Opinion Needed (Once Again)

[GTaudiophile]

I will be building a computer for my dad during Spring break. I am mainly doing this for him because his current computer (a Gateway with a Pentium Pro 200mhz CPU, 64MB of RAM, 3.2GB harddrive, and an STB Virge VX 4MB videocard) lacks USB ports. He needs USB because, 1) his new DSL provider sent him a "free" USB modem, and 2) he wants to go into digital photography with cameras and scanners that use USB these days.

Here are the specs on the new computer right now:

CaseEdge LX734A/3 Mid-tower case w/ 300watt power supply
Asus CUSL2 motherboard
Intel PentiumIII 866mhz retail processor w/ 133mhz FSB
Corsair 256MB PC133 Cas2 SDRAM
IBM 30.0GB 7200rpm IDE 75GXP harddrive
Toshiba 12x IDE DVD-ROM
Plextor 32/12/10 IDE CD-RW
Mitsumi 1.44MB floppy drive
Creative Labs SB Live! Mp3+ 5.1
???Videocard???

Windows 98se

I still can't decide what videocard I want. The ATI Radeon 32DDR would be ideal, but I fear the drivers with this motherboard running Win98se. The Elsa Gladiac 32SDR GeForce2MX would be an awesome value, but I fear the 2D quality at 800x600 & 1024x768. The Matrox G450DH 32DDR would also be wise, but I want the system to have decent 3D peformance, and I fear Matrox may not be around in a year.

With UPS 3-Day S&H and the most expensive videocard option, I can get this system for $1,293 from mwave.com. Is this a decent deal? I know I could go lower with an Athlon-based system, but I want to stick with Intel for my father.

 

[arod]

I can build a duron 850 with 17 in monitor for $800. Thats quite a bit lower that $1200. If you want the parts list and where to buy them just reply to this thread


edit: BTW this rig can be overclocked to 1 gig w/o extra hardware.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Thanks, but I really do want to stick with Intel. When I build my new system this Fall, I'll go AMD with a DDR mobo. I also want to stick with one reliable vendor like mwave.com because of my time crunch; Spring break starts March 5.

 

[PearlsGirl]

Dude, put the Matrox G450 in the machine and be done with it.

_PsG

 

[GoldenTiger]

Voodoo 5:

Good 2d
Great 3d (esp. once getting x3dfx.com's HSR drivers... makes it as fast as a GF2U)
Great FSAA
Rock-solid drivers
Great stability

Only bad thing is no warranty if it breaks now since 3dfx is gone . The card is awesome, though! .

 

[GTaudiophile]

No, not going with a company that nolonger exists. Heck, I fear buying Matrox for that reason!

 

[gnognugs]

Radeon will be fine with that setup. 98se drivers are AOK

 

[Planktune]

the sound blaster xgamer 5.1 retail has cool games bundled with it. and the mp3 version has some music stuff that's not so hot.
If your dad has a really good monitor you should get the Matrox or the Radeon. I think with geforce that the 2d component is up to the card manufacturer. check for the best 2d image in these forums.
check macena.com for prices. I buy there alot.

 

[GTaudiophile]

For the same price as I mentioned above, I could drop the process or speed from 866mhz to 733mhz and upgrade the videocard from an ATI Radeon 32DDR to a Radeon 64DDR VIVO. My dad is not a big gamer, but I wonder if he'll want the VIVO capabilities. What do you all think?

 

[Schola]

Why fear for matrox, they aren't going anywhere.

Schola

 

[gnognugs]

VIVO rules!!! My computer is a much better VCR than my VCR.

 

[Howard]

I'd suggest going with the G450. You said he wanted to go into digital photography and stuff. Best image quality, bar none.

Make sure there's a good monitor to go with it.

 

[Radboy]

i have similar system w/ radeon ddr 32mb, dual-booting winme & w2k. sweet.

cusl2, p3-700 @938

dad should be styling w/ w2k .. why u torturing him w/ w98se? .. was he really that mean to you?