Help me please

[Hikaru IchijoSL]

I have a dell 8250 with 256mb of ram and ram for this computer is very expensive(rambus pc1066). Should I just add 512mb at $300 or build a new system. Should I get and Intel or AMD and which motherboard would be best. Another option is too wait for the intel 925x chipset and new prescott chips. I need to do something soon I can not run any games anymore the computer runs like a snail. I will also need a 3rd hdd and have no where to put it. Have 4 ide devices.

[kram 2.0]

It seems like the RDRAM technology is very good, but is very expensive to maintain. I would recommend building a new one and selling what you can from the Dell - the RDRAM can go for a quite a bit of money.

As for the new build, I would build it now - as long as it's good, a build should be built. Just tell us your budget, Intel/AMD, necessities in general (good video, good sound, etc.), and we're willing to help.


Hope that helps,
kram

[Hikaru IchijoSL]

my budget is $1000-1300

I want 1gb of ram
great video gamer
real soundcard
at least a p4 3ghz
250gb hdd sata

[kram 2.0]

Here is my suggestion build:

Intel P4 3.0C Northwood (219)
Asus P4P800-E Deluxe (116)
Kingston ValueRAM 512 x 2 = 1024 Dual DDR400 PC3200 (195)
Western Digital 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive (193)
Creative SB Audigy2 ZS Gamer Ltd. Ed. (110)
Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro 256 with VIVO (445)

This build comes out to around 1278 USD including shippping with the X800 pro being sold out right now, available tomorrow. Now, I am thinking that you would be using the other components of your old system? Then this is a perfect fit build - the graphics will be insanely good. If you need to decrease the cost a little, I recommend replacing the video card with the Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro 128 which is still verrrryyyy good (I have the 9800 Pro VPU) but is 205+ USD which should bring your total down about 240 USD to around 1000 USD.


Hope that helps,
kram

[MrAustin]

Not sure whether you can build inside that Dell case, so just a reminder that if you are going to get a new case, get a QUALITY power supply. With that X800 vid card, I would say get at least 350W, if not 400W. Enermax, Sparkle, Antec, Enlight just to name a few good brands.

[kram 2.0]

After looking at what I forgot in there, I will list a Revised Build:

Intel P4 3.0C Northwood (219)
Asus P4P800-E Deluxe (116)
Kingston ValueRAM 512 x 2 = 1024 Dual DDR400 PC3200 (195)
Western Digital 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive (193)
Creative SB Audigy2 ZS Gamer Ltd. Ed. (110)
PowerColor Radeon 9800 Pro 128 256-bit (206)
Case - self preference (50)
Enlight 420 watt PSU (40)

Now, it comes out to be 1129 USD with shipping included - very good system, regardless.


Hope that helps,
kram

[Hikaru IchijoSL]

where are you getting this pricing from.

[kram 2.0]

Originally posted by Hikaru IchijoSL where are you getting this pricing from.

Newegg - one of the best online computer component shops out there - I'm sure many here will agree. Generally free shipping, and outrageously low prices. Very reliable.

Hope that helps,
kram

[imbest123]

Originally posted by kram8806 After looking at what I forgot in there, I will list a Revised Build: Intel P4 3.0C Northwood (219) Asus P4P800-E Deluxe (116) Kingston ValueRAM 512 x 2 = 1024 Dual DDR400 PC3200 (195) Western Digital 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive (193) Creative SB Audigy2 ZS Gamer Ltd. Ed. (110) PowerColor Radeon 9800 Pro 128 256-bit (206) Case - self preference (50) Enlight 420 watt PSU (40) Now, it comes out to be 1129 USD with shipping included - very good system, regardless. Hope that helps, kram

Add an optical drive or 2 plus floppy.