- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
I'll echo what most people have said, which is build your own.
Dont be fooled, its easy.
A few things. Either intel or AMD is a safe bet at the moment. But if AMD, make sure you get an AM2 processor (and obviously motherboard).
Reason:
Its going to be very upgradable, and at the moment the prices are not a lot more than the other sockets.
Obviously get dual core.
Reason:
The prices are so low at the moment, and dispite people saying dual is pointless, its not. You can actually allocate programs (and therefore games) to use certain cores. So best practice is, to run windows and small programs, such as winamp, media player, fraps etc on the first core, and games on the next.
Make sure the motherboard has PCI e.
Reason:
No brainer really. Its the latest port for graphics cards. That said, youd be extremely hard pressed to get anything other than PCIe now.
Integrated sound - the arguments.
As a long user of integrated sound, I say if you can be bothered to spend a little extra on a sound card, do it. Mostly because Ive had small niggles with every single onboard sound Ive used (and thats a lot).
Monitor. A 19" one with decent resolutions and at most a 8MS response time. A DVI port would be good too. This isnt as expensive as it sounds, I got one exactly like that for £120 odd (thats £s remember).
Memory
If your going for a newish processor, your going to have to get the new type anyways. Just check what you need on the mobo. As for amount, 2 gig would be good vista ready.
Hard drives.
7200 spin at least. Obviously sata. Just go for one with the size you need, and make sure its got good reviews. A second drive could be a good idea, as backup.
Optical drive.
Get a DVD writer, cheap as chips and can read DVDs and normal cds. Note tho, look for users comments on getting a quiet one. Nothing worse than a bloody hurricane starting when you put a DVD in.
Case.
Theres plenty of uberbent neon arse window flashing things out there. Get them if you want. Just make sure it doesnt come with a PSU, you want to choose that yourself.
PSU.
Makes sure its a decent one over 400Watts, and again, find some reviews on it. Bear in mind you need the newset connectors, so this PSU is going to cost a bit.
Speakers
Just look for ones with good reviews, they dont have to be an expensive brand make. And only go for surround sound (5.1 or greater) if you can actually set it up. If you cant get the speakers in the right places, due to your room etc, its going to sound like crap.
Power protection.
Once you get this computer, make sure you buy an anti surge plug adaptor. I got one for £5 with an insurance gurantee, so its worth it. You could go one better and get a UPS, but thats hardcore.
A card reader is always good, an internal one. One of those that does all the cards. Dead cheap, but make sure it matches your case.
Graphics card.
Ok. You DONT need crossfire, or SLI. Anyone telling you that you do, either has a monitor over 25" with a stupid resolution, or is talking utter bull. Doesnt really matter who you go for, Nvidea or ATI, just get the most expensive card you can go for. Although getting the very topend is usually pointless.
The various fanboys will try and convince you one is better than the other, but when your buying highend, it doesnt matter.
Hope this helps.