| WIKI | FAQ | Tech FAQ | |
 http://csua.com/feed/ | |
| ||||||
| 7/9 |
| 2004/8/27-28 [Computer/HW/CPU] UID:33192 Activity:insanely high |
8/27 I'm currently running a 1.2 Ghz Celeron with 386 megs or so of RAM.
I'm thinking of buying a new machine, but I want to go cheap, maybe
less than $500. I want to end up with a nice machine and a crap
machine at the end of this. (Crap machine so my wife can do email and
stuff) so don't need a CD drive or monitor, and the video card
doesn't have to be great because I already have a nice one in my
current machine. A TNT2 would be fine (It just has to be good enough
to play video full screen). Any suggestions?
Will I be able to use the old ram in my new machine?
\_ What are you proposing? Buying a crap machine for your wife?
Buying a tricked-out new machine and giving her the Celeron, or
buying a new machine, and putting some of the Celeron's parts in it?
\_ Option B + C. I going to take the nice video card out of the
celeron, so I'll need one to replace that. I'll also take the CD
burner, and some RAM if I can. I'll probably need to buy: New
processor, motherboard, case, harddrve, and RAM for the new
system.
\_ OK. Almost any video card can play full-screen videos. I
could sell you an old Radeon VE for $10 or something or you
can go on Craigslist. The RAM is not transferable to the
new computer because the Celeron is probably using PC133 and
a new machine would be using DDR400 or the like.
I bought an ATX case I like and have had it for 6 years.
If you're video-card shopping, the magic word is 'overlay'.
\_ What's an overlay?
\_ Dell is routinely selling 2.8GHz systems for less than $500. See
http://gotapex.com. The Dimension 4600 systems are great and include
integrated video (but have an AGP slot), SATA, and typically 512MB
Ram. Watch out for the 2400's though, they don't have an AGP slot.
\_ AMD! AMD IS THE STANDARD ENTHUSIAST CHIP!
\_ That's interesting info. However, aren't chips up to 3.8 Ghz or
something now? Shouldn't I at least be able to get a AMD 64-bit
3Ghz processor cheap by now?
\_ Search the same page for amd and you'll get some results.
\_ And what the freak is an AMD Sempron? Sounds like a word for a
deformed shrimp.
\_ It is a brand-name that AMD came up with to prevent
Athlon(TM) brand from becoming perceived as "low-end"
because, frankly, they're not. Most of the current desktop
Sempron processors are K7-based cores. The only exception
is the 3100+, which is basically a true Claw Hammer (256k
L2) with a fuse blown to disable long-mode. It's
practically identical to a Drill Hammer Athlon 64 2800+
(512k L2), other than the fact that it has a smaller die and
that it cannot enter long-mode. All mobile Sempron chips
are K8-based, again with long-mode disabled.
It appears that all corporation-generated trade-markable
names get made fun of. Can _you_ come up with something
better? Seriously, I'd like to hear your opinions.
And above comments such as "I'm currently running a 1.2 Ghz
Celeron" and "aren't chips up to 3.8 Ghz or something now?"
really saddens me.
\_ why does that sadden you? i was running a 500 MHz celeron,
up until a few weeks ago, and it was all right for most
things, except playing some movies and all games.
though having 1 GB ram does do a lot.
\_ Those "2800+" numbers have become silly with so many chips
with the same number but different performance. Oh and do you
work in marketing? There is no need for (TM) on the Motd(TM)
CSUA(TM) Motd(TM) Copyright (C) 2004. All Rights Reserved.
\_ As much as I hate all those numbers, those are all that
most people look at. In fact, it saddens me that people
buy things based on numbers instead of even attempting to
learn a bit more about the products they're buying and
thinking about their requirements. It's not all that hard
to differentiate them if you just try little bit. For
example, at this point, I just cannot possibly recommend
anyone buy a K7-based processor. Embedded memory
controllers on K8-based processors are simply too
worthwhile to pass on. No, I don't work in marketing. I
work in microprocessor design verification. --ricky
\_ I'm kinda wondering about your sadness too. What part of
that post makes you cry?
\_ Except for that certain Celeron (known as CeleronA, I
think), they're like 300 horse power engine attached to a
1980's 2-speed automatic transmission. Seeing as how
during the most of the period these were available, Athlon
was also available at similar price points, it makes me
feel sad that people were buying these. The other part
about 3.8GHz thing, to me anyway, shows the lack of
understanding of microprocessors in general by the general
population. Not much I can do about it, but still
saddening. --ricky
\_ I'm sure the marketroids who probably spend many meetings
coming up with that would be hurt. I can only guess it's related
to the latin, as in "semper fidelis". I don't think it works
they way they think though. Just like celeron is supposed to have
the association with excel, accelerate etc. but to me just sounds
like celery. Or "sell her on". Or cellophane.
\_ Semprini!
\_ Update, I was going by Fry's anyway, so I stopped by to take a
look, there were some good deals, so I went ahead and bought
what I needed. I got: Athlon XP 2800+ and mother board for
$100, 512Mb of 400 Mhz ram, $60, and a Maxtor 7200 RPM 160 GB
HD for $70. In particular I think that HD is a pretty dang
good deal. I think this should cover me. -op |
| 7/9 |
|
| gotapex.com Apex) Free Dell E152FPb 15" LCD monitor (value: $320) with this deal, though shipping is quite hefty ($99). This is a solid, basic computer for those of you who dont need a cutting edge gaming machine. The systemcomes with a fast 266Ghz Pentium 4 processor, 128MB DDR SDRAM, a 40GB HD, a 48x CD-Rom, and, of course, the 15" LCD monitor. It also comes with a 56k fax modem, 10/100 NIC, stereo speakers, Windows XP Home, and a 1 year in house warranty too. DELL HOME DIMENSION 2400 * All of the options for the lowest cost should already be selected including the rebate and the free LCD monitor but double check. Get rid of Norton, for free: + McAfee Security Center w/VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial * Now add all the extra stuff you want (though it may raise the price). Its not just the basic E152FP LCD display, but their higher end UltraSharp 1504FP 15" LCD with 250 nits brightness, 400:1 contrast, 25ms response, VGA & DVI, worth $390 each! In fact, with the GX270 model, you can even add two for $160! Im not sure why they have such a great deal on them, but its offered on ALL of their OptiPlex desktops. Something this great surely wont last though, so dont miss out. DELL OPTIPLEX DESKTOPS * Choose which model you want, the ultra-slim SX270, the slim GX270, or the standard tower 170L. Remember, you can add TWO 15" LCD monitors to the GX270 model. DELL DIMENSION DESKTOPS + 10% off a $999+ Dimension desktop purchase. Use code: 3MNP23RF1MBBS3 * Here is the coupon good for Inspiron laptops. Use the codes exactly as shown, with no space after the last letter. ARGOSY 35" COMBO WESTERN DIGITAL 120GB * Argosy Aluminum 35" USB 20 / Firewire External Hard Drive Enclosure w/ Western Digital 160GB EIDE 7200RPM (WD1600BB-HD360C) for $139. This offer is valid on any one merchandise order over $99. Not valid with any other merchandise or promotional offer. Not valid on automated ordering, Auctions, NBC Store, Shop Telemundo, Marketplace/partner orders, Wed Specialty Stores, computer, electronics, or paid programming. Lights) You receive a 100 watt x 5 receiver with Dolby Digital/DTS/Dolby Pro-Logic II built-in, as well as 5 full range satellite speakers and a new compact 6" 100 watt powered subwoofer. Theyve got a special running that knocks 25% off all of their other JVC units so check it out! Lights) Last time, they ran out of these in about 3 hours, so hurry if you want one. Guaranteed to never dull, break, or need sharpening, each surgical steel blade is made from AISI 420 stainless steel. The diamond-cut edge is applied and then each blade is tempered at 1900 degrees. They are then permanently bonded to the one-piece polypropylene handle. Lights) If youve got plans to be near a pool or even better, some caribbean hut with all those cool fishes and sea life, then you could get yourself a cheezy waterproof disposable, OR score this true underwater digital camera thats good to 30 feet! Cmon, you know youve wanted to be Jacques Costeau in another life. Be sure to use coupon code: SUMMERCAMS (expiration unknown) to get the $15 knocked off. Brian) Dell has this special configuration Dimension 2400 computer, a solid PC for work, word processing, email, and a fast P4 processor for just $399 after rebate. Its a Pentium 4 266Ghz processor this time, instead of a mere 24Ghz Celeron processor. Theyre throwing in a free upgrade to an 80GB hard drive, and theres a 48x CD-RW drive included, and it has 128MB of DDR SDRAM. Built in sound, 10/100 Ethernet, stereo speakers, 56k modem, and a 1 year in-home warranty (yeah, they actually come to your house or business if you want) are all included! DELL DIMENSION 2400 * Now click on Customize It under Dimension 2400 $399 * All of the options for the lowest possible cost should already be selected including the rebate (but double check). DELL INSPIRON 1150 * Now click on Customize It under Inspiron 1150 $697 * All of the options for the lowest possible price should already be selected along with your rebate (though double check to make sure). Dont forget to switch over to McAfee from Norton: + Dell Security Center by McAfee w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day * Add whatever upgrades you want. Take 15% Off of Select Best Selling Titles from Best Deal Magazines! These Select Titles have been handpicked for the Mothers Day/ May Sale Event: Saveur, Cooking Light, Fine Cooking, Child, Parents, Family Fun, Lucky, Soap Opera Weekly, Shape, Fitness, Better Homes & Gardens, Budget Living, Home, Allure, Elle, Modern Bride & Vogue! Also, check out these other coupon codes: * 12% Off Entire Order - Use code: PXCJ520. WELLAND 35" BLACK ALUMINUM USB 20 ENCLOSURE * Welland 35" Firewire Black Aluminum Slim Line Vertical External Hard Drive Enclosure Oxford 911 w/ LED (ME-740FB) for $45. MEMORY SALE * TDK IndiDVD 24X DVD+RW Burner AID+020208 Bare Drive Factory Recertified - Original Price: $38. Use coupon code dealdr12513 for $12 off and drop it to $26. Now you get 6 free with your dozen delivered fresh to the door. Flowers are hand-picked and tied, then shipped directly from our grower along with your personal message. This is a limited time offer with no set expiration date so hurry for those graduations or other big events that are all coming up! Apex) Here are a bunch of time limited deals from eCost. The green "Find & Buy" button takes you to a page with the entire list of time limited deals. You then click on the green "Buy Now" button to add it to your cart. Good time to pick up a set or two and get it shipped free! Whats even more interesting is, buy this sheet set and add anything else to your cart and get it ALL shipped for free! Lights) If youve got a golfer in your address book that lives breathes eats golf (as most golfers do), this makes for a fantastic gift! This keychain has the look and feel of the classic Tiffanys key ring with the ends as a golf head and ball. PETCO * Theyve still got the 10% off in the behavior center. They have things like Dog-Chew Everything Charlie, which has chew toys, Dog-The Lonely Barker, Cat-The Incessant Groomer, Cat-Hairball Henrietta and more! They give hints and tips and advice as well as 10% off products in the 15 different categories. |