fast - unless you're a really l33t d00d - it would chew through tasks without any problems - hell, I've got a G3 600Mhz laptop I am using right now, and even that is plenty fast for my needs at this current moment in time.

The alternative would be a mini-Mac, but at the same time, to make it worthwhile you would have to up the memory to *ATLEAST 1gig and repalce the hard disk with a 100gig 7200rpm drive, which would give you parity in performance with eMac.

With that being said, you're better off going with the eMac - you get everything you need out of the box without the need of dicking around with upgrading things simply to get some decent performance.

THANK YOU I have this arguement all the fucking time with friends
You want the highest imput into the amp possible (within its limits)

Pretty much, you want the Amp to control how loud the music is, not the computer. Chances are your computer's sound card wont put out more than just a few watts of energy - most speakers are plugged into the wall to power their internal amps...

Pretty much, you want the Amp to control how loud the music is, not the computer. Chances are your computer's sound card wont put out more than just a few watts of energy - most speakers are plugged into the wall to power their internal amps...
I understand
(btw I run an audigy II) lol

Here is mine
http://geek.upwardthrust.us/cpuz.htm
http://geek.upwardthrust.us/desk1.jpg

And the hardware

http://geek.upwardthrust.us/picturethree.jpg
Dude, I really want to steal your computer. :D

BTW I was thinking of gettin' a Dell Inspiron 1200. Sounds like a shitty notebook but it's worth it, useful for college. ;)

Dude, I really want to steal your computer. :D
NOOO!!!OOO!!!OOOO!

:-D I love my baby

NOOO!!!OOO!!!OOOO!

:-D I love my baby
You wanna build me a computer?

You wanna build me a computer?
I would not mind helping you pick everything out no ... I aint going to pay :) hehehe

I would not mind helping you pick everything out no ... I aint going to pay :) hehehe

I would pay, of course! (silly rabbit)

I would love to build my own comp, but i lack the cranial fortitude.

I would pay, of course! (silly rabbit)

I would love to build my own comp, but i lack the cranial fortitude.
np picking the parts is the hardest part as long as nothing is bad on arival

I was talking with a good buddy of mine last night, I think when I upgrade next year, I'm going for the Dual-Opteron setup. For about $600 I can get myself a decent proc, 1GB RAM, and the MB. 6 months later, I can upgrade again for $300 and approximately double the overall computer speed.

I was talking with a good buddy of mine last night, I think when I upgrade next year, I'm going for the Dual-Opteron setup. For about $600 I can get myself a decent proc, 1GB RAM, and the MB. 6 months later, I can upgrade again for $300 and approximately double the overall computer speed.
I love my dual 246's they are beasts

Remember though with processors like that to take advantage you need an assload of ram lol my 1gb is running rather short when I really want to see what my money bought me :)

I shake my fist at thee.

I shake my fist at thee.
Its true ... you see what happens when you want to see how many digets you can get pi to

I love my dual 246's they are beasts

Remember though with processors like that to take advantage you need an assload of ram lol my 1gb is running rather short when I really want to see what my money bought me :)

Yeah, but that's why I said "$300" for the upgrade. That's a 2nd proc and a 2nd 1GB stick of RAM...6 months later, for another $300 or so, I can upgrade to a total of 4GB RAM...6 months after that, for $600 or so, upgrade both chips to faster chips...etc...

I will be buying a new 'puter in the next month or two. What should I buy? I will have $1,000 US or less. I don't need to spend it all. I like to listen to music and have a ton of cd's. What say you wise ones of the digital age?
Apple II

Apple II

You're pulling my leg--right?

You're pulling my leg--right?
I would never?!:eek: :offended:

I would never?!:eek: :offended:

I am so sorry.:eek: Please then tell me why Apple II? Do they even make Apple II anymore?

I am so sorry.:eek: Please then tell me why Apple II? Do they even make Apple II anymore?
Chuck Norris makes the apple II

Chuck Norris makes the apple II
No he doesn't, he outsourced that to India. In fact, Chuck Norris outsourced everything he does to India, including "kicking people through windows" and "having no acting talent, whatsoever."

No he doesn't, he outsourced that to India. In fact, Chuck Norris outsourced everything he does to India, including "kicking people through windows" and "having no acting talent, whatsoever."
I don't even know who the crap he is. I just dropped to make it excruitatingly clear that I am not serious in the slightest. Almost ever.

I don't even know who the crap he is. I just dropped to make it excruitatingly clear that I am not serious in the slightest. Almost ever.
Thanks for the fun:p I think Chuck could make a very nice computer.