Built-by-parts computers.

[NevadaGator]

I was reading around here and I was seeing the posts on how to build a computer for under $300 and so on. What is missing from all of that is links. Would it be possible to get links to places that cater to building PCs by parts? Right now I have a slot 1 Intel mobo and a 933MHZ cpu would be around $200... I think by replacing the mobo and getting an Athlon 1.4 I could save some money and get some speed... am I right? Also... are mobos easy to replace? Any step by step guides you recommend? Thanks!

 

[BurnItDwn]

www.pricewatch.com <> many prices listed come from here
www.pricegrabber.com <> or here

many dealers are linked in the above 2 sites

www.newegg.com <> a favorite amongst many for new and used parts
www.compgeeks.com <> another place to get cheap stuff


I havent really seen any "howto build PC" sites or any step by step guides lately, however its really not so difficult.

Most things will only fit 1 way, and most newwer motherboards have very few jumpers on them. hardest part IMO is attaching the CPU fan without Damaging the CPU or motherboard.

I think if you have a basic understanding of a PC you should be able to replace the motherboard without much trouble

 

[NevadaGator]

I've been to those sites. The cpus themselves start at ~$210 for a 1.4 Athlon.

I haven't really looked too closely but I think it's screwed in and not soldered (mobo).

What part of computing (startup time, multitasking) will most visibly speed up when I replace my PIII 500? I'm almost certain video rendering is majorly affected (in a good way).

I just went from a non-working (programs wouldn't install) 256 generic dimm to 3 256 sticks of Crucial SDRAM.
In the mail is my ATI AGP All-in-Wonder RADEON 32. I had an ATI All-in-Wonder (not 128, not Pro) 4 meg. I hear this affects
video capturing the most, which is what I need from it.

Rounding it up are a TDK 8X4X32 burner, Delta 12X DVD drive, 30gig I think Maxtor, 20gig Caviar that is laying around until I find those darn screws, 10/100 ethernet card, Epson Stylus 860.

That just reminded me... where can I find screws?????

Am I fooling myself in thinking I can find a MicroATX whatever mobo (I don't fiddle with it once it's in... Tyan who? ) and a 1.4 Athlon or Tbird for $150?

 

[bigshooter]

Well I don't know where you saw an t-bird 1.4ghz for $210, but you should be able to find one for around $120 and maybe even lower. If you need a new case, mobo, and processor, it will cost you more than $150, but if you had really gone to newegg's site you would see that you can even get a retail 1.4 Ghz for $125. A case will probably run you $50 and a good mobo will cost $100-$120. If you switch to DDR ram you have to buy that too, but its cheap.

 

[Zim Hosein]

NevadaGator, if the parts you buy are "retail" parts, the necessary screws would come w/ the part. If the parts you purchase are "OEM," you will need to purchase screws. Cyberguys.com has this little kit that contains the most widely used screws, standoffs & washers. Hope this helps.