New barebones system?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jagular
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Jagular

Jagular

Active member
Well, with the computer problems I have been having, I am considering building a new system starting with a barebones setup. I have found the following.

This one uses a Syntax S648 mobo. The mobo comes with sis648 chip set, sound,lan, usb 8x agp (Ever heard of them? Any good? I had it configured with P4 512kb 533/400 fsb, MGC supercase (whatever that is - has 7 bays), 300w PSU and 1 extra case fan for $283

http://www.pcboost.com/store/viewitem.asp?idproduct=2233

Or this with ASUS p4s533 mobo. This mobo comes with sis 645 chip set, sound, lan, usb & 4x agp (I've heard of ASUS), ATX Mid deluxe case with 300w PSU and on extra case fan for $320.

http://www.acicomputerstore.com/smoreinfo.asp?iid=1188

What do you think of those? Any other suggestions (especially on mobos - there are so many of them out there)?

I guess I would like to stay in the P4 realm, and not far from $300 for the bare bones. I will be adding 256 (maybe 512) mb of Crucial PC2700 ram to start with, and take the drives, & cards out of my old system so I think this is all I will need. I would like at least 4x agp slot (I think that is what my TI4200 is running at) and at least 5 pci slots (for future expansion of sound cards...etc). I will also be running Win98se on this new machine for the time being. On board lan and sound are not necessary (but thet lan would be nice to free up an extra pci slot)

So whadaya think? I'd be interested if you could do better :D:D

Thanks again for letting me be a pest :)
 
Try Computersonics.com... I got a P4 1.7 Ghz barebones with 350 watt case for $267, I added a 512 Mb of ram and a 60 gig hd to the barebone. Pretty competitve prices from what Ive seen.

http://www.computersonics.com

SoMm
 
I just buildt my first PC with Asus P4PE BP mobo, 2,53Ghz P IV processor, Enermax PSU, Cruical Pc2700 RAM, 40Gb system drive, 80GB Audio drive, and it works like a dream, very little noise(two-fan psu), and I higly recommend that Asusu mobo!


Amund
 
Thanks for the link SOMm. That might make it in the running. Never heard of the Azza mobo they are putting in the barebones system, but it's worth checking out. :)

And thanks for the vote of confidence on the ASUS mobo Plexi. I think the P4PE series is a little out of my budget, but I'm sure there other mobos are decent too. :)
 
Personally, I wouldn't touch the SiS chipsets.

Have a look at Abit BH7. Full of features, rave reviews and low cost. Unfortunately, they weren't around when I built my computer. But I guess this Abit BE7 mobo will have to do. I haven't had a single hickup from this system in 3.5 months.
 
SIS 735 chipset rocks.

Just don't get a $20 motherboard, which it appears you are not. ASUS is for the most part, great product.

Last edit£ed by Emeric on 04-23-2003 at 21:27
 
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Meshuggah said:
Personally, I wouldn't touch the SiS chipsets.

Have a look at Abit BH7. Full of features, rave reviews and low cost. Unfortunately, they weren't around when I built my computer. But I guess this Abit BE7 mobo will have to do. I haven't had a single hickup from this system in 3.5 months.
Click to expand...

That looks interesting. I found a barebones system (ATX case w/300w psu & extra case fan, P4 2.4 Ghz processorw/heatsink & fan for $309. That might be a decent way to go. Looks like a good board from what I read.

Thanks
 
I have an Intel D845PEBT2 and a 2.4B processor. That looks like it comes in under 300.

And as for the case and power supply. I went with the highly recommended enermax silent 350 watt and a cooler master aluminum case. that combo is an extra 150 but well worth it imo. lot's of airflow without much noise.
 
Thanks guys for the extra info. It is very helpful. Considering I should be spending $0 :rolleyes: I need to keep as budget minded as possible. So what about this:

http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishList.asp?position=current&submit=view

Antec power supplies are supposed to be prett good right?

This isn't a barebones. I am considering just putting the damn thing together myself as I have bought myself a little time getting my old machine at least minimally functional. A couple of questions if you would be so kind as to indulge me (again) :)

1. OK this might be stupid...but I'm a newb. If you buy the retail version of the P4 processor, it comes with heat sink & fan. Are they attached? I know when I bought my PIII 1ghz (slot 1) they were attached. If not how hard is that to do?

2. How hard is it to install the CPU to the mobo? I know the slot 1 was incredibly easy.

3. I assume installing the mobo to the case is pretty easy. Am I right?

Anyway...thanks for any input. Still taking suggestions.

P.S. - The wife is onboard with this idea after I show her where our finances are :D
 
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1. The heatsink and fan are attached yes. Processor is seperate.

2. The Intel Retail Heatsink / Fans are your typical overengineered Intel design. A bit of a puzzle if you've never installed one of these before. The OEM heatsink / fans are better designed. Anyway, no not rocket science. Install the processor - heatsink/Fan with the motherboard outside the case on a flat ant-static mat or suitable surface.

3. Yes, fairly easy. I prefer removing the powersupply as it gives me more room to work. Make sure there are the appropriate number of standoffs in the case. Not too few and especially not an extra one that will short out the motherboard.

Take static precautions, static wrist-band and / or ground yourself (don't have to be stuck to it all the time, just discharge the static and don't shuffle your feet on the carpet afterwards :) ) on a large metal object (i.e. case) before touching components.
 
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