New Box

[xmaddness]

I figured I would write a few things about Intel to help you decide which mainboard and cpu to get.

I would honestly go with an Intel P4 Processor. Just make sure you get the 478 pin P4 cpu that has the new Northwood design.

I now alot of people say that AMD is better than Intel and I used to think the same way. But from the reviews I've read and the benchmarks tests I've seen, (and thats alot) Intel finnaly got it right with their new Northwood design.

As far as the ram to use: If your going to use basic sdram, then don't buy a p4, go with AMD.
Your not going to be able to truly unlock the power of the P4 unless you use either RDRam (very expensive and not manufactured very much), Or use the latest DDR-333 Ram (Double Data Rate 333megahertz). These two types of ram have the bandwitdth to unlock the true power of the p4. SDram simply doesn't have what it takes. The DDR-333 Ram on a board is available with SiS's 645DX chipset. (But chipsets are another story)

Okay.. Now for the Motherboards.

As far as motherboards go I would suggest looking at ASUS boards.

http://usa.asus.com/mb/mbindex.htm

They have been around for a while and got some of the best reviews. They are especially nice if your going to use a P4 cpu. The P4's need alot more power than other chip and require a 300-watt power supply to run them. Although the Asus people got around this really nicely. They have a connection on their P4 boards that allow you to simply connect a drive power cable to it for the extra power. Therefore you don't need to buy a new power supply.

I see a tut coming... Maybe in a few weeks...

Anyway... As for the AMD side of things...

If your an avid AMD person, (of which there are so many), Then I would go with the new Atlon XP 2100+, It has an actual clock speed of about 1733 MHz, but AMD has a chip design (Palomino core) that actually can out perform a P4 2200MHz with basic tasks. But when it came to Office apps and high end game play, P4 took over. For a board of this type find one that uses the VIA KT333 chipset. This again supports the DDR-333 Ram.

Well let me know if you have anymore questions.

x

[debwalin]

My input would be to STAY AWAY from Gateway. I had a Gateway for about 8 months, and the compatibility issues I had were ridiculous, everything from peripherals, to hardware, to software. I bought an Epson printer to go with the computer, and it took me over a month to get it installed, because the drivers were incompatible with the computer, and nothing ever worked like it was supposed to. By the way the printer was also purchased from Gateway, specifically because it was supposed to be compatible....ha. So I would definitely build my own if I had the money to do so...It make take some work and a little frustration and trial and error, but it would definitely be worth it in the long run....

[The3ntropy]

Thank You All for all of the help,
I am currently off to build my dream pc, for now anyway. Once I get it completed I will post the specs up here. And as for giveing out some green, my points do not count for anything, if you want them to, I have to get some more points first myself, otherwise I would green everything here. But anyway, my dream box is coming up soon! Tell all of you when I get it. C-ya.

[VictorKaum]

I have a remark, everyone here seems to suggest a system that will give great performance especially in games and etc... but I believe The3ntropy is looking for a good stable platform to built applications? If I had the money to spend, my first choice in this situation would be a workstation with Intel 860 Chipset and 2.2 Ghz Xenon processor(s), 2 GB ECC RD RAM PC800, 2 x 36 GB 10k RPM SCSI U-160/M HDD, Matrox Millenium G550 Video Card (or if you like gaming the Geforce 4 Ti or the Geforce 3 Ti 500)... I can assure you: such a box beats all the configs above mentioned.
I think it would cost about 5G,
If you have some money left, get the ultime developper video card "3Dlabs Wildcat II 6110 128 MB AGP PRO 110 4X (this card cost as much as a normal PC system)

It all depends on your needs if you want a gaming / multimedia box go with the setup KorpDeath and xmadness suggest, if you want to create 3D apps / professional multimedia / mathematic apps / ... then you need a stable, fast, reliable workstation, it will cost you a lot but it will be powerfull. Dell and IBM offer very good intel based workstation systems. However if you do not choose a workstation class box... built one yourself. I'am building systems since I was 7 years old and none of them has ever let me down. You need to select the right parts together to get max stability, speed, and price/quality.

[Krakpype]

check AlienWare. Their machines are built for gaming but they pack one hell of a punch. These things are powerful.

PS. Like my new Avatar?

-krakpype

[Tim_axe]

My computer is nice and stable... It works fine all around...

P3 800 MHz
896 MB RAM (128 - 256 is enough...)
GeForce 3 TI-200 Video Card
24x6x4 CD-RW Drive

You may not need that much RAM, but my PC works fine in anything... It cost a lot though..., I custom put it together, case and everything... Well, hope you find your dream PC, good luck to you, The3ntropy.....

-Tim_axe

[Remote_Access40]

my computer is;

1.8Ghz Athlon AMD
Thunderbird Motherboard (thunderboard)
Audigy Sound System (platinum e)
Via 64Mb vidoe Card
40Gb Hard drive (dont go over 40 as it slows down sys performance)
256Mb DRRam

[Ouroboros]

Build your system from the ground up, as others have suggested...I'm so tired of 'preloaded' systems I could just puke. What you may pay extra in parts and time, you'll make up for in increased reliability. And don't forget about the OS...don't use one (cough...cough) that eats up your resources...
And, as an afterthought, don't be wary of putting in an extra SCSI HDD just for file storage, thus keeping your "main" HDD available for active projects...

Ouroboros

[TechieChick]

I have to agree with building your own system, but the first one can be intimidating. I've seen some really disasterous results with improperly seated motherboards, fans put on backwards etc etc. So...my suggestion is yes, build it yourself but find someone to help you. I've had clients have me put together a "bare bones" box for them, I'll seat mobo, ram, cpu and fan for them and they'll drop in everything else. The end result is they have their own signature box and it's still cheaper than buying a Gateway. (which I would rather fight a pack of rabid weasels than buy even their "highest" end system. CS issues like you wouldn't believe lately!)

Oh..small sound card suggestion..check out the Hercules Game Theatre XP, fantastic SoundBlaster alternative.

Have fun!

TC

[synexic]

I myself would go with one from www.ailenware.com, they make some nice machines.
You can also pick what you want. Low budget people shouldn't buy though.