new system: is it ok?

[acidvoodoo]

i may be getting a new system soon to replace my k6-2 450mhz/128 ram/voodoo3. The system will be used for 3dgaming, and the internet, along with simple things like typing.

i'm looking at this system: P4 1.9 ghz
512 MB SDRAM
geforce 2 MX 64mb


don't get me wrong here, i'm not looking for the best performer, i'm looking at a reliable manufacter(this is dell), quite good performance, and a cd/dvd drive (which this has, along with a very good soundcard)

my main query is, will this RAM perform well enough along with everything else, not being RDRAM?

 

[InFecTed]

P4 + SDRAM --> a really BAD idea. The P4 needs all the memory bandwith it can get and with sdram performance takes a huge hit.

Get an AthlonXP, 512mb DDR memory and some GeForce Ti200 and you'll be a happy camper.
If you're totally obsessed by the P4, spend some extra cash and get an RDRAM system - that's the only way for the P4 to be a decent performer.

 

[Adul]

Or wait for Dell to offer the DDR systems.

 

[VBboy]

1. According to many benchmarks, P4 is not a good gaming CPU... Again, according to actual benchnarks.
2. GeForce2MX is a waste of your time and frame rate. If you want to get anything good out of your CPU, get at LEAST GeForce2Ti, or better yet, a GeForce3Ti-200 or 500. Othewise, it's like putting a tiny slow engine on a Ferrari.

 

[VBboy]

Dell's computer cases are extremely unupgradeable. There are practically no free drive bays left!! You should buy a Computer Shopper Magazine ($4 or so), and look at what other companies sell computers. Also consult with ResellerRatings.com.

But buying from Dell is really not worth it. According to recent surveys, their customer service also went down due to the company trying to save every penny in these hostile market conditions... Can't blame them.

 

[LordSwedish]

I'm surprised no one has recommended this kid getting an Alienware or Falcon Northwest, even a Voodoo.

acidvoodoo: If you're not familiar with the top of the line PC Manafacturers, let me introduce you to Alienware and Falcon Northwest.

Falcon Northwest WWW
Alienware WWW
Voodoo PC WWW

Those three PC companies above build high performance gaming machines. Alienware also builds High Performance servers/workstations.

Those will cost you a bit more than Dell or Gateway, but the performance they offer beats any computer on the market (besides custom-building) and their support is superior to Dell or Gateway. These companies know what they are doing and make sure your machine is working at top performance before shipping it to you.

Upgrades on these machines are easy also, and the companies actually upgrade them for you when you request it.

Thanks

 

[grifterspawn]

I say drop to a 1.4ghz-1.6ghz Athlon XP (still be faster than your P4), drop down to 256mb of PC2100 and get a ddr board (the K7S5A is still cheap and solid, I know, I've built like 5 machines with it) and go with at LEAST a geforce 2 gts, although you really owe it to yourself to spring for a GF3 TI200 or something.

[Edit] ahh didnt notice you werent building this yourself, so first step is, learn how to build it yourself...then get some components! [Edit]

 

[LuckyTaxi]

its aight

 

[VBboy]

lilcam, that videocard is hardly Ok

 

[acidvoodoo]

ok cool that's exactly why i posted, i just wasn't sure, and i'm not an obsessive dell or P$ owner

oh and i'm in the UK so i won't be able to get anything from those companies, how about this....

athlon 1700 XP
512mb DDR SDRAM
geforce 2 ti

would perform better then the pentium system?

 

[acidvoodoo]

alternatively............... i can drop the ram down to 256 mb, and the processor down to 1600, and afford the geforce 3 ti 200

 

[InFecTed]

<<athlon 1700 XP
512mb DDR SDRAM
geforce 2 ti>>

Now you're going the right way.
The GF2Ti should be enough for now, better keep the ram and higher clocked cpu.
A video card upgrade easy done if you need better.

 

[acidvoodoo]

well i'd probably upgrade the RAM str8 after as it's so cheap for a 256mb stick

 

[Duvie]

Oh NO..But the P4 will make the internet run so much faster!!!

 

[VBboy]

Duvie,

LOL. Yeah, I saw those commercials! Aliens having fun on P4, man! So fast and shiny. Boo AMD, boo!