   Building a decent computer
  I'm kind of wondering if everyone can help bring me up to speed with computer technology. I have had my machine for 3 years, and I'm the type of person who hates hardware with a passion. So I try and avoid it at all costs.But recently I've been thinking about getting a new computer, since the old one can't handle what it used to.I need everyones help in making a good (not great) machine under $1500CAD.It won't be a gaming machine, so I may just buy another Samsung 192N (you can get them for cheaper since they don't make them anymore) (So I can have a dual 19" screen)I know there has been a 64 bit line, but what does this mean to me?Thanks. [smile]   
  Don't waste your money on 64 bit, very few things support it.Figure out what you are going to use your computer for.  Do you need lots of storage space?  Are you going to run graphic software?  Need memory and decient video card if you do.  Do you want to run the latest software?  Need at least 1GB memory.  You first need to set up your needs then get a computer that fits those needs.  There is not perfect computer for everyone.theTroll   ;  Basically these are the things you absolutely should get:An Athlon64 (socket 939, or if you wait, AM2)An NForce 4 based motherboardA GeForce 7A 7200 rpm SATA 150 hard drive (or better)1 GB RAM (DDR 400 if s939, DDR2 800 or better if AM2)Choose specific models as pricing allows. The A64 X2 3800+ is really nice, but I'm not sure if you can slide it into that budget. DFI, Asus, Abit, MSI, etc...it's pretty hard to screw up on the motherboard as long as it's NF4. As for the video card, you're probably looking at the GF 7600GT.   ;  I am in the process of building a new one right now, so I'll give you the data that I have spec'd and what the prices were (cp'd from my excel spread sheet..)Item   price   #  cost    mycost==============================================================AMD 4800+ Athlon 64X2 Dual Core$650 1$650 $xxx Abit A8N 32X Motherboard/$180 1$180 $xxx AGEIA PhysX Accelerator 128MB$250 1$250 $xxx Corsair DDR400/PC3200 1GB DIMMs$150 4$300 $xxx Vapochill  $671   $67    $xxxPower Supply $80    1   $80    $xxxYou obviously do NOT need a AGEIA card, so the remaining items are about $1200.  If you do some digging (pricewatch.com) you could probably get this stuff about 15% cheaper.  I would also salvage HDs, case, etc.. from other machines which should keep you cost static at about $1200.I also would not wast my time or money on the M2 socket stuff.  Its not going to have any real performance gain until AMD switches to 65nm and that process will probably take 1-1.5 years to get smoothed out correctly (recall the Intel fiasco with DDR2 ram for reference..).HTH.#dth-0   ;  Well, I have enough storeage space (500gb)I'm not going to be playing many video games, but I do want the options to play good games if when needed. As for memory, I currently have 512MB but am always running out. If 1GB is not enough 2 will fill my needs for a while.I hope to have this machine for another 3 years, so it has to be good enough so that I don't need to upgrade any component but the video card to play newer games. And run applications without significant trouble.   ;Quote:Original post by TheTrollDon't waste your money on 64 bit, very few things support it.I disagree here. Most mid-to-high end processors support 64 bit anyway, so there's not really any "wasted" money. If you plan on keeping this computer for another 3 or more years, it's possible that you'll want to move to a 64 bit operating system in that time.As for the rest, it depends on what you really need, but i would recommend 1 GB of memory for anyone building a "decent computer" and a nice nvidia card that supports SM 3.   ;Quote:Original post by pi_equals_3Quote:Original post by TheTrollDon't waste your money on 64 bit, very few things support it.I disagree here. Most mid-to-high end processors support 64 bit anyway, so there's not really any "wasted" money. If you plan on keeping this computer for another 3 or more years, it's possible that you'll want to move to a 64 bit operating system in that time.As for the rest, it depends on what you really need, but i would recommend 1 GB of memory for anyone building a "decent computer" and a nice nvidia card that supports SM 3.Yes, don't listen to Troll he is trying to live up to his name. 64bit processors are much better then their 32bit counterparts. Why? They are newer and built on a better architecture. In order to avoid 64bit CPU you would have to buy an outdated CPU.   ;  What's the big difference between (\X2\FX) if the different processors have the same clock speed and same speed?   ;Quote:Original post by PumpkinPiemanWhat's the big difference between (\X2\FX) if the different processors have the same clock speed and same speed?X2 is dual core and the FX is a waste of money. [wink] The FX is generaly faster on most apps but are a lot more expensive. Similar to the Pentiums and their Extreme Edition.   ;Quote:Original post by PumpkinPiemanWhat's the big difference between (\X2\FX) if the different processors have the same clock speed and same speed?The X2's are AMD's dual core processors.The FX's are AMD's single core performance (read: expensive) processors. I believe one of the bonuses with this line is more cache.I personally prefer dual core processors.   