Ebay Computers... opinions?

Kryshade · Post by **Kryshade** » October 12, 2004, 3:54 pm

Hey, I'm going to be upgrading my computer soon. I'm currently running a 1.5ghz p4 with 640mb ram (old crappy ram). I want to upgrade to at least a 3.0 ghz, and 512mb of DDR ram. I pretty much only use the computer for gaming, and I currently have a 9600xt which I plan on keeping. I've been looking at some cumputers on ebay and I'm tempted to win one as they seem to me to be nice systems. I'm not up to date at all on what good brand names are and I've never looked at MB's before, and I'm pretty out of date on the ram situation too. I know how to install everything, and I'm fairly computer literate, I just haven't kept up with hardware in awhile.

Soooo, here's a link to a system I'm considering... it's going to be roughly in my price range ( I want to try to keep it at about $400-500.) I have a monitor, keyboard, speakers etc. I really just need a case with some goods under the hood.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 96225&rd=1

Here's the link, let me know what you guys think, any advice, tips, recommendations you guys have would be much appreciated.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » October 12, 2004, 4:42 pm

Motherboard : Asrock P4V88 P4 Motherboard (performance leader)

Never ever heard of this brand. It does remind me of Ad-Rock from the Beastie Boys though, or maybe a Flintstones computer? SiS chipset boards are generally crap though. A nForce chipset based board such as the EPoX EP-8RDA3+ would be an infinitely better basis for a system IMHO.

A much better option would be to buy parts from newegg.com and assemble it yourself.

xZiBiT · Post by **xZiBiT** » October 12, 2004, 6:32 pm

Never, Not in a million years

simontompkins · Post by **simontompkins** » October 26, 2004, 11:00 am

If you're feeling lazy go to http://www.overclockers.co.uk for decents parts (but perhaps buy elsewhere as they can be had for cheaper)

build your own system, don't go to ebay - given your current system it's only worth upgrading to a 3GHz plus so you should buy something with a warranty.

I'm currently thinking of using an ABIT AV8 motherboard with the lowest priced socket 939 cpu (total cost £200)

Possible a Raptor 74GB SATA150 for £120.98 but when you can get a spinPoint P80 80GB SATA150 £46.98 I think a raptor's a waste of money for games - I may change this opinion if I was doing a lot of file accessing however.

Memory - only really an issue if you're thinking of overclocking - bear in mind the AV8 will overclock - although look at issues regarding locking the PCI as FSB increses can have knock on effects.

Graphics card - I'm a great believer in spending no more than £150 and then aupgrading as soon as your next gpu drops to that price - upgrade often rather than get ripped off for overpriced gpu's

Cases - Antec's sonata is tempting (quiet is)

any thoughts let me know

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » October 26, 2004, 11:08 am

jackass

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » October 26, 2004, 1:20 pm

I woldn't buy an eBay computer. At least nothing I would use as my primary.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 26, 2004, 2:25 pm

I wouldn't buy one from eBay. If all you want is a generic computer, go to Best Buy or some other big electronics store and buy one. Fry's Electronics has cheesy computers like that you can buy premade for cheap.

You get what you pay for but at least you'll get it and can return it easy from a store.

Kryshade · Post by **Kryshade** » October 29, 2004, 11:30 pm

I'm not saying that I want a cheap computer. What I need is something that will allow me to play the new games like Half Life 2 etc without suffering from bad framerate etc. My 1.5ghz just isn't cutting it anymore, and all I really want to do is be able to game properly.

That's why I said I really only need something that is 3.0ghz, 512mb ddr ram and a decent MB. I have everything else like video, audio, peripherals etc.

I know absolutely squat about MB's though. It's one of my weakest area's, and I haven't a clue what's a good, affordable brand. I don't need top of the line anything as I can't afford it. I just want to spend about $400 to $500 and be able to have something I can play games with for the next couple years.

If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. I don't think that I'm comfortable enough to actually piece together a system on my own as I'd probably fuck up installing the MB or something and be out the money!

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » October 30, 2004, 6:54 am

For a cheap generic computer around $500, Wal Mart\Sams generally has a decent deal as well. I'd stay away from EBay myself.

If you can cook anything more complicated than macaroni and cheese, you can build a computer for that matter. Just take your time and follow directions.

Kryshade · Post by **Kryshade** » October 30, 2004, 11:23 am

Do MB's etc come with installation instructions? If so then I don't have any problems with putting together a system, I just thought it came as is and assumed that it wouldn't come with instructions on how to install it.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » October 30, 2004, 12:53 pm

You'll get instructions with the mobo, processor, etc.. Also if you have to, you can find instructions online. Try places like PCMag & techtv

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » November 1, 2004, 11:10 pm

Only thing I'd suggest about novices and building computers.. is get the motherboard/processor combo installed and tested before it's shipped. No worries about too much or too little thermal paste, bending CPU pins, etc. The rest is not much more difficult than installing a new video card.

Deward · Post by **Deward** » November 2, 2004, 11:42 am

Buy the motherboard and CPU together. It isn't that hard to install so long as you start from a clean hard drive. The MB is just screwed into the case and extra screws will come with the MB. When I am shopping for upgrades I usually go to tomshardware.com first. I then shop around for the cheapest price. In most cases, ASUS is a nice safe brand although they usually cost more. But they are sold by most computer stores so they are easy to return if necesary.