I am a mac user, and have been for quite a long time. But because Prices for macs are so high, and I just cant afford the one I want, I am buying a PC. Although I have heard bad things about them, I know they cant be that bad, considering 95% of the world uses them! I want to build my own (not literally, I want to order a custom one online). What are some good sites for custom PCs. I want at least a 1.2 ghz athlon processor, and I guess I'll run WIndoz 2000, since its pretty stable (what is wrong with ME, I've heard bad things about it). Anyway, opinions are wanted.
Mac user going PC, what to get?
- Thread starter MacUsr8such
- Start date
Honestly, after experiencing Mac, being a PC user, I think the only way you can truly be satisfied is building your own. It will be cheaper and you'll get what you want, for OS's I'd say Win2K as it would be hard to go from stability to Win9X.
I will leave others to post some build's you might like unless I get the time to later...
I will leave others to post some build's you might like unless I get the time to later...
Dude if money is a problem get a good amd machine. I'd get a amd machine anyway actually. If you can wait a little, wait for the palimino's and a new sis735/nforce mobo's to come out. If not, then get the epox8k7a i think it is, that uses amd's chipset for ddr ram, and get a nice 1 gig plus thunderbird, and a lot of ram. Then comes your choice of video cards, i'd go with a gf2 or so, probaly a gf2 pro, and a good sound card.
You're going to love PC's. I can guarantee it. Below are my picks
The CPU
You stated you wanted a 1.2ghz Athlon. You can get a good 266mhz Front Bus 1.2ghz T-Bird from Newegg.com for around $150 I think. That's the CPU I'm buying very soon..
The Motherboard
You need something that will be very cooperative with the CPU, so I suggest what I'm getting once again the, ASUS A7V133 BUNDLE W/ COOLING FAN. You can pick up that at mwave.com for around $130.
However, if you don't need all that 1.2ghz T-Bird Power, you can get an Iwill KK266 with a 1ghz Athlon, those were great too.
RAM
Anything from Crucial or Mushkin is good. Most computers don't need more than 256mb, and when there is a need to upgrade to 512mb, RAM will be cheaper then..
Video Card
Tons of choices. If you want High Frame Rates for games, get a MSI GeForce 2 Pro. If you want more quality in your Frames rather than speed, get the Radeon 64mb DDR w/ VIVO. If you want both, get an GeForce2 Ultra
Operation System
I personally prefere Windows 98SE over 2000, but whatever floats your boat. ME is just too buggy and has a lot of memory leakage.
Misc
Get an ACER Keyboard (for the sole purpose that they're easy to mod) and a Logitech Cordless Optical Mouseman
Damn, I just basically told you to get my system
The CPU
You stated you wanted a 1.2ghz Athlon. You can get a good 266mhz Front Bus 1.2ghz T-Bird from Newegg.com for around $150 I think. That's the CPU I'm buying very soon..
The Motherboard
You need something that will be very cooperative with the CPU, so I suggest what I'm getting once again the, ASUS A7V133 BUNDLE W/ COOLING FAN. You can pick up that at mwave.com for around $130.
However, if you don't need all that 1.2ghz T-Bird Power, you can get an Iwill KK266 with a 1ghz Athlon, those were great too.
RAM
Anything from Crucial or Mushkin is good. Most computers don't need more than 256mb, and when there is a need to upgrade to 512mb, RAM will be cheaper then..
Video Card
Tons of choices. If you want High Frame Rates for games, get a MSI GeForce 2 Pro. If you want more quality in your Frames rather than speed, get the Radeon 64mb DDR w/ VIVO. If you want both, get an GeForce2 Ultra
Operation System
I personally prefere Windows 98SE over 2000, but whatever floats your boat. ME is just too buggy and has a lot of memory leakage.
Misc
Get an ACER Keyboard (for the sole purpose that they're easy to mod) and a Logitech Cordless Optical Mouseman
Damn, I just basically told you to get my system
buying right now?
get any amd 760 (761) chipset motherboard (best is the epox 8k7a, best bang for the buck si the FIC AD11)
get at least 256MB PC2100 DDR memory (pc266mhz)
get any 266mhz fsb amd athlon-thunderbird (they start at 1ghz and go to 1.4ghz..i find 1.133/1.2ghz the best bang for the buck)
get a good quality/performance HSF (best bang for the buck = thermaltake volcano II)
sound: Turtle Beach Santa Cruz (if u want a breakout box w/ 123123 connectors, get the hercules game theatre XP)
video: Radeon DDR or Kyro II, or for better performance, Geforce 3 (i wouldn't get an nvidia chipset if it's non-GF3 for 2D quality issues)
and the rest, basically personal preference....
get any amd 760 (761) chipset motherboard (best is the epox 8k7a, best bang for the buck si the FIC AD11)
get at least 256MB PC2100 DDR memory (pc266mhz)
get any 266mhz fsb amd athlon-thunderbird (they start at 1ghz and go to 1.4ghz..i find 1.133/1.2ghz the best bang for the buck)
get a good quality/performance HSF (best bang for the buck = thermaltake volcano II)
sound: Turtle Beach Santa Cruz (if u want a breakout box w/ 123123 connectors, get the hercules game theatre XP)
video: Radeon DDR or Kyro II, or for better performance, Geforce 3 (i wouldn't get an nvidia chipset if it's non-GF3 for 2D quality issues)
and the rest, basically personal preference....
MrCode
why get a kt133a chipset mobo when DDR is so cheap now and performs better, and offers future upgradability?
win98se blows compared to win2k unless u're running software that doesn't work w/ win2k (then i'd dual boot, whcih i do)
why get a kt133a chipset mobo when DDR is so cheap now and performs better, and offers future upgradability?
win98se blows compared to win2k unless u're running software that doesn't work w/ win2k (then i'd dual boot, whcih i do)
I forgot o say that my budget is basicly $1000, not including monitor. I am new to building computers, although I know a lot about them( mostly software, I am just getting into hardware). I dont need the best of everything to start out with, I can always buy a video card a couple months later. And what does it mean when it says "64 mb integraded shared video memory". Does that mean it uses ram for video. I am going to buy some books on PC building, a lot of this doesnt make sense to me, but Im learning. I'll print this forum in a couple days.
hey there. Well...for about 1000 you can build an entire computer. and one that is nice. I also made the converson from mac to WIndows a few years ago. Yes, I like mac better for some things to this day, however for the most part, they are very similar. I like windows 2000 for stability, but Windows 98SE is a little easier to deal with if you are not framiliar with multiuser computing and/or if you do not know alot about your hardware. If you feel like jumping into the deep end, go with 2000. In the end you will probably be happy that you did. But, if you want to ease into the world of the PC, go with 98SE. Hopefully your transition will be an easy one!
Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions.
hope that helps
agg123456789
Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions.
hope that helps
agg123456789
I actually know quite a bit about PCs. I've used windows quite a bit. Only 98 though. I know a lot about hardware, just not building computers. I still love the Mac operating system, but the lack of hardware choices got to me. Until apple can offer somthing better, they lost a customer. ( there is talk of Mac os X for x86, but its just a rumor). Anyway, I am going to go Win2k. I am good at getting things to work and dont mind taking time to learn a little about it. I just want a good computer for under $1000. Post some links with these parts, so I have a place to start.
Scouzer
Lifer
- Jun 3, 2001
- 10,358
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<< win98se blows compared to win2k unless u're running software that doesn't work w/ win2k (then i'd dual boot, whcih i do) >>
Exluding my VIA 4in1 fiasco, my Win98SE just doesn't crash. Period. Not only that to goto Win2k you lose a bit of performance no matter what for 'stability' that I already have. Seems like a clear answer for me.
<< Exluding my VIA 4in1 fiasco, my Win98SE just doesn't crash. Period. Not only that to goto Win2k you lose a bit of performance no matter what for 'stability' that I already have. Seems like a clear answer for me. >>
Just answer this question: When was the last time you remember having you computer up for 2 weeks without a reboot?
Scouzer
Lifer
- Jun 3, 2001
- 10,358
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- 0
With power prices, I just don't leave it on and I'm not about to. Power is so friggin expensive these days its not worth 2 weeks of power to test my Windoze! But seriously, unless your a server why the hell would you need it to be on for 2 weeks? If it works a whole day on a weekend without a hitch, thats perfectly adequate (for non servers). I didn't mean Win98SE was good for servers, I mean for the gamer like me. If your going to say for bootups - my bootup takes under 1 minute. Win2k also has compatiblity issues with many programs so you get to burn HD space and dual boot...not worth it to me... not at all.
<<
<< Exluding my VIA 4in1 fiasco, my Win98SE just doesn't crash. Period. Not only that to goto Win2k you lose a bit of performance no matter what for 'stability' that I already have. Seems like a clear answer for me. >>
Just answer this question: When was the last time you remember having you computer up for 2 weeks without a reboot? >>
Why would a home user do that in the first place? I understand if your running a network or something but geez.. RC5 and Seti will go on without you for 8 hours believe it or not. Save some money and power. Turn the thing off when your not using it.
Well think of it this way, would you buy a car which will die on you after running for more than a few days? If you knew that this was the case; that it was an inherent attribute of the vehicle? Or would you go for the other car, which is does not have this flaw? The choice is clear.
Marty
Marty
A little off topic but....
There are reasons for leaving your computer on 24/7..
The properties of silicon allow electrons to move easier at higher temperatures, and thus there is a slight performance increase with a machine that has been running for a while compared to one that just started up.
Your computer will last longer if you leave it on IF you use it more than once a day (iow if you use it in the morning before work and at night after you get home from work)
It saves time not having to boot up your computer every time you want to use it (this is really helpful for people like me who only spend 5-10 minutes at a time on the computer, but use the computer 50-60 times a day.. Imaging having to wait for your computer to boot up 50 times a day, OUCH!)
While I don't have any proof with me about these facts I have seen different studies done by professional business that back me up... With this said, I have 3 (soon to be 4) computers running 24/7...
There are reasons for leaving your computer on 24/7..
The properties of silicon allow electrons to move easier at higher temperatures, and thus there is a slight performance increase with a machine that has been running for a while compared to one that just started up.
Your computer will last longer if you leave it on IF you use it more than once a day (iow if you use it in the morning before work and at night after you get home from work)
It saves time not having to boot up your computer every time you want to use it (this is really helpful for people like me who only spend 5-10 minutes at a time on the computer, but use the computer 50-60 times a day.. Imaging having to wait for your computer to boot up 50 times a day, OUCH!)
While I don't have any proof with me about these facts I have seen different studies done by professional business that back me up... With this said, I have 3 (soon to be 4) computers running 24/7...
<< Well think of it this way, would you buy a car which will die on you after running for more than a few days? If you knew that this was the case; that it was an inherent attribute of the vehicle? Or would you go for the other car, which is does not have this flaw? The choice is clear.
Marty >>
Poor analogy. An automobile has thousand of moving parts that can and do wear out. I would definetly not run one 24/7 (and you shouldn't).
I understand running a PC maybe for the first few days as a burn in, but after that? I have my doubts.
But hey, if you want to waste power and spend the extra $$$, go for it! Nobody can stop you.
OK, bad analogy, but remember that a computer is (for the most part) designed to be run nonstop without any interruption, and that Windows98/ME is the weak link in any quality system when it comes to stability.
As this thread gets more and more off topic, I'll take the wheel of the bus and bring us outta the forest and back on the nice gravel road....
<< And what does it mean when it says "64 mb integraded shared video memory" >>
Basically, it means that the video card is directly off the motherboard, and shares system resources.
As for where to get parts, try a few local stores. More often than not, they'll either price match what you can find on the web, or have the same price and save you some S&H (although Tax makes up for it)
Just make sure that you get a motherboard that gives you room to expand (atleast 5 PCI, 1 AGP slot), and with a high power Athlon, DDR RAM (Either Crucial or Mushkin).
As for HD space, usually 30-40 gigs is more than enough, unless you plan on doing some hardcore 3D moddelling and video editing, in which case I would say switch back to your Mac.
Video card: If you don't want to spend too much now, get a motherboard with integrated video that also has an AGP slot. That way you can upgrade it in the future.
RAM: Win9x - 256
Win2K - 256 or 512
Lots of other stuff to consider, like Burner or DVD, but just look around on the forums. Go to the Hot Deals forum and see whats there, usually there is some good stuff posted.
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.
<< And what does it mean when it says "64 mb integraded shared video memory" >>
Basically, it means that the video card is directly off the motherboard, and shares system resources.
As for where to get parts, try a few local stores. More often than not, they'll either price match what you can find on the web, or have the same price and save you some S&H (although Tax makes up for it)
Just make sure that you get a motherboard that gives you room to expand (atleast 5 PCI, 1 AGP slot), and with a high power Athlon, DDR RAM (Either Crucial or Mushkin).
As for HD space, usually 30-40 gigs is more than enough, unless you plan on doing some hardcore 3D moddelling and video editing, in which case I would say switch back to your Mac.
Video card: If you don't want to spend too much now, get a motherboard with integrated video that also has an AGP slot. That way you can upgrade it in the future.
RAM: Win9x - 256
Win2K - 256 or 512
Lots of other stuff to consider, like Burner or DVD, but just look around on the forums. Go to the Hot Deals forum and see whats there, usually there is some good stuff posted.
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.
after experiencing Mac, being a PC user, I think the only way you can truly be satisfied is building your own
I forgot o say that my budget is basicly $1000, not including monitor
i would suggest not building your own but config it through a top oem
mac h/w not much diff from mid-high end pc h/w
the diff is os/driver integration
how do you expect a decent machine for $1000? my imac is more than that and it's h/w is not that great, less than some of my generic pc h/w
increase your budget and have peace of mind with good h/w
good pc h/w is reliably
its windows and bad drivers that make pcs bad
I forgot o say that my budget is basicly $1000, not including monitor
i would suggest not building your own but config it through a top oem
mac h/w not much diff from mid-high end pc h/w
the diff is os/driver integration
how do you expect a decent machine for $1000? my imac is more than that and it's h/w is not that great, less than some of my generic pc h/w
increase your budget and have peace of mind with good h/w
good pc h/w is reliably
its windows and bad drivers that make pcs bad
<< how do you expect a decent machine for $1000? my imac is more than that and it's h/w is not that great, less than some of my generic pc h/w
increase your budget and have peace of mind with good h/w
good pc h/w is reliably
its windows and bad drivers that make pcs bad >>
:Q
i suggest you do some research before posting this misinformed BS about sub $1000 pcs...
Go with an AMD Athlon Thunderbird system.
CPU: 1Ghz Athlon (very overclockable; many have gotten them to 1.5Ghz)
Motherboard: Asus A7V133 or ABIT KT7E (non-RAID)
RAM: 256 MB PC133 SDRAM (it doesn't matter what kind)
Case: a 300w ATX case'll do the trick
Cooler: GlobalWin's FOP-38 using Arctic SilverII
Videocard: 32MB GeForce2 GTS or a 64MB ATI RADEON
Soundcard: SB LiveII!
Ethernet card: Any 10/100'll do
Monitor: At least a 19" monitor (21" recommended)
Case fans: 2 extra case fans'll do
CPU: 1Ghz Athlon (very overclockable; many have gotten them to 1.5Ghz)
Motherboard: Asus A7V133 or ABIT KT7E (non-RAID)
RAM: 256 MB PC133 SDRAM (it doesn't matter what kind)
Case: a 300w ATX case'll do the trick
Cooler: GlobalWin's FOP-38 using Arctic SilverII
Videocard: 32MB GeForce2 GTS or a 64MB ATI RADEON
Soundcard: SB LiveII!
Ethernet card: Any 10/100'll do
Monitor: At least a 19" monitor (21" recommended)
Case fans: 2 extra case fans'll do
GOSHARKS
i don't see your point
what you consider good may not be what i consider good
what i consider good happens to be expensive even on pricewatch
if he wants to build a pc that has specs like a tower mac or imac than that's fine but there are better more expensive h/w that's out there
just a good monitor is going to cost
i don't see your point
what you consider good may not be what i consider good
what i consider good happens to be expensive even on pricewatch
if he wants to build a pc that has specs like a tower mac or imac than that's fine but there are better more expensive h/w that's out there
just a good monitor is going to cost
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