Need a new computer - but I need help!

[TheCrimster]

It's finally time to upgrade my tired p3 733mhz. The only problem is that the world of computers has passed me by - and I'm unfamiliar with the latest tech.

I want a fast computer, with some room for expansion - but I don't need the latest and greatest. I don't have all *that* much money (~$1000) I've done a little research, and I'm thinking about going with an Athlon XP 1900. I also am pretty sure that I'm going to get the new Nvidia 4200. That leaves me with a couple of question marks:

1. What motherboard goes best with the XP1900? For the most part, I am not *that* interested in overclocking.
2. What memory? DDR, right? 512 meg, right?
3. Hard drive? Going with IDE, not SCSI. But what should I look out for? 7200 rpm, right?

I appreciate any answers. I know these posts come up quite often!

The Crimster

 

[pcclub2000]

1. Soltek DRV75-5 with VIA KT 333 chip. I think this is the fastest motherboard right now
2. 512MB Crucial DDR-RAM
3. Western DIgital 7200rpm, 2MB Cache at least
4. and don't forget a DVD-ROM and CD-RW

 

[TheCrimster]

I don't need a DVD, but I do need a CD-RW. I'm going with Lite-On, methinks.

Hmmm.... Pricewatch doesn't show anything for "DRV75-5"....

 

[TheCrimster]

Ok, I think I found it:

Soltek SL-75DRV5 VIA KT333 chip socket-A ATA133 266FSB w/ Audio ATX - No- Raid - KT-333 *2-ATA 133 IDE built-in
1 4X AGP
5 PCI
3 DIMMS for DDR ONLY
VIA KT333 Chipset
With audio
4 USB 333MHz

Is this the right one?

If so - a question. I currently have the Soundblaster Live! value edition. Do you think the on-board audio would be better?

 

[acejj26]

i'd go with the new Epox board over the Soltek....but that's just me....i hear they're both fine boards

liteon makes some damn fine CD-RW's...not a bad choice

DDR...i'd go with Crucial or Samsung....512 MB sounds good

i'd buy a new sound card if i were you.....SB Live! + VIA chipset = bad things....data corruption, bad sound playback

maybe the new Audigy? only $60

 

[Jeff H]

TheCrimster, here's a system built on the same core components I recently used in a new box. All parts are from Newegg.

Mobo - EPoX 4SDA+ SiS645 chipset. Stable, good o/c'ing features, supports PC2700, will unoficially support 533 P4's when out - $88.
CPU - Intel P4-1.6A (you could use the retail HSF, or get the Arkua P4 Cu unit, it's a good one) - $132
Memory - Samsung Original PC2700 512MB DDR - $153
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda IV 40GB ATA100 (very, very quiet and quick) - $73
Floppy - Teac - $9
CD-RW - LiteOn 32x10x40 EIDE - $72 (retail)
DVD - LiteOn 16x48x EIDE - $41 (retail) (I know you mentioned you didn't need it, but you'll need either a CD-ROM or DVD)
Case - Enlight 7237 w/ 340w p.s. - $60
Video Card - Leadtek GeForce3 Ti200 64MB DDR - $130
Cable - Vantec ATA100 Round Clear for HD - $9
Sound Card - CL SBLive 5.1 OEM - $32

Total - $799 (plus shipping)