20-03-2005 10:00									#1
	Getting New Computer - Need Help on Buying Parts. Increase Your PM Length

I don't have a LOT of money, but I do want a high-end system that will last at least 3 years, without having to upgrade too much.

I live in Singapore, went down to Sim Lim and had a good look around (Sim Lim is Singapore's hub for computer stores, 7 levels and on each level about 30 stores).

Anyway, so I have pulled together this list:



GIGABYTE GA-K8NS 939, AMD 64 (3500) + FAN = $626

PSU HECPower OP 435 WATTS = $109

MSI GeForce 6800 GT PCI-E 256MB = $750

PC3200 400mhz 512MB MEMORY = $98

SEAGATE HD 80GB SATA = $117

= $1731



This is all I need, I have the other parts and they don't need upgrading.

So before I take the plunge and buy all this, can anyone STOP ME before I do something stupid; in other words, should I be getting a different motherboard, not getting the 64 bit cpu, etc

Last edited by Sn00py on 20-03-2005 at 20:09

	20-03-2005 10:03									#2
	Increase Your PM Length

It looks good. What do you have for a power supply now?

	20-03-2005 10:05									#3
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

On second thought, that 6600GT looks to be on the expensive side. As does the RAM and hard drive. What kind of dollars?

	20-03-2005 10:06									#4
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

I think it's a 350, good point, I always forget about the power supply. I know I need at least a 400. I will go for a 450 though.

	20-03-2005 10:07									#5
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

It depends on what you're doing...

	20-03-2005 10:07									#6
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

quote: Originally posted by notyoueither On second thought, that 6600GT looks to be on the expensive side. As does the RAM and hard drive. What kind of dollars?

Singapore Dollars

	20-03-2005 10:08									#7
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

What is the exchange to US?

	20-03-2005 10:09									#8
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by Urban Ranger It depends on what you're doing...

general use, but mainly I want to be able to play a game that needs a lot of juice.

	20-03-2005 10:12									#9
	Remove this text

quote: Originally posted by Sn00py general use, but mainly I want to be able to play a game that needs a lot of juice.

Games don't need such a high-end system because developers don't want to cut their own throats. Limiting their potential buyers base with game development costs raising is dumb.

You definitely don't need the 6600GT.

	20-03-2005 10:13									#10
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

Let me suggest you something.

You said you want to keep your system for at least 3 years. This is a bold but achievable objective, but the first step you should do in order to ensure its success is to get a socket 939 motherboard with a PCI-Express slot. That way, you'll have a much easier time upgrading your CPU and video card down the road.

This is what I did with my Socket A system; I got it more than two years ago, and I was able to breathe new life into it just by buying a new CPU and vid card.

	20-03-2005 10:14									#11
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

No, no, no.. don't get Socket 754! Get Socket 939. It is newer and you will be able to get PCI Express on a Socket 939 board. My system is Socket 754 and it should do fine for like three years.. but the 939 will last a tad bit longer.

	20-03-2005 10:16									#12
	Got spare money?

Micros these days can last a long time. The average user has no use for massive computational power.

	20-03-2005 10:18									#13
	Full PM-box? Change here!

quote: Originally posted by Urban Ranger Games don't need such a high-end system because developers don't want to cut their own throats. Limiting their potential buyers base with game development costs raising is dumb.

Two words: Doom3, Farcry. Those games require a ton of resources... especially graphics card related.. I recommend at least getting a 6600.

	20-03-2005 10:20									#14
	Put an end to popups!

quote: Originally posted by Urban Ranger Micros these days can last a long time. The average user has no use for massive computational power.

Yup, but 1) he said specifically that he wants to play a demanding game and 2) socket 939 is not about today's performance, it's about long-term expandibility.

	20-03-2005 10:21									#15
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations

quote: Originally posted by Oncle Boris Let me suggest you something. You said you want to keep your system for at least 3 years. This is a bold but achievable objective, but the first step you should do in order to ensure its success is to get a socket 939 motherboard with a PCI-Express slot. That way, you'll have a much easier time upgrading your CPU and video card down the road. This is what I did with my Socket A system; I got it more than two years ago, and I was able to breathe new life into it just by buying a new CPU and vid card.

If the video lasts him for the 3 years, then the 754 board and processor should be cheaper.

	20-03-2005 10:22									#16
	Inflate your Upload Space

quote: Originally posted by notyoueither What is the exchange to US?

1 SGD = 0.614893 USD

	20-03-2005 10:22									#17
	Put an end to popups!

quote: Originally posted by notyoueither If the video lasts him for the 3 years, then the 754 board and processor should be cheaper.

Well he's talking about future upgradeability.. instead of having to buy a new board in the future, you could just get a new CPU.

	20-03-2005 10:23									#18
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quote: Originally posted by notyoueither If the video lasts him for the 3 years, then the 754 board and processor should be cheaper.

I wouldn't bet on s754 CPUs being manufactured in 3 years from now, though.

	20-03-2005 10:23									#19
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

quote: Originally posted by Sn00py 1 SGD = 0.614893 USD

Dang.. it seems he got quite a deal! Like $768 USD.. I think if I calculated that right..

	20-03-2005 10:24									#20
	Remove this text

Hm, I have thought about having Express support, I can see that's the next step to take.

Alright, I will update my above list.

	20-03-2005 10:26									#21
	Full PM-box? Change here!

quote: Originally posted by Giancarlo Well he's talking about future upgradeability.. instead of having to buy a new board in the future, you could just get a new CPU.

Is that what this means?

quote: without having to upgrade too much

	20-03-2005 10:26									#22
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

I took it that he wanted to add RAM if necessary, but not much else.

	20-03-2005 10:27									#23
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

quote: Originally posted by notyoueither Is that what this means? quote: without having to upgrade too much

I'm not saying he had to upgrade much. I'm saying the option should be kept open in the far future. Sheesh. Read my posts right.

Go with Socket 939.

	20-03-2005 10:28									#24
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

Ok, I have gone for this one: GIGABYTE GA-K8NS 939, AMD 64 (3500)

btw, can someone tell me what the speed is on a 3500?

Would a 3200 be okay instead? It costs $491

	20-03-2005 10:28									#25
	Increase Your PM Length

Why? 18 months from now the thing to get will not be a 939 ptrocessor, most likely. Why pay more for upgradability unless you KNOW you are going to make changes in the next 12 months?

	20-03-2005 10:29									#26
	Increase Your PM Length

Go with 3200+.. you can overclock it if you want..

quote: Originally posted by notyoueither Why? 18 months from now the thing to get will not be a 939 ptrocessor, most likely. Why pay more for upgradability unless you KNOW you are going to make changes in the next 12 months?

If you would even bother reading AMD's future strategy you would notice they are phasing out Socket A AND Socket 754. Not Socket 939. In fact Socket 939 is going to stay in production. I know this, because I follow AMD almost all the time.

	20-03-2005 10:30									#27
	Increase the size of your Attachments

notyoueither, I understand that, but what can you do? This is the way it is with technology, best thing to do is just accept it, go for the best you can, and wait until you can upgrade again,

	20-03-2005 10:33									#28
	Increase the size of your Attachments

quote: Originally posted by Sn00py Ok, I have gone for this one: GIGABYTE GA-K8NS 939, AMD 64 (3500) btw, can someone tell me what the speed is on a 3500? Would a 3200 be okay instead? It costs $491

Get the cheapest s939 CPU you can find. Then upgrade it in 2 years.

Spending $140 twice on a CPU is much better than spending $280 once.

	20-03-2005 10:35									#29
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

quote: Originally posted by Sn00py notyoueither, I understand that, but what can you do? This is the way it is with technology, best thing to do is just accept it, go for the best you can, and wait until you can upgrade again,

I agree entirely. That's why I seldom advise clients to buy a board with upgrades in mind unless they are planning on it in the near future.

Buy what you need when you need it.

When you need to change your processor, it is likely best to change your board as well.

2 years from now you would be looking at DDR2 and PCIexpress video to get the most bang for buck.

So, save your money now and buy what will do the job.

Or, hold off a bit and let the change over sort itself out. DDR2 and PCIe should take over the AMD platform shortly.

	20-03-2005 14:32									#30
	Remove this text

quote: Originally posted by notyoueither 2 years from now you would be looking at DDR2 and PCIexpress video to get the most bang for buck.

Nah, probably not. How long has Blu-Ray been out? Have you seen anything based on that?

Sure, PCIe and DDR2 will fare better, but most people won't need that.