NCT for JCOM!!!

JohnCarterofMars · Registered User Joined: 12 Aug 2001 Posts: 1113

That would be New Computer Time for JohnCarterofMars, if you are not familiar with abbreviations (its also called something else by the armed forces, but I can't recall it right now as I am just getting my day started)...

JCOM is ready to get himself a new box in preparation for HL2 and future extreme games. I have asked our beloved John_Doe, hardware and computer guru extrarordianaire, to give me some input on the system and components I should look to purchase. I thought I would see if you all had any suggestions as well...

I am looking to only spend around 1500 USD and likely not all in one chunk. The way it is looking, I will likely have to buy a few components at a time, if I am going to build it myself, or go through one of the mass computer sellers like Gateway or Dell and get it on a payment plan. Anyway, the important point is 1500 is the ceiling for exspenses on this little baby.

so far I have found a couple of items on my own that I think might be okay for the system I want:

P4 2.6 Ghz hyperthread tech, 800 fsb
Nvidia Ti4200 128 MB 8xAGP
512 MB RAM at least
15" - 17" flat panel display (prefer viewsonic or other quality monitor brand) *this is for the wife actually so she can use my old box when I get the new one installed. I already have a 19" monitor.

Here is where I need some of your thoughts:
some brand (socket 478, 800 fsb) motherboard w/onboard ethernet
some brand soundcard (or should it be onboard too?)
tower case
power supply

Anyway, I am excited about going through the process of deciding what I want and all that. JD will be sending me his thoughts and I will keep you all updated on this project as it progresses. Thanks ahead for your thoughts!
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JohnCarter, Warlord of Mars

Blown · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 9:44 am Post subject:

http://www.falcon-nw.com/

These ppl make some awesome computers.

They had this one on techtv, now its not that much for being upgradeable, but man its pretty sweet just itself. I'd go for a better vid card upgrade over the stock unit.

[EDIT] Oops forgot the link for the FragBox

http://www.falcon-nw.com/fragbox.asp

PondScum007 · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 12:48 pm Post subject:

falcon nw is insane, if onyl i had an extra 4,0000 for a new comp ;p
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Mr Hat · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 12:59 pm Post subject:

check this thread & lurk at mah posty

http://www.theville.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14333

I know without looking prices have dropped. you could prolly get even mo bang fer ya buck.

BTW- JD only knows how to purchase puter parts...actually putting them together....is aparently something he doesnt know how to do.....long live da parts box!
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cobra · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 1:18 pm Post subject:

http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/bz/index.htm?iid=ipp_browse+motherbd_d875pbz&

^^^about 150$

soundcard: make sure it supports directX8.1 (newer games require it)

case: i like this one: http://www.thermaltake.com/xaserCase/xaser3/v2000a.htm
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PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF =US-V= & VILLE $UPPORTER

Robert E. Lee · Registered User Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 2904

I've heard this other places so it may or may not be true.. Flat panels aren't that great for gaming. I know at work when I scroll to fast everything kinda gets blurry. So I could only imagine what a fast paced game might look like.... Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
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John Doe · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 11:07 am Post subject:

Azrael · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 11:11 am Post subject:

Hmmm, Im not sure where you heard that Rob, but I've heard it too, and I have to say, I haven't had any problems with mine. Actually, I prefer it to my CRT Display, as the colors just seem to be a littlle deeper to me(i.e. black = ore black, blue = bluer, etc. etc.)
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Under construction!!!

Blown · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 11:14 am Post subject:

Bright Red Nipples · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 3:50 pm Post subject:

My monitor must have a faster refresh rate because I get no blurring. Like Azrael said the colors are much more vibrant with my lcd then they ever were with my crt. I heard about the lcd's not being good for gaming but I went to Evil Con Carne's house and saw the game on his lcd and was impressed enough to by one for myself. But like JD said, they aren't cheap.
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God Bless You Blue Ruler

Twisted29 · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 7:38 pm Post subject:

JCOM, i'm putting a box together this weekend....what a coincidence!

As for mobo, i'm getting an ASUS p4p800s (around $90 [url=clicky]http://usa.asus.com/products/mb/socket478/p4p800s/overview.htm[/url]). It has the 800fsb, using the dual PC3200 ram. It also has an onboard soundcard (nothing fancy) an 10/100 card, 8usb ports, 1934 port, wi-fi capabilities, agp 8x, and overclocking options.

Fairly pimp, I'd say. I'll give you a further report upon purchase

Twisted29 · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 7:43 pm Post subject:

Not to spam....but one more thought. LlamaBeans still owns a chunk of midiwarehouse.com, right? He can probably sell you a soundcard with 'theville' discount

At any rate, i'd swing by there and see if he's manning the live tech-support section (he does that a lot). He can at least point you in the right direction as far as that goes....

JohnCarterofMars · Registered User Joined: 12 Aug 2001 Posts: 1113

i wasn't planning on using the panel for my gaming. It was intended for a peace offering to the wife since I will be spending all this money on a toy for meh.

Plus it will allow for her to setup my old box in the living room. The flat panel will fit right on the edge of the endtable next to the couch nicely. with a wireless keyboard and mouse she can't say a thing about me on my computer, when she has one fast enough for her needs and has it next to the TV.

thanks for the info t29 i'll see if I can track down teh llamabean. good luck on your newmachine! I wish I oculd say I was building mine this weekend, but its gonna be a slow road, a piece at a time. But I think it will be much cheaper than going through a computer builder.

I do enjoy putting computers together and I have no ph33r of that part of the process. I just want to make sure all teh hardware is compatable and good quality.

quality is JCOM's biggest issue. the box I have now, I bought in 1998 and though many upgrades and changes it has remained good enough to play games and churn the graphics programs I use. JD helped me turn it from a 400mhz to a 1.2ghz a year or so ago but I need more POWER!!! MUHAHAHAH!

I will keep you all updated on the project as it looks to be something that shall take plenty of time to document. I should have my new comptuer by the time HL2 comes out! hehehe

**/edit - yes indeed twisted that is a schweet lookin board. I like the RAM capabilities. JD what do you think?
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JohnCarter, Warlord of Mars

John Doe · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 7:21 pm Post subject:

Potato-VS- · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 7:22 pm Post subject:

Arg! Why do people always get good computers?!?!?!?!?!?! Stupid potato's POS comp...

Looks really good JCOM I hope you enjoy it.

<TVB>Potato