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READ BEFORE PURCHASE! MOST IMPORTANT THING! These items are based on opinion. They have been checked with some of my friends as well. Before posting, this is checked by AT LEAST one other person. Even though this is the case, WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. Please, before purchase, check for compatibility with your existing parts. I will not be held responsible if you buy something and it does not work with your computer. READ BEFORE PMING If you PM me, I will read your message. If I do not respond, it is because I did not understand you (GRAMMAR) or because I don't think that you are right. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Alright. I noticed that many people always inquire about ram, graphics cards, etc. Below is a list showing three examples of various hardware. It will show recommendations for for cheap, mid-price and expensive hardware. If I find some, I will post links to installation guides. CONTENTS • Motherboards • Graphics cards • Hard drives • RAM • Processors • AMD Processors • Monitors • Installation and relevant links • Software • Photo-Editing • Video Editing • Antivirus • Anti Spyware • Programming Languages • Music Related LEGEND: • Cheap • • Mid-price range • • • Expensive MOTHERBOARDS Motherboards are something like the brain of your computer. All parts are attached to the motherboard. Before purchasing ANYTHING, check for motherboard compatibility. You should not really purchase a new motherboard unless you are building a computer from scratch. • ATI hybrid graphics technology & mainstream DX10 gaming- $80.00 • • Intel BOXDG35EC LGA 775 Intel G35 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard- $95.00 • • • GIGABYTE GA-EP35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard- $140.00 GRAPHICS CARDS A graphic card is component of a computer that improves the visual quality of the machine. The two main types are PCI and PCI-Express. Integrated graphics, is probably the worst type of card. It is integrated into the motherboard and has bad visual quality. It also does not allow for the running of many games (Ex: Magiboni). However, this does not mean you won't be able any games and just because you have non-integrated graphics does not mean you will run all games. All in all, more bitrate means better performance: xxlowongxx said: "A techy person could tell why a video card is worth it or not, a big deal is the bitrate. My video card runs at 128 bits a time, that is 2ce as fast as the external video card that you have listed, and mine is onboard. Lots of people would say, wow onboard video cards suck! But not all onboard video cards these days are 64MB @ 32bit." (Example Why to upgrade: upgrading your graphics card will allow for better quality of picture and might allow for playing more games (assuming your current card is quite bad.) • EVGA: GeForce 7300GS 256MB-$45 • • XFX: 8500GT 256MB-$68 • • • XFX: 8800GTX Extreme 768MB-$390 Chickenz said: "In the graphics card section you should mention that 8600GTS cards and up require a 6-pin connector to supply moar power. :0 ..." Dweomer said: "As a note, when I was buying my laptop last August the sales rep was very, very clear to never buy any graphics card made by Intel." HARD DRIVES Note: Based on size A hard drive is the component of a computer that allows for the storage of files. Without a hard drive you cannot download files and save files. A 250GB hard drive should be enough for a personal use computer. An internal hard drive requires installation to the PC's interior while an exterior can usually be attached through a USB port. Why to upgrade: If you have enough space for your files there is no reason to buy a bigger hard drive. However, if you are running out of space (10GB or less), I recommend deleting useless files, limiting your downloading/file creation or upgrading your hard drive. • Seagate Barracuda 250GB-$65 • • HITACHI 250GB-$95 • • • Maxtor (external) 750GB-$170 RAM RAM generally allows increase in computer performance. RAM stands for Random Access Memory and most games require at least 1GB. If more RAM is obtained, you will be able to run more applications simultaneously without a decrease in computer speed. PCs have four slots for RAM, which comes in the form of a stick link .Each stick can hold 1GB, allowing for a total of 4GB of Random Access Memory. Why to upgrade: upgrading your RAM to at least 2GB may increase your computer's performance a noticeable amount. It should also allow for the running of multiple applications without a decrease in your computer's performance. Just one recommendation: $70 for max ram (4GB) • Very good deal IMO. $60 off--$70 INTEL PROCESSORS NOTE: I don't know too much about these. iMicrosoft said: "And for processor make sure its compatible with your motherboard" A processor (also called a CPU) essentially controls everything your computer does. The higher the GHZ (gigahertz), the faster data is processed, the better the performance. There are three types of processors currently on the market: • Single core • Duo core • Quad core Why to upgrade: Upgrading your processor will increase your computer's performance. Personally, I think that 2GHZ Duo core is enough. N0dleBandit said: "... The application uses all cores to lay out it's work on the 4 cores so there's less stress on 1 core.. You can't just buy any processor without knowing if your motherboard fits the process size like that processor is based on the 45nm process which only work on newer motherboards and only on Socket 775. If you don't know the difference between Core 2 Extreme and Core 2 Quad don't get it. If you don't play hardcore games, overclock, do DivX encodes, Photoshop etc don't get a Quad. And people who play Maple don't need a 8800 or even a dual core since Maple will only be using 1 core of the CPU then." • If your a cheapskate-$60 • Decent, 2.33GHZ DUO-$170 • • Quad core: 2.4GHZ-$244 • • • • Quad: 3.2GHZ-about $1500 AMD PROCESSORS tacocrusher said: "AMD Processors: -Cheap -Used to overheat in the past; newer cpu models come w/ liquid cooling so they stay cool; can't overclock above like 3.5% without a crapload of fan noise -The speed compared to a similar intel one is unnoticable -Use it if you're on a budget -Cheapskate 2.2 GHz one: link (adequate; one core) [$40] -Very good 2.8 GHz one: link (decent; two cores) [$163] -Very good 2.5 GHz one: link (good; four cores) [$235] -t3h uber smecks 3.2 GHz one: link (good; two cores) [163] I basically just copied what you wrote :p" Why to upgrade: Upgrading your processor will increase your computer's performance. Personally, I think that 2GHZ Duo core is enough. MONITORS The monitor is the screen of you computer. Everything that you do on your computer is seen in the monitor. Upgrading this component will result in better visual quality. Or maybe you will just get a bigger screen :D • Acer AL2016WBbd Black 20" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor- $200.00 • • BenQ T241W Black 24" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor with Height and Pivot Adjustments- $340.00 • • • Hanns·G HG-281DPB Black 28" 3ms Widescreen LCD HDMI Monitor- $490.00 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ K. Also, please note: do not buy these right away. Make sure that they are right for you and if your upgrading, that your computer is compatible with them. Any input or recommendations welcome. Also, if I made any mistakes please state them and they will be corrected. MY SHAMEFUL COMPUTER • My 1GB of ram • • Graphics card-XFX: 8500GT 256MB Same as mentioned 'cept 512MB • Can't find my processor. 2.8GHZ Duo • Hard drive 230GB RELEVANT LINKS AND INSTALLATION GUIDES (FROM HERE UNTIL THE BOTTOM) • The Crucial Memory Advisor� tool is a quick, 3-step process to find guaranteed-compatible memory for computers and motherboards. • Breif graphics card installation • Video: How to install a graphics card • Processor installation • Processor video • RAM installation • RAM video • Hard Drive installation • Hard drive vid CHECKING YOUR CURRENT PARTS • Download and install PC Wizard • Or CPU-Z. I think that the prior is better, however. OTHER LINKS • Computer security and resources • MS problems + solutions • Can this PC run MS? • Kid24's tech stuff. • JPNgamer's IRC guide • Look like vista EXPLANATIONS Graphics card: Changes how stuff (videos, pics, GAMES) look on your computer. Some games require an actual graphics card, not integrated. Ram: GENERALLY improves computer speed, and decreases lag, allowing for use of several apps at once without slowing down your PC. Hard Drive: Allows for for storage of files. More space means more things can be saved on your computer. Processor:Essentially controls everything your computer does. More GHZ means it can process data at a quicker pace, increasing performance. WHERE TO BUY COMPUTER PARTS link Newegg link PC world ( recommended by maplesoul2) link Tiger direct (recommended by lilvboy) link (recommended by lonesoldier1 for Canadians) CHEAP COMPUTER tacocrusher said: "MB (Gigabit lan, sound, video [dx10]): link (I got it on a sale before; now $70) Processor (2 cores, 2.8GHz, 2MB Cache): link ($122) HDD (160gb, 7200rpm): link ($45) Power (Atx, 480w): link ($13) Case: link ($24) Edited: Forgot to put cd/os CD (sata, cdrom): link ($14) OS (XP Pro OEM): link ($140) Total: $427... you might want to upgrade the hard disk and cd drives This is all from one site, but you can probably get it cheaper if you search multiple sites. And this is pretty good if you have a tight budget ($427)." EDIT: Many thanks for the sticky mrbasil  Last edit: July 4th 2008 at 18:11BT: Monitors I will allow the distribution of this thread as long as credit is given. SOFTWARE GUIDE Section created: August 7th, 2008: 19.26 BT I have noticed that since my time on Basil there were threads concerning things such as antivirus, photo-editing and other software. This guide will list some software useful in many fields. I will rate this as follows: • Simplest uses • • Intermediate • • • (Semi) Professional *My choice CONTENTS • Photo-Editing • Video Editing • Antivirus • Anti Spyware • Programming Languages • Music Related Photo-Editing Software This is probably the most questioned type of software. What is it? It allows for the manipulation of pictures; you can colour, draw, and combine pictures to look realistic. This software can be used in things such as comic making. • MS Paint Microsoft Paint should come pre-installed on Windows machines. If you do not have it you should look around. I was unable to find a reliable link for this software. This software is the simplest photo editing program. It does not have many professional uses but can be used for things such as comics. It contains simple functions such as filling in areas, making shapes, and drawing. A Screenshot of the MSPaint interface • • PaintNET This software is similar to Photoshop. It allows for a semi-professional manipulation of pictures and has more advanced features such as layers and layer effects. Interface: link • • • Photoshop: Link to trial; Cost: $649.00* A very good program used even by professionals. It is very expensive so you shouldn't get it unless you need or unless you can find it cheaper (ie, older versions or eBay.) This program allows for extremely good photo editing as mentioned and can even be used to create pictures that look real but are not. Features include the basic stuff (pencil, brush, etc) but also advanced use of layers and layer effects. Interface Other related applications: Maplesim : Banned Story for creating comic characters Apophysis Allows for creation of interesting and often abstract images Terragen 2 : A scenery creator. Not free. Video Editing Video editing software allows for the manipulation of videos. You can combine video clips, make cartoons (if you're really good) and add effects to movies (black and white, fast forward). I personally do not do much video editing. • Windows Movie Maker* A simple editor that allows for combination of clips and some video effects. Audio is also supported. Screen: link • • • A variety of products with different prices. Choose what suits you A more advanced editing software. I never personally used it but it is recommended by many. Screen: link • heyitsmexD: You could add DivX Author to video editing. link[/quote] Antivirus Antivirus offers protection against harmful programs. More than one can mess up your machine. If anti-spyware is not included, please refer to the next section. • Avast! Home edition. Free for non-commercial uses Wikipedia said: " * Standard Shield — Real-time protection * Anti-rootkit — Built-in protection * Anti-spyware — Built-in protection * IM shield — Instant Messenger protection * P2P shield — P2P protection * Internet Mail — E-mail protection * Outlook/Exchange — Microsoft Outlook/Exchange protection * Web Shield — HTTP protection (localtransparent proxy) * Script blocker — script checker (Pro version only) * Network Shield — basic protection against well-known network worms. Acts as a lightweight Intrusion Detection System * Audible alarms — vocal warnings such as "Caution, a virus has been detected!" * Boot-time scan — through the program interface, a user can schedule a boot-time scan to remove viruses that load during Windows startup and are therefore difficult to remove. A very important feature especially for viruses written to shut-down the virus protection as soon as Windows starts. * Self-Protection — Prevents malware from terminating Avast! processes and damaging Avast! files. * Skinnable — Program is skinnable GUI. * Virus definition updates — Avast updates its virus definitions on a regular basis (sometimes multiple times a day), and this process is automated by default. * The virus chest is quarantine folder where "infected files" can be stored. The chest causes the files' usage to be disabled and is meant to prevent them from causing any harm. The virus chest also stores vital system files to prevent them from virus damage. They still can be run, but the access to the file by any source or other program is blocked until it is removed from the chest. Registration (Home Edition) Avast! needs to be registered after the first 60 days of use. After registering, a license key is e-mailed and can be used for only one year. After one year, the user is required to re-register. Despite registration, the program is still free for home use." • AVG Free Edition Wikipedia said: "Less protection - AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0 provides only base level protection against viruses, spyware and safe searching. It does not provide safe surfing (drive-by download protection) nor protection from hackers, keyloggers, spam, phishing attacks and malicious file downloads that can come through instant messaging and attachments from seemingly friendly sources. This protection is only available in the commercial versions of AVG products." • Bitdeffender trial download. Choose the one most beneficial to you.* Product features/comparisons Antivirus list and comparisons Anti-Spyware This software protects against malicious software that is used to steal personal information (keyloggers, etc.) Having multiple anti spyware will not mess up your computer. This software can be used if you want to feel safer or if your antivirus lacks it. NOTE: I do not use anti spyware • Ad Aware; Free + paid versions. Recommended by many • Spyware Doctor • Drive Sentry Wikipedia said: "# PC Tools's Spyware Doctor ( one free edition doesn't remove anything but protects, the other free edition removes but protects partially and uses a limited database) # DriveSentry (free version (3.1) will remove spyware)" Wikipedia said: "...real-time protection and anti-virus protection are not included with this version. Real-time protection and other advanced features are available in the paid versions of Ad-Aware 2008." PC MAG: Antivrus/Spyware Reviews For Building Programs This software is used for the creation of Windows programs. I will post guides later on. Windows/Microsoft Programming languages: link • Visual Basic 2008 Productivity that is ideal for first time or casual Windows programming. • Visual C# A great combination of power and productivity for the Windows developer. • Visual C++ Horsepower with a finer degree of control than other Express Editions. Music Management WILL WRITE TOMORROW. IT'S LATE TODAY. ALSO WILL ADD INTERNAL LINKS All input/comments will be considered/appreciated. ultracheese said: "You should add a link to the Free Software Directory up there. It has a lot of great alternatives to the software you listed and they're all free and open source. Some of them don't have Windows versions though." Last edit: August 8th, 2008: 19.34BT; Software 
Replies
CPU section seems a little weak... higher clock (ghz) doesnt necessarily mean faster speed... for example pentium 4s can be clocked very high but the "slower" core 2 duos easily outperform a 3.8GHz pentium 4....
No it doesn't and the clock wars proves that, with AMD's Semprons @ 2 Ghz literally raping Pentiums clocked twice as fast. And having Quad Core doesn't mean you're the best- not many apps utilise dual cores (Maple), let alone quad. And for the GPU, anything which scores a 3DMark06 score of 1000 can run maple maxed (no joke). well, at least my 8400M GS can run Maple at a constant 66fps on full screen.....(that's 1500 marks if you care). Our eyes can only see 60 fps, so anything over is a waste anyway...
YENNOX said: "No it doesn't and the clock wars proves that, with AMD's Semprons @ 2 Ghz literally raping Pentiums clocked twice as fast. And having Quad Core doesn't mean you're the best- not many apps utilise dual cores (Maple), let alone quad. And for the GPU, anything which scores a 3DMark06 score of 1000 can run maple maxed (no joke). well, at least my 8400M GS can run Maple at a constant 66fps on full screen.....(that's 1500 marks if you care). Our eyes can only see 60 fps, so anything over is a waste anyway..." The number of processors in parallel processing does not matter as most programs written to support them split up work dynamically, the biggest advantage with having a multi core processor for most users is that it is way better with multitasking than hyper-threading processors are (of course, depending on the operating system). And now adays there are NO home computers that do only ONE thing (at least not under Windows). And the Sempron beating a Pentium remark just makes me giggle. Anyone who has been paying any attention will agree that AMD has been half a step behind Intel for the past year, if not more. Comparing them is just silly anyways, as they are two completely different architectures. It is like comparing apples and bananas. They both have their strong and weak points, but a Pentium is without doubt a stronger processor than a Sempron. Not that this always is a good thing of course, depends on the use. Why have a super computer when all you do with it is playing patience and surf the net? (Unless you're using Vista ofcourse. ;P) For GPU benchmarking, 3DMark is garbage in my opinion, as is any sort of benchmarking. Benchmarks are like statistics, easily manipulated and does not show the full picture. (unless you're ONLY going to use your processor to do floating point operations...) The only thing benchmarking is good for in my opinion is for stress testing and tweaking setups, in which case; there are far better ways of doing it. Using a G8 to run maple seems to me to be a bit of an overkill, if you cannot run a game like maple with more than 66fps, then maybe maple was not made to be run with a higher frame rate (that or your setup sucks). And the comment about not needing a frame rate over 60Hz makes no sense to me, how your eyes absorbs light and how the monitor emits it are two totally different things. I can clearly see a difference between 75Hz and 60Hz on a high end LCD monitor, if you can't; try it on an old CRT screen, your eyes will itch after half an hour on 60Hz... EDIT: HeyDude1 said: " What do you need to build a computer from scratch? ram processor graphics card Frame hard drive Mother board (somebody explain this to me please.) and also, how do you know if the items are all compatible with one another?" This depends on what you are going to use it for. Though the usual setup is: RAM (DDR2 or DDR3 are the currently most used standards) Processor (AM2 (for AMD) or 775/T (for Intel) are the currently most used standards) Graphics card (if not integrated on the motherboard) (PCI-E is the current most used standard) Protective Case (ATX is the current most used standard) Monitor + mouse + keyboard + other I/O devs of choice Hard Disk (and controller if not integrated) (SATA is the current most used standard) Network Card (if not integrated on MB) (PCI is the current most used standard) And ofcourse a motherboard, as it is where all the components are usually connected together (++). The compatibility thing is all about interface standards. Usually you get a motherboard first, then add compatible devices to it. If you know you want a SATA drive, get a motherboard with SATA controller. If you know you want a PCI-E graphic card, get a motherboard with a PCI-E expansion bus. To put it simply, just make sure everything works with the motherboard. If you have a USB mouse, make sure your board has an USB port. :P HeyDude1 said: "What do you need to build a computer from scratch? ram processor graphics card Frame hard drive Mother board (somebody explain this to me please.) and also, how do you know if the items are all compatible with one another?" RAM HDD MOBO GPU (if not onboard) CASE PSU CPU OS DVD ROM KNOWLEDGE To check compatibility, do some research on every component and how they connect. Example: If you choose a HDD with an IDE connector, a MOBO with an IDE slot would come in handy... Another example: Different MOBO's support different types of RAM and clock rates.. and so on link
I was referring to the "Clock speed wars", where multi-core CPUs weren't introduced. AMD Semprons were outperforming Pentium 4s clocked at almost twice the speed. Of course, Intel has been ahead since the release of the core 2 duo line. Even in quad core technology, the AMD barcelonas failed completely, not to mention the fact are still on the 65nm manufacturing process. The 45nm by Intel has basically put them a whole generation ahead of AMD. With the GPU market being dominated by nVidia, the future doesn't look too good for AMD.
my computer screen went out i just think its a fuse in the light but they say its my graphic card blew out because of maple and it was like a brand new comp. a DELL inpiron 1501 they say to fix it its 800 dollars!
Your warranty covers that, don't listen to the 800 dollar bull.
K. Sorry for lack of updates. Motherboards added. Monitors added. Will add keyboards, mice, other tomorrow or in a month. Maybe sooner.
I think you should redo the Motherboard examples.
80-cheap 140-regular/mid 300-Expensive.... lots of things are like that, The cheap one being like $15 cheaper than the mid-priced, while the Expensive is like double the price of the medium one. ? New Pic: Walk Like an Egyptian
the moniters arent that great.. if youre planning on LCD moniters you should get 2ms or lower..
Now this is just beast. 80 freaking cores. link
Wow, you suck at offering products. Other than that it's fine. If some people installed 4gigs of RAM the PC couldn't detect it all.
Can I buy a zakum helm and make it though the run with out lagging much with 1Gig of RAM?
I'm thinking of building a computer sometime, and should I use DDR3 RAM or DDR2?
DDR3 is fast, but not entirely necessary, as most don't utilize the speed. I personally would rather invest in (in order of importance)
GPU CPU HDD RAM Register / login
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