Anyone ever purchased through "pcusa.com" before?

[BusterCiv]

I'm using a borrowed computer. I want to buy a new one. I've been in the Army the past 4 years. Things have changed alot. Well I have some money to spend and have been doing a bit of research. I'm thinking of buying the following. Any ideas or help?

P4 2.4 Mhz
Asus P4T533-C 533Fsb/Rambus w/audio
2X 256MB Rambus 800Mhz
IBM 80GB 7200 ATA 100
128 MB GF4 4200

What is 800Mhz ECC and should I spend a bit more for 1066?
I'm probably trying to over do it, but it's not really that expensive.
Any help would be great!


Thanx

[rond36]

What is 800Mhz ECC and should I spend a bit more for 1066?

ECC is error-correcting code (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/ECC_memory.html) and is not needed for home PCs.

I would spend a bit more for PC1066 RDRAM Asus recomends it for that motherboard

If you are going to buy 1066MHz RIMM read the Warning on the spec sheet for the Asus P4T533-C
Note: * Use only the tested and qualified 16-bit 1066MHz RIMM listed below.
Other RIMM manufactured by other vendors may not be suitable for this motherboard.

[Budfred]

To check out pcusa.com go here:

http://www.resellerratings.com/

Budfred

[BusterCiv]

Well I called Pcusa after seeing many negative comments. I spoke with Pete the only tech. He was a "prick" like everyone said he was. So I guess I'll have to find someone else to buy form. Thankyou for your help and advice.

[Whyzman]

There seems to be a general agreement here that one of the best etailers out there is NewEgg (http://www.newegg.com).

Others will follow I'm sure with their recommendations...

What are you planning on using the computer for, gaming, word processing...????

[BusterCiv]

Well I'm going to school for drafting! So I'll be using it for CAD, gaming and internet.

[yawningdog]

I would have to say that going with Rambus Ram is a mistake. Unless I'm mistaken, they don't make it anymore. DDR memory is probably the better choice.

While we're at it, I prefer AMD processors to Intel stuff, and I think you'll find that to be true among geeks like me as well.

[Budfred]

RDRam is still being made and some articles claim it may be making a comeback, some say the opposite however.

Budfred

[saphalline]

some articles claim (RDRAM) may be making a comeback, some say the opposite however.
Well, if you look at Intel's CPU/chipset roadmap, there isn't an RDRAM-based chipset in the next year besides the 850e. Intel is apparently jumping on the dual-DDR bandwagon, but I do suspect Intel will make at least one more RDRAM chipset...

On that note - hey BusterCiv! How much longer can you wait? About another 2 or 3 months and Intel will have made a dual-DDR chipset for the P4. That means that the DDR RAM sticks will need to be installed in pairs, just like RDRAM, except that DDR is cheaper! ;) We're also about 2 months away from NVidia's new graphics card, and when that happens, all GF4's will drop in price big time!

If you can't wait that long, I understand, but the end of the year is always a time for big changes in the computer market. Summer is the other big change time of year.

[malcore]

About another 2 or 3 months and Intel will have made a dual-DDR chipset for the P4

Intel has already made this chipset, the E7205. Asus (P4G8X) and Gigabyte (GA-8INXP) both have boards with this chipset. I just recently purchased the Asus board and let me tell ya, it's a BEAUTY!!

I have two screaming systems going now, one AMD and one Intel, both on Dual DDR platforms. Even if you overclock moderately, Dual DDR really shines and may well leave Rambus in the dust, unless they come out with PC1600 when Intel introduces their Springdale chipsets with 800 MHz front side bus!!

But we already have DDR 400.The future looks promising for DDR. And what about DDR2???

[saphalline]

Hmm... I must be a bit behind on my "Intel lore". :p Or maybe I was thinking of Springdale...

Ah, whatever, thanx for the update malcore.

[Budfred]

If you are willing to wait a few more months, there is also an AMD to consider. AMD is planning to release their 64bit chips starting next year. For CAD work, this will probably be the way to go, although they won't have the software for it right away. But then again, if you are willing to wait a little while, there are always faster and more powerful things coming.

Budfred

[BusterCiv]

Well thanx for the info. I'll have to do a little more research. I do plan on waiting until mid january atleast. Maybe a bit longer. I'll have to look into the new Asus and Gigabyte boards that were mentioned. You guys don't understand how slow the borrowed computer is though. Really pissn' me off. Where do all of you do your research on new and upcoming computer equipment? I'd love to know. Thanx again!

[BusterCiv]

One more thing Malcore. Where did you find that Asus board for sale? I'd like to get a look at it.

[yawningdog]

Where do all of you do your research on new and upcoming computer equipment?

This is it!:D Oh, and google too.

[Budfred]

I get email newsletters from www.pcworld.com , but they tend to focus on complete systems rather than things like motherboards. They do have articles about what is happening for trends, like the Rambus controversy. There are a number of other good sources of more detailed info, but asking here is usually one of the best options. You can get overwhelmed with info anywhere, but I find it easier to digest in small bits here.

Try:

http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/20021021/index.html

http://www.anandtech.com/

http://www.sharkyextreme.com/

Budfred

[saphalline]

I also use the Anandtech website, along with a few mags. Maximum PC (a bit controversial but it is another angle) and an occasional issue of CPU (Computer Power User). Actually, Max PC recently put out a holiday "How-To" issue that's mostly filled with tons of good info/charts, such as all the AthlonXP model #'s and their real core speed. That alone is worth a dollar or two! ;)

I always go to Newegg to look up the latest available hardware, and I don't doubt that if the new dual-DDR P4 mobo's are out, Newegg has them. Hmmm... I'll go look that up right now...

EDIT - That's funny, Newegg doesn't have them. They did that just to make me look bad! :( :p Ah well, they'll have them eventually...