What do you all think of this...

[diorio]

If I could buy pc components with these specs: 2.1ghz processor, 512 mb of RAM, 128 video card, and 40gb hard drive for about $550, would everyone understand my not buying a mac? I haven't decided totally one way or the other yet, but these components have pretty good specs and are relatively cheap online.

[MrMacMan]

Cd Burner?
Go for it man, it's a nice price and everything.
128 MB Video card I suppose right, GeForce or ATI 9700 I'm sure right?:D
Make sure it is not just a POS comp that was built without screws.
I've seen thoses amazingly.
Is it a name brand with *some* tech support and stuff, or is some random guy building it for you?
Have fun anyways.

[diorio]

Originally posted by MrMacman
Cd Burner?
Go for it man, it's a nice price and everything.
128 MB Video card I suppose right, GeForce or ATI 9700 I'm sure right?:D
Make sure it is not just a POS comp that was built without screws.
I've seen thoses amazingly.
Is it a name brand with *some* tech support and stuff, or is some random guy building it for you?
Have fun anyways.

I forgot to include the DVD/CDRW in there, thats included in the $550. Anyway, my brothers friend is A+ certified and will order the parts for me. He told me what all of the brands were last night, but I didn't write them down. Hopefully it is not a bunch of crap, I trust my brothers friend, so I doubt he'd let me waste my money.

[rundevilrun]

Well that certainly is a good price but it's a good idea to check out the brands of the components and search for reviews or discussions about them. My cheap pc motherboard died last night and it was only a year old. Not a big deal for me because when I bought it I figured, heck it's cheap so if it blows up no big deal. :)
I would bet that price includes a really cheap motherboard and video card, I would recommend an asus motherboard and a geforce 4 ti4200 at the minimum, they may add about $150 to the total but it will probably be worth it.

I highly recommend those looking for cheap pcs to also buy a mac so you still have a computer to use when the cheap one blows up or needs windows reinstalled. :D

[demonx]

For that price I can tell you that the Video Card is not a 9700, as that alone retails for around $360 bucks. I would also check Reseller Ratings (http://www.resellerratings.com) first and make sure you purchase from a reliable Vendor. Cheaper is not always better in the PC world, especially if you have to spend 5 months going back and forth trying to get
A.) Your product or
B.) Your money back from a dishonest vendor.

I would only order from the top 10 on that site, Newegg is good for parts, Monarch is good for systems and some parts depending on where you live and how the shipping comes out.

[sparkleytone]

if you don't already own a mac, get the mac.

if you already have one of decent power, get the pc.

[lmalave]

The Mac desktops just can't compete in price with these "white-box" build-it-yourself PCs. I myself am thinking about building a gaming machine. At TigerDirect.com I can get "barebones kit" for $225 that includes a motherboard with: 1.7GHz Athlon, 266MHz Bus, 5 PCI slots, an AGP 4x slot, 3 DIMM slots (one 128MB DDR DIMM included), up to 4 IDE drives, and integrated sound, all enclosed in a case with 6 drive bays. Ugly? Sure, but it's going right under my desk. Add an ATI Radeon 9000 Pro 128MB for $130, another 256MB DDR RAM for $60, a 40GB HD for $80, a DVD-ROM drive for $42, and CD-RW drive for $47. So for $584, from a reputable vendor, I could get about what you're getting (except with 384MB RAM instead of 512MB).

I would say that what you're getting sounds like a great deal, but I would be most wary about the graphics card. If it's not ATI or NVidia, then you can't be sure that a game will support it. I know I've seen 128MB video cards using the "SiS" chip for as low as $50, but I don't really know how compatible the SiS chip is with games.

Also be forewarned: you should only buy a white box PC if you genuinely enjoy tinkering with your machine. I do, which is why I look forward to building my own gaming machine. In fact, I first got into Macs two or three years ago when I helped my girlfriend upgrade her Beige G3 (now sporting a 500MHz G4 upgrade, 784MB RAM, a 40GB HD, a DVD-ROM drive, a Firewire/USB PCI card, and a ATI Rage 16MB video card. Runs Jaguar great, though at 1/2 the speed of my new iBook).

If you're building a gaming machine, then go for it. Though I still maintain that if you're not a hard-core 3D PC gamer and can spend $1300, the 12.1" 800MHz iBook is still the best overall computer money can buy.

[demonx]

Originally posted by lmalave
The Mac desktops just can't compete in price with Add an ATI Radeon 9000 Pro 128MB for $130, another 256MB DDR RAM for $60, a 40GB HD for $80, a DVD-ROM drive for $42, and CD-RW drive for $47. So for $584, from a reputable vendor

Hmm I would not exactly call Tiger Direct reputable (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1983.html) cheap, and spam aholics yes:p
Even with all the spam emails the send out the still have a horrible rating:rolleyes:

[lmalave]

Originally posted by demonx


Hmm I would not exactly call Tiger Direct reputable (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1983.html) cheap, and spam aholics yes:p
Even with all the spam emails the send out the still have a horrible rating:rolleyes:

Hmm...I dunno, I can only speak from personal experience. Anecdotally, I and my friends have had nothing but good experiences with TigerDirect. I've also had good experience with ProVantage.com, which sells everything under the sun, but as far as I can tell doesn't sell any "barebones kits" (though they sell the mobo, case, and CPU separately)

[pilotgi]

If you're going to be honest, you're going to have to buy a full version of an OS. If you choose a Microsoft product, that will be at least another $100.00.

If you choose a Unix variant, way to go!

[cubist]

USB? Are you getting a mouse? keyboard? monitor?

Not even Dell can compete with the white boxes. But they do add value in the integration and support services for those who can't do it themselves. Your brother's friend is not charging much for his time. I suppose it's educational...

[solvs]

I built a cheapy PC, even had some parts lying around. And I had nothing but trouble with it. Yes I'm A+ certified, and know what I'm doing. I've done this stuff before. If you're going to buy something, don't go cheap. Power Supplies are extremely important, so don't go cheap (learned that the hard way). You don't want to end up with something loud, either. Might I suggest, as others have, Newegg.com. You can find some good deals on places like Pricewatch.com, but not all dealers are reputable. High shipping charges, bad service. You don't want to get screwed.

I don't think anyone (maybe the zealots) would blame you for going PC in this situation.

Just remember that there is a reason it's cheaper.

-

Might I suggest an Asus, Chaintech, GigaByte, Leadtek, or Soyo MB (no ECS). An ENHANCE ENP-0735 350W Power Supply (quiet and powerful). Definitely go with the Retail CPU, too. DON'T GO OEM. Trust me. A nice Lite-On CD-R/W. Good memory. Etc. I came up with ~ $650.

Do some research on the parts (and make sure he's willing to provide tech support).

[diorio]

Thanks everyone for your information. I will try to make sure that the video card is ATI or NVidia. I'm not sure what site my brother's friend is using, maybe pricewatch. My brother's friend is really into computers and components, and has built several for himself, so I'm sure he's buying from reputable dealers. I'll probably pay him for his troubles.

I don't think anyone (maybe the zealots) would blame you for going PC in this situation.

Hopefully. It's just so much cheaper to build a pc yourself if you know where to buy from and what you're doing.

[bousozoku]

It's been a while since I last decided on a custom configuration for a PC, but I've always had success and truthfully, the price wasn't that much cheaper than a Mac.

Configurations given me have always been cheap where they should not have been and gave me repeated grief later.

There are a lot of good parts out there but be careful and enjoy it when it's done.

[diorio]

Originally posted by bousozoku
It's been a while since I last decided on a custom configuration for a PC, but I've always had success and truthfully, the price wasn't that much cheaper than a Mac.

Configurations given me have always been cheap where they should not have been and gave me repeated grief later.

There are a lot of good parts out there but be careful and enjoy it when it's done.

Yes, they're not that much cheaper in the end. I might opt to spend a few hundred more for better parts.

[Durandal7]

Sounds like a good deal, but as has been said parts that cheap are liable to failure. The graphics card sounds a little odd as ATI or Nvidia cards at that size tend to be expensive. Be warned that if it isn't an ATI or Nvidia most games and a lot of graphics software will cease to function.

The OS is another issue, I wouldn't run the comp at all if it has XP home. If it does not then be prepared to spend $99 to upgrade it.

And finally be warned that a white-box PC= Upkeep. It is inevitable that some sort of problem will crop up on a regular basis and unless you have computer experience or the builder is willing to maintain it for you then it may be a bad idea.

White box PCs are mostly for hardcore gamers and engineers. I am actually considering building one and installing Linux on it.

BTW, is there a monitor included in the deal? You may want to consider the fact that all bottom line Macs include monitors in the deal.

The bottom line is this. If you need the extra money and are willing to suffer the pains of a white-box PC then go for it. If you are willing to spend more money to get a more stable computer and the support of a company then buy a Mac.

[diorio]

Originally posted by Durandal7
Sounds like a good deal, but as has been said parts that cheap are liable to failure. The graphics card sounds a little odd as ATI or Nvidia cards at that size tend to be expensive. Be warned that if it isn't an ATI or Nvidia most games and a lot of graphics software will cease to function.

The OS is another issue, I wouldn't run the comp at all if it has XP home. If it does not then be prepared to spend $99 to upgrade it.

And finally be warned that a white-box PC= Upkeep. It is inevitable that some sort of problem will crop up on a regular basis and unless you have computer experience or the builder is willing to maintain it for you then it may be a bad idea.

White box PCs are mostly for hardcore gamers and engineers. I am actually considering building one and installing Linux on it.

BTW, is there a monitor included in the deal? You may want to consider the fact that all bottom line Macs include monitors in the deal.

The bottom line is this. If you need the extra money and are willing to suffer the pains of a white-box PC then go for it. If you are willing to spend more money to get a more stable computer and the support of a company then buy a Mac.

Before I buy this, I'm going to make sure it has a reliable video card. I am mostly considering this because a: it is relatively cheap, and b: the specs are excellent. I know in the end you get what you pay for, but I trust my brothers friend.

There is no moniter included.

[vniow]

Sound like a pretty good deal.

Are you going to be using this for games or what?

[diorio]

Originally posted by edvniow
Sound like a pretty good deal.

Are you going to be using this for games or what?

Games/animation/school.

[medea]

All I know is that a roomate I had about a year or more ago built his own PC, even spent more money then you plan on, and had nothing but issue after issue with it. And yeah he knew what he was doing to, he even provides computer support for Sony (not that it really means much because a lot of those guys are dumbasses.) If it's a money issue then maybe that's what you have to go with, hopefully it won't end up being a waste of money in the end, you could save up some more money though and wait and buy the mac.....

[Durandal7]

White box PCs always have component failures. A PC that cheap with those specs becomes even more prone to failures and repairs. You can either add on to the price for better components or for replacements for the cheap ones.

I would only run a white-box PC if I had built it myself. Only get it if you absolutely need to run Windows and if you need the extra money. Otherwise buy a Mac or even a name-brand PC.

[mcrain]

My only comment is that if you buy or build a 4 or 5 hundred dollar machine, it's going to last you a year or two, and then it will be junk. I went with apple because I have friends who have 2-3 even 4 year old machines they still use daily, love and never have problems with.

[iJon]

go for it man. i have been very satified. personally i like having a nice mac and a pc. when im talking, feel like doing some web page building or imovie i head to the powermac desk. when im in the mood for playing some doom3 or blowing up some people in battlefield i head to the pc. just make sure you know what you are doing. i have had only one problem with my pc and that was because of something i didnt know, i didnt buy a right part. i bought the right part and the computer has been working fine ever since. i would recommend going with a p4. athlons are very cheap but with my past experiences i have had only problems with my athlon. and from working at a mac dealer that also does mac and pc service. most of the pcs that come in with problems tend to be compaqs and computers with athlons.

iJon

[Chomolungma]

My brothers is into this build it yourself computer. Currently, he is running a version of Linux (god knows what) on a overclock AMD chip rated at 733 mhz (he said it is running at ~1.2 Ghz). There are three CD bays on the tower, two of which were punch out. He has a fan (this fan is use to cool human beings LOL) blowing air into the CD bays. I couldn't laugh knowing that it would upset him!:D

I swear, he hates Microsoft more than any Mac zealots I know!

[Durandal7]

diorio, do you need the extra money? If not you might as well just get the Mac. As everyone has said they break down constantly and I'm not sure if you know enough about computers to fix it yourself.

[diorio]

Originally posted by Durandal7
diorio, do you need the extra money? If not you might as well just get the Mac. As everyone has said they break down constantly and I'm not sure if you know enough about computers to fix it yourself.

I've got several expenses coming up. I could probably spend the extra money, but see no need too, if this deal works out and the components are reliable.

[MrMacMan]

Build yourself comps are great expect watch out for malious stuff, anything that could damage your comp.
Since you got no real Tech support (sorry brother of yours ;) ) watch out, especially because a M$ OS is coming to this computer.
P.S get all of there updates *before* they come out (look for new ones everyday, and trust me there WILL be updates everyday).

Good luck with your new system. :D

[lmalave]

Originally posted by solvs
I built a cheapy PC, even had some parts lying around. And I had nothing but trouble with it. Yes I'm A+ certified, and know what I'm doing. I've done this stuff before. If you're going to buy something, don't go cheap. Power Supplies are extremely important, so don't go cheap (learned that the hard way). You don't want to end up with something loud, either. Might I suggest, as others have, Newegg.com. You can find some good deals on places like Pricewatch.com, but not all dealers are reputable. High shipping charges, bad service. You don't want to get screwed.

I don't think anyone (maybe the zealots) would blame you for going PC in this situation.

Just remember that there is a reason it's cheaper.

-

Might I suggest an Asus, Chaintech, GigaByte, Leadtek, or Soyo MB (no ECS). An ENHANCE ENP-0735 350W Power Supply (quiet and powerful). Definitely go with the Retail CPU, too. DON'T GO OEM. Trust me. A nice Lite-On CD-R/W. Good memory. Etc. I came up with ~ $650.

Do some research on the parts (and make sure he's willing to provide tech support).

Man, NewEgg.com is cheap! I just put in an order for an EverCase case with 300W power supply for $36, an ECS mobo for $57 (I know, you warned me LOL - I'll tell your how it goes....), and an AMD Athlon XP 1700+ for $72. All 3 items are retail box, and the total cost with $10 shipping is only $175! I'm going to recycle the 384MB SDRAM and the drives (hard disk and CD-RW) from my old 466MHz Compaq. And I have a friend who offered me his old GeForce2 MX since he upgraded to the GeForce4 some time ago.

Never thought I'd be able to build a decent gaming machine for only $175. And the great thing is I can upgrade it very cheaply over time by buying "trailing edge" parts. For example NewEgg has a 7200RPM 80GB drive for $109, and they're only going to get cheaper. And my new mobo has two SDRAM slots AND two DDR RAM slots (have to use one or the other, though), so I can upgrade to up to 1GB DDR RAM when memory prices crash this year as predicted. And video card prices always fall very rapidly as the next generations are introduced.

[solvs]

Good luck, and please do let us know. ECS isn't bad, just not that great. Maybe I just had a bad board.

[rundevilrun]

Ok, after my experience getting my pc back in working order over the past 2 days I'm going to recommend that you think really hard about it before getting this cheap pc.

As I said, my old mobo took a dump (or so I thought) and since I was thinking about upgrading anyway I went ahead and bought a new mobo, a 2.5G P4, and Ati 9700 video card. Anyway to make a long story short after spending 20 hours methodically troubleshooting and still not having a working computer I got so frustrated that I went and bought a sony 2.4G P4 for $950 and it works just fine. Stuck the new cpu and vid card in there and everything's great.

Building a white box pc comparable to the sony would cost around $1200, my cost for the sony + video upgrade is around $1400, I believe you can find an compaq with similar specs as your $550 for about $650-$750. So if you don't mind doing some tweaking and your brother's friend is able and willing to help when things don't work, then yes a white box pc is the cheapest way to go. If you want a cheap reliable computer with a minimum of hassle look into a name brand pc. If you want a reliable frustration free computer period, get a mac.

I know this has been more of a sleep deprived/broken pc induced rant but I hope you find it helpful.
:D

[iJon]

Originally posted by rundevilrun
Ok, after my experience getting my pc back in working order over the past 2 days I'm going to recommend that you think really hard about it before getting this cheap pc.

As I said, my old mobo took a dump (or so I thought) and since I was thinking about upgrading anyway I went ahead and bought a new mobo, a 2.5G P4, and Ati 9700 video card. Anyway to make a long story short after spending 20 hours methodically troubleshooting and still not having a working computer I got so frustrated that I went and bought a sony 2.4G P4 for $950 and it works just fine. Stuck the new cpu and vid card in there and everything's great.

Building a white box pc comparable to the sony would cost around $1200, my cost for the sony + video upgrade is around $1400, I believe you can find an compaq with similar specs as your $550 for about $650-$750. So if you don't mind doing some tweaking and your brother's friend is able and willing to help when things don't work, then yes a white box pc is the cheapest way to go. If you want a cheap reliable computer with a minimum of hassle look into a name brand pc. If you want a reliable frustration free computer period, get a mac.

I know this has been more of a sleep deprived/broken pc induced rant but I hope you find it helpful.
:D
it is a gamble when you build a pc. the thing with a mac is it is already built and there is only one company to call when it breaks. when building a pc you just gotta know what you are doing. i built mine, knowing what i was doing, and it works so great and i love it. the sucky thing is when a built pc stops working, you dont know what part to start troubleshooting first.

iJon

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by diorio
If I could buy pc components with these specs: 2.1ghz processor, 512 mb of RAM, 128 video card, and 40gb hard drive for about $550, would everyone understand my not buying a mac? I haven't decided totally one way or the other yet, but these components have pretty good specs and are relatively cheap online.


Does it have a sound board? What speed is the bus? What kind of RAM? What brand and speed of hard drive? Etc. etc. etc. etc......

[rundevilrun]

Originally posted by iJon

it is a gamble when you build a pc. the thing with a mac is it is already built and there is only one company to call when it breaks. when building a pc you just gotta know what you are doing. i built mine, knowing what i was doing, and it works so great and i love it. the sucky thing is when a built pc stops working, you dont know what part to start troubleshooting first.

iJon

This is the first one in 10 years that has been troublesome. And I'm lucky enough to have access to enough known good components that I can test each component. I guess I've just reached the point where I want my computers to be tools that I can use instead of projects that have to be built.

[diorio]

Okay, earlier today I had my brother's friend order the components. I had a list of them, but didn't bring it home with me. Here is what I remember. 1.33 ghz athalon processor, 512 ram, 64 nvidia video card, box with power supply (300w). 40 gb hard drive, cd rw/dvd drive. And some good motherboard. Sorry I don't have a list of the brands, but all of them were reliable. I made sure to ask if everything was good, and he pointed to his machine and said, there it is. He is going to build it, load xp pro, photoshop, unreal tournament, and quake 3 on it.

All of this for $536 + $40 tip.

[rundevilrun]

Originally posted by diorio
Okay, earlier today I had my brother's friend order the components. I had a list of them, but didn't bring it home with me. Here is what I remember. 1.33 ghz athalon processor, 512 ram, 64 nvidia video card, box with power supply (300w). 40 gb hard drive, cd rw/dvd drive. And some good motherboard. Sorry I don't have a list of the brands, but all of them were reliable. I made sure to ask if everything was good, and he pointed to his machine and said, there it is. He is going to build it, load xp pro, photoshop, unreal tournament, and quake 3 on it.

All of this for $536 + $40 tip.

um..... you are aware that you're getting bootleg versions of photoshop and probably xp, right?

[ecino1]

Originally posted by rundevilrun


um..... you are aware that you're getting bootleg versions of photoshop and probably xp, right?

who cares.. thats an awesome deal.

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by ecino1


who cares.. thats an awesome deal.

A good example of a person helping the software/media companies in there fight for tougher anti-piracy by giving them an excuse. This makes harder for the rest of us. I would like to take these people out back and be rid of them.:mad:

[diorio]

Originally posted by rundevilrun


um..... you are aware that you're getting bootleg versions of photoshop and probably xp, right?

Well, yeah, thats the point. Otherwise it would cost about $700 more. While I don't condone it, I can't pass it up.

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by diorio


Well, yeah, thats the point. Otherwise it would cost about $700 more. While I don't condone it, I can't pass it up.

Some people are just whores. Waive a low price or a few bills in there face and you can have anything.;) :p

[diorio]

Originally posted by MacBandit


Some people are just whores. Waive a low price or a few bills in there face and you can have anything.;) :p

Yeah, and some are whiny bitches who can't put themselves in others shoes. I don't burn CD's, I buy them, but a program costing $200-500 is probably not worth my money. While I could empty every penny in my bank account and buy these programs, and do the "right" thing, I'm not going to. Ask everyone on macrumors if they use any burnt software, I have a feeling most will say yes.

[Durandal7]

Originally posted by diorio
Ask everyone on macrumors if they use any burnt software, I have a feeling most will say yes.
I know I do.

[diorio]

Originally posted by Durandal7

I know I do.

I would create a poll on the issue if the option was on. Everyone I know who has a computer uses burnt software (mostly some kind of microsoft OS).

[Durandal7]

A burnt copy of Windows XP on a white box is a bad idea due to it's notorious product activation feature.

[vniow]

Originally posted by Durandal7
A burnt copy of Windows XP on a white box is a bad idea due to it's notorious product activation feature.


Not if you get the corporate version......

[diorio]

Originally posted by Durandal7
A burnt copy of Windows XP on a white box is a bad idea due to it's notorious product activation feature.

Well, if it starts acting up, I'll load windows 2000 or 98 on it. I actually have a legal copy of 98.

[diorio]

Originally posted by edvniow



Not if you get the corporate version......

what xp pro?

[vniow]

Originally posted by diorio


what xp pro?

XP Pro Corporate edition. Activation free.

[diorio]

Originally posted by edvniow


XP Pro Corporate edition. Activation free.

Cool.

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by diorio


Yeah, and some are whiny bitches who can't put themselves in others shoes. I don't burn CD's, I buy them, but a program costing $200-500 is probably not worth my money. While I could empty every penny in my bank account and buy these programs, and do the "right" thing, I'm not going to. Ask everyone on macrumors if they use any burnt software, I have a feeling most will say yes.

Notice the wink and the tongue. It was joke and a jab at ya. You didn't have to take it so personal. I was just trying to stir you up and it obviously worked. Same thing most of us do to pain in the butt newbies.

[rEd Eye]

Now if Apple would let us build or even.........."shudder"...............upgrade our own machines!I would happily stick an Apple MOBO and CPU in a white box,add my own components,and save $1500+!
Apple's included 3'rd party components are insanely overpriced!How much do they charge for RAM?.....Sheesh.Uh yeah,the hard drives are twice as much cause they have a little Apple logo on them!
etc.etc.
The reason it is so cheap to build your own PC is that you aren't paying for the brand name logo.Same pile of parts,minus expensive logo box.
Just use your brains and research components before you buy.
Wish I had that option for some of the unnecessary junk that came with my Mac!
((btw,my cheapo white box PC works great!)
((so does my Quicksilver G4!.....(far from perfectly from factory though).........))

[benixau]

Originally posted by edvniow


XP Pro Corporate edition. Activation free.

i have it on the family pc. and about 10 friends pcs whilst i was at it.


the only problem is that the standard SP updates dont work. oh well :rolleyes:

good ol MS

[diorio]

Originally posted by MacBandit


Notice the wink and the tongue. It was joke and a jab at ya. You didn't have to take it so personal. I was just trying to stir you up and it obviously worked. Same thing most of us do to pain in the butt newbies.

That's why I wasn't too harsh. I could have told you to f off, but I figured you were just trying to stir things up a bit. It's all good.:D

[vniow]

Originally posted by benixau


i have it on the family pc. and about 10 friends pcs whilst i was at it.


the only problem is that the standard SP updates dont work. oh well :rolleyes:

good ol MS





They do if you know the workaround, but I better shut up now.

[lmalave]

Originally posted by solvs
Good luck, and please do let us know. ECS isn't bad, just not that great. Maybe I just had a bad board.

Hey, I put together my $175 machine! Sweeeeeet! No problems at all with the ECS board. In fact, this is the most trouble-free computer I've ever tried to build or upgrade. No problem at all installing the hard drives, CD-ROM, and CD-RW drives. No problem with memory, no problem with any PCI devices, no problem with the AGP graphics card. Definitely time consuming, but it was actually quite fun (especially when stuff works!).

[ecino1]

Originally posted by benixau


i have it on the family pc. and about 10 friends pcs whilst i was at it.


the only problem is that the standard SP updates dont work. oh well :rolleyes:

good ol MS

Just use limewire or edonkey and download a version of SP1 that is hacked and will work with a pirated copy of XP. There are actually quite a few workarounds. Msg me if you want info.

[diorio]

Pick it up yesterday. Only problem was the video card, so we went to wal mart and picked up a 64mb pci nvidia, and it works great now. So far everything is going great. XP hasn't given any problems. I'm running several games, Unreal Tournament, Quake 3 Areana, Jedi Knight Two, MOHAA. It also has Benchmark, to test how good of a gaming machine it is. I don't know how good this is, so if anyone else knows what I am talking about fill me in. My score was 5000.

[demonx]

Most gamers/tweakers in the PC world use the latest flavor of 3D Mark you can get it here (http://www.madonion.com)

[janey]

nooooo!!!! don't get dragged into buying a PC because it's CHEAP!!!! Getting a Mac is better and actually cheaper in the long run. Don't waste your money!! Get an eMac if you really don't want to get an expensive computer.

<edit>
I can't believe you just wasted $600
</edit>

[vniow]

Originally posted by übergeek
nooooo!!!! don't get dragged into buying a PC because it's CHEAP!!!! Getting a Mac is better and actually cheaper in the long run. Don't waste your money!! Get an eMac if you really don't want to get an expensive computer.

<edit>
I can't believe you just wasted $600
</edit>


Good luck playing games on an eMac with that GeforceMX.http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/veronica/rolleyes.gif

Plus with all of those quality problem's they've had, I'd avoid that whole lineup until the next revision.

For $600 he got a pretty good deal on it considering the specs and those are reputable, name-brand parts so they'll last a bit longer than most Mac users would care to admit.

[PC Clone]

Originally posted by übergeek
nooooo!!!! don't get dragged into buying a PC because it's CHEAP!!!! Getting a Mac is better and actually cheaper in the long run. Don't waste your money!! Get an eMac if you really don't want to get an expensive computer.

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I can't believe you just wasted $600
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:confused: :rolleyes:
Good job Diorio... have fun with your new PC :D Curious though; why did you go with a pci video card? 5000 isn't bad, but I get over 7000 with my GF4 4200, and that's with a slower processor than you(1Ghz) and 512 sdram... you should get an AGP card... what kind of memory are you using? Hopefully DDR...

[diorio]

Originally posted by PC Clone

:confused: :rolleyes:
Good job Diorio... have fun with your new PC :D Curious though; why did you go with a pci video card? 5000 isn't bad, but I get over 7000 with my GF4 4200, and that's with a slower processor than you(1Ghz) and 512 sdram... you should get an AGP card... what kind of memory are you using? Hopefully DDR...

I'll check what the video card is. The nvidia 64mb agp wasn't working with it, but I think it was just defective, because I tried it out on another computer and it froze there too. Correct me if I'm wrong but AGP is only about 10-20 dollars more than pci? The first thing I'll update when I have money, is to a 128mb video card. All in all, the computer runs great, no freezing, xp runs great, and right now I couldn't be happier with it. I'll check on what memory it is too, and get back to you.