Hi,
I'm relatively new here. Two years ago I used to visit this site and read the forums and since then I had lost touch with the site. I will never let that happen again. With that said I need some help. Since this is such a great forum I thought someone could help me out.
I am in the market for a new computer. MY computer currently is a 486-133. You read that right...a 486. I do, however, use my girlfriend's 2 year old IBM Thinkpad MUCH more often. (For obvious reasons) I have tried installing Red Hat Linux on the 486 to give it a new breath of life....but due to my sparse knowledge of Linux, it was still slow since I don't know how to optimize the Kernel, get my alternate window manager to function, etc.(My Linux learning is on the back burner at the moment)
So, my question for the list is as follows. I would like build myself a new computer. A good friend of mine advised that I purchase a prebuilt computer such as a Gateway or a Dell. I like the sound of the ease of it, however, I thought it would be more cost effective if I built my own with exactly what I want and need in it. I am looking at getting either a PIII 1Ghz or one of the Anthon 1Ghz chips. My first question is...what motherboard would be advisable for me to purchase that would give me room to grow, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Like I said....I have been out of the computer loop for a while. Secondly, where would be a good place to purchase this motherboard and/or other items I will be purchasing(modem,hard drive, CPU, etc)? I have seen that computers4sure.com has some good prices and I have had good success with my latest purchase thru them (3Com Network card for the thinkpad). Third question...I need a new video card. I have no idea what to get. I'm NOT a gamer so I don't need heavy 3D capabilities. Sorry if I sounded harsh. I have NOTHING against gamers. I just occupy my time playing the tuba and trying to make a living at it. Anyhow, I need a solid 2D card. I have entertained the idea of getting an Nvdia TNT card(as suggested by a different friend).
If this helps anyone to help me....I am interested in the following configuration...
PIII 1GHz or Anthon equivalent
128MB RAM
Plextor CDR drive
20-30 gig HD
3Com Modem (I am bias....I like their products)
(recycling my fairly new 3Com network card from my 486)
SB Live!
If someone or more than one person could me make some purchasing decisions it would be most helpful. Normally I would ask my best friend about what to get since he has an AMAZING depth of knowledge of computers, but he had recently expressed that he is very busy with his studies. I respect that....and hence why I have come to AnandTech for help.
Thank you in advance!!! I look forward to your responses!
-Todd Morgan
Music Education Student at Ithaca College
TubaTodd@netzero.com
I'm relatively new here. Two years ago I used to visit this site and read the forums and since then I had lost touch with the site. I will never let that happen again. With that said I need some help. Since this is such a great forum I thought someone could help me out.
I am in the market for a new computer. MY computer currently is a 486-133. You read that right...a 486. I do, however, use my girlfriend's 2 year old IBM Thinkpad MUCH more often. (For obvious reasons) I have tried installing Red Hat Linux on the 486 to give it a new breath of life....but due to my sparse knowledge of Linux, it was still slow since I don't know how to optimize the Kernel, get my alternate window manager to function, etc.(My Linux learning is on the back burner at the moment)
So, my question for the list is as follows. I would like build myself a new computer. A good friend of mine advised that I purchase a prebuilt computer such as a Gateway or a Dell. I like the sound of the ease of it, however, I thought it would be more cost effective if I built my own with exactly what I want and need in it. I am looking at getting either a PIII 1Ghz or one of the Anthon 1Ghz chips. My first question is...what motherboard would be advisable for me to purchase that would give me room to grow, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Like I said....I have been out of the computer loop for a while. Secondly, where would be a good place to purchase this motherboard and/or other items I will be purchasing(modem,hard drive, CPU, etc)? I have seen that computers4sure.com has some good prices and I have had good success with my latest purchase thru them (3Com Network card for the thinkpad). Third question...I need a new video card. I have no idea what to get. I'm NOT a gamer so I don't need heavy 3D capabilities. Sorry if I sounded harsh. I have NOTHING against gamers. I just occupy my time playing the tuba and trying to make a living at it. Anyhow, I need a solid 2D card. I have entertained the idea of getting an Nvdia TNT card(as suggested by a different friend).
If this helps anyone to help me....I am interested in the following configuration...
PIII 1GHz or Anthon equivalent
128MB RAM
Plextor CDR drive
20-30 gig HD
3Com Modem (I am bias....I like their products)
(recycling my fairly new 3Com network card from my 486)
SB Live!
If someone or more than one person could me make some purchasing decisions it would be most helpful. Normally I would ask my best friend about what to get since he has an AMAZING depth of knowledge of computers, but he had recently expressed that he is very busy with his studies. I respect that....and hence why I have come to AnandTech for help.
Thank you in advance!!! I look forward to your responses!
-Todd Morgan
Music Education Student at Ithaca College
TubaTodd@netzero.com