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| Thread ID: 33411 | 2003-05-15 09:48:00 | Which Machine to Buy? | Stevo (3797) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 144501 | 2003-05-16 07:37:00 | its not that hard to build, i built my first a few years back with only the help of a magazine, a couple of forums(like this) and a computer illiterate father . Had a few probs(i had neva done a reformat and installed windows before so i was a steep learning curve) but nothing major . here are a couple of websites i used: . tweak3d . net/articles/howtobuildapc/" target="_blank">www . tweak3d . net . pcmech . com/byopc/index . htm" target="_blank">www . pcmech . com there are tonnes of other sites out there, check out some of the sites that do hardware reviews they often have FAQ's and how to's on how to build ur own . otherwise pull out a coin and use it to choose between either option 2 or 3, there both good machines and should work well for what you need . the gigabyte board has onboard RAID which could come in handy if you want to stripe 2 or more HDD's and get better preformance and more space . Option 1 is good but from what i can tell it uses an Elitegroups motherboard, i wouldn't touch these things with a 20ft bargepole . The "Gigabyte Rage 128 Video Card " would seem a little bit on the lite side even form office work, it might be worth considering a Geforce 4MX these can be had for less than $150 . out of curiousity who is building the computer for you? |
Pete O'Neil (250) | ||
| 144502 | 2003-05-16 08:04:00 | Thanks Pete, I have been to a few computer retailers looking to buy a machine. Most give out a photocopied pamphlet with 1 or 2 computers (usually a budget Duron or Ceeleron model and an upper range model) with a bunch of add-ons such as extra ram, H/D etc. Only 2 resellers listened to what I wanted and provided a price for a system. Retailer 1 gave quote no. 1 (he also had an upgrade of warranty to 5 years for $200 extra) Retailer No2 gave a price on No. 2 and 3. Std warranty of suppliers. Also got a price for the Athlon 2200 system mentioned further down this thread which sounded quite good to me @ $1670 |
Stevo (3797) | ||
| 144503 | 2003-05-16 09:17:00 | "I have narrowed my choice down to the above 3 models so now I would like some EXPERTS to advise on which you would buy for my purposes" I am not an expert but I do maintain/service 50 odd computers and own 7 myself and out of the three you list, choice one is no choice at all, avoid it like the plague. Choice two and three both sound suitable choices for your intended purposes with my nod going to the asus simply because I like asus boards. Both are grossly underpowered in the videocard department with old chum-ya style video cards and an addditional outlay of approx 80 bucks would get you a more appropriate videocard solution. There are far cheaper and superior system options for the price but since you have narrowed it down to these three models I won't bore you with them. |
the highlander (245) | ||
| 144504 | 2003-05-17 01:51:00 | Thanks Highlander, What do you think of Reply No. 12? I appreciate your comments on system 1. My 1st impressions (B4 posting this thread) were choice no 1 or the model outlined in Reply No. 12 with the Barebones (whatever that means) GA-7VAX m/board. I would be interested in any other choices you may have that would cost around $2000 complete. I would then take those specifications to a local dealer and discuss making up that system. Cheers Stevo | Stevo (3797) | ||
| 144505 | 2003-05-17 04:28:00 | Building is relatively easy, however if something goes wrong, (eg. motherboard stuffs up 6 months later), it's harder to get stuff under warranty, as you have to go to the manufacturer. If you buy your computer pre-assembled, you can just go to the store you bought it from and they can sort out the warranty issues for you (like the repairs you have had done under warranty). Building is fun, but it can be risky. |
somebody (208) | ||
| 144506 | 2003-05-17 05:28:00 | > it's harder to get stuff under warranty, as you have to go to the manufacturer . I don't think that is quite true . The wholesaler/retailer who sold the goods is obliged to honour the warranty in this country . You do not have to go to the manufacturer yourself unless you purchased directly from them . I agree that it could be more difficult to claim under warranty for faulty parts than it would be for a pre-assembled system but faulty parts failing before their time have to be replaced or money refunded if that is not possible . |
Susan B (19) | ||
| 144507 | 2003-05-17 05:52:00 | Thanks for correcting me Susan. I wasn't entirely sure about it, but I had heard somewhere that warranties on parts had to go to te manufacturer. I guess I was wrong on that point. | somebody (208) | ||
| 144508 | 2003-05-17 05:59:00 | If you were serious abour reliability then hardware is only half the equation. I see no mention of a RAID configuration in your details. Do you not mind if your hard drives give up and you loose all your accounting information? |
roofus (483) | ||
| 144509 | 2003-05-17 07:06:00 | Stevo Try QMB's computer bulder www.qmb.co.nz you can start with a basic box/model or start from scatch with a cpu> motherboard. Ascent have a similar concept www.ascent.co.nz You can have a play with various options and print them out as you go for later comparison and tweaking. Youre a "Builder" so you'll be used to reading and interpretating plans and spec's plus second guessing the designer. You may find that building youre own is, enjoyable and satisfying. Cheers Murray P |
Murray P (44) | ||
| 144510 | 2003-05-17 08:05:00 | WATCH OUT ON HIRE PURCHASE ARGUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A FEW MOTHS INTO MINE MY PAY CONDITIONS CHANGED NOW JUST KEEPING HEAD ABOVE WATER I RANG UP ON FRIDAY AND ASKED IF I COULD REFINANCE, I DON'T MIND PAYING FOR THE "CHANGE YOUR PLAIN" FEE . GOT A BIG "N0" FROM THE PLACE ON THE NORTH SHORE "G . F . " . SO MUCH FOR "IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM JUST RING AS UP" AND WE WILL HELP YOU, I WILL NOT BE GOING WITH THEM AGAIN |
E.ric (351) | ||
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