Alienware or ABS?

[AbominableJinx]

I am glad you caught that for me, thanks again I will trust you guys and most likely will go with Monarch and get this dreaded pc shopping over with. They sure beat the price ABS has, and have more of a choice of things to choose from.

The last time I was configuring this, I didnt even see the NEC burner. Its weird cause I am sure seen it earlyer on Monarchs site. I will configure again tomorrow and hopefully, the NEC will be there. I guess they dont have the Value Corsair ram, so I will do what you said and buy it from new egg. It isnt that hard to install for a newbe is it? Lol.

So when you go to copy a cd with a single burner, can you save it to the hard drive then put your blank one in and burn it? Forgive my ignorance, I know this sounds so new-b-ish, but to be truthful, I never even owned or used a cd or dvd burner. Im so far behind

Also, can you store more media on a dvd, or copy movies with it?

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

A Dvd holds 4.7 gigs a cd holds .7 gigs. Yes you can store it on a harddrive and then burn. If you use Nero it will make an image of the disk for you on your harddrive and then ask for a blank disk (probably the same with any other software too). Ram is easy to install just align it in the right direction and push till the littles clips on the side lock. If it doesn't break your budget might want to stick with the higher quality ram though and that way you won't have to worry about it running below spec speeds.

 

[Johnbear007]

.

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: trexpesto
This is fun!
From Monarchcomputer.com: LINK
A64 system which will smoke that Alienware, includes 6800GT, 2yr on-site support, windows, anti-virus. They set it up and test it before shipping. I think shipping is ~ 80 to Nevada. I think they are in Georgia, so elsewhere you don't pay tax. I would change it to just get the cheapest memory and order 2x512 sticks of mushkin or corsair from newegg. THIS MUSHKIN or THIS CORSAIR

$49.00 .... 800069 Monarch GT64 Custom PC/WS (Athlon 64)
$58.00 .... Cases: 100493 - PS 400W - Enermax CS-5171LBFS-B Mid-Tower
$101.00 .. Motherboards: 110832 - Abit KV8 PRO Audio/GB-LAN/USB/SATA/DDR-40
$218.00 .. Processor: 120732 - AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 1MB (754) <--1 MB Cache baby!
$21.00 .... Heat Sink Fan: 130150 - Thermaltake A1772 AMD Recommended for Opt
$292.00 .. Memory: 140307 - DDR (400) 3200 - 1 GB Corsair (CMX1024-3200PRO)
$128.00 .. Hard Drive: 150125 - IDE - Western Digital (WD2000JB SE) 200 G
$93.00 .... CD-RW/DVD-RW: 160453 - DVD-RW - NEC ND-2500A/GBP 4X/2X-DVD+-RW/8
$15.25 .... Floppy Drive: 170101 - Mitsumi 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive
$455.00 .. Video Card: 190457 - XFX GeForce 6800 GT 256MB DDR3/8XAGP/TV-OUT<-- BOO YAH!
$19.00 .... Modem: 200102 - QuickConnect 56K V.92 PCI Modem - <-- Why you want a modem??
$154.00 .. Operating System: 210111 - Microsoft Windows XP Professional
$79.00 .... Warranty: 800094 - 24/7 Tech Support + Plus 2 Year Onsite Warranty
$0 ........... Monarch Logo Stickers: 270642 - Monarch GT 64 Logo
$99.00 .... Antivirus: 310109 - Norton SystemWorks Professional 2004
$9.00 ...... Round Cables: 150012 - Yellow round Hard Drive cables 40-pin
$0 ............ Far Cry Promotion: 270846 - FREE Full DVD Version of Far Cry - $39.95 value

----------------------------------------------------------
$1,790.25 Subtotal for your selected options :thumbsup:

Edit: I just checked them on Resellerratings.com and they are god-like! 9.36 score!

I would go with this, monarch is an EXCELLENT company, I use them whenever I can't get something from newegg, and they are just as good.

However, why wouldyou pay 99$ for an anti virus, when it sux anyway.

Save your self 100$ and download avg free edition from www.grisoft.com it's better than norton and it's free.

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: trexpesto
Yep, onboard sound is usually good, varies slightly with the motherboard. I use headphones most of the time, pretty beat ones at that..

And yep it is a barracuda, I looked up the model number on google: http://www.seagate.com/cda/products/discsales/marketing/detail/0,1081,625,00.html

And I second the above post about getting a single dvd/cd burner. The NEC ones I know are good. Dual Layer disks are still $10 so I wouldn't worry about getting a dual layer burner right yet.

I would take the total waste of money you are spending on the 99$ anti virus and buy an audigy 2. Onboard sound always sux.

 

[trexpesto]

Agree, just thought he was all sketched out, and since he has modem connection... I heard XP has a built in firewall which is not great but may work enough to put on one of the free ones.

There is a great part on mechBgon's building guide that tells all about protecting yourself from viruses etc.

 

[trexpesto]

Originally posted by: AbominableJinx
I am glad you caught that for me, thanks again I will trust you guys and most likely will go with Monarch and get this dreaded pc shopping over with. They sure beat the price ABS has, and have more of a choice of things to choose from.

The last time I was configuring this, I didnt even see the NEC burner. Its weird cause I am sure seen it earlyer on Monarchs site. I will configure again tomorrow and hopefully, the NEC will be there. I guess they dont have the Value Corsair ram, so I will do what you said and buy it from new egg. It isnt that hard to install for a newbe is it? Lol.

So when you go to copy a cd with a single burner, can you save it to the hard drive then put your blank one in and burn it? Forgive my ignorance, I know this sounds so new-b-ish, but to be truthful, I never even owned or used a cd or dvd burner. Im so far behind

Also, can you store more media on a dvd, or copy movies with it?

I mean it's not BAD to have the spare parts and it's pretty cheap. Could go with the stock HSF and save 20-whatever, but they tend to be pretty loud.

There's a thing with Windows Media Player where it saves it in .wma format in MyMusic and then you can go there and burn it back to regular audio cd format. Just copying the files is fast but it then it doesn't burn like a regular audio CD.
There's also other ways I guess. Could be you could get it to copy them to mp3 instead of wma. Probably some programs out there do it quicker. Also there is .ogg format but it is not as widely used.

And you can forget the Norton I guess (see above) and save $99, there are free ones you can get, just make sure you install before connecting to your modem. I have had machines infected in 45 seconds.

 

[AbominableJinx]

Hey thanks again for all the info. I changed what you mentioned, and here is the new config. Changed the CPU to the OEM. I cant find a nec dvd drive so I picked Samsung combo. Dont know if they are good or not? The memory I am not too sure about either. I figured I may as well get it with memory, cause if I try to install it myself, id probably screw up somehow...always happens with me, hence my screen name

Also changed the warranty like you said. The case I guess is ok. It isnt the one I realy wanted. I really wanted this one here: http://www.pccasegear.com/prod1512.htm
but when I called Monarch this morning, they told me the 64 motherboards had problems fitting in it

The antivirus kinda worries me. If I go online when I get my new system, the antivirus download from grisoft.com, I think I would get infected before the download even finished wouldnt I?

Anyways, this is what I have configured so far. There website configurator sure is confusing compared to others. One slip and you can get the wrong item.



$75.00.........Case NO PS - Antec Plusview 1000AMG Case w/Cle
$91.00 ........Power Supply: - PS 480W - Antec True480 w/Gold Plated Con
$117.00 ......Motherboard: - Asus K8V-SE Deluxe K8T800 Audio/SATA/USB/
$286.00 ......Processor: 120786 - AMD Athlon 64 3400+
$13.00 ........Thermal Grease: - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease (Cools CPU )
$24.47 ........Heat Sink Fan: - Thermaltake A1826 AMD Opteron Heatsink-w-
$115.00 ......Memory: - DDR (400) 3200 - 512 MB Corsair (CMX512-3
$115.00 ......Second Memory: - DDR (400) 3200 - 512 MB Corsair (CMX512-3
$129.00 ......Hard Drive: - SATA - Seagate (ST3160827AS) 160 GB/7200-
$78.00........CD/DVD-ROM: 160490 - Combo - Samsung SM-352NENB 16X-DVD/52X24X
$00.00........CD-RW/DVD-RW: None
$20.00 ........Floppy Drive: - Mitsumi 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive (Black)
$96.00 ........Sounds Card: - Creative Audigy 2 ZS 24BIT/5.1/IEEE/MIDI/
$380.00.......Video Card: 190457 - XFX GeForce 6800 GT 256MB DDR3/8XAGP/TV-O
$29.00 ...... Round Cables: 270153 - Round Cables UV Kit 2-24" IDE 1-18" FDD 1
$154.00 .......Operating System: - Microsoft Windows XP Professional
$79.00 ........Warranty: 800094 - 24/7 Tech Support + Plus 2 Year Onsite Wa
TV Tuner: None
Network Card: None
Antivirus: None
Wireless Network Card: None
Far Cry Promotion: - FREE Full DVD Version of Far Cry - $39.95
Subtotal for Monarch 800069 with your selected options: $1,871.25
+ $50 estimated shipping

 

[trexpesto]

Originally posted by: AbominableJinx
The antivirus kinda worries me. If I go online when I get my new system, the antivirus download from grisoft.com, I think I would get infected before the download even finished wouldnt I?

Might.. Just download it now and put it on a cd, then install it before you hook up your new comp to the internet.


Only 2 things about the config:

1. Looks like you don't have a modem on there anymore; I dont know if that mobo has one onboard, this seems to say not:
http://reviews.cnet.com/ASUS_K8V_SE_Deluxe___mainboard___ATX___K8T800/4507-3049_7-30826486.html

2. You got the Audigy sound card back, which is fine.. Just to let you know in case it was a slip of the wrist...

 

[AbominableJinx]

I think I have the modem on the list, just forgot to add it when I copyed and pasted . I may call and askn them monday if there is a modem on that motherboard. Thanx for reminding me. On the antivirus, only problem I dont have a cd burner to copy that antivirus software. Maybe I should just get Norton then. I wonder if the Norton that is $36 is any good?

I am not sure if the ram I chose is ok? I went by what ABS uses on there amd64 setup, and it looked like the same model numbers. I still may drop the Audigy, I forgot to get rid of it, so that will save me 90 bucks. Thanks for everything Trexpesto, and everyone else

 

[trexpesto]

Maybe you can get someone to burn it for you... Hell - send me a Private Message (click on the lock icon on the right of this message) with a mail address and I'll send ^^^ it to you.

If this the memory is either CMX512-3200C2 or CMX512-3200C2PT it is just about next to the fastest. 2-3-3-6 1T.

2-2-2 is the fastest but is way way too expensive for the added speed.
2.5-3-3 is generally considered pretty nice.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

I've never seen a mobo with an onboard modem... There probably is one somewhere somehow, but not for a64... Your rig is looking superb now.

 

[AbominableJinx]

I now configured a 64 (939) system, with a smaller video card, and difernt case. I changed the case which was cheaper, only thing would the antec380w be enough power for the 6800GT256 and the 939? And is the Sonata cool enough for this setup, or would it overheat? Or should I stick with the AMD 754 configuration with the bigger "GT 256" video card? Sorry about all these questions I am asking. Wish I wouldnt have configured the 939, now its getting confusing again! Ugg!


Monarch 800063 AMD64 939

$102.00.......Antec Sonata PS 380W (Is this enough power, and is the case cool enough)
$151.00.......Motherboards: 110795 - Asus A8V Deluxe (v. 2.0) K8T800 No-WiFi/A
$370.00 ......Processor: 120786 - AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 512K (939)
$13.00 ........Thermal Grease: - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease (Cools CPU )
$24.47 ........Heat Sink Fan: - Thermaltake A1826 AMD Opteron Heatsink-w-
$115.00 ......Memory: - DDR (400) 3200 - 512 MB Corsair (CMX512-3
$115.00 ......Second Memory: - DDR (400) 3200 - 512 MB Corsair (CMX512-3
$129.00 ......Hard Drive: - SATA - Seagate (ST3160827AS) 160 GB/7200-
$78.00........CD/DVD-ROM: 160490 - Combo - Samsung SM-352NENB 16X-DVD/52X24X
$00.00........CD-RW/DVD-RW: None
$20.00 ........Floppy Drive: - Mitsumi 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive (Black)
$29.00.........Modem: Creative Modem Blaster 56K V.92 PCI Modem
$96.00 ........Sounds Card: - Creative Audigy 2 ZS 24BIT/5.1/IEEE/MIDI/
$289.00.......Video Card:- eVGA GeForce 6800 128MB DDR/AGP-8X/TV-OUT
$29.00 ...... Round Cables: 270153 - Round Cables UV Kit 2-24" IDE 1-18" FDD 1
$154.00 .......Operating System: - Microsoft Windows XP Professional
$79.00 ........Warranty: 800094 - 24/7 Tech Support + Plus 2 Year Onsite Wa
TV Tuner: None
Network Card: None
Antivirus: None
Wireless Network Card: None
Far Cry Promotion: - FREE Full DVD Version of Far Cry - $39.95
Subtotal for Monarch 800063 with your selected options:

$1,790.46


Monarch 800069 AMD 64 754

$75.00.........Case NO PS - Antec Plusview 1000AMG Case w/Cle
$91.00 ........Power Supply: - PS 480W - Antec True480 w/Gold Plated Con
$117.00 ......Motherboard: - Asus K8V-SE Deluxe K8T800 Audio/SATA/USB/
$286.00 ......Processor: 120786 - AMD Athlon 64 3400+
$13.00 ........Thermal Grease: - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease (Cools CPU )
$24.47 ........Heat Sink Fan: - Thermaltake A1826 AMD Opteron Heatsink-w-
$115.00 ......Memory: - DDR (400) 3200 - 512 MB Corsair (CMX512-3
$115.00 ......Second Memory: - DDR (400) 3200 - 512 MB Corsair (CMX512-3
$129.00 ......Hard Drive: - SATA - Seagate (ST3160827AS) 160 GB/7200-
$78.00........CD/DVD-ROM: 160490 - Combo - Samsung SM-352NENB 16X-DVD/52X24X
$00.00........CD-RW/DVD-RW: None
$20.00 ........Floppy Drive: - Mitsumi 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive (Black)
$29.00.........Modem: Creative Modem Blaster 56K V.92 PCI Modem
$96.00 ........Sounds Card: - Creative Audigy 2 ZS 24BIT/5.1/IEEE/MIDI/
$380.00.......Video Card: 190457 - XFX GeForce 6800 GT 256MB DDR3/8XAGP/TV-O
$29.00 ...... Round Cables: 270153 - Round Cables UV Kit 2-24" IDE 1-18" FDD 1
$154.00 .......Operating System: - Microsoft Windows XP Professional
$79.00 ........Warranty: - 24/7 Tech Support + Plus 2 Year Onsite Wa
TV Tuner: None
Network Card: None
Antivirus: None
Wireless Network Card: None
Far Cry Promotion: - FREE Full DVD Version of Far Cry - $39.95
Subtotal for Monarch 800069 with your selected options:
$1,871.25

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Probably should stick with the 754. If you really want 939 I'd drop the sound card and still get a GT.

 

[natto fire]

Here is a bigger hard drive at newegg for less money. Only $.99 shipping too. Don't worry about asking all the questions. Most people love to help out and imagine they are upgrading while looking up prices for other people.

EDIT: Whoops forgot to add the link. Linky

Also someone mentioned onboard sound always sucks. This is not true. I haven't been using a soundcard since I upgraded to my current A78NX Deluxe. The soundstorm is more than decent for my needs. I'm assuming the VIA boards have decent onboard audio as well but I KNOW that the NForce boards have really good on-board sound.

 

[AbominableJinx]

Yeah, I think I will stick with what I had chosen first, the 754 and go with the bigger vid. card. That is a good price on that Seagate Capt., but since I know nothing about installing one, I would just have to get what Monarch has I think 160 is as big as Monarch has unfortunatly. I think.

Hmm the Nforce boards. That would be a K8N-e deluxe wouldnt it? I read this site looking for the better board for the 754, and there isnt many opinions from what I have seen. Looks like people either have the Asus K8V-SE Deluxe or the K8N-E Deluxe. What would be the diference? And dare I say...the best of the two? If the nforce has better sound onboard, I may get that and drop the Audigy.

Glad to hear all my lame questions arent a hinderance

 

[AbominableJinx]

I got my pc from Monarch, and the whole front of case was scratched. The fan wasnt hooked up, and the fans cable was left hanging and also scratched the side window. And to top it all off, they didnt give me the key to the side clear panel (which was also scratched from the cord left unhooked and hanging), so I couldnt hook the fan up, plus, the dvd drive was shoved all the way back into the case, due to probably being dropped, or installed by a total idiot. I called them so they said return it and they will replace the case, but I have to wait 2 to 3 days for fedx to come and get it, since I am in a rural area and 50 miles from a drop off office. And all this running around will not be good on the parts.

I should have went with Alienware or ABS afterall. At least they have a refund minus 15 percent which is better than losing 1800 bucks and stuck with this piece of garbage. :brokenheart:

 

[billyjak]

ABS has the best support and stand behind their products 100%

 

[raildogg]

alienware is better INHO. their systems are more unique and more polished. although i think in terms of support both companies are about even. abs even got good rating in terms of service

 

[ip]

Hey Abonimable, was the issue resolved? I'm in the same boat, looking at either ABS or Monarch and couldn't believe your last post. That's ridiculous.

 

[Baked]

Dump the Audigy SC and get a Chaintech AV-710 instead.

 

[Insomniak]

Originally posted by: bigboxes
C. Build your own. <BR><BR>All prices from Newegg.<BR><BR>Intel Pentium® 4 Processor w/ HT Technology 3.2GHz ...Northwood $289.00<BR>ASUS® P4C800-E Deluxe - Intel 875P Motherboard $174.00 <BR>1GB Dual Channel DDR PC-3200 SDRAM at 400MHz - 2 x 512MB (Kingston) $165.00 <BR>ATI RADEON? 9600 XT 128MB DDR w/Digital and S-Video Out $163.00 <BR>160GB Seagate® Barracuda 7,200 RPM w/8MB Cache $108.00 (SATA)<BR>Lite-On Black 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive $41.50<BR>Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS GAMER Limited Edition PCI Sound Card $111.00 <BR>NEC 3.5" 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive - Black $9.00 <BR>US Robotics® 56K V.92 Performance Pro $67.99 <BR>Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2 $141.00<BR><BR>Total: $1269.49<BR><BR>Your listed price: $1905<BR><BR>Difference: $635.51 Use that $$$ to buy a case and a video cooling solution and have $$$ left over.

This man is winnar.

 

[Insomniak]

Originally posted by: AbominableJinx
Lol, guess no one can read what I said about building my own. Thanks anyways people

Nah, we heard, but we refuse to accept.

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: AbominableJinx
I got my pc from Monarch, and the whole front of case was scratched. The fan wasnt hooked up, and the fans cable was left hanging and also scratched the side window. And to top it all off, they didnt give me the key to the side clear panel (which was also scratched from the cord left unhooked and hanging), so I couldnt hook the fan up, plus, the dvd drive was shoved all the way back into the case, due to probably being dropped, or installed by a total idiot. I called them so they said return it and they will replace the case, but I have to wait 2 to 3 days for fedx to come and get it, since I am in a rural area and 50 miles from a drop off office. And all this running around will not be good on the parts.

I should have went with Alienware or ABS afterall. At least they have a refund minus 15 percent which is better than losing 1800 bucks and stuck with this piece of garbage. :brokenheart:

WTF!!!