|
| |
My
Own UltimaTE PC
(please say something
about the capitalisation of the page's title, I still beleive it is very clever of me
thinking about it)
Ok, here is how it is: I have been unable (for many reasons including,
but not limited to, pregnancy) to play my favorite game as much as I would like. Aye!
I also noticed that updating this page was not fulfilling all my expectations in life.
Then I decided that I was going to buy and build myself my perfect PC.
And no, this is not your usual "Ultimate-me-too" article, I want the best
bang-for-the-buck computer, I dont want to waste away money I should be spending on my
soon-to-come son anyways.
And because I *might* not be able to get this computer for me, I thought: "hey, I
could write it up somewhere", so when I have the money, if ever, I will have my
thoughts ready for it. Heck, I could even update it frequently!
Then I thought that I could make this public and accept suggestions from others and make
it another way of getting a bit more of attention into this damn web site. (I have
the "DrTwIsTeR Syndrome", I want everyone to recognize me as bigger than
Designer Dragon when UO publicity comes into play)... after all, nobody seems to care that
there is no Ultima-series Fiction within UO. :P
Well, anyhow, here it is. I think I'm going to make it by sections, each section
being a PC component.
And, please, post your comments on this matter on the message board or via email to
myself, I do want to build up the best PC that "not that much money can still
buy".
My ULTIMAte
PC components:
Case
I know that I want a cool PC case as the housing of my new computer,
however, I dont want to spend too much on it.
Requirements:
It must be ATX
Have proper cooling options
Good power output
Two 5 1/4 exposed drive bays
Two 3 1/2 exposed drive bays
Three internal 3 1/2 drive bays
Look good from the outside
I would like if it also was good quality, like no sharp edges, etc.
Any suggestions?
Motherboard
I want a very good motherboard, not a cheap one. I dont want
to spend too much on it either, however.
Requirements:
Good overclocking options, possibly including voltage regulation
Support all the latest processors: P III, P II and Celerons.
Support 133, 100 and 66 MHz SDRAM
1 AGP, 4 PCI and minimum 2 ISA expansion slotsAbit
Am I missing anything? Please submit your Motherboard suggestions!
| Maker |
Model
/ Chipset |
Goodies |
Price |
Web
Links |
| Soyo |
SY6BA+ III/
Intel 82440BX |
Highly overclockable, very stable, got a good review |
$100-120 |
Review at
Sharky E. |
| Abit |
BE6 440BX/
82443BX |
UDMA/66 Support |
$110-125 |
Review at Sharky
E. |
Memory
I need minimum, one 128 MB SDRAM 168-pin DIMM Module. Price: around $100, varies
wildly.
What memory type, brand or reseller do you recommend?
CPU
I will not buy the newest, fastest, hottest processor, that's giving
away your money. I will buy the good one at the moment of the purchase.
I hear the Celeron 400 is the most-overclockable, so I think I will get that one.
CPU Fan
Video Card
I want a good video card, again not the fastests. However,
I've made a couple of poor choices in the past because of hurry, I dont want to make that
mistake again.
Requirements:
Strong 2D performance
Strong 3D performance, both DirectX and OpenGL (not necesarily top-notch)
Good reviews
Extremely good drivers plus bonus features/software
MPEG/DVD Decoding hardware
TV-Out/TV-In support
Dual monitor or Dual video card support of some sort
AGP
| Maker |
Model
/ Chipset |
Features |
Price |
Web
Links |
| Asus |
AGP-V3800/TNT2 |
Good performance. No DVD :P |
$250 |
|
| Matrox |
Millenium G400, G400Max |
Good D3D performance, two monitos. Poor GL performance. |
$250 the G400Max |
SharkyE Review |
| Diamond |
Viper 770 Ultra/
TNT2 Ultra |
FAST, No DVD or TV |
$190 |
Diamond
Website |
| ATI |
All-In-Wonder 128 |
DVD, TV In/Out, complete product |
$190 |
A shop carrying
it |
Hard Disk
Modem
Monitor
Sound Card
I dont think I could ever buy a sound card other than Creative Labs.
Which one? Well, Maybe I am just staying with my ole' SB 16! Remember, we're expecting a
baby!
CD-Read/Write
I want to be able to record my own CDs, including videos, etc.
Of course, I would never copy other material like Music CDs from friends!
Anyhow, here is a list of possible devices I could be getting for this category:
| Maker |
Model |
Features |
Price |
Web
Links |
| Creative |
Blaster CD-RW 4224 4X/2X/24X Speed |
Great price, brand name |
$200 |
at
shopnoew.com |
Links to
Useful Web Sites
Sharky Extreme
Tom's Hardware Guide
|
