Bruce, Thanks for the comments.Any input is appreciated since I really don't know what I am doing with this project.
Howard has been helping with a few private emails explaining how to do the assemble, and where I could get a good buy, and also how to save some money on items I may not need. Armando has offered some of his best sites.
After getting a little bit of a feel for what it would be like to build a complete system from the ground up, I am not sure if that would be the way for me to go. I can envision spending quite a bit of time, trouble before I got everything together, and running and working ( Assuming I did ever get it working! ). I am beginning to think I would probably be better off to go with a partial build or a nearly complete system.
As they say time is money, but in my case I envision burning up way more time than the extra dollars I would save.
Thanks for mentioning the ASUS Geforce7025/nForce 630a Barebone Kit.I took a good look at it trying to see what items I would have to add to bring it to life.
From the reviews it sound like it would best to add 2 more GB of RAM, and replace the power supply. Then I would need to buy Win7, a DVD drive, a video card, a keyboard & mouse, a HDD, and wireless N card (Not sure if I covered everything that would be needed).
I sure don't know, but it would seem like that could easily add $200 to $300 or more dollars to the $219.
Out of the blue I was looking at TechBargains.com a site Armando told me about that works like a directory finding good buys. I ran across a HP Pavilion p6240f PC that is being sold by Office Max for $599.99. Not to say it would be the best option, just one to use to begin comparing price of a bare bone set up with a more complete system.
With the ASUS Geforce7025 cost about $500 I would be saving about $100 compared to the HP Pavilion p6240f for my time.
If I haven't missed something, either way I would then need to add a Router, Modem, Speakers, and Monitor to get the going. ( HP Pavilion p6240f PC Product Specs Below)
I would sure appreciate any comments about my thinking since this is totally new ground for me!!!
BRIAN -------- http://www.officemax.com/catalog/search.jsp?freeText=+HP+Pavilion+p6240f+PC&search.x=8&search.y=10 HP Pavilion p6240f PC Product Specs Processor Brand: INTEL Hard Drive Size: 750GB Installed Memory: 8GB Processor Series: Core 2 Quad Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) Networking Detail: 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet LAN Wireless Compatibility: 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN Hard Drive Detail: 750GB 7200rpm SATA hard drive Optical Drive Write Speed: 16X Processor Bus (MHz): 1333MHz FSB Graphics Type: Integrated Memory Type: PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM External Ports:6 USB 2.0 (2 front, 4 back), 1 headphone out (front), 1 microphone/line-in/line-out (back), 1 rear speaker out, 1 side speaker out, 1 center subwoofer out, 1 digital audio out, 2 PS/2, 1 RJ-45, 1 VGA, 1 DVI-D
Energy Compliance: No ENERGY STAR® rating Chipset: Intel G43 Express Chipset TV Tuner: No TV tuner Optical Drive Detail: SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology Card Reader: Front-panel 15-in-1 memory card reader Webcam: No webcamGraphics Memory: 32MB integrated shared graphics memory, up to 1695MB total available graphics memory
Weight: 9.75lbs Installed Memory DIMMs: 4 x 2048MB Screen Size: No monitor included Processor Model: Intel® Core¿2 Quad Processor Q8300 Dimensions: 6.97"(W) x 16.85"(D) x 15.32"(H) Audio: High-definition audio, 8-speaker configurable Processor Cache Size: 4MB L2 cache Monitor Size and Type Included: No monitor included Graphics Brand/ Model: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 Modem Detail: No modem Processor Speed (GHz): 2.5GHz =================== Bruce Eddy wrote:
Hi Brian....that's some mighty hi specs you've got there? Unless you're going into video production to stream to the 'world' it seems a little bit of overkill to me? Especially in lieu of system deals like this out therehttp://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=5263757I'd start with something like that, then add as time and needs and 'cash' permit... It may not be the screamin demon your $900 machine is, but it'll allow you to get beefed up faster and cheaper than that one will too. Unless you're going to be doing some of your video editing stuff at the same time you're playing a monster game like WoW or some such at the same time, the specs you lined up are huge-ish?Not trying to tell you what to do, just trying to save you some dough on things that might be overkill?Now I'll shut up and let you build your dream machine... Bruce*From:* triadtechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:triadtechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] *On Behalf Of *brian*Sent:* Saturday, October 24, 2009 6:12 PM *To:* triadtechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx *Subject:* [triadtechtalk] New Computer/ Win7 UpgradeAll TTT members,Well, its just like old times when I needed frequent and detailed help, I am at that point again.After doing research about Win7, and what I think the basic makeup of a new computer system should be, I have developed a rough idea of what I think I need. Instead of of a plain computer system like I have, I intend to up grade slightly so hopefully the system will last for a number of years. If it only lasts half as long as my existing one that going on its 11th year I will consider it a success. I especially want a fast computer and one that can handle video viewing and edition since my current system has a hard time just playing on-line videos now.Since I have only purchased this one computer, and knew absolutely nothing about computers when it was purchased, I hope I can make a more informed purchasing decision this time with my increased computer knowledge and the help from the group. I appreciate the many TTT members who have owner multiple computers, repaired them, built systems, and have developed expertise and extraordinary knowledge about what makes a good computer. With the groups comments about my plan, hopefully I can avoid any uninformed choices I would otherwise be apt to make.Both Howard's and Bruce's are encouraging me the assembling my own system; I would love to do just that!I have just developed two lists: 1. A list of items that I think I would like in the new computer system.2. A list of items I would most likely have to purchase to assemble a systemI have also looked at a few on-line of existing computers to see what the computer and the price may look like that matched the specs that I think may offer a strong system.*_This is what I think the basic make up of the computer should be:_* *_OS:_* Win7 Home Premium *_System Memory (RAM):_* DDR3 SDRAM, 6 GB Minimum*_Graphics:_* Nvidia or ATi, , 512MB Minimum, with an HDMI out port (With multiple video-out ports) *_Processor Speed & Type:_* Quad, 64-bit, 2.6GHz, Core i7 or AMD's Phenom II X4*_Mother board:_* ?? *_Hard Drive:_* SATA, 10,000RPM, 500GB minimum *_LAN:_* 802.11a/b/g/n *_PORTS_*: PCIe x16: 1 - 2 PCI Express x1: 2 - 3 Standard PCI: 2 SATA port: 1 3.5-inch bays: 2 - 3 eSATA Ports?? USB: 3.0 Ports (6 of them) *_These are the items I think I would need to purchase:_* Computer (bare bones, probably with DVD, HDD, Ram, CPU) Router Modem Speakers 2 Monitors: 22" or 24" LCD HDD: External 1TB, for backup UBS Cables Floppy Drive? Power Supply Win7 Home PremiumOf the computers I looked at that seems like it would meet most the specs is a Bust Buy HP - Pavilion Model: e9220y Elite Desktop with AMD Phenom^(TM) II X4 Quad-Core Processor. This is they link to Best Buy page detailed information about the computer.I have also copied the information at the end of this message.http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9549465&type=product&id=1218122580572 <http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9549465&type=product&id=1218122580572>It is a little pricey especially since I will still have to buy the other parts of the system.Once the items I think I need to purchase and the computer specs can be finalized, it would be much easier to see if such a computer exists that closely match the specs and what the price would be. I could them compare that price to getting a bare configuration and adding the parts to get the exact specs desired, and could either get a better system or save some money buy building my own system.Below is a copy of the detailed info about the HP Pavilion Model: e9220y Elite Desktop:HP - Pavilion Elite Desktop with AMD Phenom^(TM) II X4 Quad-Core Processor Model: e9220y | SKU: 9549465So as usual, and like old times I sure would appreciate any feed back to help finalize my plan.=================== =================== ===================Customer Reviews: 0.0 out of 5 stars Be the first to write a review. Shipping: Usually leaves our warehouse in 1 business day Estimate Arrival TimeStore Pickup: Check Stores Special Offers: * Save $70 on Win7 : See How * Shipping: Free Financing: * Great Financing Offer Our Price: $799.9 -------- *_OVERVIEW:_*Store important documents, special photos, favorite songs and more on this desktop's spacious 1TB Serial ATA hard drive. The built-in wireless LAN allows you to connect to the Web without a tangle of cables.* Windows 7 Home Premium preloaded Which Windows 7 edition is best for you? Compare. * Learn more about LightScribe technology. *_What's Included_** HP Pavilion Elite Desktop with AMD Phenom^(TM) II X4 Quad-Core Processor* Power cord/cable * HP USB keyboard, HP USB optical mouse* Software: Microsoft Works 9; Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe; HP MediaSmart Software Suite and more* Owner's manual *_Product Features_* * AMD Phenom^(TM) II X4 910* quad-core processorTrue multicore processing for extreme multitasking performance. Cool'n'Quiet^(TM) 3.0 and CoolCore^(TM) technologies and Dual Dynamic Power Management^(TM) for efficient energy usage.* Direct Connect ArchitectureDelivers overall system performance. HyperTransport^(TM) technology, AMD Balanced Smart Cache and AMD Wide Floating Point Accelerator for quick access times and improved performance.* AMD Memory Optimizer TechnologyFor multithreaded software performance, and AMD Virtualization with Rapid Virtualization Indexing to help virtualization software run securely and efficiently.* 8GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM For multitasking power, expandable to 16GB. * Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer supportRecords up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media. Supports DVD-RAM. Also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media.* 2MB L2 cache memory For efficient system processing. * 1TB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm) Offers spacious storage options and fast read/write times. * ATI Radeon HD 4350 graphicsFeatures 512MB dedicated memory and up to 3327MB total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows 7. Supports Microsoft DirectX 10. HDMI output. High-definition audio with 8-speaker support.* 15-in-1 media readerSupports SmartMedia, xD-Picture Card, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, Mini Secure Digital, CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats. * Also supports Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Mobile and MultiMediaCard Plus formats.* IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 7 high-speed USB 2.0 ports For fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity. * Built-in wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) Connect to the Internet without wires. * 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet LAN For wired Internet connectivity.* Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system preinstalled Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.* Software package includedWith Microsoft Works 9, Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe, HP MediaSmart Software Suite and more. 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 also included. * AMD, AMD Arrow logo, AMD Phenom, Cool'n'Quiet, HyperTransport and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*Model number indicates relative software performance among this AMD processor family.======== SPECIFICATIONS: Warranty Terms - Parts 1 year limited Warranty Terms - Labor 1 year limited Product Height 15.8" Product Width 7.1" Product Weight 13 lbs. Product Depth 16.9" Processor Brand AMD Processor AMD Phenom^(TM) II X4 Processor Speed 2.6GHz System Bus 4000MHz Cache Memory 2MB on die Level 2 System Memory (RAM) 8GB System Memory (RAM) Expandable To 16GB Type of Memory (RAM) DDR3 SDRAM Hard Drive Type SATA (5400 rpm) Hard Drive Size 1TB Graphics ATI Radeon HD 4350 graphicsVideo Memory 512MB (dedicated); up to 3327MB total available as allocated by Windows 7Audio High-definition (8-speaker configurable) Speakers None Network Card Built-in 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet Wireless Networking Built-in wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) Recordable DVD Drive Yes, double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RWRecordable DVD Drive Speeds 12x DVD+R DL; 12x DVD-R DL; 16x8x16 DVD+RW; 16x6x16 DVD-RW;12x DVD-RAM; 40x32x40 CD-RW Direct-Disc Labeling Yes Digital Media Reader or Slots Yes, digital media card readerAvailable Expansion Bays External: 1 (3.5"), 1 (5.25"), 1 Personal Media Drive; Internal: 1 (3.5")Available Expansion Slots 2 PCI Express x1, 1 MiniCard USB 2.0 Ports 7 (3 front, 4 rear) IEEE 1394 Ports 1 S-Video Outputs None Serial Ports None Parallel Ports None Game Ports None Keyboard Description HP USB Other Control Devices (mouse, etc.) HP USB optical mouse Operating System Platform Windows Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bitSoftware Included Microsoft Works 9; Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe; HP MediaSmart Software Suite and moreENERGY STAR Qualified No HDMI Output Yes Blu-ray Player No ========