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New Computer or Upgrade?
My current system has treated me well and if I didn't come across a game I couldn't play I wouldn't consider upgrading just yet. I have Unreal Tournament 3 and realized, after looking at the back of the box, the minimum graphics card is a geforce6. I have a GeForce4 Ti4600 and it works just fine with the games I have.
My system is a P4 2.4GHz, 1 GB Ram (PC 2100). I only have AGP video and all the new cards are PCIe. It seems that even though prices have come down considerably, you're still gonna end up paying around $1500 for a good system. Of course, I could just get a new mobo, cpu, ram and a case, but it seems like it will still be a pretty penny.
Any ideas? New system, upgrade current system, don't play new game? hehe
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
You can upgrade like me:
Pentuium Dual-core e2180
2x A-Data DDR2 PC6400
SAPPHIRE Radeon X1900GT 256MB
MSI P6N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI
All for around $300 off newegg :)
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
I am a big fan of do-it-yourself. It's really the only way to get exactly what you want and need. Right off the top of my head, I can proudly name off every part ID and manufacture that is in my system.
Your system isn't worth upgrading. Maybe you can save some parts, hard drives/optical drives. Maybe even the case a power supply, depending on what they are.
If you can come up with a dollar figure that you have to work with, and a list of parts that can be recycled into a new built we can help you come up with something.
You did say that you are happy with your system's performance but for one game. Progress for the sake of progress isn't a good thing. In months whatever you buy today will be obsolete.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
I know what you mean. I don't even know if I should be buying anything major at this point. Things I would use - dvd drives (new burner), hard drives, floppy drive (hehehe), power supply (I replaced this one). Got the pc in 2002, which in the computer world is ancient. The computer is still good, so I don't want to leave it without a case...I'd have to get a new one. I guess when I get a new one I want it to be a good one that lasts a long time. I definitely can use more speed...I have outgrown the speed of my pc...faster, faster, faster!
Things I'd need - case, power supply, mobo, ram, vid card, hard drive - basically a whole new computer. I could reuse optical drives and the hard disk, but, like I said, I'd like to leave the system in tact to be used. *sigh*
/me wants a new puter
for $1199 @ Dell this is a system I put together
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support (meh - prolly will format and install xp pro)
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs
320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
No Monitor
512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Keyboard
Dell Optical USB Mouse
56K PCI Data Fax Modem
I wish I knew how to look at the speeds of the new processors. Since they are dual core I can't tell how much faster they will be based on seeing the speeds they list.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
/me wants a new puter
for $1199 @ Dell this is a system I put together
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support (meh - prolly will format and install xp pro)
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs
320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
No Monitor
512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Keyboard
Dell Optical USB Mouse
56K PCI Data Fax Modem
I wish I knew how to look at the speeds of the new processors. Since they are dual core I can't tell how much faster they will be based on seeing the speeds they list.
This Dell would kick your P4's ass and not break a sweat.
Figure three years (max) as the service life of a PC- any longer and your epeen shrivels up and falls off.
Girls will laugh.
I'd rethink your plan to reformat to XP.
Dell- along with the rest of the tier 1's- is very into proprietary hardware (especially motherboards) and driver support could be a problem.
Not insurmountable but a pain, possibly.
And remember...you're paying for Vista when you buy it. If you plan on ditching it from the onset, I'd check and see if you can't get XP out of the box.
Besides, that thing should run Vista, no prob.
If it matters, I like the newer Dells a lot.
The build quality seems quite good.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
/me doesn't have a peen to fall off
;)
I really like that build, too. My current comp is a gateway and I looked there, but they cost more $ and give u less. Example: only 2GB ram, 120GB hard drive for a similar price.
Only thing I don't like is they take away the ps2 ports. My mouse and keyboard are usb, but sometimes you need that port. I guess I would use vista for awhile and then if I needed to I could put XP on. You can choose XP, but it costs $ to have that installed instead of vista and I already have a legal copy of XP pro.
When you talk about the driver issues do you mean they only offer drivers for vista now and aren't trying to support XP? In that case one would have to find the drivers on the manufacturer's site?
I have the itch and really want this new puter. Should I wait at all due to new processors or technology being around the corner. I'm not up on what's coming in the hardware world and would hate to have to kick myself for just missing out on something new.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
When you talk about the driver issues do you mean they only offer drivers for vista now and aren't trying to support XP? In that case one would have to find the drivers on the manufacturer's site?
Precisely.
If it's designed to run Vista, they're not going to expend one iota of effort on XP drivers.
That doesn't mean they can't be found and in fact, if Dell offers that PC with XP, they obviously exist.
Whether Dell will make it easy to get them might be another matter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
I have the itch and really want this new puter. Should I wait at all due to new processors or technology being around the corner. .
There is always something new "right around the corner".
Just buy what you want when you want it and deal with the fact that you're already obsolete.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
just asking here...
why don't u build it urself? u could build a better system urself and save 5 bills. i'm just saying.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
That's always an option, mr. nails, but requires a lot more work on my end. Researching all the hardware for compatibility and making sure it will all work together. I did it once before, but haven't done it in quite a few years.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
I will suggest u to make your own computer. It's better as it does not have all the crappy software that the comp. companies install beforehand.
It can also save u lot of bucks !!
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Broken
That's a nice collection of parts.
Personally, I'd ditch the quad core and get a dual...unless you're a really heavy gamer, in which case you need the quad AND a second vid card.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Damn while I was out looking up a system for this guy you posted one already!! Damn you Broken!!! Fuck it Im posting mine anyway. I went the Compared to Dell parts route though:
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB) $279.99
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support What!?
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs $76.99 ($36.99 after $40.00 Mail-In Rebate)
320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache $79.99
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability $30.99
No Monitor
512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT $289.99
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OK so you will need a MoBo I'm gonna suggest this one as Someone suggested it to me and I love it
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard $99.99
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Grand Total $857.94
Im sure you have a Mouse, Keyboard and a monitor, If not you now have $340 to spend on new ones. Now I also figured you could keep you old case but you could surely upgrade it to a new snappy one. I suggest this one the Antec 900 Awesome cooling as it comes with a bunch of fans. Also it's my case :)This is just what I looked up on new egg and I'm sure others can find a better system with more research but I did this make up in 10 min so forgive me all if I made a mistake
The parts I found are as follows
Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
HDD Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB
LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write
EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
Broken's System is better and I believe he suggested the Mobo( which BTW Thanks I love it!! ) but this is what the Dell system parts would cost you but Im sure the GigaByte MoBo is much much better than the crappy dell one you would get.
Also as it turns out I was installing a Black XP on a friends new Vaio Laptop that came with Vista on it. I formatted and installed Vista but I had a HELL of a time trying to find the drivers for it because the SONY support only has drivers for vista because it was shipped that way. There is a volume control on the side of the laptop keyboard that I could not find a driver for even with driver genius.So I imagine they only make the drivers for vist.
Not 100% relevant but I'm just saying be careful when you go from Vista to XP and make sure you can get the drivers for you components if you go the Dell route.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Detale
Damn while I was out looking up a system for this guy you posted one already!! Damn you Broken!!! Fuck it Im posting mine anyway. I went the Compared to Dell parts route though:
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB) $279.99
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support What!?
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs $76.99 ($36.99 after $40.00 Mail-In Rebate)
320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache $79.99
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability $30.99
No Monitor
512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT $289.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
OK so you will need a MoBo I'm gonna suggest this one as Someone suggested it to me and I love it
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard $99.99
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total $857.94
Im sure you have a Mouse, Keyboard and a monitor, If not you now have $340 to spend on new ones. Now I also figured you could keep you old case but you could surely upgrade it to a new snappy one. I suggest this one the Antec 900 Awesome cooling as it comes with a bunch of fans. Also it's my case :)This is just what I looked up on new egg and I'm sure others can find a better system with more research but I did this make up in 10 min so forgive me all if I made a mistake
The parts I found are as follows
Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
HDD Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB
LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write
EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
Broken's System is better and I believe he suggested the Mobo( which BTW Thanks I love it!! ) but this is what the Dell system parts would cost you but Im sure the GigaByte MoBo is much much better than the crappy dell one you would get.
Also as it turns out I was installing a Black XP on a friends new Vaio Laptop that came with Vista on it. I formatted and installed Vista but I had a HELL of a time trying to find the drivers for it because the SONY support only has drivers for vista because it was shipped that way. There is a volume control on the side of the laptop keyboard that I could not find a driver for even with driver genius.So I imagine they only make the drivers for vist.
Not 100% relevant but I'm just saying be careful when you go from Vista to XP and make sure you can get the drivers for you components if you go the Dell route.
wow, that is a detailed list. The parts selected look great and would save me a few hundred bucks. (need to factor in the shipping at newegg) I will prolly get better parts going this route then with dell and may face driver issues also. My brother in law recently got a dell and after major issus with vista put xp on his machine...I think he's got 1 item he couldn't find drivers for.
I can't remember if the cpu comes with the heatsink/fan or if I have to get one of those also.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
I can't remember if the cpu comes with the heatsink/fan or if I have to get one of those also.
As long as you get a "retail" box (opposed to "OEM") you get the heatsink.
Retail is the way to go anyway (even if you don't want the HSF) because the warranty is longer but the cost is typically only a few bucks higher.
Just to save some grief, I'd go with an aftermarket HS from the get-go.
Especially with the 775 socket- which has the world's crankiest heatsink retention- it's much better to install the sink on the motherboard outside of the case- which you're going to do anyway, right?- so you can make sure it's seated properly.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
clocker
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
I can't remember if the cpu comes with the heatsink/fan or if I have to get one of those also.
As long as you get a "retail" box (opposed to "OEM") you get the heatsink.
Retail is the way to go anyway (even if you don't want the HSF) because the warranty is longer but the cost is typically only a few bucks higher.
Just to save some grief, I'd go with an aftermarket HS from the get-go.
Especially with the 775 socket- which has the world's crankiest heatsink retention- it's much better to install the sink on the motherboard outside of the case- which you're going to do anyway, right?- so you can make sure it's seated properly.
Yeah, I believe that's what I did last time. It's easier that way.
Now to decide when to get this thing.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
Now to decide when to get this thing.
Today.
Retailers need your money.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
clocker
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
Now to decide when to get this thing.
Today.
Retailers need your money.
I want to, believe me. I just feel guilty since it was just the holidays and I have plenty of other expenses to worry about.
/me weeps
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
Quote:
Originally Posted by
clocker
Today.
Retailers need your money.
I want to, believe me. I just feel guilty since it was just the holidays and I have plenty of other expenses to worry about.
/me weeps
Screw that...the holidays are all about YOU!
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
I know I will crack soon...I can't stop thinking about it. I've never had a sata drive since I don't have sata support on my mobo. Will the drive come with the drivers I'll need for xp install or will I have to find them and slipstream my xp cd?
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Unless you plan on RAIDing you won't have to do anything special.
SATA drivers are part of the motherboard drivers and most modern chipsets present SATA drives to Windows as though they were IDEs.
In other words...Windows doesn't even know it's dealing with a SATA drive because the motherboard is doing all the work.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
nope. no plans on raiding. It's going to be a pretty simple setup.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
Quote:
Originally Posted by
clocker
Today.
Retailers need your money.
I want to, believe me. I just feel guilty since it was just the holidays and I have plenty of other expenses to worry about.
/me weeps
Believe me I know I have been talking about the new system I am going to build for months now. I lost my job and then the holidays came so I settled for a new MoBO and Hdd....for now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
I know I will crack soon...I can't stop thinking about it. I've never had a sata drive since I don't have sata support on my mobo. Will the drive come with the drivers I'll need for xp install or will I have to find them and slipstream my xp cd?
Drivers will not be a problem as far as the hardware when you build your own system from scratch. They always come with a driver CD or you can DL them from the company site.
Might I suggest you get your hands on the XP Black Edition, it comes with a 5hitload of drivers and Driver Genius installed on it already along with a bunch of other programs.
BTW does anyone have any experience using this program? I just used it for the first time a few weeks ago and It's fantastic for those hard to find drivers for older HW. but the DL speed of the drivers themselves was slow as 5hit for me. Does anyone else have this problem?
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
/me starts chanting "it's all about me, it's all about me"
hahaha Just trying to get the nerve up to take the plunge.
What wattage should my power supply be? I think my current one is 450w. I know the new system will be more power hungry, but I think the suggested power supply is a bit much - 250 bucks or so just seems a bit expensive...especially if I don't need it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256020
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
that looks nice and I like the modular cable system. Makes for a tidy case! I'm gonna add that to my "wish list." I really thought the price would be significantly cheaper, but it's not at all cheaper. In fact, it's a little more. I guess I could save some money by choosing a simple case, but if I'm gonna do it I want it to be nice. Lights are cool, but my tower is under my desk and not really seen.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
mushkin 550250 ATX12V / EPS12V 580W Power Supply 115/ 230 V TUV, CE, CB, cUL, FCC - Retail $99.99
I actuall have this one in my current computer. It is super nice.
It looks good. Really high quality cables. Very heavy and well made, and rail fusion is a very unique idea. It should be more than enough for the needs of this system.
When I bought this supply it cost about $150.
This would still be a very respectable system, about about half the cost of what I suggested before. You should have no problem running even the latest games at the highest setting. Plus, you could always upgrade later so it maybe even a wiser alternative the way things go obsolete so fast.
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $119.00
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail $219.99
mushkin 550250 ATX12V / EPS12V 580W Power Supply - Retail $99.99
Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Desktop Memory Model KHX6400D2LLK2/2GR - Retail $49.99 ON SALE!
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $126.99
Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E6550 - Retail $169.99
$786.94 total
And really, a few more dollars could be cut from this one too.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
I've never heard of this brand and what is rail fusion? Does it mean it's fanless or something? I'm usually more comfortable with a well known name. Somehow it makes me feel better.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
@ Broken.I have a question for you. Do you know the difference between these two boards other than 2 more SATA slots?
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $126.99
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $99.00
I just figured I have seen you recommend both so maybe you know the difference because I can't figure it out. Thanks
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
The more expensive board has the ICH9R chipset which supports RAID.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
clocker
The more expensive board has the ICH9R chipset which supports RAID.
u are a hardware genius
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
clocker
True.
From past post, I have a great respect for anything clocker has to say and he is very correct this time too.
Anyways...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
backlash
I've never heard of this brand and what is rail fusion? Does it mean it's fanless or something? I'm usually more comfortable with a well known name. Somehow it makes me feel better.
You've never heard of Mushkin Enhanced?? They are a hugely respected memory manufacturer. These power supplies are their first steps into that market and they did not skimp any on quality. It's almost a give-away! Here's one review. Rail fusion allows two separate rail in a power supply to act as one if you place too much load on just one. It's much better explained in the above review.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
LOL nope, never did hear of it....until now! I am now enlightened. When I think of memory I think crucial, corsair and kingston.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Broken
You've never heard of Mushkin Enhanced?? They are a hugely respected memory manufacturer.
Mushkin used to be the ne plus ultra of hotrod RAM.
(BTW, they're based here in Denver...I used to go to their office to pick up orders and have suspect sticks tested).
IMO, they took a real dive about 2-2 1/2 years ago and I haven't used them since, much preferring Patriot.
Never tried their PSUs.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
thanks for that bit of info. I always like to know what people's personal experience is with hardware. I always read reviews before ordering anything so this thread has really helped me make my decision on which parts to get.
These are the parts I think I will get...if it's not too long before I actually go to buy them, in which case I'd go with whatever is better then.
ooooh. me likey the new image preview
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
If there is a CompUSA near you I'd check their going out of biz sale.
I saw that Corsair PSU there yesterday for $99.
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Re: New Computer or Upgrade?
I know of one that already closed. I should check what's open near me.
just checked. closest one is the city (NYC).
