New computer project

[fighter25]

Okay it has come down to this. I did some homework and found out that the computer that I want to build would take WAY too long to save up for.

[richardd43]

The last store bought computer I had was a HP and the motherboard was custom made with the mounting holes in a different spot. Because of this a regular motherboard would not fit.

I would check the motherboard and make sure this is not the case with the Dell boards. If the mounting holes are the same I would think the board could be swapped.

The good news is, it you can swap the board it gets rid of the Dell BIOS making the rest of the upgrades a lot easier.

[Mermaid Man]

PCI slots can be at different locations, also different PSU's so won't work. Don't bother.

[Brett_Henderson]

I'd try to look toward the future while working with what you have.

Your only viable option, is to avail the  PCI-E slot with a better card (if it will fit and not overload the Dell power-supply).. and add some RAM... and then commit ALL future money to a complete computer.

Don't waste money on a m-board/cpu upgrade, as that's pretty much a new build that you'll want to do properly.. not skimping (or you'll just end up where you are now... saving for the next computer with money tied up in an old one).

Computer gaming on a budget is tough. Sometimes it's just best to wait and make due, else end up spending the same amount of money, and nerver being happy.

[fighter25]

[Wii]

[quote]

[beaky]

Some of us over-40 simmers who aren't loaded are squeaking by with systems that are not much more powerful than your turnkey Dell... my rig, for example, uses the same CPU and a very similar graphics card (7950). Only 2GB RAM, too, and I use onboard audio.

Not sure how well it would do with FSX, but it runs FS9 maxed out at over 40fps. Good enough for me. I don't do much other gaming, but I've run HitMan and BioShock on it, and they look and run very nicely without taxing my rig.

Maybe knowing that will ease your pain while you scrounge for your dream system...

[fighter25]

Wii, are you running FSX or FS9? I can't seem to remember. This is an FSX computer. I'm fine with my XPS for right now, but 13 FPS on medium-high settings is horrible! I may try FS2004 (if I could find it in stores!)

MY XPS 410:
Core2 Duo @ 2.5 GHz,
8600GTS 256mb,
Vista Home Premium 32 bit,
2 Gb DDR2 RAM,
350GB HD.

[Mazza]

I think my com was $600 (-$300 of old parts) , at the time it had an oldish CPU from my old com (witch i fried) same mother board 200Gig HDD to replace old 60Gig one, same 256mb RAM, and just recently a new graphics card (in sig) $128 AUD 8-) planning new RAM 1 or 2Gig 8-)

And can you upgrade a CPU???? i was hoping for intel core duo extream 8-)

[Slotback]

Why exactly do you want to spend $2750 on a computer?

Spend slightly over $1000 without screen or speakers would get you a pretty decent rig.

[fighter25]

Well it was $2750 AFTER a 20 inch LCD, Vista HP 64 bit, mouse, keyboard, and since I don't have a joystick, a Saitek AV8R. It was $1600 but this was just from the prices at newegg.com I'm sure that I can get that price down if I go searching.

[Mermaid Man]

There's no way you can afford a $3000 computer at 13, not unless you have rich parents, are a spoilt kit or become a rent boy. By the time you save up $3000 you'll be 18

You need to lower your expactitions what you can afford. A 2ghz dual core Intel C2D CPU, overclocked to 3ghz, with a 8800GT and a 20" TFT will be pretty close to top-end rigs, for half the price.

[fighter25]

Like I said, I'm dropping this project until newer faster things come out and the prices of these components goes down. By alot.

[Mermaid Man]

And then faster components will come out. Generally a gaming PC is about the same cost, although LCD monitors are now coming down eventually they'll be a cut off point. ie I doubt you'll be able to buy a quality 60" LCD for

[fighter25]

I acually found a great SAMSUNG 206BW Black 20" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor and some Rosewill Cleaner for $276.98 with a $20 Rebate. I've gotten the total down to $1,886.74 that's with shipping. That's about $1000 off my original price.
My problem is saving. I don't have, and can't get a job. I've gotten $30 more dollars toward my "fund" $180 dollars now.