I need some hard advice from you nice people

from WinCustomize Forums
About my new system I wish to build. I have done some reseach and decided on this configuration:

To start with:

This Shuttle Barebone system has these specs:

Processor Support: AMD Duron, AMD Athlon XP 2600+
Memory Support: Up to 2GB PC 2700 DDR
Expansion Slot: 1x AGP 4X, 1x PCI
Other Features: AC97', Built in up to 32MB Video Card, USB 2.0, IEEE 1394

And then I would like to add:


AMD Athlon XP 2500+ Socket A Barton Box Processor

And then I would like to add this:


Corsair 256MB PC2700 333MHz 32x64 XMS DDR Memory 184 pin - Lifetime Warranty

And then this:


ATI 64MB AGP Video Card with RADEON 9000 3D Chip

And Of Course:


Maxtor 40GB Diamond Max Plus 8 UATA133 - Bare Hard Drive

And last but not least:


52x24x52x16x Samsung Internal IDE DVD ROM and CDRW Combo Drive


Should I change anything? This system would run me about $600. Should i go for something else? Cause i am READY to buy! Thanks, Kona

10,494 views 32 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Network card/modem?
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I already have a Dlink network 10/100 card that hasn't seen action in a long time.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The only thing I would do were either choose a lesser of a CD/DVD drive or a cheaper video card and get a bigger HD. I filled up 40gb worth of space in no time...
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Do you plan on playing music on this 'puter?



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Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Save up more money and get a better system, honestly. A better mobo, cause you'll have this for a little and you can do better than up to PC 2700. And you want something at least having AGP8X while supporting higher than a 2600+.

I mean, there isn't much room here for a future upgrade.

[Message Edited]
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
yrag, that mobo has AC'97 on board...crappy sound...but sound none the less.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
you might have to strain to hear it w/o speakers..........



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Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The only thing I would do were either choose a lesser of a CD/DVD drive or a cheaper video card and get a bigger HD. I filled up 40gb worth of space in no time...


I usually use a 20 Gig. I have NEVER even filled a 20 Gig.

Do you plan on playing music on this 'puter?


Yep. already have a sound system but I see your point. AC97 sucks.

Save up more money and get a better system, honestly. A better mobo, cause you'll have this for a little and you can do better than up to PC 2700. And you want something at least haveing AGP8X.


I do not wish for top of the line. 4x is good enough for watching movies so thats good enough for me.

Thanks for you replies. I might scrub the shuttle and get this instead:



Aspire TurboCase XDreamer Black 350W Mid Tower ATX Case

I HAVE to have a clear side.. And this..



MSI K7N2 Delta-L nForce2 Socket A Motherboard

Must have MSI as well...

I just thought that the shuttle was cute...it being so small and all that.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
blah this is too tech for me. Oh, and, Boreing
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
China - thanks again!
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I do not wish for top of the line. 4x is good enough for watching movies so thats good enough for me.




That wasn't my intention, however, why upgrade to a system that is virtually un-upgradable?

The second mobo you listed is a much better choice; up to an AMD 3000+ and up to PC3200 with AGP8X.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The second mobo you listed is a much better choice; up to an AMD 3000+ and up to PC3200 with AGP8X.


My thoughts exactly. Plus it is cheaper by about $80 bucks.

Gonna have to get a sound blaster 64 card as well.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Kona, get the SoundBlaster Live! Value 5.1. It's about $25 or $30 OEM, and it is more than you will need.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I read good reviews about the live! Will it make my LOTR DVD come alive as the reviews said?

I was looking more towards the audigy. I like the front panel thingy.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well if you can get Audigy than get Audigy...might as well go for the Radeon9800 Pro too, that will surely make your DVD pop!

Audigy will cost you more...but if you can afford it, go for it.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You do have 5.1 speakers right? Which do you have? You're only as good as you weakest link; if you have crappy speakers and a great sound card, it won't make your speakers great and vice versa.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I will be investing in Hardon Kardon speakers. Are there better ones in the 50 to 100 dollar range?

Right now I have Hercules XP100 2.1 speakers.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't think you will find a real decent 5.1 set for under $100.

I can tell you these Altec Lansings are a nice set for $140:



http://www.altecmm.com/product_details.asp?pID=5100&sID=1


I'm not even aware of any Harman Kardon 5.1 pc speaker sets. And their 2.1s run for $80.
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Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10330993&hdwt=30810&loc=101&sp=1

Kona, 6.1 Surround Sound for $86 plus a $50 rebate.

Heck, I might even buy them!
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That sounds good. Might do that tommorrow.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The 'box' is very important....something with one only 5.25 bay and one only 3.5 bay......utter waste of time.....mine is a Lian Li Aluminium case....400watt PS [P4] with 4x 5.25 [I use all] and 3x 3.5 [I use 2] and space inside for half a dozen drives....and 4 USBs in front.....call it 'room to move' and very upgradable....
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Jafo, what do you think of my 2nd choice?
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Much better than the first, that's for sure... Small may be cute but is rarely practical...
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ah yes. I already have a small computer that is upgradeable...my laptop.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
that IS not...sorry forgot to add the IS in that previous post...