Heading to Fry's this weekend; need advice

[mikeb]

I'm planning on upgrading an old computer i've got.

I want to reuse the existing video card, floppy drive, cd-rom drive, and most of the existing cards.

I plan to buy a case, mobo, processor, memory, and a replacement sound card & modem (old ones are ISA).

Main use is web surfing, some programming (visual studio type), and general entertainment & kid's game playing.

I have not kept up with the intel/amd situation in awhile. It does look like from some casual research that intel is "ahead" at the moment.

So, would you go with intel or amd? What's the sweet spot right now for price/performance? What kind of memory is required now?
I figure i'll load up 512mb.

Thanks - Mike

Edit: I've also heard that windows 98 has a glitch where it'll halt if the processor is > 2.1ghz. Anyone running windows 98 on a fast box? This PC is windows 98 and for a variety of reasons has to remain windows 98 for another year or so.

[superlopez]

Look on the back of the buss. section of Sundays paper for the best deals.

I vote P4

[Hunt4m3x]

Don't let the sales people talk you into shit. Most of them up there are just trying to get a sell. If you ask for like the $60 512 stick of memory, they are like OMFG YOU NEED TEH MUSKIN EXTREME BLAH.

Its best to get the sells they have on back on the paper.

I would try to stay away from their "mail in rebate" bullshit.

My vote is for AMD.

[trey85stang]

Originally posted by mikeb
Edit: I've also heard that windows 98 has a glitch where it'll halt if the processor is > 2.1ghz. Anyone running windows 98 on a fast box? This PC is windows 98 and for a variety of reasons has to remain windows 98 for another year or so.

There is a fix on M$'s Website, I think it is only Win95 that suffers the problem.

It will boot into safe mode only; if it is going to suffer from the problem.

[1994SilverGT]

get an intel. and i agree with him, at fry's they seem to be just looking for the sale. its pretty damn annoying

[mikeb]

Fry's must have changed. Usually you can't find an employee to ask a question.

I'll watch out for the upselling.

[TexasDevilDog]

I'll make a vote for AMD. My last couple computers have been AMD. I am currently using a 2700+ T-Bred chip (2.128Ghz Core, 233Mhz FSB). Don't listen to the Mhz argument, it is similar to someone saying my engine is better because it turns more RPMS.

[RiSk]

If on a budget go with a AMD, if not go with a p4 with 533 or 800 fsb,

Oh and you have to watch out cuz p4s run SO MUCH HOTTER then an AMD ;) ;)

[Roliath]

Originally posted by Hunt4m3x
My vote is for AMD.

[TexasDevilDog]

If you can wait why not shop online. Check out www.pricewatch.com
Is a P4 3.0Ghz faster than a AMD 3000+. Sometimes slightly, but not twice as fast. Save your money. edit: this is a picture of the CPU + MOBO combos.

[RiSk]

is that Ht or there extreme one?

[TexasDevilDog]

Originally posted by RiSk
is that Ht or there extreme one?

The P4 circled would not be the EE because that was in a 3.2Ghz chip, but who the f* can find one. The AMD64 3000 circled would blow the P4 3.0Ghz.

I don't know if it is HT, this is the site that advertised the price for the P4 3.0Ghz.

[TexasDevilDog]

Here is the cheapest 3.2Ghz EE and mobo. :eek: And this thing barely beats the AMD64 3200, but won't beat the AMD64 3400.

[TexasDevilDog]

Granted I'm over clocking my AMD 2700+ (stock: 2.128Ghz, 133 *16) (modified: 2.38Ghz, 140 *17). Mine benches well.

[Jedi]

Fry's right now has two smoking deals for a basic system:

$500 : http://shop4.outpost.com/product/3921718/

or what might be best for you:

$200 : http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4010602

Either one of these configs would get you out at or cheaper than your original path.

[mikeb]

Unfortunately, I can't wait :(

The antivirus expired on it last week and I loaded norton 2004 internet security. The machine went from being dog slow to unusable. I've been told that it WILL be fixed this weekend :) I'll probably head over to fry's friday to beat the weekend rush.

So the 800mhz front side bus is what I want for a P4? What's the scoop on memory? Last I looked at memory it was amd/ddr vs. P4/rdram if that tells you anything. Do you still have to pay attention to memory speed (ie: 2/3 CAS)?

[ThreeFingerPete]

with an 800 fsb p4, you will want pc3200, which is actually 400mhz ram. as far as the latency, i would use cas 2/2.5 if you can afford it, but 3 will work.

[Ktulu]

here is some advice fry's sucks

for all your computer needs www.newegg.com

[chambers]

Originally posted by Ktulu
here is some advice fry's sucks

for all your computer needs www.newegg.com

Another vote for newegg. Their service rocks, shipping is FAST. I can't say enough good things about them.

FSCK Frys

[TexasDevilDog]

Originally posted by Ktulu
here is some advice fry's sucks

for all your computer needs www.newegg.com

I vote for newegg.com, unless you are just an impulse buying and can't wait a couple days or you'll explode. :D

[mikeb]

Thanks guys. I agree fry's sucks but I figure I can find a suitable mobo and processor for what I need since I procrastinated too long to mail order. The last AMD t-bird system I put together from there has worked flawlessly.

[I Stang U]

unload that norton security crap it will bog down the best of machines and load this..

http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php


I bet it will speed right back up...

[Boss Hogg]

On the sale items in the paper, get there before they open. They usually have a 25 unit limit.

I bought an AMD 2400 w/ MB for $59 and 512MB of memory for $69 last week from Frys. But the CPU fan cost me $11. :(

I bought a ATI Radeon 9700TX for $130 on ebay so I'm set for gaming.

My old PC will be for the daughter to play on. A 5 year old can do some damage. :mad:

[Poisond281]

I HATE Fry's.

[ky98gst]

I'm a Fry's salesman.. except in the computer department :p

[mikeb]

Went to the new fry's in plano. Very posh, very nice. Employees everywhere wanting to help. Much different than the garland store. They even have a little restaurant right in the middle of it.

Picked up an athlon 64 3400, asus k8v, and 512 mb ddr400 along with some other odds and ends and a new quiet atx case.

The athlon 64 flat rocks :D

There is an athlon 64 fx which isn't the same as the desktop athlon 64 (socket 940 instead of socket 754) so if you decide to go this way pick up the correct motherboard. The salesman handed me the wrong motherboard so i had to swap it out. Also, the amd cpu cooler is just weird how it attaches.

It's amazing how fast seti units get done now :)

[TexasDevilDog]

Originally posted by mikeb
Picked up an athlon 64 3400, asus k8v, and 512 mb ddr400 along with some other odds and ends and a new quiet atx case.

The athlon 64 flat rocks :D

:( I want a new computer, I am going to wait for the Newcastle processor on the 939 socket mobo. Later this year.

[DarkWolf]

Originally posted by Ktulu
here is some advice fry's sucks

for all your computer needs www.newegg.com

Make it another vote for NewEgg. They fuck'n rock.