Barebones

[Talon]

Hello all

What do you all think of using a "barebones" system for use in a cab?
Anyone got one?

http://www.aria.co.uk/productsList.asp?Category=140&Submit=submit

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductLister.aspx?GroupID=37

thinking of upgrading my 3year old PC.
Just need one with an AGP port for my ArcadeVGA, plus be able to take a P4.
Any recommendations etc

Cheers all

[testicle187]

Barebones are the foundations of a computer system, not the entire setup.  On most of them you need to add:  Hard Drive, Processor, Memory, Video Card, etc.   They are basically just a motherboard in a case.  You are better off creating your own setup, so you know exactly what parts are in your computer.  This will also save you money as you can buy only what is needed. 

[jedi27]

Most of the ones I've seen include a processor, MB, case, power supply, sometimes a floppy - not so much nowadays...

Sometimes you'll find good deals - note that these are usually MB's that are quite outdated... slower memory, slower AGP port..  they only do this to get rid of their old stock...

I've bought all my stuff from NewEgg.net - great prices!!!!!  For my cab, I found a MB / Processor combo for $89.  It's a biostar MB with a 1.8 Celeron.  The memory bus is only at 266, and the AGP port is a 4x.  No SATA - just IDE.  I already had an extra HD + PS + RAM sitting around, so for me it was pretty cheap.  In the end, I probably saved around $2-300.

Am I disappointed in performance?  Not at all - I haven't tried any of the CHD's yet though...