New Computer

dieselsmoke1 · Dec 13, 2003

( I have been using AMD processors exclusively, not that I think they are any better than Intel, but they are less expensive, and I want to support the only real competition to Intel. )

I also use AMD's for the same reason. Why support the Intel monopoly when you can buy quailty and support just as good from #2 and save 1/3 in the process?

There's nothing more satisfying than building it yourself and seeing it light up for the first time.

Err, well guess most folks ain't into that. That brings us back to "Buy a Dell" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

dieselsmoke1 · Dec 13, 2003

( It was a project me and my son could work on.)

Very Good!! Always happy to hear of someone that's found common ground to relate to their kids!

My son and I also share a tweaking and gaming infatuation. Most would consider it a total waste of time, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dewave · Dec 13, 2003

When building a gaming computer I DO believe you can save money substantially. I never buy top of the line video cards or CPU. I always buy 1 or 2 rungs just below the best and then over clock the CPU and GPU to the standards and specs of the best. Case in point, my good =Medal of Honor= gaming buddy bought a supremo Alienware gaming rig. I built mine for $750 and he spent $4000. His system out performed mine by less then 5%.

And I do believe if you know what the user wants out of a system you can build him one at considerable savings. My mother- solitaire (what is up with women and solitaire) AOL for e-mails, yahoo for games/chat and word processing = $385 minus the monitor.

I do agree on your first system build you should get help from an experienced builder. Could save you lots of headaches and money in the end.

My 9 year old son wants to build the next system with me. When I build them with my sons, we add elaborate modifications to case and system components. Takes longer but they love doing it and I get to spend more time with my kids before the puberty monster gets them. lol

Just curious what games are you guys playing?

Dewave /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Dozernut · Dec 13, 2003

Grand Theft Auto Vice City!

dieselsmoke1 · Dec 13, 2003

Splinter Cell and Max Payne!

Junkman · Dec 14, 2003

Pin the tail on the Donkey........ /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Dewave · Dec 14, 2003

Pin the tail on the Donkey........ 

You must go thru alot of monitors /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Eagle1 · Dec 14, 2003

The other befit of building your own is that the "old" pieces can be reused. I have around a dozen PC networked at any given time and when I upgrade part in one the "old" parts start moving down stream. It makes it real easy to justify that new video card or mother board because then my wife, kids and in-laws all get a upgrade along the way. I found that 99% of all PC parts last much longer than I want them. Yet if reused for the other PCs they continue to do the job. This way instead of buying a new system every couple of years I buy various pieces a couple times a year for $200 to $500 and everyone benefits.
Besides when ever something actually fails I usually have a spare sitting on a shelf somewhere. The only dray back is that even a minor upgrade takes time to fully complete since I'll have to actually upgrade 5 or 6 machines.

I will say since I work in the big business world my 2 year has a better PC than my employer provides for me (I don't use it much) and I support and write custom (say BIG $$$) software our customers.

As for games put me down for MOHAA.... The first thing I really got into since Diablo.

PineRidge · Dec 15, 2003

I have always trusted Gateway to build my computers. I had one go spaz a year after I bought it and the good folks at Gateway sent me a brand new replacement via UPS a week later, no charge. I currently own 4 for my Internet business and can't say enough good things about them. They will build them anyway that you might need them.