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[Lengo]

I'm really stuck. My puter locks up all the freakin' time and I don't know what it is. On top of that, my puter has literally thousands of hours on it, and is dated severely. So, I'm looking at a brand new system to get me up to speed. Here's what I'm considering. 

1 MSI K9N4 SLI-F Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 500 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
1 AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+(65W) Windsor  - Retail
1 CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM (PC5400)
1 EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
2 Western Digital Caviar WD800BB 80GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive - OEM
1 Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - OEM
1 LG Beige E-IDE/ATAPI DVD-ROM Drive Model GDR-8164BB - OEM

I already have a Samsung CD RW drive and it's working flawlessly.
My case has a 350 watt power supply.
My case has twin cooling fans.

Now, I know that all these parts are compatible. Also, this is nearly twice the system I'm already running, becasue I'm moving to a 64 bit processor and a PCI express video card w 256 mb, not 128.

The entire rig is $460 including shipping.

The drives are PATA, not SATA, and I prefer parallel interface. Nobody is gonna convince me that serial will outperform parallel so I'm stickin' with the old style.

I don't really need a X2 processor, but I may want one in the future. As yet, there is no software for these processors and I sincerely doubt that anyone is gonna make software that takes advantage of this, and I mean TO ADVANTAGE. Sheesh! How fast is fast enough?

I'm not certain about how well the mainboard and video card rate. What matters most is reliability, but I can find no reviews on these and the reviews I find for other mainboards say little about reliability and concentrate on overclocking (like, I don't care to lower the lifespan of my system by causing extra heat).

What do you guys know about these parts?  Does this sound like a good rig? Whaddaya think? I CAN'T AFFORD TO MAKE A MISTAKE!

NOw, I've done all I can with my system. I've got the right drivers on it. I've gone trhough disasembling and reassembling to make sure that contacts are correct. There are NO mainboards to fit my Athlon processor to, and there are NO Athlon processors anymore. I can't swap out these two highly suspect things, and if I'm gonna buy a new mainboard, I might as well go PCI express (DAMN!, like I can afford a new vid card!).

I dunno what to do! It seems logical to buy a whole new rig, but I need to be sure that this is the right thing to do, then I need to know that what I buy is gonna last!

I know only one thing for certain: I've been on my PC for 3 hours today and it's crashed four times already! THIS SUX! And each time it locks, it messes up Drive C: where ONLY system software resides (Windows XP, Winzip, Quicktime, etc.).

[MaxBeta]

  Whoa.. Lengo,  How did I miss this post.

Sorry that your PC is acting up again...and if you're like me I dread it like the plague. 

The price looks reasonable..for today's market retail units.  The Ram is good quality (most of the time I recommend 2GB for todays demands)..and the WD Drives (HDDs) and sound (card) look to be some of the most touted by consumer reports.

I'm a Intel person..by habit (and retiree),  so those who have used AMD's might have personal experience with the CPU you're looking to use.  Same with the MoBo..as it appears to be SLI enabled.

I do like the PCI-e route for the graphic hardware.. just has that edge on all the other slots..and I think is the most recommended for gamers like us..    I'll be using my first (in a longtime) nVidia card in a week or so, since I've used ATI exclusively for a number of years.

One thing I might suggest for your present situation.. have you used any Diagnosis utilities for your Computer..to see if you can pin down what is causing all the mess?  If it is Hardware related..I'll let you know what I use..if it is software conflicts..that's another bag of tricks.   ... so check hardware firstly.

I use this app..when things are hard to figure out what's happening.  Maybe it'll work for you. There's a trial..and I'm not sure how functional it is..but hopefully it'll tell you what you need to know.

Link:  Fresh Diagnose

Fresh Diag Utility

Just hope this lessens the stress and frustration for you.

[Lengo]

I think I've got it fixed. It hasn't crashed once today.

I woke up this morning and found my puter on. Erm... trying to go on. The POST had run and it reported Keyboard Error or No Keyboard Found. So I fiddled with all the cables on the back. It has not locked once.

This had been going on for weeks. I checked and double checked everything. I'm glad I got it fixed! I don't have that kind of money. Stil....

Yeah, that looks like a pretty good system. You get an X2 processor, Corsair XMS memory, the mainboard has a FSB rating of 800, then there's extra goodies, including a nVidia 7600 GT! Not bad for that price. I found a similar rig for for $868. So, building it yourself is the only way to go.

I like nVidia cards. I've been very happy with them. Free drivers come frequently. And my FX5900XT runs pretty dang good, though it's dated. I've never tried ATI cards, but I frequently see posts regarding "HOW DO I MAKE IT WORK?". I wouldn't want that problem, even if it's infrequent.

Anyway.... it seems to be working. I'm happy. I feel a little stupid for not checking the back cables, but I did everything else. It goes to show -- if it ain't sumpin', it's sumpin' else!

 

[MaxBeta]

   Glad the crashes are gone Lengo..

Strange that a KB connection could cause such frequent "lockups".. stranger things have happened I suppose.   

hehe As for Graphic cards.. it's like to armed camps of preference.. so I've refused to buy into the debate.  Most of the people who have problems with highend hardware also have problems with following simple instructions...is what I discovered after being active in over a decade of tech support.   

Hope you still can acquire an updated PC.. just so things are fresh to work with.   

[Lengo]

Hope you still can acquire an updated PC.. just so things are fresh to work with.   

It's working like a champ again! I don't need one. 

[City Builder]

Hmmm, I think I'd save up a bit longer (if you end up needing one again) and going for one of the new AMD chips and associated motherboard.  The 3800+ is getting really lean on the tooth at this point, and while it might feel like you have a new computer immediately, it wouldnt be long before you felt like it was antiquated and inadequate to play the more modern games.

Also, 2GB really is a must now adays, and if at all possible go for the Nvidia 8800GTS OC 320MB video card, so that if you ever wanted to, you could get a second one and have SLI with a really good card that is DX10 and should last a couple years before it starts to show it's age.  At this point in time nobody should really be buying a DX9 video card since it's all just a matter of time before we all have DX10 games that require a DX10 video card for best performance and quality.  I've always been an ATi guy for ever it seems though Now Im very happy with my Nvidia 8800GTS OC card and from what i've been reading it blows away the first ATi DX10 video card, though who knows what will happen in the future with future driver updates.

And lastly but not least, instead of the two 7200 rpm hard drives, I'd opt for one 15,000 rpm hard drive instead.  It really does make a difference in performance.  Sound Card I wouldn't bother with and I'd just use the internal sound card (assuming that mother board comes with one, as most do now adays) unless you are a trule audiophile and have some really great speakers.  I've yet to find any computer speakers that are worth 1. the retail price and 2. Spending $180.00 retail on a soundblaster xfi sound card for.  I would get the top of the line audio card if I could actually find some really great speakers to go with them.  But all the speakers I've ever heard still sound like computer speakers when the music is turned up to a loud listening level. 

Edit  I forgot to mention, the 350w would be fine for now, but would be too low if you decided to go with SLI and all other goodies in the case  /Edit

On the note of audio, I have the Logitech speakers, with 7.1 surround sound I believe.  Maybe it's only 5.1 and they do sound great when playing games, but really suck wind hard if I want to really crank up a music CD.  Even the $300.00 speakers at all the electronics stores for computer still sound like computer speakers to me when turned up loud with way too much distortion.

Oh well, I see it's working like a champ again so you don't need a new one (right now), but give it time, give it time....    What was the problem and how did you fix it?

[Lengo]

Sheesh, CB!  Who NEEDS all that?

The keyword is NEED! I'm gettting by already. In fact, very adequately. The rig I describe is more adequate (and perhaps overly adequate) for what I need to do with a computer.

Sorry that your speakers suck at playing music. My 2.1 system sounds GREAT!

Sorry, but I can't see spending $700 on a system when about 60% of that price will get a system that rocks. One of those video cards will be obsolete or worn out in 3 years. 2 of those will be worn out in 3 years. THat's a waste of $600, when less than $100 would have done almost the same job -- GET IT DONE!

I used to have a friend who had a house. He had a very small yard. But he went and bought a tractor mower to mow his lawn. He was very proud of it.

Save your money, folks. Pretty soon gasoline will cost $10 per gallon. If you put the money in a mutual fund today that's yeiding a 10% gain every year, you'll have no problem buying gasoline later. That is, if you're not spending it on meds! Or trying to keep up with fools that buy more than they need.

The problem with my PC was a loose keyboard cable. I just saved $460 which I have not got! Now I can spend it on meds, so that the pharma employees can buy computers that can do more than they need them to.

[City Builder]

Yeah, I bought a lawn tractor driving mower for my yard when I had my house up on the mountain.  I only had a lawn of about 50' x 30' but it sure did make the chore of cutting the lawn a whole lot more enjoyable.  Instead of going out and cutting the grass every week or two, I could often be found on my riding lawn mower 3 or 5 times a week putting around the lawn keeping it neat and tidy.

Im reminded when I first put in my lawn, all I had was a weed whacker and I used to cut the grass with that.  At the time I liked the shaggy look, then a neighbors kid came over one day while I was whacking the lawn and said "My dad says you can borrow our lawnmower if you want".  So I did and I really liked the clean look and how fast I was able to complete the job so that I went out and bought a regular push lawnmower.  It wasn't long before I spent $900 on a ridable lawnmower and the time it saved in cutting the grass and how much more enjoyable it was to use then the push mower was incredible.

Hmmm, where was I going with this... 

I guess it works out somehow that my ridable lawnmower made the job faster (better computer, faster working), and more enjoyable (better computer, more enjoyment).

Anyway, I know your position.  Im one of those gadget and computer freaks that will go out and try to buy the latest and greatest computer equipment but will then go out the next day to payless and buy some $9.99 pair of shoes.

Sammantha on the other hand will make do with her computer for years and years, and won't spend even $200 on a newer video card but will go out and spend $300 on a pair of shoes.  When I bought my 8800GTS OC video card and told her it was $299 she gave me a tongue lashing till I reminded her about some shoes that she purchased for the same price.  She came back with the "I needed the shoes, you didn't need the new video card" and I took her gently by the hand to the hall closet and showed her how much she really needed the shoes by opening the closet door to expose about 25 pairs of shoes.  Yeah she needed the new $300 shoes like I needed the new video card. I have a very strong suspicion that I will get far more use out of my new video card then she will ever get out of those shoes.   Funny stuff how what is important to one is a very low priority to another.

[MaxBeta]

   It's understandable that if a PC is "working"..then use it..  I'd never make it a choice between Meds and even having a PC.  I do take lots of spendy Meds too..so know how important they are for me to just be here ..everyday.

On the otherhand.. I only have a few years of enjoyable recreation left.. and have spent the major part of my life and livelihood on being thrifty and levelheaded.. I've reached a point that whatever I can reasonably do to enjoy my games, and other hobbies, I just plan for it and figure out a way to make it happen.  I did the same things for Corporations...so why not for myself?  Well that's my logic..and then my heart does the rest.

Like Lengo mentioned..tech obsoletes itself on a regular basis.. so I just go with the changing flow..and look forward to a whole new system at least every two years.  The hours I put in.. in actual use.. sometimes two years is stretching the envelope.  So when I do build a new system.. I just refuse to say.. I wish I had one of those(s) items .."  ..I just plan to have the best that is available to me at that particular time.  Best isn't always the most expensive..or newest in some cases.  So doing the proper investigation is important too.  As for sound..I found that whatever the individual likes.. my Sis is OK with Mobo AC97 sound the cheapest speakers on the planet.. I have a digital 5-1 with an Highend Audigy Fx..and she says he can't tell the difference...   ..gimme a break!!  hehe

Also what any individual Needs as opposed to what is possible..will always be a debate that can be difficult to equitably decide.  Most people have areas where only the Best will do..and can suffice on other things without blinking an eye.  ( as CB "shoe" deal I know well ).

I hope that Lengo's Cable fix proves to be the ticket.. until the time that is right for him to upgrade .. a convenient and less stressful point in time.  I've been "forced" to upgrade a time or two.. and know how painful it can be..mentally and on the pocketbook.   

CB..that Mower experience.. I had to go through several brands of "riders" before I realized that none of them would cut at the quality of my ol'Snapper.  <sigh>  all that effort just so the Lawn looks presentable.. <sheesh>

[City Builder]

I agree.  My grandparents used to have one of those front throw push manual mowers, I don't know who made it but their lawn was always beautiful because of how it cut the lawn.  Nothing I've ever found has compared to the way my grands lawn used to look right after a fresh cut.  And oooooohhhhhh the scent of a freshly cut lawn drifting into the house was heavenly back then.