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[Crono]

Ok, I need to make a decision. Originally I was going to buy a PC from the store, it was:

Pentium 4 (I Think) 2.4 ghz
512 MB RAM
40 GB Hard Drive
S3 ProSavage Integrated Graphics Card
CDRW + DVD-R

and that's all I can remember. It costs about 650 CAD. The problem is, the graphcis card in it sucks ass. I would have to spend 150 - 200 just to a card that can run FFXI properly, which would bring the price to around 800 - 850.

Now, my other option is to get a custom built PC, it includes:

AMD XP 2400+ Processor
256MB PC2700 DDR
40 GB Hard Drive
CDRW (52x24x52)
Nvidia GeForce MX440 64M DDR AGP 8x
Integrated 10/100 network card

I get that for 865 CAD. It has a much better grpahics card, and is only a little more expensive than what I would have to pay if I wanted to buy that other PC plus a decent graphics card.

So.. my question is... what is the better deal? Should I go with the Custom built PC? Or get the other one and just buy a graphics card. Any help is appreciated.

[Dyne]

DVD-R? Store one. ATI cards are better than Nvidia's, too. You could get a top of the line card with the PC from the store.

The store one is a better deal.

[Null]

tough to say cuz your missing a lot of info there.

Graphics cards it doesnt matter which brand really, ATI's are more powerful then the FX series, but Nvidia has better drivers.

However that one in the 2nd. you didnt say which geforce it is. It sounds like a GeForce 2 tho. which is only a $50 card.


Then on the first one, What type of RAM? it has 512, but you didnt say what type. because if its SD, then it maxes out at 512, And even tho you'd get less to start with on the 2nd computer, DDR 2700 is faster and you can upgrade to much higher then SD RAM, so what type is the first?
(DDR would be better then SD, because its more upgradable these days)

[Crono]

tough to say cuz your missing a lot of info there.

Graphics cards it doesnt matter which brand really, ATI's are more powerful then the FX series, but Nvidia has better drivers.

However that one in the 2nd. you didnt say which geforce it is. It sounds like a GeForce 2 tho. which is only a $50 card.


Then on the first one, What type of RAM? it has 512, but you didnt say what type. because if its SD, then it maxes out at 512, And even tho you'd get less to start with on the 2nd computer, DDR 2700 is faster and you can upgrade to much higher then SD RAM, so what type is the first?
(DDR would be better then SD, because its more upgradable these days)

Sorry, I will have to get back to you tomorrow. I'm not sure what RAM it is exactly.

[Jason1]

Your graphics card still looks relativley crappy in the second one...you could fool around where I got my Computer www.ibuypower.com they offer some great deals, with good graphics cards and everything. MIne's got a P4 2.66ghz, 512MB ram, 80gig hard drive, CDRW, and an ATI Radeon 9500Pro 128MB 8xAGP. I got all that for just under 1000, and that was back in May. I'll bet you could get that same computer for less than 900 from them now. And they usually offer free shipping, or a 5% discount. Ive been quite satisfied so far...

EDIT: Da da dum!!! Best deal ever! You could even get rid of the monitor and save yourself 140 bucks. http://www.ibuypower.com/confirm/configurator-dream.htm

[Ace195]

Sorry, I will have to get back to you tomorrow. I'm not sure what RAM it is exactly.

Hey I designed a computer thats better than the one your going to buy for 800 for less than that.. It runs around 420 to 500 and runs an AMD 2500+ barton.. I'll send you a list and links to all parts if you want to..

[Ace195]

Motherboard: Aopen MK79G-N Micro ATX for AMD Socket A $101
Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2500+ BARTON 512K 333FSB $85.00
CDRW: MSI Black CD-R/RW 52x32x52 w/ Anti-Bumping System Technology,
Model CR52-M Black -Retail $44.00
Ram: KINGSTON KVR333X64C25/256 256MB 32x64 PC2700 DDR RAM (better than
2100 2400) $47.00
Case: AOpen Model# QF50A (Beige) ATX MID - TOWER CASE w/ 300W ATX HIGH
EFFICIENCY POWER SUPPLY $54
Floppy Drive: NEC 1.44MB Floppy Drive FD1231H-304/FD1231H-305 - OEM,
DRIVE ONLY $12
Hard Drive:HITACHI/IBM 60GB 7200RPM Model #, Part # 08K0833 - , DRIVE
ONLY DESKSTAR 180GXP
$ 69

Grand Total: 412..


[edit]
All the parts are from newegg.com..


Thats without monitor or keyboard but since your on game tavern I assume you have such.. But if you don't you still don't need a monitor the MB has integrated Geforce4 with TV out.

[Hero2]

crono just make sure it has at least these secs
Windows 98/2000/ME/XP;Processor: Pentium III 800 MHz or Higher ;video Card: 32 MB 3D Video Card ;Hard Drive: 6 GB HD CD-ROM: 4x or Faster ;RAM: 128 MB RAM
those are the specs for FF XI

[Seth]

Remember he's on cdn currency.

exactly what is your max price?

edit: and Hero2...those specs are washy. He needs atleast a Pentium 4 2.0 or higher and minimum 256 RAM if he wants to play FFXI decently. I also think you shouldn't settle for a card lower than a Geforce 4 ti 4600

A Pentium 3 800 can handle FFXI but barely and with all settings at lowest. That system is so far out of date it isn't even funny.

[Hero2]

thus the "atleast" was add to my sentance

[Seth]

ya, but i'm saying he should make sure his specs are a lot higher than what you stated as a minimum. He wants to be able to run FFXI fluidly...so he should ATLEAST get 256 DDR Ram and a P4.

[Ace195]

I agree with bouncer, Hero you want to over shoot incase of updates not skim the line or go under.

[edit] Ok this may sound a little under educated. But how much of a diffrence is canadian currency from us ? Not looks I'm talking dollar to dollar.

[Dyne]

I agree with bouncer, Hero you want to over shoot incase of updates not skim the line or go under.

[edit] Ok this may sound a little under educated. But how much of a diffrence is canadian currency from us ? Not looks I'm talking dollar to dollar.

I would say add half, but I think it's floating somewhere at 70 cents right now. Add 30% of the price to it and it's in american. Then add 17% tax for Ontario. :D

[Seth]

1 dollar cdn equals roughly 73 cents US.

500 dollars US equals 683 dollars.