Ideal P4 Computer..?!

[boske]

I am looking at geting a new system. i want an affordable one (under 2k) with some great parts. Let me know what you guys suggest on getting?
Processor
Motherboard
soundcard
videocard
Ram

and anything else you have to contribute

[The Doors]

Hi boske, wellcome to the Forum,
personally I don't suggest you to take a P4, better to choose an Amd TB1.4Ghz on a Mobo like an Abit KG7-R with Raid on board and 256 or better 512Mb of Ddr module preferribly Pc2400, this system is more cheaper and gives more performance of every kind of P4, or better you can take a Mobo with a double Amd Palomino 1.2, 1.4, or the latest 1.5Ghz always wit 512Mb of Ddr Pc2400.

I hope it helps you ;)

[stompah]

Have you every built a computer? If you havent I would stay away from AMD unless you have really good hands. The AMD cores are very fragile and crack very easily. If you buy the CPU and MB from a local store I would suggest you have them install the heatsink so if they crack your new CPU at least they take responsibility for it. If you get them to do it then I would suggest AMD. If not then go ahead with the p4.

my $.02

[WillysNut]

You mention Pentium 4 in the title so I'll make just one small chime in...If you choose to go P4, be sure you get a mobo that has a Socket 478 configuration. This will allow you to upgrade to newer, .13 micron P4's in the future. The 478 socket is expected to be around for a while so..if you go P4..make sure the mobo has a 478pin style socket. Happy hunting!

[boske]

thanks for your comments guys. the only reason why I am choosing a p4 is because I have had good expereicne witht these processors. a lot of my friends had AMD's and had problems. Yes I have built several computers in my lifetime. What other parts do you suggest...what kind of cooling and case?

[JetMech]

If you decide on P4 and want a midtower I recommend the Inwin S-508. It is P4 ready. You must realize that with the P4 as well as Athlon power requirement and heat production are high. The P4 has a unique heatsink and fan mounting system that will require a special case or you must choose a motherboard that provides a backing plate to adapt the HSF. Also the power supply for P4 has 3 connectors, a 12volt conn, the normal Atx12v connector and a connector that looks like one half of the old AT type. It should also be at least 300 watts. There are some other requirements of the power supply but my main point here is that the Inwin S-508 is P4 and Athlon ready. The case costs $75.00 on the US east coast.

[Burning Phoenix]

As for video cards of course must will recommend a NVidia chip based card any brand if it will be a geforce 3.
Sound card: It seems like you'll here a SoundBlaster product mentioned.
RDRAM for P4 I use Samsung but i heard that KingMax makes it also and i've always had good overclocking results when i used Sdram PC150 by Kingmax.
As for powering the P4 I recommend at least 350 W. depending on what you'll add to this system.
Motherboard I use ASUS P4T but i've heard of problems with it but i've haven't had any yet for my term of using it for 2 months now with a P4 1.7 GHZ.

[funnyperson1]

dude, wati till the northwoods come out....they will have higher clcok speeds and a bit higher performance at clock for clock.....they will beat athlons hands down(until thouroughbred comes out at least)

[Burning Phoenix]

I thought about waiting for those new Intel chips but i really thought i would have to wait for at least 6 months + for the prices to drop so i went ahead and bought my P4 1.7 2 months ago instead. I didn't want to wait anymore. It was time to upgrade from my P3 700@1022. I'll probably buy the 2.0 ghz when it hits less than $300 next. Then the Northwood after that.

[TUK101]

Originally posted by WillysNut
You mention Pentium 4 in the title so I'll make just one small chime in...If you choose to go P4, be sure you get a mobo that has a Socket 478 configuration. This will allow you to upgrade to newer, .13 micron P4's in the future. The 478 socket is expected to be around for a while so..if you go P4..make sure the mobo has a 478pin style socket. Happy hunting! Also.....go with a quality motherboard from a quality name manufacurer. Someone like abit, intel, soyo. Dont go with something like a "house brand" or microstar, for those mobo's are junk and less stabile.

[funnyperson1]

i would go with an abit or an asus....

[JetMech]

Beware of all Intel motherboards. Although they will always give you excellent stability they will not allow you to squeeze that last little bit of goodness out that is available on every Intel chip. Even though we are seeing what appears to be signs of "the big I" overclocking some of their chips through voltage increases; with them customer overclocking is not an option..

[The Doors]

Originally posted by boske
thanks for your comments guys. the only reason why I am choosing a p4 is because I have had good expereicne witht these processors. a lot of my friends had AMD's and had problems. Yes I have built several computers in my lifetime. What other parts do you suggest...what kind of cooling and case?
I want suggest you a Full tower case with a Ps of 350w and a Swiftech MC462 or the newest Alpha PAL8045 that is coming on the way, about the Mobo, well I prefer Abit.

[boske]

what model abit?
what model full tower is p4 ready?

[The Doors]

The Abit TH7II-Raid, but for more info take a look on the Abit website http://www.abit.com.tw/
for the case, it's really difficult to say, there are a lot of good Case Full Tower, choose a case that can mount a lot of fans, that you like it and that is P4 compatible :D just for info I'm using a YeongYang.

[Thirus44]

Get the Radeon 8800 when it comes out. Better than standard geforce 3 and cheeper. Before everyone starts faming this post I said 8800 not 8500. hehe

[JetMech]

Originally posted by The Doors
The Abit TH7II-Raid, but for more info take a look on the Abit website http://www.abit.com.tw/
for the case, it's really difficult to say, there are a lot of good Case Full Tower, choose a case that can mount a lot of fans, that you like it and that is P4 compatible :D just for info I'm using a YeongYang. Is that the beautiful aluminum thing I'm about to divorce my wife over?

[burn'em]

Originally posted by boske
I am looking at geting a new system. i want an affordable one (under 2k) with some great parts. Let me know what you guys suggest on getting?
Processor
Motherboard
soundcard
videocard
Ram

and anything else you have to contribute

Well if you are going to spend 2k and you chose your components wisely you will have one smoking box. I would wait for the new P4 to come out. I have a P4 1.5 Asus P4T mob. I couldn’t wait, the day my P4 got here Intel came out with the 1.7 and the 1.5 was about $150.00 less than I paid. (I returned it and reorder it at the lower price) Question are cheap bad choices are forever. Good Luck, Keep us posted.