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Page 1
<B>Intro</B>:
Welcome to another edition of the system guides. This time, I'm doing both of the guides... Yeah, I got nothing to do anyway. I've been searching for the deals of the week, and sadly, it doesn't look that promising for killer deals. But we work with what we have. Read on!
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We'll use <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=0">this case</a>, different from previous editions. It looks nicer and comes with a 350 watt PSU. You'll spend a scant $43 on this one.</td></tr></table>
<B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Once again, I'll go with an AMD board for the budget system for gaming. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=13-127-144&depa=0">Abit's NF7 has everything you need</a>. This one doesn't have a video card, so we'll need one. $102 from Newegg.</td></tr></table>
<B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>An AMD motherboard requires an AMD CPU. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=19-103-379&depa=0">An Athlon 2500+ is perfect</a>. Speedy at 1.83 Ghz, and it is the newest Barton type CPU. It comes with a heatsink and fan, but you can get a better one is you want. $100 at Newegg.</td></tr></table>
<B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>$40 for a stick of PC2700 256MB <a href="http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT3264Z335&cat=RAM">of Crucial Memory</a> is just what you need. Great stuff at a good price. You can get free memory right now at Officemax, but Crucial is better.</td></tr></table>
<B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We got an Abit 64MB Ti4200 <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-123-118&depa=1">at Newegg</a>. The Ti4200 is faster (and cheaper) than the FX5200. It'll run $89</tr></table>
<B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>CompUSA has a 160GB 8MB cache Harddrive for $100. 48x CDRW at OfficeMax for $20 AR.</td></tr></table>
<B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>17 inch ViewSonic Monitor. Click <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50179898&pfp=BROWSE">here</a> from CompUSA for a price of $135</td></tr></table>
<B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>
</td><td> 
</td><td>Altec Lansing AVS500w are nice 4.1 speakers on the cheap. Good quality, and the price is right at $35 (CompUSA +tax). You also need a mouse and keyboard so go for the Logitech cordless elite duo from Office Max for a price of $49.99. Network card is onboard. Sound is onboard.<td></tr></table>
<B>OS</B>:
Linux is free, but <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> will run you $93 at Newegg.
<b>Summary</b>
AMD Athlon XP 2500+ (2GHZ) $100
Abit NF7-M $102
Case + 400Watt PSU $43
Abit 64MB Ti4200 $89
Crucial 256 $40
160GB $100 (+tax)
48x CDRW $20 (+tax)
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99
Speakers $35 (+tax)
17inch Viewsonic Monitor $135 (+tax)
WinXP Home $93
Pretty Impressive, good stuff for a budget system.
Total: ~$807 After rebates. Awesome.
<B>Intro</B>:
Welcome to another edition of the system guides. This time, I'm doing both of the guides... Yeah, I got nothing to do anyway. I've been searching for the deals of the week, and sadly, it doesn't look that promising for killer deals. But we work with what we have. Read on!
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We'll use <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=0">this case</a>, different from previous editions. It looks nicer and comes with a 350 watt PSU. You'll spend a scant $43 on this one.</td></tr></table><B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Once again, I'll go with an AMD board for the budget system for gaming. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=13-127-144&depa=0">Abit's NF7 has everything you need</a>. This one doesn't have a video card, so we'll need one. $102 from Newegg.</td></tr></table><B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>An AMD motherboard requires an AMD CPU. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=19-103-379&depa=0">An Athlon 2500+ is perfect</a>. Speedy at 1.83 Ghz, and it is the newest Barton type CPU. It comes with a heatsink and fan, but you can get a better one is you want. $100 at Newegg.</td></tr></table><B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>$40 for a stick of PC2700 256MB <a href="http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT3264Z335&cat=RAM">of Crucial Memory</a> is just what you need. Great stuff at a good price. You can get free memory right now at Officemax, but Crucial is better.</td></tr></table><B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We got an Abit 64MB Ti4200 <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-123-118&depa=1">at Newegg</a>. The Ti4200 is faster (and cheaper) than the FX5200. It'll run $89</tr></table><B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td>CompUSA has a 160GB 8MB cache Harddrive for $100. 48x CDRW at OfficeMax for $20 AR.</td></tr></table><B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>17 inch ViewSonic Monitor. Click <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50179898&pfp=BROWSE">here</a> from CompUSA for a price of $135</td></tr></table><B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td> </td><td>Altec Lansing AVS500w are nice 4.1 speakers on the cheap. Good quality, and the price is right at $35 (CompUSA +tax). You also need a mouse and keyboard so go for the Logitech cordless elite duo from Office Max for a price of $49.99. Network card is onboard. Sound is onboard.<td></tr></table><B>OS</B>:
Linux is free, but <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> will run you $93 at Newegg.
<b>Summary</b>
AMD Athlon XP 2500+ (2GHZ) $100
Abit NF7-M $102
Case + 400Watt PSU $43
Abit 64MB Ti4200 $89
Crucial 256 $40
160GB $100 (+tax)
48x CDRW $20 (+tax)
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99
Speakers $35 (+tax)
17inch Viewsonic Monitor $135 (+tax)
WinXP Home $93
Pretty Impressive, good stuff for a budget system.
Total: ~$807 After rebates. Awesome.
Page 2
With another $400, we can upgrade the video card and monitor, even the CPU and be fine.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>We'll use <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=0">this case</a>, the same as the other. It looks nicer and comes with a 350 watt PSU. You'll spend a scant $43 on this one.</td></tr></table>
<B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>We got with a new Springdale board, the Abit IS7-E. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=13-127-156&depa=1">I also bought one of these</a>. The springdales compete well with the higher priced Canterwoods. $99 from Newegg.</td></tr></table>
<B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>We are using a Pentium 4 board this time. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=19-116-157&depa=1">The P4 2.4C Ghz is great</a>. It is a retail box, meaning it comes with a Heatsink and Fan. $176 at Newegg. I just bought this</td></tr></table>
<B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>$96 for a two sticks of PC3200 256MB <a href="http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT3264Z335&cat=RAM">of Crucial Memory</a> is just what you need. Great stuff at a good price. You can get free memory right now at Officemax, but Crucial is better. I have two of these as well, a review is coming at the end of this week.</td></tr></table>
<B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>We got an Leadtek 128MB FX5600 <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-122-167&depa=1">at Newegg</a>. I should be getting a 5600 256MB card from a company soon, Hopefully. $155 at Newegg. </tr></table>
<B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td>CompUSA has a 160GB 8MB cache Harddrive for $100. 48x CDRW at OfficeMax for $20 AR. Pick up a Lite On DVD at <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=27-131-112&depa=1">Newegg for $36</a>. </td></tr></table>
<B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>19 inches here. Still <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=296017&pfp=BROWSE">a Viewsonic one</a> from CompUSA for a price of $229.97 (AR)</td></tr></table>
<B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td>Logitech's z540 is good. Good quality, and the price is right at $62.68 (CompUSA +tax).. You also need a mouse and keyboard so go for the Logitech cordless elite duo from Office Max for a price of $49.99. Network card is onboard. Sound is onboard.<td></tr></table>
<B>OS</B>:
Linux is free, but <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> will run you $93 at Newegg.
<b>Summary</b>
Intel P4 2.4C Ghz $176
Abit IS7-E $99
Leadtek FX5600 $155
Case $43
Crucial 256MB (2x) $96
160GB $100 (+tax)
48x CDRW $20 (+tax)
16x DVD $35 (+tax)
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99
Speakers $63 (+tax)
19inch Viewsonic Monitor $230 (+tax)
WinXP Home $93
Total: ~$1125. Very nice for this type of system. It is extremely overclockable as well.
With another $400, we can upgrade the video card and monitor, even the CPU and be fine.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We'll use <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=0">this case</a>, the same as the other. It looks nicer and comes with a 350 watt PSU. You'll spend a scant $43 on this one.</td></tr></table><B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We got with a new Springdale board, the Abit IS7-E. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=13-127-156&depa=1">I also bought one of these</a>. The springdales compete well with the higher priced Canterwoods. $99 from Newegg.</td></tr></table><B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We are using a Pentium 4 board this time. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=19-116-157&depa=1">The P4 2.4C Ghz is great</a>. It is a retail box, meaning it comes with a Heatsink and Fan. $176 at Newegg. I just bought this</td></tr></table><B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>$96 for a two sticks of PC3200 256MB <a href="http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT3264Z335&cat=RAM">of Crucial Memory</a> is just what you need. Great stuff at a good price. You can get free memory right now at Officemax, but Crucial is better. I have two of these as well, a review is coming at the end of this week.</td></tr></table><B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We got an Leadtek 128MB FX5600 <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-122-167&depa=1">at Newegg</a>. I should be getting a 5600 256MB card from a company soon, Hopefully. $155 at Newegg. </tr></table><B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td>CompUSA has a 160GB 8MB cache Harddrive for $100. 48x CDRW at OfficeMax for $20 AR. Pick up a Lite On DVD at <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=27-131-112&depa=1">Newegg for $36</a>. </td></tr></table><B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>19 inches here. Still <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=296017&pfp=BROWSE">a Viewsonic one</a> from CompUSA for a price of $229.97 (AR)</td></tr></table><B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td> </td><td>Logitech's z540 is good. Good quality, and the price is right at $62.68 (CompUSA +tax).. You also need a mouse and keyboard so go for the Logitech cordless elite duo from Office Max for a price of $49.99. Network card is onboard. Sound is onboard.<td></tr></table><B>OS</B>:
Linux is free, but <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> will run you $93 at Newegg.
<b>Summary</b>
Intel P4 2.4C Ghz $176
Abit IS7-E $99
Leadtek FX5600 $155
Case $43
Crucial 256MB (2x) $96
160GB $100 (+tax)
48x CDRW $20 (+tax)
16x DVD $35 (+tax)
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99
Speakers $63 (+tax)
19inch Viewsonic Monitor $230 (+tax)
WinXP Home $93
Total: ~$1125. Very nice for this type of system. It is extremely overclockable as well.
Page 3
$2000 is the upper limit here, and we want the best of the best.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>The same case. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=0">This case</a> is cheap and easy. Why go with something more elaborate if you don't have too? You'll spend a scant $43 on this one.</td></tr></table>
<B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>The newly released Canterwood will do just nicely for our best of the best. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=13-127-152&depa=1">Abit's IC7-G</a> has the new BIOS that makes it compare with their IS7. Audio and Lan included, this is what a new system needs. $199.99 from Newegg.</td></tr></table>
<B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>The 3 GHZ CPU is not the fastest, but a good mix of price and performance. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycode=&propertycodevalue=4186,4720">Much cheaper this time around</a>. Intel CPUs usually have good quality heatsinks. $400 at Newegg.</td></tr></table>
<B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>Two times the memory for the Canterwood. $180 gets two sticks <a href="http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT6464Z40B&cat=RAM">of 512MB of Crucial memory PC3200</a> is just what you need. Great stuff at a good price. </td></tr></table>
<B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>A Radeon AIW 9700 Pro. Get nothing else, you won't be sorry. Get it from Newegg. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-102-250&depa=1">Get an ATI one, $360</a>.</tr></table>
<B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td>CompUSA has a 160GB 8MB cache Harddrive for $100. 48x CDRW at OfficeMax for $20 AR. Pick up a Lite On DVD at <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=27-131-112&depa=1">Newegg for $36</a>. </td></tr></table>
<B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>19 inches here. Still <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=296017&pfp=BROWSE">a Viewsonic one</a> from CompUSA for a price of $229.97 (AR)</td></tr></table>
<B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td>We need crap in the pants speakers. The Logitech's z560 (THX) is good. Really really expensive $200 (CompUSA +tax). You also need a mouse and keyboard so go for the Logitech cordless elite duo from Office Max for a price of $49.99. Network card is onboard. Sound is onboard.<td></tr></table>
<B>OS</B>:
Linux is free, but <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> will run you $93 at Newegg.
<b>Summary</b>
Intel 3Ghz (800Mhz FSB) $400
Abit Canterwood $195
ATI AIW 9700 Pro $360
Case $43
Crucial 1024MB $180
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99
z560s $200 (+tax)
160GB $100 (+tax)
48x CDRW $20 (+tax)
16x DVD $35 (+tax)
19inch Viewsonic Monitor $223 (+tax)
WinXP Home $93
Great system, it'll last for a few years.
Total: ~$1870 After rebates. Great deal.
Damn gaming systems. I'm much better at home systems. Which will be coming on Wed! Please leave us some feedback!
$2000 is the upper limit here, and we want the best of the best.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>The same case. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=0">This case</a> is cheap and easy. Why go with something more elaborate if you don't have too? You'll spend a scant $43 on this one.</td></tr></table><B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>The newly released Canterwood will do just nicely for our best of the best. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=13-127-152&depa=1">Abit's IC7-G</a> has the new BIOS that makes it compare with their IS7. Audio and Lan included, this is what a new system needs. $199.99 from Newegg.</td></tr></table><B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>The 3 GHZ CPU is not the fastest, but a good mix of price and performance. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycode=&propertycodevalue=4186,4720">Much cheaper this time around</a>. Intel CPUs usually have good quality heatsinks. $400 at Newegg.</td></tr></table><B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Two times the memory for the Canterwood. $180 gets two sticks <a href="http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT6464Z40B&cat=RAM">of 512MB of Crucial memory PC3200</a> is just what you need. Great stuff at a good price. </td></tr></table><B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>A Radeon AIW 9700 Pro. Get nothing else, you won't be sorry. Get it from Newegg. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-102-250&depa=1">Get an ATI one, $360</a>.</tr></table><B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td>CompUSA has a 160GB 8MB cache Harddrive for $100. 48x CDRW at OfficeMax for $20 AR. Pick up a Lite On DVD at <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=27-131-112&depa=1">Newegg for $36</a>. </td></tr></table><B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>19 inches here. Still <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=296017&pfp=BROWSE">a Viewsonic one</a> from CompUSA for a price of $229.97 (AR)</td></tr></table><B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td> </td><td>We need crap in the pants speakers. The Logitech's z560 (THX) is good. Really really expensive $200 (CompUSA +tax). You also need a mouse and keyboard so go for the Logitech cordless elite duo from Office Max for a price of $49.99. Network card is onboard. Sound is onboard.<td></tr></table><B>OS</B>:
Linux is free, but <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> will run you $93 at Newegg.
<b>Summary</b>
Intel 3Ghz (800Mhz FSB) $400
Abit Canterwood $195
ATI AIW 9700 Pro $360
Case $43
Crucial 1024MB $180
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99
z560s $200 (+tax)
160GB $100 (+tax)
48x CDRW $20 (+tax)
16x DVD $35 (+tax)
19inch Viewsonic Monitor $223 (+tax)
WinXP Home $93
Great system, it'll last for a few years.
Total: ~$1870 After rebates. Great deal.
Damn gaming systems. I'm much better at home systems. Which will be coming on Wed! Please leave us some feedback!