[Christopher]

I was going to upgrade my computer for $200. But today I found a deal for a barebone kit almost the same as what I was going to buy for $99.
Could you please tell me what you think about it.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...CCODE=WEM1351C

I have everything else I would need but the processor fan and memory. For memory I'm planning on buying http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...CCODE=WEM1351C
Anything bad about that memory?

Thanks for any advice!

[Chris Z]

I don't have that memory, but it looks like it's got some pretty good reviews, so you're probably fine.

[Livewire]

Normally I'd just start from absolute scratch (as in, pick out EVERYTHING myself), but that doesn't look half bad.

[Christopher]

The barebone sold out before I had a chance to buy it.
But that is acctualy good because I found it would be cheaper without the case.

I have a few questions before I buy the processor and motherboard.
1) Is it posible to edit the amount of memory that the motherboard video thing gets?
2) I currently have a 1.50 GHz processor and 1 gb of memory. If I upgrade to a 3.46 GHz processor and 2 gb of memory will I notice a difference? My CPU usage is often at 100% currently.
3) What difference does the cache size make? For example a 512KB cache processor compared to a 2MB cache processor

I currently have a AMD Athlon XP 1800+
I'm planning on buying a Intel Celeron D 360

If you can answer any of my questions, thank you!!!

[Brandon]

Originally Posted by chougard

1) Is it posible to edit the amount of memory that the motherboard video thing gets?

Depends on the motherboard (and the bios), mine doesn't but on my sisters you can.

[unpixelatedgamers]

Originally Posted by chougard

1) Is it posible to edit the amount of memory that the motherboard video thing gets?

On a lot of motherboards, yes. But in my opinion it is always better to get an external graphics card and offload all the video processing from the motherboard, main memory and CPU, to the GPU.

2) I currently have a 1.50 GHz processor and 1 gb of memory. If I upgrade to a 3.46 GHz processor and 2 gb of memory will I notice a difference? My CPU usage is often at 100% currently.

Almost certainly on the CPU side of things. And larger physical RAM should make the loading and running of multiple programs a bit snappier since it won't have to access the HDD.

3) What difference does the cache size make? For example a 512KB cache processor compared to a 2MB cache processor

Cache is where a processor stores some code from the RAM before processing, or mid processing, or just very commonly used instructions. And since cache is physically closer to the CPU than the ram, those instructions can be accessed much more quickly than from the main RAM.
So more is better, but I wouldn't get too hung up on it.

[daman371]

I like all of the barebone kits from tigerdirect. I usually just go with a barebone kit that is just a case and then just pick out other parts.

[Christopher]

One more question. Will the following video chipset support Windows Vista Home Premium?
http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/ch...-series/pm800/

And does Vista Home Premium OEM come with more than 1 license? What about the upgrade?

[unpixelatedgamers]

Originally Posted by chougard

One more question. Will the following video chipset support Windows Vista Home Premium?
http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/ch...-series/pm800/

I wouldn't have thought so. If its onboard, and in the Pentium 4 era, then probably not.

Hardware that supports Vista Home Premium with Aero and everything is still limited to separate graphics cards, i think.

Something DX9 capable and with at least 64MB of ram is minimum. Full support starts with the ATI 1050.
Though the oboard Intel GMA 900 series would also support Aero, if Intel released the drivers. At least according to Wikipedia

And does Vista Home Premium OEM come with more than 1 license?

I wouldn't have thought so. I can't find a definitive answer at the minute. But I think it only 1 install at a time. Legally.

OEM versions are usually installed and then shipped off with the pc it was installed on so, i don't think so.

What about the upgrade?

probably the same.

[Spartan Erik]

IMO thats a weak power supply.. if you want to get a high end graphics card you'll need a much larger PSU