Computer people help me out

ponyboy · 12-13-2002, 07:55 AM

Well, I just got the word from the shop that my motherboard is fried and it would cost me $200 to replace it plus a memory upgrade. My current system is a P3 500...so I'm thinking it is time for an upgrade (especially with Christmas coming) but I need some info since I've been shopping around and I trust the people here. I'm looking to spend around $700-800 (remember, this is Canadian) for a half decent system (I only use it for the Net and word processing). Questions:

What is the difference between a Celeron and a Pentium 4 processor? Celerons are way cheaper...is the performance the same?
What is the best OS out there right now? There is Windows XP, Windows ME, Linux, etc...I used to have Windows 98, and it was fine, but I'm wondering what I should upgrade to.
Plus, any recommendations in terms of system size, power, etc would be greatly appreciated. I'm going tonight to check out a place that seems to have good prices. Thanks in advance for any responses.

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 08:03 AM

PB, try to stay away from the Celeron. I have one and they are junk. Spend the extra $ on the Pentium. As far as which verson of windows.......they all suck. I've used them all and Windows 98 has been the best by far. I'm thinking of trying out a Mac next time. But then you run into software compatability issues.

craig777 · 12-13-2002, 08:07 AM

Here is my 2 cents.

I just built my own system for about $600. It has a 1.3 GHz AMD processor and a 17" monitor. I have 256 Meg of RAM. I get all my parts at a place called Amenity Computer Systems or ACS. There web site is www.askacs.com None of the components is name brand like Intel Pentium so I don't have to pay the markup. It works great and didn't cost me a fortune to build.

Although I hate Microsoft Viruses like Windows, all my kids have games that run under Windows, so I have to have Windows 98 loaded. If not I would have Linux.

I believe there are other places that sell cheap computer components, probably in Canada. ACS will put it together for you for $50 if you don't want to try. I will never ever walk into a store and buy a computer.

Go look at the ACS web site to see their prices.

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by craig777
Here is my 2 cents.

It has a 1.3 GHz AMD processor

I've had AMD processors before and you can't hardly beat them. I don't understand why more companies don't use them. In some applications they are better than Intel.

**Jodi** · 12-13-2002, 08:20 AM

My recommendation:

You can either have it built or go to Gateway.com or Dell.com (preferred). You can customize what you would like. I've had good luck in the workplace with both companies but for myself I just build my own when I want to upgrade.

Intel is much more reliable but stay away from Celeron and go with a P4. You can keep your monitor and just order the PC itself and that will save you a couple hundred. Something like this below will be about 400-500 US and it come with 1 year in home support. I believe Gateway has free shipping right now too but I do like Dell better.

P4 Processor (at least a 1.4 GHz)
256 MB RAM
10/100 Ethernet
W2K or XP Home Edition (I prefer W2K)

STAY AWAY FROM MAC - Unless your a Graphic Artist. MAC's are shit for everyday PC use.

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mochy
MAC's are shit for everyday PC use.

Mochy,
Why is that? I've heard just the reverse. (not trying to start anything, just interested in your opinion.) I really don't know, never had one.

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 08:45 AM

Celeron's are fine for home use.

Personally at home I have an AMD, and the dedicated server that this site runs on is also an AMD.

Have you checked out Tigerdirect?

ponyboy · 12-13-2002, 08:48 AM

Okay, I've checked out AMD processors and they seem good, the one I'm looking at is an XP1700 (speed about 1.47Gh) which sounds fine with me. P4's are pretty much out of my price range at this point. Mochy, I checked out Dell and they look okay, but their prices are a little higher than the others, I guess it is because they offer tech support, etc. I have an uncle that had a really bad experience with them once that makes me wary. Why do Celerons suck so badly?

Just added two more stores to my list to check out this afternoon. It's going to be hard to hold out until Christmas...my credit card is calling me...

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 08:55 AM

My dedicated server uses a AMD XP 1700+

Celeron's do not suck, they are just inferior to the Pentium, but they're fine for home use. One of the main differences in the Celeron is a smaller L2 cache.

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prince
My dedicated server uses a AMD XP 1700+

Celeron's do not suck, they are just inferior to the Pentium, but they're fine for home use. One of the main differences in the Celeron is a smaller L2 cache.

Well my Celeron is on my Home PC......And I know I'm not the normal home user. Cause I'm constantly wanting the Kick the $h!t out of my PC.

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 09:02 AM

how do you know that the problem or bottleneck of your pc is the processor?

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 09:05 AM

Well it's either the processor or the Operating system (XPpro) because I've replaced/upgraded everything else.

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 09:36 AM

I have never used XP, I use Windows 2000 PRO.

You have replaced your mother board?

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prince
You have replaced your mother board?

No, are you suggesting that it could be somthing else on the MB?

The next operating system that I use will be 2000. Have heard alot of good things about it.

**dg806** · 12-13-2002, 09:41 AM

I would go with a Dell celeron if money is a concern. I have a Dell at home and the City uses Dell and they stay on 24/7. Never see them having problems. IMO they are the best PC.

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 09:42 AM

it very well could be the motherboard.

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prince
it very well could be the motherboard.

What on the mother board besides the processer could it be?

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 09:50 AM

the motherboard itself.

what kind/brand of board is it?

what is the bios date?

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 09:51 AM

Right off the top of my head, I'm not sure of the MB brand or bio's date. I'll look tonight when I get home.

PonyBoy, did you get all your questions answered?

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 09:52 AM

there are often conflicts with older boards and new OS's, especially if it's a crappy mb to begin with.

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 09:54 AM

I know I was able to overclock it............he he he

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 10:09 AM

it's overclocked now?

that could be a problem, it may be running too hot.

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 10:10 AM

Yeh, I've fried other MB's before. You'd think I'd learn.

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by IPMC
Yeh, I've fried other MB's before.

I assume that you meant you've fried cpu's.

Rusty · 12-13-2002, 10:56 AM

**Prince** · 12-13-2002, 01:19 PM

yeah, overclocking is not really worth it.

12-13-2002, 07:55 AM	#1
ponyboy Training Trainer Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Running around somewhere Posts: 2,608 Photos: 1	Computer people help me out BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS High Quality Supplements For Bodybuilders and Athletes. www.ironmaglabs.com Well, I just got the word from the shop that my motherboard is fried and it would cost me $200 to replace it plus a memory upgrade. My current system is a P3 500...so I'm thinking it is time for an upgrade (especially with Christmas coming) but I need some info since I've been shopping around and I trust the people here. I'm looking to spend around $700-800 (remember, this is Canadian) for a half decent system (I only use it for the Net and word processing). Questions: What is the difference between a Celeron and a Pentium 4 processor? Celerons are way cheaper...is the performance the same? What is the best OS out there right now? There is Windows XP, Windows ME, Linux, etc...I used to have Windows 98, and it was fine, but I'm wondering what I should upgrade to. Plus, any recommendations in terms of system size, power, etc would be greatly appreciated. I'm going tonight to check out a place that seems to have good prices. Thanks in advance for any responses.
	Today I can do what others will not so that tomorrow I will do what others cannot. The difference between winners and losers is that winners do things that losers don't want to do.

12-13-2002, 08:03 AM	#2
Rusty FTW Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: On my Harley Posts: 4,305	PB, try to stay away from the Celeron. I have one and they are junk. Spend the extra $ on the Pentium. As far as which verson of windows.......they all suck. I've used them all and Windows 98 has been the best by far. I'm thinking of trying out a Mac next time. But then you run into software compatability issues.
	~RUSTY~

12-13-2002, 08:20 AM	#5
Jodi Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 22,180 Photos: 1	My recommendation: You can either have it built or go to Gateway.com or Dell.com (preferred). You can customize what you would like. I've had good luck in the workplace with both companies but for myself I just build my own when I want to upgrade. Intel is much more reliable but stay away from Celeron and go with a P4. You can keep your monitor and just order the PC itself and that will save you a couple hundred. Something like this below will be about 400-500 US and it come with 1 year in home support. I believe Gateway has free shipping right now too but I do like Dell better. P4 Processor (at least a 1.4 GHz) 256 MB RAM 10/100 Ethernet W2K or XP Home Edition (I prefer W2K) STAY AWAY FROM MAC - Unless your a Graphic Artist. MAC's are shit for everyday PC use.
	Essence EFA

12-13-2002, 08:45 AM	#7
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	Celeron's are fine for home use. Personally at home I have an AMD, and the dedicated server that this site runs on is also an AMD. Have you checked out Tigerdirect?
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!

12-13-2002, 08:48 AM	#8
ponyboy Training Trainer Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Running around somewhere Posts: 2,608 Photos: 1	Okay, I've checked out AMD processors and they seem good, the one I'm looking at is an XP1700 (speed about 1.47Gh) which sounds fine with me. P4's are pretty much out of my price range at this point. Mochy, I checked out Dell and they look okay, but their prices are a little higher than the others, I guess it is because they offer tech support, etc. I have an uncle that had a really bad experience with them once that makes me wary. Why do Celerons suck so badly? Just added two more stores to my list to check out this afternoon. It's going to be hard to hold out until Christmas...my credit card is calling me...
	Today I can do what others will not so that tomorrow I will do what others cannot. The difference between winners and losers is that winners do things that losers don't want to do.

12-13-2002, 08:07 AM	#3
craig777 Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 1,961	Here is my 2 cents. I just built my own system for about $600. It has a 1.3 GHz AMD processor and a 17" monitor. I have 256 Meg of RAM. I get all my parts at a place called Amenity Computer Systems or ACS. There web site is www.askacs.com None of the components is name brand like Intel Pentium so I don't have to pay the markup. It works great and didn't cost me a fortune to build. Although I hate Microsoft Viruses like Windows, all my kids have games that run under Windows, so I have to have Windows 98 loaded. If not I would have Linux. I believe there are other places that sell cheap computer components, probably in Canada. ACS will put it together for you for $50 if you don't want to try. I will never ever walk into a store and buy a computer. Go look at the ACS web site to see their prices.

12-13-2002, 08:55 AM	#9
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	My dedicated server uses a AMD XP 1700+ Celeron's do not suck, they are just inferior to the Pentium, but they're fine for home use. One of the main differences in the Celeron is a smaller L2 cache.
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!

12-13-2002, 09:02 AM	#11
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	how do you know that the problem or bottleneck of your pc is the processor?
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12-13-2002, 09:05 AM	#12
Rusty FTW Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: On my Harley Posts: 4,305	Well it's either the processor or the Operating system (XPpro) because I've replaced/upgraded everything else.
	~RUSTY~

12-13-2002, 09:36 AM	#13
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	I have never used XP, I use Windows 2000 PRO. You have replaced your mother board?
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12-13-2002, 09:41 AM	#15
dg806 Guardian of The Homeland Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 16,938	I would go with a Dell celeron if money is a concern. I have a Dell at home and the City uses Dell and they stay on 24/7. Never see them having problems. IMO they are the best PC.
	www.sbmuscle.com

12-13-2002, 09:42 AM	#16
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	it very well could be the motherboard.
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12-13-2002, 09:50 AM	#18
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	the motherboard itself. what kind/brand of board is it? what is the bios date?
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12-13-2002, 09:51 AM	#19
Rusty FTW Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: On my Harley Posts: 4,305	Right off the top of my head, I'm not sure of the MB brand or bio's date. I'll look tonight when I get home. PonyBoy, did you get all your questions answered?
	~RUSTY~

12-13-2002, 09:52 AM	#20
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	there are often conflicts with older boards and new OS's, especially if it's a crappy mb to begin with.
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!

12-13-2002, 09:54 AM	#21
Rusty FTW Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: On my Harley Posts: 4,305	I know I was able to overclock it............he he he
	~RUSTY~

12-13-2002, 10:09 AM	#22
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	it's overclocked now? that could be a problem, it may be running too hot.
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!

12-13-2002, 10:10 AM	#23
Rusty FTW Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: On my Harley Posts: 4,305	Yeh, I've fried other MB's before. You'd think I'd learn.
	~RUSTY~

12-13-2002, 10:56 AM	#25
Rusty FTW Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: On my Harley Posts: 4,305	YES
	~RUSTY~

12-13-2002, 01:19 PM	#26
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	yeah, overclocking is not really worth it.
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!