Ok so I just graduated and I asked for a 17" Powerbook. My parents were hesitant because they don't like the idea ofme having an apple. I basically wanted it for its looks anyway. So I went to CompUSA and checked it out. I loved it, but didn't feel like blowing $3500 on it. Now my parents don't want to spend as much anymore since I'm not gonna get it. But I figure I should be able to get $2500 (hopefully) for a computer. I want a desktop now, instead and will plan on purchasing a laptop before I go to college (yes I'll have 2 comps) myself. My problem now is my dad wants me to get a dell, but I want to build my own and I'm sure I can talk him out of it. I want a lightning fast computer that looks really good w/ a 18"+ LCD monitor. I now need to put some parts together so I can tell my father about how much it's going to run him.
I want a P4 3.0 CPU (is this going to be the best cpu for me? or should I do the 3.06?) which is around $428. Do I want OEM or the retail?
I don't know which mobo would best, or what type of memory to purchase. Since I'm not a really hardcore gamer I figure the ATI All-IN-Wonder 9700 pro with tv-out would be more than suitable for my needs. What is Sapphire is it worth the extra money? but the regular 9700 will run me $345. I don't know what the best hard drive would be. I don't need anything monstrous like 200gb. 120 gb would more than enough.I would love to have a DVD burner and and just a regular Lite-On burner($45). What is the best DVD burner that won't exactly rip the pockets? As far as cooling I wanted to do a nice water cooling setup. I figured that would run me around $250 (am I right?)
Do you guys recommend that or just stick to fans? I may want overclock eventually, but not anytime soon. if that matters. Power Source, I don't know $100??? What model? Soundblaster Audigy Platinum 2 for sound card $167. So can someone help me fill in the blanks and also offer some suggestions and anything you might change. Please. The prices I got are from Newegg. If there is somewhere cheaper please tell me. Also any places I can cut corners just in case I may need to shave off a few dollars. Thanks for all the help.
Or I could the preconfigured Dell XPS for $2109. What do ya think?
I want a P4 3.0 CPU (is this going to be the best cpu for me? or should I do the 3.06?) which is around $428. Do I want OEM or the retail?
I don't know which mobo would best, or what type of memory to purchase. Since I'm not a really hardcore gamer I figure the ATI All-IN-Wonder 9700 pro with tv-out would be more than suitable for my needs. What is Sapphire is it worth the extra money? but the regular 9700 will run me $345. I don't know what the best hard drive would be. I don't need anything monstrous like 200gb. 120 gb would more than enough.I would love to have a DVD burner and and just a regular Lite-On burner($45). What is the best DVD burner that won't exactly rip the pockets? As far as cooling I wanted to do a nice water cooling setup. I figured that would run me around $250 (am I right?)
Do you guys recommend that or just stick to fans? I may want overclock eventually, but not anytime soon. if that matters. Power Source, I don't know $100??? What model? Soundblaster Audigy Platinum 2 for sound card $167. So can someone help me fill in the blanks and also offer some suggestions and anything you might change. Please. The prices I got are from Newegg. If there is somewhere cheaper please tell me. Also any places I can cut corners just in case I may need to shave off a few dollars. Thanks for all the help.
Or I could the preconfigured Dell XPS for $2109. What do ya think?
