Dantzig, any idea where I should post this?
Reply to your comments:
Basic system:
"Fan will cost more than $3. Probably more like $10."
They are $3 at dealer cost or swap meets, I would think if you ask nicely most vendors would toss one in for this price. Remember this is the cheap version, few people need a Golden Orb
"Add more RAM. 128MB is super cheap right now"
128MB doubles the cost to $63, I was trying to make this system as cheap as possible. Sure, you can get that for less on PriceWatch, but I'm looking for the best RAM at a cheap price, not the cheapest RAM period. The idea is to get a system that doesn't crash"
"This system could probably stand a smaller hard drive. 40GB is a little large for the user of this system."
I'm open to suggestions on this one, going to a 10GB drive for $30 less seems silly to me. They can always take the drive with them when they toss the system later.
"External USB modem?!?!? Ick."
Better than an internal WinModem, and I don't know that internal DSP modems are that easy to find. Broadband is better, but few people have it. This modem works really well, low lag (for a modem), and always works.
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Mid-level system:
"Why not go for a MSI K7T Pro2-A for the same price as the Epox mobo?"
That sounds fine too, I'm sure it is just as good. Anyone else think this is a good idea?
"Fan will again cost more than $5"
These are $3 dealer cost, shouldn't be more than $5 from an honust dealer
"A GeForce2 GTS is only a few dollars more than an MX right now. It's worth it"
I priced it at $84 more (almost twice the cost) for a brand I trust. What did I miss?
"Go for more RAM? 192-256MB since it's so cheap."
Sure, in this system that works, but then you run the risk of making the mid & high systems the same.
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High-end system:
"Again, go for the MSI K7T Pro2-A instead of the Epox."
May I ask why? I'm not aware of a diffrence, but if it is really better, I'll switch them.
"Why the Asus V7700? You can get a basic GeForce2 GTS for $120!"
Brand name, I trust the ASUS brand, their cards are very good for stability. The lowest price on PriceWatch is $161. Where can you get this card for $120?
"More RAM!!! Yes, it does make a difference"
Sure, but to you and me, not to the target of this system. You wouldn't own this system and neither would I, it is meant for those non-techie friends of ours who want a system they will keep for at least a year and not upgrade every three months.

They don't need more RAM, no game needs more than 192MB that I know of (if I'm wrong, please enlighten me)
"Go for separate DVD and CD-RW drives so you can copy CDs and/or use both drives at the same time."
This was one item I wasn't sure about. It seems like a good deal as it won't confuse people with two CD drive units and such. Nothing wrong with two drives either. Personal choice.
"BTW, the GeForce2 GTS is not the "king of the hill" of video cards. That title goes to the GeForce2 Ultra 64MB DDR"
True, but no one building this system would put that card in it. That card also costs almost as much as the mid level system.

It is WAY too expensive, nice, but pointless until games need it...

It is kind of like owning a Mustang Cobra, yes it will do 150 MPH, yes it is really fast from 0-60, but it is still a toy and you only buy it if that performance is really important to you and you have extra cash. No one needs it and it doesn't help you getting the task done (getting from point A to point B) any better than a Mustang GT does for $10,000 less (or whatever the diffrence is).
Jason
