The Foundation (http://shop4.outpost.com/product/3825447)

I was wondering what you guys thought of that as a base to the next system I wanna build. I'm gonna build a mid range type of computer used for regular stuff, not really power usage. And what else would I need WITH that to make it work other than the usual stuff i.e HD, OS, drives, memory etcetcetc. And if there are any recomondations you guys can give.

Also I see Mother Board and CPU's, and then I see Mother Boards with "Bare" Cpu's. Can you guys help me break down the difference so I know which to start off with. Thanks.

You need just the usual:Case, PSU, Graphics, RAM, Hardrive, Optical drive. And you could get PC3200 for future compatability. Should be a solid setup, when they mean bare cpu what they mean is that it's a OEM cpu ie you get just the cpu itself no heatsink and fan and only a years warrentee instead of the usual 3.

You could buy the MB and processor from newegg and save a few bucks -Processor (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-379&depa=1) & Board (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-162&depa=1) together from newegg will save you $25 over Fry's / OutPost.

If you live near one of their actual stores then you might want to pick up one of their ads or go in as they are always running processor / board combos that are fantastic prices.

Edit -- The combo deals that are worthwhile are always found in the B&M stores, not online. Should have been clear about that in the original post...

Yup, if he lives in the US then newegg is the place to go. As Mr.Snatcher knows they offer killer products at a great price. Not to mention extended warranties are dirt cheap.

yeah I'll also check out newegg as well. I ordered a monitor there (ViewSonic A70) and I'll see how their service is within a wekk or so.

Anyways I was wondering if what I poste up in that link is something that is "Ready to go". You know, can I just hook up the memory, HD, Drives, OS etcetcetce and then go? or are there any other little things I need to add to it before all the usual stuff?

Bump.


Any help??

I think you would be better off with an Athlon 2600+.

They are the best value chip at the moment.

For a little bit more, you could get a slightly more featured board.

Have a look at the Albatron KX 18D Pro II, which has serial ATA Raid and firewire, as well as some of the Asus and Gigabyte.

There is nothing wrong with the board in question, but you can get better value and featured boards.

Which is better AMD or Intel? and what are your reasons for saying why one is better than the other?

Thanks Insomniac.

and FIRED, I would say the Intel would be my preference as in the computers I have now, but the AMD is pretty stout on a budget. I've been looking into the AMD's cuz of the prices and there are A LOT of different choices/combos that will pack plenty of power. When it comes down to it, my P4 machine will do most of the heavy lifting, but I'm very intruiged into building an AMD machine just cuz I'm like that:cool: I 'custom' ordered a comp and Compusa for my Grandpa with a XP 2800 and I was impressed by the performance. The only thing I read sorta negative on the AMD's is stability and/or heat issues. With intel I say it's PRICE. So I dunno, I gotta do some more reading and research myself:)