Some questions

[sammyunltd]

I found this deal on the section Hot Deals:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...3711&enterthread=y

Is this memory worth it?, cause I was planning to buy Samsung 512 MB PC-3200 but this one is cheaper.

Also, cause I'm from Canada, could you please give me some US Online Computer Shops or at least a website like http://www.bbf.ca (Best Buy Finder @ Canada) --> It's a site that gives the best deals for each parts ----> cause at lot of parts in US are cheaper than in Canada.

Thanks!

 

[canadianpsycho]

Tigerdirect has a Canadian store, so you might want to check them out. Might have a hard time ordering and receiving that RAM from the US (customs, rebate may be US only, etc.)

As far as US price search engines, you can use pricewatch.com, froogle.com, pricegrabber.com

 

[sammyunltd]

Ok. Thanks! Yes I knew about TigerDirect, there's some deals... but the memory deals sucks a bit. I thought it was a "Instant Rebate" not kind of MIR.

 

[sammyunltd]

I found a great deal on Monarch Computers :

Pre-Tested and Setup AMD Athlon 64/FX (939) Combo
$0.00 $0.00

Motherboard: MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum Audio/GB-LAN/USB/IE $139.00
Processor:AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 512K 90nm (939) (Retail) $216.00
Heatsink Fan: None
Warranty: 800056 - Motherboard-CPU Warranty - 90 Days
Far Cry Promotion: 270846 - FREE Full DVD Version of Far Cry - 39.95
Napster Promotion: 270136 - FREE Napster Music Download for 4 Months
Half Life 2 Promotion: 27F854 - FREE Half Life 2 Full Version Coupon with
Subtotal for 80152 with your selected options: $355.00

$355 is a good deal, but the thing that is worrying me is the fact that they assemble the parts, test the whole thing and they ship it assembled...

Am I right to be worried? Do you have any feedbacks about Monarch Comp.? Are there other shops that have these types of combos (and that ships to Canada)?

 

[Sam334]

I've heard good things about Monarch. I ordered my retail 3200+ Winchester from them about 3 weeks ago for $309. I don't think you should be too worried about them shipping it assembled, as they probably pack it safely so as not to lose any money.

-Stephen

 

[sammyunltd]

Yeah I know. Thank you for your feedback.

When I'll have the HL2 coupon, if I reformat, can I re-download it (via Steam)?

When they assemble it, does they ship the parts with the original boxes (Retail Boxes) or they just ship the mobo and the cpu assembled?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: sammyunltd
Yeah I know. Thank you for your feedback.

When I'll have the HL2 coupon, if I reformat, can I re-download it (via Steam)?

When they assemble it, does they ship the parts with the original boxes (Retail Boxes) or they just ship the mobo and the cpu assembled?

Call them, their reps are very helpful

 

[sammyunltd]

I emailed them... calling would be way too expensive.

When they say this:

Although thermal compound is optional, Monarch does recommend including this with your combo, as it will make your CPU run at a lower temperature.

Is it true. I mean, is it really necessary to have thermal compound?

If you select "None" (for Retail-Box CPUs) and choose another Heatsink and Fan from Monarch Computer with your order, this fan WILL NOT be installed on your combo.

Is it tough to install an heatsink-fan? What about if I install thermal compound later on (like a month later).. is it tough?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

1-800-611-0875 toll-free sales line. You are asking questions about products you wish to purchase so call them for free

 

[sammyunltd]

LOL! What a noob I am

Thanks! Now, what about the thermal compound? Can I add it later, or it is necessary to put it now?!

Does the 3200+ S939 runs hot?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I have never used their pre-build service so I find their descriptions and explanations confusing. I would call and ask away They want your biz so they will happily answer any and all questions pertaining to the products and services you desire.

 

[sammyunltd]

Thank you dude. But my question now is technical and HAS nothing to do with Monarch:

If I buy my rig now... can I add thermal compound (if I think that the CPU runs too hot) in a month? If yes, is it tough ("technically")?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

If I understand your question, you want to know if you can change from the stock AMD cooler's thermal interface material correct? If so, don't bother, they use Shin-etsu T.I.M and it is excellent stuff. The cooler is also effective and A64s do not run very hot so stock cooling will more than suffice even for moderate overclocking. Again, if you are going to be using the stock cooler you are good to go and no need to tamper with it. If you don't overclock it preserves the warranty as well.

 

[sammyunltd]

Ok. So if I want to overclock a little bit (less than 100 MHz) just for the fun, there's no need to add $14 (to have the Shin-Etsu thermal compound)?

Now... if I want to overclock (more than 100-150 MHz), it's better to add it, isn't it? The thing that worries me is my DDR400 RAM... I don't think I can overclock a lot with it, can't I? Will the DDR400 limit my o/c ?

Thank ya!

 

[sammyunltd]

Please! Need Help!

 

[canadianpsycho]

A 100 MHz overclock is insignificant enough to not worry about thermal compound.

DDR400 might hold you back, it may not. Depends on how you set it to run, and how much you push it.

You do realize as a Canadian, if you order from Monarch you will be gouged with horrible atrocious taxes and duties when the shipment crosses the border right?

 

[sammyunltd]

Really? I didn't know and it isn't mentioned on Monarch's website.

I'm from Quebec and I'm an Ebayer and I buyed a lot of things from the USA and I had no taxes to pay. Does this has something to do with the fact that these things were listes as "gifts"?

Are these taxes and duties are big?

And the shipping I'm taking is this one: U.S. Postal Service - Canada ONLY (No Brokerage Fees) ($24.44)

Can you tell me what's Brokerage fees? (I'm not used to this since I'm french :S)

 

[sammyunltd]

Bump! I need help! Please!

 

[sammyunltd]

Bump! Come on.. I just need an answer at my question(s).. .come on!