arrrmand

Motherboard/CPU died on me 2 wks ago and I've done all I can to salvage it, but it looks like it's gone for good (6 years old, asus k8v deluxe mobo with athlon 64 3400+ cpu).

I'm looking to replace it, or just buy a completely new system, depending on cost and since I have been out of the computer loop in a while, I'm looking for advice on what I should look for and any links you can provide if possible.

Computer will be primarily used for photo editing, but would like the capability to run new games, but it doesn't have to be at maxed out resolutions.

Since I need a new mobo, I might as well get a new video card, as AGP is out of the game now, and would probably want some RAM.

The only things I'm probably keeping are my hard drives, PSU (currently have 500w), case, case fans, and peripherals. I can buy parts separately and build, but would prefer to get them from the same vendor (got most of my parts from newegg a while back).

Any suggestions? My thoughts so far are below:

1. Some sort of dual core (quad core probably overkill) CPU.
2. At least 2GB of RAM
3. NVidia 8800gt vid card or comparable

Oh, and if this stuff can all be had for under $700, I'd be very happy. Thanks in advance!

modMonkey

I built a very good system for under $500, however, I spent a while on Slickdeals looking for deals on parts. Post on overclock.net for some good suggestions, as they are the most up-to-date on parts&prices much like us and car parts.

I try to buy from newegg.com exclusively. They are consistent with good deals. I'll put together a system for you when I get back from lunch.

an_orange_s2k

i went to those conventions and got pretty good prices there. have to go early to get the good stuff though

ThankyouHonda

My friends and I have all had good luck at http://www.pixelusa.com/

I wouldn't buy a computer or parts from anywhere else... check them out, they are on Steven's Creek a few blocks from ValleyFair.

-Mike

modMonkey

Intel C2D E6750: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115029

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128059

EVGA 8800GT SC: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130319

Crucial Ballistix 2GB RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820146565

or

GSkill if you dont want to deal with rebates: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231098

For you CPU cooler, this is one of the best air coolers. It'll allow you to overclock you cpu if you so wish. If not, it'll keep it really happy temp wise

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...UNIQ-_-35154001


_____________________________

Total is a bit under $600. You can save a bit by waiting for deals on slickdeals, but it wont be that much.

This a very strong gaming system in itself, it'll be more than adequate for photo editing.

ItsBen

^^ Good list for a very nice comp. I highly recommend the Crucial or G.Skill.

This G.Skill is more comparable to the Crucial.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231114

With the C2D, it is very easy to OC, can keep stock voltage and be very stable and still runs cool with a decent hsf.

Eluded

get a new mac pro with the dual quad core CPUS!!!

thejohnremus

:gag: what a ripoff

(no offense to you, I just hate Apple's 300% premium for OSX)





But Jeff, this is exactly what I ran into when my computer finally died on me last November (five year old ECS board!!!! )

Anyway,


Don't go Quad Core. All the reviews I read said that for photo editing you don't get significant enough gains in speed in the Adobe Suite (primarily photoshop since that's where you're going to work most) to justify the higher cost of the the processor. So, a dual core is just fine.

Crucial Ballistix is recommended everywhere - I ended up going with 4gigs since there were plenty of rebates going on when I purchased my whole system earlier this month.


Plan to buy a new powersupply... I went with 600w just to be safe. My previous was only 360, and going up to 500 was cutting it too close with new boards, graphics, and processors.
If you're going to run the 8800 you'll want plenty of power to support everything.


I was really only able to salvage my case and my fans from my old system.

But, after only spending about $750 I have...

Gigabyte mobo, 8 sata, 8 or 10 usb, firewire, optical, lan, 8.1, blah blah blah
4 gigs RAM
Intel Core 2 Duo
512 pcie graphics
320 Barracuda


umm... shit, catch me on AIM... I can break down more of the research I did... You know me, I needed a new, powerful, desktop that could handle the amount of photos I do, also video and web editing, and still have tons of expandability, options for RAID, and carry me AT LEAST three more years before the technology is too old

f20c1 01s2k

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;js...d=1195599475828

i just picked one up like this for $250 after having my old computer for about 8 years.. i use the desktop here and there but mostly stick with the laptop.

ThankyouHonda

Also, www.tomshardware.com is my favorite site for info, comparisons, and speed charts...

-Mike