New Computer Build

[GrEEdY]

Yeah for me, my first computer built!!!!!!

What I have is:
K7S5A Ver. 3.0 -- upgrading to newer mobo (maybe a Soyo or MSI) with b-day money
XP 2000+
Volcano 7+
256 Kingston Ram 2100
Chaintech "GT21" GF Ti4200 128mb ram
80 gig WD HD with 8mb cache
Lite-On CDRW & DVD
SoundBlaster Audigy Gamer
Chieftec Case w/ Foxconn 400W PS

3DMark2001SE rating is 11K+ at 133/133 fsb and 555/300 video card settings

Now for my quesetions:
1. I'm using an old (1995ish) HP monitor with side speakers. I'm looking for a 19" Black CRT Monitor (for gaming purposes and I can't find one at the local CompUSA or Best Buy and I dont have a Circuit City around) Preferably under $250. What are your suggestions???
2. Looking for speakers that give great gaming performance. Preferably under $100.
3. I see video cards clocked at 600/300, but the software Chaintech gives only allows me to go to 555. I don't know much about coolbits and wondering if that program will do the trick for me.

Any suggestions would help. Thanx.

[Budfred]

This is a good online store:

http://www.newegg.com/app/catalog.asp?DEPA=1

and any of the top rated companies listed here would probably be good too:

http://www.resellerratings.com/

Budfred

[Whyzman]

Here's a thought for the Monitor (http://www.techsavings.com/ProductInfo.asp?v=F8&idProduct=12586324).

OfficeMax has the Logitech Z540 speakers for $59.00 after a $20.00 rebate. It appears that the subwoofer is the same as included with the Z560s. In a recent conversation regarding speakers here on the PC GUIDE the Logitechs were rated highly.

Argh! The sale might only have been through October, but HERE (http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536879914&prodBlockOID=536965295) they are for review. They have free delivery on orders $50.00 or more...I would check with them though cause the speakers weigh a bit.

Oh, and Here are (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17042&highlight=Logitech+speakers) BigBlue66's comments regarding the Logitech speakers...check at the bottom of the page.

[BigBlue66]

Yep, for the price the Z-540s are a really good buy. I am very pleased with the subwoofer especially. Pair them up to a good soundcard and you'll be set for a long time.

For my own system, I can't imagine anything sounding better than my Santa Cruz and 2.1 Microworks speakers. I can blow myself right outn the room if I want to. :D

However, for my next upgrade, as I mentioned previously in that other thread, I plan to go with the Z-560s with THX support. I plan to pair them up to an Audigy2 or maybe the Philips Sonic 5.1 soundcard. I can't remember if the Sonic has THX support, probably not. The Sonic impressed me simply because of the twin connectors for SPDIF. That way I can hook up both ROM units to it for digital extraction. Cool. And I think it is more reasonably priced than the Audigy2. But at the rate my current setup is lasting, they will probably have the Audigy3, SantaCruz2, Sonic2, etc. out which will entail another whole decision making exercise.

Aren't computers grand? :D

[Whyzman]

HeyBB,

If you check back here...I found a place in Pueblo Colorado that has the Z560s for $99.00 + $10.00s/h. I ordered them...if they come thru (fingers crossed) I'll post the link.;)

[BigBlue66]

You bastard, Whyzman! Just kidding. :D

What soundcard will you be pairing them up with? If I hear a rumble off in the distance, I'll know why. ;)

[Whyzman]

Hehe!!:D :D

I won't keep it under wraps if the etailer comes through for me. I'm a bit skeptical that they'll perform. However, I used my credit card so I can pull the plug if the deal just "sounded" good but turns out to be nothing but treble! :p

I figured I'd be the guinea pig and see if I can defy the old adage that, "If it seems to good to be true...it probably is!" ;)

I'll definitely keep you in the loop...

Oh, I did get a chance to demo them this evening at a CompUSA...they are sweet.

I've a SoundBlaster Platinum 5.1 with the Live Drive....The remote is sure nice to have when we're watching DVDs on the big screen!

[BigBlue66]

Ah yes, the Live 5.1. Very good card. I just recently ordered one w/o the Live Drive for a build for my youngest son. I got curious and slapped it in my backup machine at work. Extremely impressed, I was.

So then I took it home and believe it or not, I swapped it in place of my Santa Cruz, just to see how it does in games. I'm running the VIA chipset and have noticed an odd pop and crackle here and there in games. MP3s sound good but I don't think they sound as good as the TB. The Live has a decent EQ coupled with a multitude of EAX settings which really help, but I like the EQ on the Santa Cruz better.

This weekend, I'm planning on re-installing the TBSC, as I listen to music more than I play games. Then, I'll swap the 5.1 in to my work backup machine and use the PCI512 that's in there now for the kid's rig.

Luckily I have a private office but I still can't take advantage of a good sound system unless it's after hours. I sometimes work a bit on the weekend, so it's nice to crank the tunes when I'm here.

[Whyzman]

I actually have a TBSC new in box that I haven't cracked open except to read the manual. I purchased following the raves you and iisbob were giving it...and CompUSA had them with a $20.00 rebate. I had it since this summer and am going to put it into the kids' machine.

I'm hooked on the volume control for the Live Drive...we'll, it's not actually me it's my Sweetie who loves it! It seems as though the DVDs are very similar to the sound in the theatres...as they step it up for the engine roars etc. I don't have to worry though, because my Sweetie is quick on the draw and keeps the sound balanced. :p

I've "come a long way baby," as the saying goes...Yes, I actually hand my wife the remote!

I just picked up another 21" monitor for their box...the only way I can get them off mine. Now, before you call me "that name" again...hehe...I found a Lease Back company through eBay that are located in the southern part of Minneapolis. The monitors (Hitachi RastorOps .22) are used but for $145.00 I find it hard to pass them up. They bench test them while I'm there for burns and I get my pick of the cases...no shipping. Pretty sweet deal!

So, soon they'll have their own...with the TBSC...kids these days, where were all the cool toys like this when we were growing up? :D Although, I vividly remember getting a Paladin gun set for Christmas...way cool!! :cool:

[BigBlue66]

Originally posted by Whyzman
[BAlthough, I vividly remember getting a Paladin gun set for Christmas...way cool!! :cool: [/B]

Yeah, I always wanted a rifle like the Rifleman used, but never got it. :(

Does that leaseback company have their own website?

I highly recommend that you try out the TBSC, just for the sake of curiosity. You will be pleasantly surprised, although I can't say that I've ever listened to the Platinum Live. So maybe you have a more robust card in that than the TB.

At any rate, I hope you don't pair that TBSC up to a very good set of speakers for the kids, or you'll be telling them repeatedly to turn it down. :D

[Whyzman]

I'm with you there BB, at the advice of malcore we purchased him wireless Sennheiser headphones for his birthday. He's in his glory!! :)

AztekSales (http://www.azteksales.com/~azteksal/cgi-bin/cart.cgi/index.html). My contact there is Dave@AztekSales.com If you want to have him look for something specifically, you have but to ask. His eBay listings go under wildinmn.

I should mention, that the 21" I most recently purchased for $145.00, that the case was not pristine cosmetically...a bit yellowed. Which, for the price, I didn't care in the least.

I can't guarantee, but if it works in my schedule and you're interested in something like a monitor, and cosmetics is of high import, PM me and let me know. If I can pull it off I'd stop by and personally inspect...no guarantees though. Dave is a "righteous dude" and will make sure you get what you're looking for!

[BigBlue66]

Whyzman, you have PM.