[BrasilGodeo]

I was wondering:

1. Is it better to custom build or buy a pre-configured setup?
2. How much do you think it will cost me?

The only things I know I want are:
2 GB RAM
GeForce 6800 or 7800 GT 256 MB Graphics Card
P4 dual core chip (at least 2.8 Ghz)
Gigabite Ethernet
Plenty of USB 2.0 ports
Firewire 400 (800?)
SATA HD x2 (total space should be about 300-500 GB)


I don't have experience building these things, so Im weary about that. Cause I dont know what works together, what doesn't; what power supply I need; what cooling system i need; etc.

I also dont want to be spending much more than about 8-9K.

I was planning on going to ShamShuiPo next week to do this...

[sarawesi]

Try ANA Computer Technology...shop 201 and 249, both 2/F Wanchai Comp Centre, 130 Hennessy Road.


I've bought a pile of stuff plus two computers from them over the past three years and found them to be very good.


They'll suggest the best value parts for you needs.

Their English is fine.

Sarawesi

[cerberus]

power supply (PSU) needs to be at least 420 watts with 18 amps on the 12 volt line, critical i'd say for stability if you want to overclock. perhaps you should also consider an AMD chip since those are also easier to OC. 8 to 9 large should be enough not including the monitor. remember to get at least a 19 inch if you're buying an LCD, or else the resolutions will be too low.

[YOHAN]

I think you don't really need a 19" LCD. You can live by 17". Some 17" have 1280x1024 native resolution. Don't go for a dual-core Pentium. Go for an AMD64x2. Check this out...

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10442_7...?tag=cnetfd.wk

The Intel was blown away by AMD in every single round. Tsk tsk tsk. Poor Intel.

Message me if you have further questions.

[discobay]

If you can front up with the cash for the AMD system then go for it as Yohan says. For most of us though the Dell offerings are a great deal albeith limited to the Intel D cpus.

[YOHAN]

Yeah, I was shopping for a Dell system the other day for me boss... and I was dissappointed that they didn't carry AMD. But still... darn good pricing!!!! And good quality too!

[cerberus]

intel and amd are typically closely matched save for overclocking, where the intels are slowpokes while amd's burn with glee. 19 inchers are the only screens (LCD-wise) allowing for 1600X1200, which i think is prudent future proofing.

[YOHAN]

I haven't seen a 19" with a 1600 resolution... I think those start at 20"? If there are, they must be pretty expensive... and eye-popping! You'd need bionic eyes to read at that resolution at such a small screen! hahah!

[Laughing_Monkey]

Why do you want a dual processor for gaming? Nearly all games dont support it so you'll only be getting half of your processing power as each core is clocked lower.

DP's are good for graphics work, not for gaming at the moment. AMD is better than Intel. I recently put together a machine for Graphics work but with a few comprimises for Gaming (like ditching the DP idea).

I had to seriously refresh my memory on whats what mostly with the help (and prob. eventual annoyance of these guys here). Anyway, look around a few newsagent type places and get a magazine like PC GAMERS Ultimate Rig Guide - helpful reading.

Also see this link http://www.geoexpat.com/forum/posted...html#post47964

[YOHAN]

Yes... he's right there. Games can't use dual processors YET. But still, you can use it for games... like running all those bit torrent and peer-to-peer softwares while playing Half Life 2 and not adversing affecting the game. Or talking on Skype while playing FEAR. heheheeh