Re: OT - Better yet, build your own...
- From: "ElAlumbrado" <elNOSPAMalumbrado@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 11:12:45 -0500
<Lou@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:433D3F74.A24C9A90@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> "Carl A." wrote:
>
>> http://biz.yahoo.com/bizwk/050930/b3954102.html?.v=1
>
> A tip learned in another group.
>
> Buy computer stuff from Dell as a "business" i.e. "Bubba Associates"
> If you are shipping to an apartment call it a "suite"
>
> Dell business customers get better support.
>
> Or buy at Costco or Sams Club, bith of which have 6 month warranties.
I have a better tip: instead of a name-brand like Dell, buy your
computer from a local computer shop. They will construct a system to
your order, using generic off-the-shelf parts instead of expensive
custom-made bits and pieces. This means when something breaks (as
something always does), or you want to upgrade your system, you can buy
cheap parts almost anywhere instead of having to buy the "custom" parts
from the manufacturer at inflated prices (many of these "custom" parts
are "custom" only in the sense that the generic components have been
re-packaged in unusual ways to force you to buy them from the
manufacturer; they have few if any advantages over the generic parts you
can buy at your local Fry's, Best Buy, or Wal-Mart). You can also go
back to the local shop and scream at the manager if you're not getting
the support you think you deserve.
An even better tip: buy the parts you need from your local store and
assemble your system yourself (it's really pretty easy, and anybody that
can turn a phillips screwdriver can build a computer in about an hour).
That way you'll know exactly how it's put together and will probably be
able to diagnose and fix your own problems without having to scream at
anyone but yourself.
Here's a list of some of the stuff you'll need to build you own computer
(the folks at the shop can help you select the parts):
Motherboard - The "core" of your system. Almost every other component of
your system will be plugged into the motherboard in some fashion. Avoid
those with built-in sound or video capabilities; separate components are
replaceable, where integrated components are not.
Case - Get one that's easy to open (latches vs. screws). Get a big one
if you plan on a system with a lot of bells and whistles, or a small one
for a more minimal system. Be sure to get a case that will accommodate
the Motherboard you selected.
Powersupply - The powersupply probably came already installed in your
system case. Be sure to get a powerful one (200-300 watts or more) for a
fully optioned system, or a smaller more efficient one for more basic
systems.
Processor - Don't spend a lot for the latest and fastest, the average
home user probably won't notice marginal increases in processor "speed".
You'll also need a "processor fan", which is installed over the
processor to help keep it cool. Be sure to get one that fits.
Disk drive(s) - I recommend two, one for Windows (or LINUX!) and
installed software, one for all the other stuff: photos, music, movies,
documents, etc. You can use only one disk if you prefer, but using two
adds storage and flexibility. Size depends on how much stuff you want to
fill them with. Don't make the mistake of buying a "small" system disk.
I suggest getting a pretty good size disk for Windows, as most of the
software you install will be stored there.
Memory - I recommend at lest 512MB, more is better if you like to work
with video or photos. Buying too little memory will result in a slow and
unresponsive system, no matter how "fast" a processor you installed.
Sound card - It's up to you: $10 for one capable of making basic noises
up to home theater quality for a couple of hundred bucks.
Video card - Get a "good" one, you'll notice the difference, but don't
buy a "great" one unless you play a lot of 3-D games.
CD/DVD - Anything from a basic $25 CD-ROM drive up to a CD/DVD "burner"
allowing you to make your own disks, depending on what you want or need.
Floppy Disk - You probably won't ever need one, but if you think you
will, they are around $10.
Fans - The more the better. In addition to the fan on the power supply,
install at least one additional exhaust fan on the case. My personal
system has 6 fans, 3 sucking air in and 3 blowing air out. Heat is the
major enemy of your system and is the cause of most component failures.
I also recommend spending a few extra dollars to buy round cables to
connect the disks and CD/DVD to the mother board. They don't block
airflow like the cheap flat ribbon cables that probably came with your
motherboard or disks.
Monitor - LCD, no question. As big as you can afford.
Speakers - Depends on the quality of your sound card. Cheap speakers
will mean you wasted your money on that expensive sound card; expensive
speakers will make that cheap sound card sound even cheaper.
Modem - You'll need one if you have "dial up" internet service.
Ethernet Card - You'll need one if you have "broadband" internet service
(or a home network).
The price for all this stuff can range from a couple of hundred bucks up
to a couple of thousand, depending on the kind of system you want to
build.
If anybody wants to give this a try, send me an email (remove the "*"
from my address) and I'll try to help you through the process. Have fun!
El Alumbrado
"Civis Texanus Sum"
.
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