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Have $300 to spend on a system, whats the best I can build?
shmokes:
Isn't Z560 a model of Logitech Speakers?
Anyway, I would highly recommend looking at Shuttle barebones systems. They've got everything you need. They're inexpensive. They look great. Get one with an NForce2 Motherboard and you're really set, with great audio (digital 5.1 if you want...not even the Audigy 2 can bost that) and respectable video, certainly for a Mame system. If you want to upgrade there is one PCI and one AGP port so you're not necessarily stuck with the onboard components. They come with just about everything under the sun on board, though: firewire, USB 2.0, Ethernet (I think there are two ethernet ports on board), Decent video chipset with S-Video out (again, great for MAME), great sound hardware.
Check it out:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=56-101-217&refer=bizrate
(you might have to copy the above link and paste it into your browser's address bar, sorry)
Heres a Tom's Hardware review of the Shuttle kits:
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20030131/
CitznFish:
--- Quote from: shmokes on March 24, 2003, 07:17:07 pm ---Isn't Z560 a model of Logitech Speakers?
Anyway, I would highly recommend looking at Shuttle barebones systems. They've got everything you need. They're inexpensive. They look great. Get one with an NForce2 Motherboard and you're really set, with great audio (digital 5.1 if you want...not even the Audigy 2 can bost that) and respectable video, certainly for a Mame system. If you want to upgrade there is one PCI and one AGP port so you're not necessarily stuck with the onboard components. They come with just about everything under the sun on board, though: firewire, USB 2.0, Ethernet (I think there are two ethernet ports on board), Decent video chipset with S-Video out (again, great for MAME), great sound hardware.
Check it out:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=56-101-217&refer=bizrate
(you might have to copy the above link and paste it into your browser's address bar, sorry)
Heres a Tom's Hardware review of the Shuttle kits:
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20030131/
--- End quote ---
that's without a processor??
Ghoul:
Here's my advice, and this is how I very succesfully built my mame comp. Go to a hardware forum, not byoac. People will know more about building their own computers, it's where I did a lot of my research. Also, in general they will rate your system (i.e. you list out the components you want to buy) and give you advice. Make SURE that you mention this computer is for a specific purpose. Mame needs processor speed and ram, video card is the third on the list. If you are going only for mame then don't waste your money on a top of the line video card unless you find a really good deal.
I'm assuming you have at least some knowledge of a computer's innards, and if you do then it's not that hard to build one. Especially considering if something goes wrong, you've already got your current computer to look on the net for troubleshooting tips.
www.sharkyforums.com
www.hardforums.com
Those are some good places to start.
If you want reviews of hardware check out www.tomshardware.com www.sharkyextreme.com www.anandtech.com
anandtech has GREAT forums for finding deals on hardware. so does www.fatwallet.com
If you are looking to save as much money as possible then be patient. Decide at least vaguely what you want in your computer, for example what kind of motherboard and processor (amd or intel?), what kind of ram and how much (pc2100, pc2700, rdram, 256megs, 512 megs?), and then look for deals to pop up on those forums and in your local ads. Chances are once you start buying there will be at least one good deal a week for something you want to buy. Over time your comp falls into place!
Wienerdog:
--- Quote from: romid on March 24, 2003, 05:40:36 pm ---You might also want to check deal sites for good computer deals. I recently purchased two Compaq 1.67ghz PCs w/ 128mb ram and cdrw for $150 each! Of course, deals like that dont come around too often, but there are good computer deals every once in a while.
check out the fatwallet hot deals forum at http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/categories.cfm?catid=18
Good luck!
--- End quote ---
At least it wasn't me this time (like these folks don't have a big enough addiction already). Be warned, Fatwallet is an addiction. Soon you will also be talking about picking up your e740 from CC for $50 after MSN $, PM, MIR, and AMEX BVG. I'm still waiting on about $1500 in rebates.
Over the past two months, I've slowly been aquiring stuff for my cab system:
ATP3 speakers with sub-ruffer - 44 cents
256MB PC2700 RAM - $6 with shipping/tax
80 GB Wester digital Hard Drive w/8mb Cache - $20
48x CDRW - $5
15 iBall Trackballs (remember the addiction part?) - $55
ATI All-In-Wonder 8500 128mb Video card - $100
It's not all fun and games though, I'm still waiting on about $350 in rebates and price matches for that hardware.
Magnet_Eye:
check out this deal! :o
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3014124527&category=3544
Looks like a rad computer, dude!
totally.