New system question

[drdan]

I have a new question about a different system. As I posted on my other recent thread I am looking for another computer to be our main data entry and billing computer. I finally got my head out (of my nether regions) to where I could see light and thought to check Medisoft's hardware recommendations. Their min was pentium 200mhz and 32mb ram. Their recommended was pentium 500mhz+ and 128mb+. For multiuser(networked) 256mb+ of RAM. We may eventually network our two main computers, especially since we are going to be on a wireless DSL system which also apparently networks us as well (not real clear on that yet). I can't even find a referrence to AMD, athlon or duron when I do a search of their (medisoft's) tech database. So, I think I need to go with pentium on this. I'm looking at different systems of pentium III 700-1000mhz. I need to know any info on how to research compatibilty of different components. Espescially if I'm bidding on a cheaper ebay system, what do I watch out for. Again, integrated sound and video is fine but the system needs to be stable. Are there brands of motherboards for pentium III that should be avoided or other things that should raise alarms when I see them. The windows hardware compatibility list I already have from the other thread(thank you). Speed, enough memory and stability are what I'm after but cheaply. 10GB HD is probably more than enough but as little difference as it makes in price 20 or 30GB is fine. I don't really mind adding some extra memory after I buy it as cheap and easy as that is. So, Pentium III, 700-1000mhz, 10-30GB, 64-256mb, CD ROM, Floppy, LAN, 56k modem - what should I look for. Again trying to stay under $450. I can do that easily on ebay but seemingly identical systems go for $700-$900. What's the "catch" with these cheaper systems. Sorry for the long question, it looks like brevity has eluded me tonight.

I read a lot about the PC Chips M810LMR on the PC Chips lottery after doing a google search. Looks like I'll likely be all right as you guys said. I'm glad now that I had the guys building it do the upgrades and install my OS. If there are bugs, hopefully they will work them out before it ships. Apparently if you get a "good" one to begin with they usually work pretty well. There were some posts by people using that board with Win 2000 that were quite pleased.

[hiredgoonz]

What you usually get with the cheaper systems: integrated components like sound and video, less RAM slots, a smaller (less expandable) case, a smaller power supply, slower, smaller hard drive...

I wouldn't shy away from AMD if cost is a factor...the compatibility issues you may have heard about were with the first few chipsets for the Athlon...they are not an issue now...anything that is Pentium compatible is Athlon/Duron compatible...

The probable reason they list Pentiums is that it's easier than listing both and pretty much everyone knows the Pentium name...

If you're looking for stability, I would definitely go with Windows 2000 and at least 256mb of RAM (my memory usage is 150mb right now with IE, OE and a few other things running) Since you're going to be using this in a business environment, I wouldn't waste time with 98/ME...

I really can't say enough good things about Windows 2000...as long as it is well fed (3 to 4 times the M$ requirements) it will sing...

Tyan generally makes very good mobos and they are available with integrated components which will cut costs...Asus and Abit are also good names...

As far as a modem goes, make sure you get a hardware modem, not a winmodem or AMR modem, don't get an ISA network card, definitely go for a 7200rpm hard drive...

And in all seriousness, Aware defintely has some good references for where to buy...I would look for him to post...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[drdan]

...as long as it is well fed (3 to 4 times the M$ requirements)

Do you mean 3-4 times the amount of RAM? It looks like I can get a system for $100-300 less on ebay if I do some watching for deals. I think I run the risk of delays, poor service and less commitment to service even if there is a warranty. I may be able to live with that risk. Are there other reasons not to go through ebay?

[This message has been edited by drdan (edited 06-25-2001).]

[AwARe]

Hi There drdan,

1st have to say "I have to move this week hehe so Im a bit busy"

Last week I saw a few systems that had ASUS MotherBoards that werent too bad in the price range.......I was looking for them this morning but I need to go to work......

One mistake I made before was that In the beginning I didnt think about the fact that you want the system to be already assembled....so $450 is going to be hard and still get a good MotherBoard etc........"Not too hard with a cheap MotherBoard or if you assemble it yourself".....with a good MotherBoard looks like its hard to stay under $500..........If you see something on ebay, chances are you can get the same "identical thing for less" if you look around for it, but like goonz said the cheap systems dont really have all that great MotherBoards etc.......

Since youre getting it already assembled, you can figure in about $20 or so more for each component, and in the end that works out to about $100 more total cost (on some sites you can find it where it appears they are assembling it for free, thats usually where the deals are). The other problem is, its very hard to find "all" the good components at the same place at the best price. So preassembled you're stuck with whatever they have available at that particular place.

Its a shame I cant talk you into installing a Hard Drive yourself hehe, I saw one this morning pretty good system for about $375 but then you need to get a hard drive (for about $100) and then install it yourself....(They didnt offer a Hard Drive or preinstalled OS, maybe if you called them on the phone you could get it, but I dont really know, didnt have time to check all that out) ...........

Ill look some more tonight and see whats around......, but I have to work until 4, after that I need to find a rental truck, install brakes on my g\f's car (which involves finding and buying a new rotor) I have a meeting at 4PM to sign some papers, and I need to pack up a bunch of stuff thats in my closet and go through a pile of computer components and throw out whats not worth moving to the new house...........so as you can see Im not sure how much time Im going to have heh http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

A good place to start is to go to www.pricewatch.com, (http://www.pricewatch.com,) then search for systems "sometimes better luck just searching MotherBoards", go to the "vendors web sites" and see what they have available thats "not listed on pricewatch".........in other words just use pricewatch as kind of a search engine to find verdors where you can buy. The best prices arent always listed on pricewatch, the best prices and deals you will find on the web sites that pricewatch links to alot of times (If you understand what Im saying).............(Go to pricewatch 1st, and then dig deeper deeper deeper and you will eventually arrive at the best prices)

Anyways I need to get started on this day ahead of me here cause it looks like its going to be a long one..........

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What I meant by what I said is hopefully less confusing then the contemplation of the question that led to the confusion in the 1st place.......

[hiredgoonz]

The minimum requirement is 64mb...that's a joke (the OS uses more than that just to load), I wouldn't even attempt to run at less than 128mb and would recommend at least 256mb...

I don't use ebay very often, but my dad swears by it...so I guess it all depends on what you're comfortable with...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[AwARe]

Couple things I thought of while I was in the shower......(ya I know thats not a pretty thought eh? heh)

anyways........most of these systems are going to have low quality over priced Ram in them, you'd be much better off getting something with little/no Ram in it and then adding it yourself.........

2nd. once you get a system together 2 things you should do......1st get the MotherBoard specs and then do a www.Google.com (http://www.Google.com) search on that particular MotherBoard. This usually turns up some more sites where you can get the same system for less with a little bit of searching (as well as any potential problems with this board "you may find people complaining and whining this board is a pain in the butt etc..). 2nd "before" you buy it I highly recommend posting "all" the specs on here and getting some feedback etc........

Well gotta run............

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What I meant by what I said is hopefully less confusing then the contemplation of the question that led to the confusion in the 1st place.......

[This message has been edited by AwARe (edited 06-25-2001).]