Computer Advice

[mitche8359]

I know there's a lot of people here that build their own systems. I've been messing around with my system at home for about a month and have narrowed the problem down to the motherboard and or processor.

I don't need a new computer system, I just need a bare bones system. This system is the first that I haven't built myself. However, it's been six years since I built my own and I haven't kept up. I'm trying to decide between putting together my own system again and finding a place that will just sell me a bare bones system.

Here's what I would need:
case
mobo/processor
memory
harddrive with XP

I have everything else.

Someone have suggestions for components, places to buy them and places that sell bare bone systems?

[MikeyB]

You can go to Newegg.com or Pricewatch.com to check out price and parts.

[mitche8359]

yeah... Pricewatch is what I was thinking of. Thanks! I went to egghead and was shocked to see it's an amazxon store now.

[deli_conker]

It really depends on what it's going to be used for.

Word processing & email? Buy a refurb from a computer store for $100.

All of the above plus simple games & cd/dvd burning? Build a simple one.

All of the above plus Fancy games and movies? Not a bare bones system, back to the drawing board...

[mitche8359]

Yes I should have listed what it's going to be used for. Its going to be the primary computer system at home. Doesn't have to be a top notch game system this time around, because I plan on building a new system for me eventually. It does have to support multimedia, kid's games, dvd burning, etc.

What I have in there now is a P4 2.66, not sure what mother board. It's adequate for what I've been using if for including Doom 4.

So with that in mind anyone have any recommendations? I'm not anti AMD by any means.

[Meredith]

My husband uses newegg pretty exclusively. He loves it. I have no idea about computers but here is the case we have. Its neat.. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=45466
he got it from newegg.
Good luck to ya.

[cJw]

Good luck with compatibility; there isn't really an user-friendly chart for that. ;\

That's the one thing that's forcing me to consider buying a pre-made system. . . I've tended to buy hardware in the past that doesn't like each other.

On the other hand, a little research can solve that problem, and there's nothing like knowing your pc that intimately.

Remember: if you don't sweat, cry, and bleed, the system probably won't work.

[mitche8359]

yeah, I've been trying to decide what to do. my three year old called me this morning to tell me he blue screened while playing Nemo and that we needed a new computer. heading to a couple computer stores on the way home

[cJw]

Awwww; that's pretty (at the risk of sounding like the father of a 1 year old daughter) cute.

[Felf]

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/

i use them because of the free shipping and a lot of their prices are lower than newegg