build new pc now or later?

[phatboi]

hi guys, i've built a few computers now, and worked out some bugs on them with your help. after all this i've learned not to screw with some parts. but still my buddy wants me to build him a new pc. he wants it to be "as fast as possible". i don't know if i should build now or later. i've heard that AMD is supposed to come out with the new line of XP processors. that's why i'd like my buddy to wait. also they're coming out with KT333A chipsets. so i don't know if i should build him one right now. if he does NEED it right away. this is what i can get: AMD XP2000+,Enermax Case w/ 330W powersupply, floppy, Pioneer Slot load DVD, Lite On 32X CD-RW, Alpha Pal8045 HSF, SoundBlaster Live 5.1, Linksys NIC, IBM 40GB 7200 RPM HD, Soltek KT266A MB, GeForce4 VideoCard, and Crucial 256MB DDR all for about $1000. so should i give him the price for it or suggest that he wait a bit for the new XP processors and chipsets. i just don't want him to get upset that his computer isn't going to be the fastest around after 2 months or so. Also i decided to go with Athlon's b/c i have one that i overclocked, all 3 of my comps are Athlon powered, and it's a lot cheaper than a 2.2 Ghz P4.

[SARGE]

In the modern age of pc's, anything you do today will be "outperformed" in a few months. One could wait forever...

[HAL9000]

I'll second that, especially when it comes to processors and video cards. If you keep waiting for the latest and greatest, or if you wait for price drops, you will be waiting forever as there is always something better just around the corner and a price cut just a month or two away.

[DrZaius]

I agree with Sarge. The KT333/A chipsets are just around the corner if you really want to wait, but even that system will always be outdated within a few months anyway, that's just how it is with hardware. I myself would just build the system now with the parts you listed, it won't be bleeding edge for long, but it will be top of the line for some time. Also, the KT266A chipset has been out for a while now and most motherboards have updated their BIOS to a good level, if you wait for the KT333 chipset you'll have to deal with a whole new mess of drivers and BIOS updates to get it to work properly.

[morriswindgate]

Did you know that many of the cars running in the Daytonia 500 are as much as three years old, and they are still competitive.
Same with computers.

[SARGE]

Agreed. It took me the longest to grasp and understand that it all comes down to what the pc is used for. Around here we have the wifey's Gateway PII-450, the T-Bird 900 I built last year, and an old CTX PII-266. Every one of 'em does as we wish, but the 266 is lacking in some games, but big deal. I can't see the need to "upgrade", especially since we're not into video editing, etc.

Still, it's only natural to want a newer, faster model. But nothing would chap me more than to buy/build a hot rod Athlon XP 1900 or a P-4 and not notice any difference over what we've got already. Wifey's been throwing hints about a few friends who got a new Dell for only $700 and how I spent $1000 rolling my own. Her Gateway has never hiccupped in 3 (or is it 4?) years, unless I caused it. I can't see a new Dell, or Gateway outperforming it.

[morriswindgate]

Sarge, explain to her that a YUGO with a 350 LT1 V-8 ($899.00 Dell or Gateway) in it is still a Yugo.

[Repressed]

You can get all that for $1000?

Can you hook me up to?

The stuff you listed will come out to at least $1,500. I mean at least.

[morriswindgate]

Here is a list to build an $800.00 computer (No Monitor, keyboard or mouse)

[morriswindgate]

By the way, all the prices were from www.newegg.com

[ornulf]

What does he need the computer for? Does he only want a computer to brag about or does he acctually want a computer that will fit his need (work, gamming, multimedia or etc). You should focus on convincing him that computer X will be the best for you now and it will last for X months. Then, add that he could always upgrade the MB and CPU in a year for 300 - 400 dollars.

Oh well, just my 2 cents.

Cheers,

Ornulf

[Cricket]

Hi phatboi,

I gotta agree with everyone else here. Your friend will only have the "fastest" PC for about month or so. Raw speed isn't the most important thing to consider when putting together a computer...you want a balanced system that is stable and a pleasure to use. There's nothing like a troublesome PC to make your blood pressure go up and your hair count go down.

If you know what he intends to do with the computer, outline a good system for him with current parts and convince him to commit to it. Once he gets his new computer and sees how fast and stable it is, he'll probably forget about wanting a faster one.

Cricket

[WJWheels]

Originally posted by morriswindgate Did you know that many of the cars running in the Daytonia 500 are as much as three years old, and they are still competitive. Same with computers.

Ah Morris.. when you mention "Daytona 500" and "three" in the same sentence, it brings tears to my eyes.

[Computer Hobbyist]

Phatboi

Everybody is right in saying that a computer you build will never be the fastest for more than a month. Better to know what your friend wants to do with the computer and design accordingly. The one thing I have learned is that a YUGO with a big motor is still a YUGO. Don't over spend on the processor while underspending on something really critical to your friend's needs.

CH

[phatboi]

thanks for all the suggestions guys. i think i'm just going to go with it b/c that's what he wants. he won't ever use it to it's potential but it's his money. thanks for all the suggestions.

[RayCom]

Build it now!