Is it worth it?

[Aj]

I'm thinking of getting this http://www.atd-inc.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Sys-AMD%20XP%20Black%20Hawk%20Series is it worth the $$$$? Only thing is I would replace the card with a GeForce4 Ti 4200.

[kfh]

Hi Aj,
Looks ok as you say change vid card.
Cpu and Mem alone would cost us $300 here. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
kfh.


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Sequitur Patrem Non Passibus Aequis

[john5211]

Hey Aj,

If you are willing to build your own, it is probably not worth it.

Just looking around at a hardware site I sometimes shop at (Multiwave Direct at www.mwave.com (http://www.mwave.com) ), it took me about 10 minutes to assemble a similar system (the stuff I picked had a GeForce 4 Ti 4400, a DVD Rom, and XP Pro; everything else was the same). The cost was only ~ $1150 (not including shipping); so you can find a better deal if you put it together yourself. Plus, for an extra $10, they will assemble and test the "bare bones" (MB, processor/heat sink, memory, and floppy into the case).

Also, note that with premade computers, you usually get the minimum spec hardware (5400 RPM HD's, generic RAM, ect.). The one you were looking at almost certainly had the LAN and Sound built into the MB (not nec. bad, just something to keep in mind). Finally, notice they are NOT selling you a flat panel LCD monitor; rather they are selling a "flat, square" CRT (with the speakers integrated into the monitor).

Really, I think you could probably find a better deal even if you don't build one yourself.

John

[Aj]

Thanks for the replies guys. John, I've never built a computer before. I would if I knew how....How long would it take me to build a computer similar to that one?

[kfh]

Hi Aj,
It dose'nt take long if you got all the bits to hand.
You'd do it say a day or two.
This is my first build you can't beat it.
Just do your home work read as much as you can, and go for it.
The Pro's here will help.
Start here http://www.pcguide.com/buy/req/buyingBuilding-c.html
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
kfh.

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Sequitur Patrem Non Passibus Aequis

[This message has been edited by kfh (edited 05-12-2002).]

[john5211]

Aj,

kfh is correct; once you have all of the components, the actual assembly is not very time consuming.

Most of your time will probably be spent choosing what components you want to put into your system (and finding a cheap/reliable place to buy them from). As far as assembly goes, you can probably put it together in 3-4 hours (going carefuly and reading all the instructions).

If you do decide to build your own system, there are many resources (see kfh's link, eg) on the site, and plenty of people here who will be willing to help you pick components and help you through the assembly process.

John

[Aj]

Wouldn't it be cheaper for me to buy the comp. if it has all the elements that I want that are in that package?

[john5211]

Aj,

You should check out the thread at http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000500.html for a good discussion about the costs of building vs. buying off the shelf. Personally, I think that the more stuff you put into the system (eg bigger drives, more memory, faster processor, etc.) the more likely you are to build a cheaper one yourself.

John

[Aj]

I think for now I'm just going to buy that comp. My next computer I will definently build though http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif Thanks for all your help guys!

[RKBA]

How about this one (http://www.atd-inc.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Sys-AMD%20Xperience%202000%20System%20Special) instead? Same price, more bang for the buck.

-- Ron

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Centerfire (http://home.pacbell.net/rsdotson/) "The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." -- Thomas Jefferson

[Aj]

Thanks a lot ron, I never noticed that.

[Nooyawkah]

Aj:
It's obvious the passion to build a system is not there. If you tried to build one now it would just seem like work. The computers you've mentioned look great. Enjoy whatever you choose.

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They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
---Edgar Allan Poe

[Aj]

Its not that I dont want to build it, its just that with all this stuff it would be about equal or more to build one. I would do if it was during the summer n' stuff but I gotta worry about EOG's and c's.