Hardware Prices....????????

[cumminspuller]

I am wanting to build a new system for our family, mainly for my wife and her photography business. This will be my first go at it. My question is, what will the prices do in the next month or so leading up to Christmas? The biggest shopping day is right after thanksgiving....or the closer to christmas prices dropping even further? I am not waiting for PCI-E (Still trying to figure out exactly what that is. Since I do not know what it is I am sure I do not need it) So any experience or ideas please let me know.

Thank you,

Jason

 

[ThePiston]

What kind of a system does she need? Has she ever used a PC before? Macs are sleak and easy to use... especially for media creation.

 

[Sniper82]

PCI-E is just something thats gonna replace the AGP slot in the future. I think its mostly for newer graphics cards. It's gonna be faster in the future but personally I think your better off waiting a year or so on it. Someone should be along soon to tell you more about it.

As for prices they prob won't change that much I don't think. If your wanting to upgrade within the next month I would just go ahead because you prob wouldn't save enough to make it worth the wait. Whats your budget anyway?

 

[cumminspuller]

Thank you gentleman for taking the time to reply. Yes she is a computer user for 9 years. I have been one for alot longer. Our computer is just old. I enjoy playing games and such and have had to pass on alot of games over the last year or two just because of the limitaions of our current machine(600mhz P2 or 3, 384 megs of Ram, 20 gig HD that is full). I am leaning more towards a gaming PC. Her work is not to intensive.

Jason

 

[Sniper82]

Whats your budget?

No matter what I recommend 1gig of memory because newer games seem to run smoother with it if cranked up.

 

[bigal40]

Well I'm guessing you want another computer that you can keep for a while(seeing how long you had your P3 system). I would recomend a
AMD 3500+ $272
1 gig of ram $155
GIGABYTE GA-K8NS $116
Linkworld ATX Tower Case $21
Antec 450w Power Supply $62
Hitachi 250GB 7200RPM Hard Drive $132
MSI GEFORCE6 6800 $280
Optorite 12X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive $56
Total of $1054 (i think)

 

[cumminspuller]

Thank you all again for replying. I am sorry Sniper I did not see you ask my budget in your first reply. I am shooting for around $1000.....It seems my budget keeps growing the more time I spend on here. Thanks for throwing that system together for me bigal40.

One thing I have noticed in the last few days as I have been researching, is that it seems most mobo's these days have onboard audio. If the audio fails does that mean the mobo is dead aswell?

Jason

 

[Sniper82]

Well about every mobo(several) I've owned in the past 5-6 years has had onboard audio. I've never had onboard audio die on me. Not 100% sure but I am certain the audio chip is standalone on the mobo so if it craps out the mobo should def still operate. You would just have to buy sound card.

But I wouldn't worry about the audio crapping out. Also for $1000 you can build a nice gaming computer and maybe even add a 17" LCD if you play your cards right. Might want to look into the 6600GT its suppost to be a killer 3D card for the price. The AGP version is due anytime but XFX has already released theirs. The PCI-E version is already out.

 

[bigal40]

Here's the 6600gt AGP Text. I am looking at putting together a new PC for about 1300 and am planning on using a 6600gt also(PCI express version though).

 

[cumminspuller]

Bigal40 & Sniper.......When you guys list a possible system, like you so generously did for me, is each one a best in class? Or how do you decide on these? Just alot of time reading reviews and such? The mobo I was looking at MSI.

Thanks again,

Jason

 

[cumminspuller]

Sorry for the attach code box........Accidents do happen.

Jason

 

[DanDrop]

Cumminspuller,

Here's a pretty good guide made by Anandtech for every budget! You can mix and match the compatible components to suit your budget. Make sure you do your research regarding each part recommended and try to fit that with your needs vs wants.

Here's the Guide.

 

[Sniper82]

that looks like a sweet board there. I always have a hard time picking motherboards(brands) same with video cards. I mainly try to stick with what everyone else likes. Def ask around about what yours thinking about getting. I always like to get opinions on here about brands/stuff before I buy.

 

[cumminspuller]

Thank you DanDrop. You are correct. I need to keep an eye on the needs and wants.

Jason

 

[Yossarian]

I don't think computer parts have a lot of seasonal price variation.

 

[bigal40]

Originally posted by: cumminspuller
Bigal40 &amp; Sniper.......When you guys list a possible system, like you so generously did for me, is each one a best in class? Or how do you decide on these? Just alot of time reading reviews and such? The mobo I was looking at http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=13-130-468&amp;depa=0">MSI</a>.

Thanks again,

Jason

I was reccomending something that would allow you to play some games and last you a little while. The MSI motherboard is good too. Tak a look at the guide DanDrop gave too.
Big Al