computer gurus: Getting a new one, need some advice

[lazarus]

Okay, I have what I think is still a good CD/RW (Phillips, bought last year). The reason I only think it's good is that it's disappeared.

I'm presently using a cobbled-together Frankenstein's monster of a PC, combining my old one and Haele's old one, so I think the motherboard is likely going, which is why the CDRW has disappeared (it's been giving me fits for a couple of months now.)

The hard drive is still good, and the video card will do for now (it's relatively new, although I intend to upgrade that in a few months so I can do some more gaming).

So, basically, I need a new motherboard and processor. I've got a new box I picked up cheap a while back, with a great power supply.

My basic question is, what kind of mobo/processor should I go for? I've not got a lot of money to put into it, and this will likely become our secondary PC in a few months, once our budget gets cranking again, so I don't need cutting edge.

I'm thinking of going AMD. Am I right in thinking that I should sacrifice processor speed for more RAM, since it's coming from the same budget? Any tips out there on which types of stuff to go for?

Oh, and what should I do for an operating system? Both our PCs had these stupid restore discs, so I don't actually have a clean copy of Windows. I do have a decent copy of Win2K Pro, but that can be problematic for games and stuff. The odds are, I think, that the OS on the hard drive now won't work with a new processor, because of the proprietary nonsense. (It's an old Gateway.) Help there is appreciated, as well.

[Systematic Chaos]

1. First, how much IS the budget?

Second, what games and apps do you want to run?

You can hook yourself up with an Asus A7V8X motherboard and an AMD XP 3000+ processor for about $170. This will include onboard 6.1 sound (the NVIDIA onboard sound chips are very good and you won't need to bother with an additional sound card).

As for Windows 2000 Pro, I run a lot of games and don't have any problems. Of course, DOS games won't be playable but what I'd recommend for those is a nice used P2 system with Windows 98SE.

You can get 1GB of PC 3200 memory (2 512MB sticks in DDR configuration) fairly cheaply. I went with Mushkin when I rebuilt my system and that was rather pricey but there are much cheaper reliable brands.

Hope this helps. I'm by no means a complete computer expert but I do know how to build a system and do basic troubleshooting. Some of these guys could probably give you far better advice.

On edit: You can also get an OEM copy of Win XP Pro for about $100 from a number of places, simply by purchasing a floppy drive (some places have refurbished ones for $7 - $10, new are no more than $15). Of course, the trouble with that is that if you upgrade your system too much you'll have to call MicroShaft and try to convince them that you're not installing one copy of XP on more than one system. Personally I'd stick with 2K.

[lazarus]

2. That just about is my budget, to be honest

So that works out perfectly.

I just remember having some issues running Deus Ex and Civ 2 on Win2K, is all. But I've heard enough problems about WinXP to want to avoid it for as long as I can. :-)

I like the addition of a good sound card. I do like listening to music, etc., and having a good onboard sound card will save me some money.

BTW, what sort of insanity is required to spend $600 on a video card? I saw one for that amount in Best Buy the other day. Wild.

[tridim]

5. Second on progrocker's suggestion

That's almost exactly the config I use, and it works like a champ. You might also want to look into SATA hard drives, as the Asus MB has a built in SATA controller. Get in the habit of building your own, you can stay on the bleeding edge without shelling out $2000 every few years. I've haven't bought an entire prepackaged system since 1991.

[lagniappe]

3. Gigabyte motherboards are good.

I've used Gigabyte motherboards in the past. I've been really happy with them.

It seems that cost is an issue for you, so I would definitely go with an AMD processor. I would also get at least 512 Mb of memory. I would definitely trade off processor speed for memory.

If you do buy a motherboard, make sure you get the correct size for your computer case.

The OS you choose depends on how you are going to use your computer. I am not much of a gamer, but I would assume you would need some version of Windows if you are into gaming. You should probably choose Windows XP Home. I would check on Ebay. I've purchased legitimate software from people on Ebay at less than a third of the retail price. If you know a university student, they can get academic versions at very low prices.

If you are adventurous, you can try Linux. Both Mandrake and Sun Java Desktop work great and are very inexpensive. Plus, Linux will put an end to any virus and spyware problems. However, be forewarned that Linux takes some getting used to, and I am not sure what type of games are supported on these platforms.

[TreasonousBastard]

4. Should be no problem...

popping a new motherboard in. Shouldn't be much of a problem just popping the old OS in, too.

Each manufacturer jerks around with Windoze, trying to make it better, but it just can't be done-- they usually screw it up some more. But, after some tweaking to get the hardware straight, everything usually works. The Compaq version of Windoze I have didn't work too well on the Compaq, either. I have a clean, jennyoowine MS Win98 disk that actually DOES work fairly well, and solves most of the the problems of the OEM distros.

I was shopping for a new MB a while back, and found I could get a fairly decent MB/Athlon combo for around $100-150. It would use all of my existing hardware and RAM. Then, I saw CSO had a barebones kit that I could just plug in a Celeron 633 I have lying around, and bought it for 30 bucks.

Two places I've bought stuff from:

http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com

http://www.newegg.com

No problems here, but it's always caveat emptor on the web.

[lazarus]

6. one more question

how does one go about cleaning a keyboard? I've sprayed mine out, but it's got gunk built up all over it.

[DS1]

7. carefully pry the keys off and give them a bath

while they are off root out the years of pet hair that's fallen between them.

or just buy a new one for 10 bucks

[lazarus]

11. LOL

The one I want's about 20, so I was trying to save it. I hate barebones keyboards, the keys are spaced funny. I like Microsoft's, oddly enough, it's got a nice shape to it.

So you can just pry out the keys? From the front, with a screwdriver, or something like that?

[DS1]

12. I try go from the side with a flat head screw driver

The bigger keys are held in differently, so you have to be careful with them. I usually pry them from the side too.

for example, push in the K and pry the J off then work around it.

obviously there's no warranty using my method, if you break it - the most you're getting from me is 'sorry'

[lazarus]

14. I'll give it a shot

I'll experiment with the Pause/Break, Scroll Lock and Prt Scrn keys that nobody ever uses.

[frylock]

9. top shelf of your dishwasher..

allow it to thouroughly dry before reconnecting to your PC.

[frylock]

8. hey laz, go down to the fry's..

they usually have good deals on decent combis. I built a PC for my friend, and bought a P4 2.66 and an MSI mobo for about $130. Check the back page of the sports tomorrow in the Union-Trib for their ad.

[lazarus]

10. I was thinking Fry's

But I've heard great things about StarTech, here in El Cajon. Haele's picking up a ComputorEdge right now, so I can check out the specials.

[frylock]

13. yeah, i think my roomate bought his pc at startech..

I've purchased equipment from them as well.

btw.. just sent you a PM.