Computer Guru's Unite

[Android-18]

Duuurr

Ok when it comes to the guts of the almighty computer, I am clueless.

So uh, computer people, lend me your ear O.o.

Intel Pentium 4 506 2.66Ghz 64bit (533Mhz FSB, 1MB Cache) = $142.00

Samsung 1GB PC4200 DDR2-RAM 533Mhz = $96.00

HIS X300SE 128MB (256MB HyperMemory, ATI, 16x PCI-E w/ TV-Out, DVI) = $65.00

160GB 7200 RPM (ATA133 8MB Cache) = $97.00

LG 4167B (IDE, 16x DVD + R/RW, 16x DVD-R/RW 48x24x48 CD-RW, Dual Layer, White or Black) = $51.00

Asus P5VD1-X (VIA PT880 Ultra, Dual Channel, DDR RAID, AGP & PCI-E, Dual Core, ATX) 1 AGP 8x, 1 PCI-E x16, 3 PCI, 4 DDR, 2 ATA133, 2 SATA2, 6 - USB 2.0, 5.1 Audio, Gigabit Ethernet = $85.00

Logitech S100 (2-Speakers Black) = $13.00

Norton Internet Security 2006 OEM (Antivirus 2006, Personal Firewall, Antispam, Parental Control) = $39.00

Microsoft Works Suite 2005 OEM (Word, Works, Encarta, Money, Picture It) = $59.00

Microsoft Windows XP Professional OEM (CD and License) = $169.00

Acer AL1716B 17" LCD (0.264mm, 1280x1024, 500:1, 12ms, Black) = $260.00

Antec SP-500 500w (2x 80mm, PCI-E, Modular Cable Design, ATX 2.0, PFC) = $72.00

-----
$1,148.00

That's what I've come up with so far with a little help from a friend on another RPG. My computer will need to be able to run FFXI, GW, I'll be buying Microsoft XP and will need to use Photoshop, as well as Word and Frontpage. MSN and Trillian, decent speed. An all around kind of computer.

If you help me try to talk in a language I can understand. I need to save up for a computer SOON and then my brother won't be able to screw me over.

http://www.otvtech.com/pricelist/otvpricelist.pdf

That is the store I'll be going to, they'll build it for me too (I hear, anyway).

Any help is appreciated *bows to computer guru's*

[Android-18]

Whats longhorn?

[Android-18]

What is it o.o? Program? Operating System? Computer part?

[Burter Jr]

Unless you're going to physically build it yourself, I would highly suggest just buying a pre-made computer and if nessecary, upgrade some things.

[Vegeta]

Things to consider:

A PCI-Express (instead of 8x AGP) based system may be worth considering. It's way faster, but that's not why I say that, AGP is at the end of it's life. So, if you ever want to upgrade your options will be seriously limited there, you should think about moving up to a 16x PCI-E video card (I'd suggest HIS X300se, $65) instead so that you will still be able to upgrade. If it was my system I'd take the Asus P5PL2 ($135).

Also, you need a case. You've picked a Micro ATX motherboard so you need to make sure you pick a MATX case. Unless you take my suggested Asus P5PL2, it's full size and needs a case that is listed as ATX.

Um.. more RAM would be a help in Photoshop, but not required. Oh, on the Asus Motherboard you'd need DDR2 (which is faster then DDR) so I'd suggest the V-Data 512mb ($52).

all that only adds ~$80 to your total.

[Android-18]

I'm getting it built there, or getting the help of my ex bf.

[Vegeta]

only $80 more. not horrible and it's worth it.

[Android-18]

I've edited it, I'd appreciate another look over, I decided to take Waffuru's suggestions ^^.

Can anyone maybe suggest what case would be good?

[Vegeta]

I just saw that there is a motherboard that has a 8x AGP slot and a 16x PCI-Express slot. That might be worth getting if you don't want to change video cards.

But, if you just didn't see you have an 8x AGP video card and only a 16x PCI-Express slot... so that needs to be updated.

As for case, if you don't care a ton what it looks like I'd suggest the Antec case. Antec makes really good power supplies and that case comes with an Antec brand power supply.

[Vegeta Jr]

Only two things you should really improve on that list is your RAM and like waff said, its way better to have a PCI-Express slotted gfx card.

These days, having a RAM of 1Gb is the best improvement you can have for many things, including both photoshop(for large files) and computer games.

[Vegeta]

perfect

[Android-18]

Intel Pentium 4 506 2.66Ghz 64bit (533Mhz FSB, 1MB Cache) = $142.00

Samsung 1GB PC4200 DDR2-RAM 533Mhz = $96.00

HIS X300SE 128MB (256MB HyperMemory, ATI, 16x PCI-E w/ TV-Out, DVI) = $65.00

160GB 7200 RPM (ATA133 8MB Cache) = $97.00

LG 4167B (IDE, 16x DVD + R/RW, 16x DVD-R/RW 48x24x48 CD-RW, Dual Layer, White or Black) = $51.00

Asus P5VD1-X (VIA PT880 Ultra, Dual Channel, DDR RAID, AGP & PCI-E, Dual Core, ATX) 1 AGP 8x, 1 PCI-E x16, 3 PCI, 4 DDR, 2 ATA133, 2 SATA2, 6 - USB 2.0, 5.1 Audio, Gigabit Ethernet = $85.00

Logitech S100 (2-Speakers Black) = $13.00

Norton Internet Security 2006 OEM (Antivirus 2006, Personal Firewall, Antispam, Parental Control) = $39.00

Microsoft Works Suite 2005 OEM (Word, Works, Encarta, Money, Picture It) = $59.00

Microsoft Windows XP Professional OEM (CD and License) = $169.00

Acer AL1716B 17" LCD (0.264mm, 1280x1024, 500:1, 12ms, Black) = $260.00

Antec SP-500 500w (2x 80mm, PCI-E, Modular Cable Design, ATX 2.0, PFC) = $72.00

-----
$1,148.00

+ Eventually:

Frontpage = $109 US - $199 US

Adobe Photoshop CS2 (Windows) English = Item Price ? 485.00 with VAT ? 569.87

Not sure what VAT is.

Anyway, all I really need is Frontpage and Word, but that was the cheapest Office program thing to get. I want to be legit so I'm gonna buy my own copy of XP and hopefully save up for Photoshop.

That's it, anything else? I already have a mouse and keyboard that is mine.

[Vegeta Jr]

VAT are taxes.

Why would you need MS Works instead of Office? O_o Unless you are actually plan to make good money with your photoshopping skills.. Why would you pay for it? :/

[Android-18]

I don't know how to "Crack" and I don't want to be caught being illegal...