iam_immigrant

also check out this place:

http://icct.ca/OnlineShop/Default.asp

i have noticed in the past that they are usually a few bucks cheaper than other places. i have heard rumors that they are cheaper cuz the computer store is just a front for money laundering for their blackmarket operations.

but i figure i cant stop their blackmarket thing and i cant afford high computer prices so might as well shop here if its cheaper right??

EK7_DriftMania

I have P4 2.4 ghz, with 128mb rambus not DDR, 80g Western Digital, Abit Gforce 4 64mb and Assus motherboard that can run rambus. Total HHD is 110 gb.... lots of ***** hehe....

All new and cost me nothing near that amount, but I bought each pieces and assemble by myself.

PolskiSi

OK...Now DDR or SDRAM? Which is better?

Say 512mb PC2700 DDR - $77

or 512mb PC133 SDRAM $88.

Whats the difference between the two?

PolskiSi

Thanks, esp. I'll use what you wrote as a template for the comp.

iam_immigrant, do you think I'll get the price lower if I was to go instore? Or is it OK ordering online? Would it be better to go to the store anyway./

imported_94EG6HB

Access time and latency...

PolskiSi

Thanks, man.

As for the HDD, the Western Digital ones seem to have something called 8MB Cache. The seagate 60GB don't.

Is it worth spending the extra $10 or so for the cache, or is it unnecessary.

PolskiSi

There is a $25 difference between these two. What do you recommend and why.

ASUS P4PE-L Intel 845PE w/ LAN (~$142)

and

ASUS P4S8X-X SiS 648 8X AGP (~$107)

And I won't be needing a monitor, since we already have an extra monitor that my sister will be getting. I'll keep the 17".

imported_94EG6HB

Hard disks have a buffer or cache of memory to speed up performance because memory chips are faster than the spinning disks....

A disk with a 2MB cache can buffer twice the data in memory chips compared to a disk with a 1MB cache....

Although this does not mean it is twice as fast, there is noticable improvement because data held in the drive's cache memory can be burst transferred at up to the drive's rated UDMA speed....

PolskiSi

mhm....

So if the price is good I'll go for it.

Thanks, dude.

esp you have PM.

sugarcane

SDR single dynamic
DDR double dynamic

The DDR will be quicker.
Remember to match the RAM speed w/ that of the MB
I believe Mircon brand mem. is the most compatible with all MB's

Bah ASUS P4S8X-X SiS 648 8X AGP (~$107) is good enough.

The other one includes optional built in Lan/Sound/Serial and i believe has a idiot-proof warning system for overclockers, both MB's does its job...no need to spend the xtra 35 bux

BTW both MB's use 333mhz DDR RAM w/ a FSB of 533 and supports up to 3.06ghz

Computers are pretty much like cars, you can crank em, shove in extra voltage to make the cpu think its faster (overclocking) CPU, RAM, AGP. But with that you need sufficient cooling as well, again more bang for the buck.

PolskiSi

Thant answers alot of questions, thanks!

As for the ram, however...You say they both use 333mhz DDR Ram, but ICCT Computers for example doesn't state anything about mhz speed for it's ram. Just says PC 2100 or 2700. Whereas CanadaComputers.com has the speed listed beside the PC-xxxx number. Thet seem to have PC-2700 as the 333mhz. Is this correct for all types of DDR Ram?

PolskiSi

And you stated that the DDR will be quicker, yet the SDRAM for sale seems to be more expensive than DDR, how come?

diesel

honestly, get ddr, but imo, there's not much difference between ddr and sdram. i think most ppl tell me that.

get this instead dude ASUS P4PE-L Intel 845PE w/ LAN (~$142)

btw, as for hard drive, I'm running a WD 120GB 8mb Cache, it's fast as hell, you'll notice a big difference between 8mb cache and others. I think Maxtor have already employed the 8mb cache technology. You can take a look into that

diesel

overclocking = turbo
cooling = intercooler



i don't know about you, but i always oc my chips when i have the chance (amd excluded....)

just open the case and you'll be fine.

PolskiSi

What is your reasoning to buy the other Motherboard?

As for overclocking, I'll be needing some help to do this once I get the computer.

Thanks.

diesel

if your mb have a built in network card, it boots up faster~

oc~ haha. that's good stuff, just get your computer first and we'll let you know how to rice it up!

PolskiSi

Is it 10/100 Ethernet?

I already have a 3com network card on my old computer, so I'll reuse that on this comp if possible,
But if its only a $30 price difference, then I'll get the second one.

imported_94EG6HB

Make sure that 3com card is in the HCL if your gonna run XP...

diesel

ya should be 10/100 it's pretty much standard now

3com is a good card, i have them on my other computers too

PolskiSi

Whats HCL?
Yeah, I'm probably going to run XP. I got the card in the computer like4 years ago, so I don't know if it will have this HCL.