[HKFella]

Thanks, lowlight - that's very helpful. Obviously, in your view there is no overriding downside except have good components (and I guess use a good dealer to put it together).

One of the dealers suggested Intel motherboard if one is worried about BIOS updates. Any thoughts?

Re Videocards, how would you rate ATI (Radeon) and which is that other one - oh yes nVidia?

[Max]

Originally Posted by HKFella

Thanks, lowlight - that's very helpful. Obviously, in your view there is no overriding downside except have good components (and I guess use a good dealer to put it together).

One of the dealers suggested Intel motherboard if one is worried about BIOS updates. Any thoughts?

Re Videocards, how would you rate ATI (Radeon) and which is that other one - oh yes nVidia?

HKFella,

Intel motherboards are fine and they tend to work well with Intel processors (obviously). However, if you're the 'tech gear-head, speed-demon' type and are looking for future overclocking possibilities, then forget it, as they're not made for that purpose. There are other choices (including the ones mentioned above by lowlight) that are equally good and allow a bit of 'tinkering' for AMD users like..ahem, myself.

ATI Radeon and NVidia are both very, VERY good. Just be sure to have atleast 64MB of RAM on it (128MB and above if you're a serious gamer), and provisions for adequate cooling. Coz, they can emit a LOT of heat.

[lowlight]

I would guess that you're not looking to tweak the hell out of your system. If that is the case, Intel brand motherboards are quite literally among the best you can buy if building a P4 system.

And on top of that, the newer ones DO have tweaking options, and OC options

That said, Intel boards tend to be more expensive. I have three D875PBZ motherboards, but they are all in Canada. I do have a D850Z here in HK, but it is a evaluation board, so not a good idea to be used by anyone but me

I do have some high end silent power supplies for sale locally. PM me if you're interested in those (looking at $400-450HKD each, but worth it IMO)

[HKFella]

Thanks for the info, guys. lowlight, re powersupply will keep in mind. Any shops for complete system that you'd recommend?

Interesting that no one spoke up for branded desktops or the downsides of getting them built. What, laid low by lowlight's opening salvo in his May 21 post?

[lowlight]

Actually I am selling the PSU's for around $250 now

I would consider building a comp for you bet.. eh.. too much trouble to be honest with you... Sorry, but I love to build comps, but I don't want to have to be there every time you have a problem (that is not related to the hardware itself). I only build comps for family and close friends now

[LinhKu]

Hello,

I am looking for a supplier of Used, Refurbished or Brand New computer Parts such as Hard Drive, Memory, CPUs. Any one know where I could find. I am now not in HK so I would like to have some email addresses or website to have a look or a small disccuss with the suppliers. Thanks alot.

[berryplucker]

I went through this a while back, and ended up going with Dell simply for the convenience - I could put a machine together in a few minutes on their website to the spec that I wanted (not too demanding but got a 3GHz, 1GB, 2 * 80GB HD, DVD/CDR/W combom and an ATI 9800 Pro video card). Cost about HK$11K. I know I could have faffed about for ages in specialist shops and put it together for maybe $7-8K, but frankly I'm not sure I want all the hassle and potential grief just to save the price of a couple of dinners. Dell comes as specified, works out of the box and has a 3 year warranty. And yes I do know more or less what I am doing with computers since that is what my degree is in.

[lowlight]

Wow you spend $4000 on a couple of dinners? Take me out sometime! :rofl:

[berryplucker]

Sure, if you are cute and female.

[Max]

Originally Posted by berryplucker

Sure, if you are cute and female.

LOL, for 4 grand, one COULD even try to be... :rofl: