Topic: Choose optimal computer configuration

[Micko]

Hello guys, next month I will buy a new computer, this one is pretty much old.
I was wondering can you help me to choose optimal configuration. In attachment there is excell worksheet with parts and prices. Prices are in Bosnian marks (1 BAM = 0.51 Euro). Upper money limit I can spend is 1000 without monitor. If someone of you have some spare time you could help me by reading the worksheet and suggest me configuration. Should I buy P4 or AMD Sempron or AMD 64 bits CPU?? I have a number of dilemas here. You already helped me a lot sine I join forums and hope you'll help in future.

Thanks a lot

[ober]

I'll have a look tomorrow... gotta get some sleep.

[ygfperson]

Most of the hardware is listed in a language I can't understand. You might do better to ask a bunch of specific questions instead. Is the AMD Sempron the AMD Athlon?

[Micko]

Most of the hardware is listed in a language I can't understand. You might do better to ask a bunch of specific questions instead. Is the AMD Sempron the AMD Athlon?

Sorry man, I thought you'll be able to understand since there are a lot of common terms with English (such as MB for Motherboard, HDD, SVGA, RAM).
I'll try to choose some sample configurations and offer you to judge.
Thanks for the effort

[Rob]

Most of the hardware is listed in a language I can't understand. You might do better to ask a bunch of specific questions instead. Is the AMD Sempron the AMD Athlon?

Sempron

[ygfperson]

Sempron

ah, i guess i'm not the person to be answering these questions

[Micko]

Ok, guys I think I'm going to buy AMD processor. It seems that it has better ratio perfomance/price. Now question is: would it be wise to buy 64 bit AMD CPU? Will I be able to run all software? I assume not, but on the other hand I found n the net that new AMD CPU is made to be 32 bit compatible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[ygfperson]

you should be able to run 32-bit software with a 64-bit computer. in windows this is done with some kind of emulator called wow64. so the worst case scenario with buying a 64-bit processor is not being able to make full use of it.

[ober]

I would buy the 64 bit processor, but keep in mind that you may have trouble finding some drivers for some of the apps.  Although that is becoming less and less of a problem now.

[Micko]

Ok, thanks
Now I have to chose between two motherboards:
http://uk.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=478&l1=3&l2=15&l3=68

or

http://uk.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=14&l3=0&model=232&modelmenu=1

Currently company has only one processor for socket 939 and it's rather expensive, but I hope in a month there will be a greater choice.
Do you know any good web site for comparing motherboards?

[ober]

http://www.tomshardware.com

Honestly, I wouldn't get either of those boards.  I'd look for something that has PCI-Express for both video and a few expansion slots.  PCIX video cards are cheaper and the wave of the future and you'd be silly to stick with AGP, unless you have an AGP card and you aren't planning to upgrade that.

[Micko]

Thanks ober, I'll check the site...

[Micko]

OK, thanks all for help. I'm limitied with max amount of money I can spend on buying new computer and that is 1000 BAM. So I need to balance from that price list in attachment. I manage to make one configuration which fits in 1000 BAM. Can you comment or maybe suggest one or more changes (but with components in th list)?

[ober]

IMO, I wouldn't get the Sempron, ESPECIALLY if you're building up a gaming PC.  Also, I hope you're considering shipping in all those costs.  I also don't know anything about the case you're getting, but that should be a fairly high priority.  And have you checked the stats on the PSU?  You should have no less than 22A on your 12v rails.

[Sang-drax]

Can you comment or maybe suggest one or more changes (but with components in th list)?

That's a lot of bang for the bam!