On 27 Jun 1999, Nolan Darilek wrote:
> available. I just purchased a DVD drive with an MPEG decoder card, and
> I've removed my TV tuner to make room. (I had to choose between the
> video card, ethernet, TV tuner and SBLive. Not a very easy decision.)
Current boards are typically 5/2/1 (4 PCI, 1 ISA, 1 PCI/ISA, 1
PCI/AGP). I think. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
> when half of it isn't even a year old. I'd also like a faster
> processor, maybe a Pentium II or III, or maybe a K6/K7 to save money.
K7 is a high-end chip, supposedly somewhat faster than a PIII at
the same clock, and priced accordingly. It also won't be available with
mobos until August or so.
Regarding the rest of your questions:
If you want to build the system yourself, or even want to have a
good, trusted shop build it for you, you will want to become thoughly
familar with the components. <www.anandtech.com> and
<www.tomshardware.com> are the bibles of online hardware reviews, and will
be able to explain fully the differences between products, some aspects to
watch for, and their reccomendations for the best products. When time
comes to purchase, you can either see if a local shop will carry the
brands/models you have selected (with Abit and AOpen, unlikely, with Asus,
somewhat more so (and yes, these are typically some of the best names in
mobos)), or you can buy it mailorder. <www.pricewatch.com> and
<www.killerapp.com> have indicies of many online retailers with their
current prices. <www.resellerratings.com> (a spin-off of <www.sysopt.com>)
provides end-user ratings of dealings with these companies.
Summary: go to Tom and Anand to find the best product, go to
Pricewatch and Killerapp to find the best prices, and use Resellerratings
to find a company with good prices that you are willing to trust with your
money, mailorder.
Oh, for cases, you always want to inspect them in person. Shop
around at local stores with large selections. You may be able to get it
cheaper mailorder *after you have picked out one you like*, but usually
not (with shipping and all.) Cases are rarely reviewed online, so here's
my tips on ATX cases: look for slide-out mobo trays, side panels and top
panel that come off independantly, strong construction, powerful power
supplies, mounting spots/air holes for extra fans, room to thread cables,
plenty of drive bays to handle lots of drives and to allow airspace around
your big-ticket items, and a pleasing front facade. Gimmicks like sliding
doors, funky colors, and special-looking 3.5" external bays may be nice,
depending on your tastes, but are less important than the other qualities.
Good luck.
--
If anybody knows better methods of getting good, cheap computer
hardware, please let us know!
-Alex Winbow
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