Question regarding new computer config

Hi guys,

It's been awhile since I've purchased anything new for my computer... I've been thinking, it's time to upgrade!

Do any of you have any recommendations as to where I should purchase a preconfigured computer? or where I should purchase parts separatly?

I recently visited American Computech and preconfigured a system there. Here are the specs:

MSI 865GM2-LS, S.478, 533/800FSB, Video/Audio/LAN, DDR333/400, Retail Box
Intel Pentium™ 4 3.00GHz HT Prescott 1Mb 800FSB S.478 Retail Box
2x 512Mb DDR400 PC3200 Samsung (1Gb Total)
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! DE 5.1 OEM
ACI Acryllic Window Silver/Black ATX MidTower 400W P.S. w/2 Front USB
2x Case Cooling Fans
5.1 Logitech Z-640 Subwoofer Speakers Black Retail Box

the price comes out to :$651.92

I think I can use the HD, ethernet card, DVD drive from my current computer?

The next thing I want to purchase is the video card, and I think I'm done...

Please give your thoughts as to the price of the preconfigured system, and any other advice for a first timeer who wants to put together their own computer.

Thanks

 

Premade Computers
http://www.cyberpowersystem.com/default.asp
Best place for individual parts.
www.newegg.com



cooked

 

ok build but you got no 3d card there.

 

for the Cyberpower preconfiged system, the standard power supply with the tower is 350 watts. Is this ample? or if I'm looking to purchase a higher end video card should I upgrade the power supply?

Thanks

 

Sorry, another question. Is there a significant difference in the different types of motherboards?

Which ones do you recommend and why?

Thanks

 

As long as its a good brand power supply like Antec, or Thermaltake.

Any generic "major brand' PSU will not be sufficent. I had a 480W major brand PSU and it blew on me after 2 months.

If you are going to get a higher end video card, i would suggest a little more power. A nice 400w Antec psu would do nicely.

As for motherboards. There is a big difference! You deffinitly want a name brand board. ASUS, MSI, and ABIT are really good brands. Also a nForce chipset would be the best idea. Included options such as, Dual DDR support, Integraded Audio, gigabite networking, SATA Drives, and RAid configurations are great things to have for future upgrades.



cooked

 

Excellant advice from OverCooked!

This CPU tends to run a little on the hot side ( I have one running on a Gigabyte Mobo)
"Intel Pentium™ 4 3.00GHz HT Prescott 1Mb 800FSB S.478 Retail Box"
Make sure your case has good air flow, you may want to consider an after market Fan/heatsink, I'm running stock, but my case has a lot of air flowing thru it.