StarDestroyer.Net BBS

I'm going to be starting college soon and as such I figure I could use a new pc, i'm thinking I want to build it myself but I don't really know where to start, so if any body could offer some helpful hints to hopefully meet what I need

1.) Relativily inexpensive around $2000 to $2,500 possiblly $3000
2.) Be able to use current tech and have room for the new stuff like duel procs or SLI
3.) Able to handle 3D modeling and other things like that while being a well rounded gaming pc.

I was looking at dell's since I get a discount from my school but I dunno any help would be nice.

$2000 can easily build a very high-end gaming rig. Do you already have a monitor and/or other components from your current computer that you would be willing to port over? (like a DVD burner or a power supply or...)

By dual processors, I assume you mean the new dual-core chips? Any AMD Socket 939 motherboard should be able to accept them, although double-checking beforehand would be good. I'm not so knowledgeable about Intel's offerings in this regard.

SLI is a gimmick. It is a wastefully overpriced gimmick that is only good for trying to convince people you have a big penis.

This is a complete blank slate need to get everything (going to leave current comp with dad so he isnt computer deprived) ok SLI is out then im just looking for a computer that is the midpoint between being a stricly work based affair and a kickass gaming PC something I dont have to spend a ton on and it gets everything done it needs to and has future upgradeability.

Okey, first I'd suggest checking out This.

If you want a hot rig that saves money, and don't have to buy a monitor and all that 'crap', try this, very similer.
A DFI NForce4 Ultra
Athlon 3500+ Winchester\Venice
1024MB Corsair Value RAM
a 6600GT\6800GT PCI-E depending on money.
DVD burner(people here can help)
Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 250GB
Antec Truepower 2.0 480W

The above computer is good if your looking for a thousand doller e-conmey model, but since your will to go all let me guide you over here to the "Gold Plated" Models (Cookie for the irony in that)


Seriously if your looking to spend over $1,500 don't go cheap on your RAM, Your Motherboard or your hard-drive since you'll be using them for your next upgrade as well.

A DFI NF4 is going cheap?! The corsair Value RAM is nearly top of the line.

Mr Bean wrote:Seriously if your looking to spend over $1,500 don't go cheap on your RAM, Your Motherboard or your hard-drive since you'll be using them for your next upgrade as well.

I thought AMD was changing sockets next year. New RAM and MB will be required then, since I think it's going to be moving to DDR2 as well.

Your best bet: save your money and don't buy a super-expensive computer. You may want to consider buying a Dell simply for the warranty. Yes, it is nice to play games and do 3D modelling but unless you need that stuff, save your cash.

That said, the computer Ace Pace linked to is a fine machine. If you want to splurge a bit, that site links to mnpctech's SC195 case -- it's a premodified case, well-made and fairly quiet.

Beowulf wrote:

Mr Bean wrote:Seriously if your looking to spend over $1,500 don't go cheap on your RAM, Your Motherboard or your hard-drive since you'll be using them for your next upgrade as well.

I thought AMD was changing sockets next year. New RAM and MB will be required then, since I think it's going to be moving to DDR2 as well.

Correct, M2 socket, which is 940 pins but in a differant configuration today, later on it will move to something with 1000+ pins.
DDR2 will happen on one of them.
However, M2 is not expected to be big, just a holdover.

Anyone got more accurate info?