New Computer Specs

[rfctigerarmy]

Gday guys... I want to buy my own computer for Christmas.

Went down to the local computer shop (they are fantastic) and got a free quote on what to get.

My budget is $1000 - $1,100 MAX.

CPU: AMD 64 Bit 3000+ - $265
MEMORY: 512 DDR - $120
MOTHERBOARD: GA K8UT800 - $140
HARD DISK: 120 Gig - $135
VIDEO CARD: 128 MB ATI - 9200 - $75
FLOPPY: $15
SOUND CARD: on Moniter
CD ROM: DVD Pioneer, Duel Layer 16x - $130 (Fantastic Price)
MOUSE/KEYBOARD: Creative Wireless Set - $55
LAN: On Motherboard

No need for a moniter as I have one at home, 17 inch Viewmaster LCD.

What Im worried about is that Graphics card. Does anyone have a ATI 9200? Are they any good with games/graphic design.

I need something pretty decent (Half Life 2, Photoshop/3d programs) but not really over $200.. tops.

I want an ATI aswell

Cheers and any comments welcome.

 

[Basic]

Gday guys... I want to buy my own computer for Christmas.

Went down to the local computer shop (they are fantastic) and got a free quote on what to get.

My budget is $1000 - $1,100 MAX.

CPU: AMD 64 Bit 3000+ - $265
MEMORY: 512 DDR - $120
MOTHERBOARD: GA K8UT800 - $140
HARD DISK: 120 Gig - $135
VIDEO CARD: 128 MB ATI - 9200 - $75
FLOPPY: $15
SOUND CARD: on Moniter
CD ROM: DVD Pioneer, Duel Layer 16x - $130 (Fantastic Price)
MOUSE/KEYBOARD: Creative Wireless Set - $55
LAN: On Motherboard

No need for a moniter as I have one at home, 17 inch Viewmaster LCD.

What Im worried about is that Graphics card. Does anyone have a ATI 9200? Are they any good with games/graphic design.

I need something pretty decent (Half Life 2, Photoshop/3d programs) but not really over $200.. tops.

I want an ATI aswell

Cheers and any comments welcome.

Seems like an ok system, I really wouldn't go with a 9200 though it's a pretty out dated card. If you want to run HL2 you might as well get a decent video card and cut out something you don't need right now (DVD Burner for example) Also I'd get a real souncard. SB Live 5.1 is only like $60.

 

[rfctigerarmy]

Seems like an ok system, I really wouldn't go with a 9200 though it's a pretty out dated card. If you want to run HL2 you might as well get a decent video card and cut out something you don't need right now (DVD Burner for example) Also I'd get a real souncard. SB Live 5.1 is only like $60.

Theres a 3D 6 Channel on the Motherboard.

What I was thinking was, the new graphics cards are like $300 yet in 6 months time it will be outdated. I may aswell get a decent card for 75 bucks and then slowly work my way up.

Am I wrong?

 

[Basic]

You'd think that would be the way to do it but I'm guessing HL2 is going to need a better card than a 9200.

 

[KingyOrTheKing]

I don't know whether a 9200 would be sufficient for HL2. I'm running a 9000 Pro in one of my secondary boxes (comparable to 9200) and it takes a bit of a beating with some of the newer games. I wouldn't expect HL2 to run with it. Also, maybe, if you can squeeze in a bit more memory...

 

[PAFC2004]

Sound card on monitor? You mean the speakers....
and id save up a little longer and get more RAM, and a better motherboard. M/B's are one of the most important things in a system.

 

[rfctigerarmy]

How does a GeXcube 256MB 9600Pro sound for $195?

 

[nonchalance]

Halflife 2 will require you to have a 1.2Ghz processor, 256Mb of RAM and a DirectX 7 enabled graphics card, although to really enjoy the bells & whistles of the game Valve recommends a 2.4Ghz processor, 512Mb of RAM and a DirectX 9 card.
Source: http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/half-life-2/529769p1.html

So both cards will run Halflife 2 without too many troubles. If you're really interested in how it looks, you need the 9600 - if you're only interested in running the game, you only need the 9200.

 

[Jabber]

So both cards will run Halflife 2 without too many troubles. If you're really interested in how it looks, you need the 9600 - if you're only interested in running the game, you only need the 9200.

I'd recommend better than 9600 if you want decent playability and frame rates in HL2, but for your budget a 9600 is about the best you are going to do.

 

[rfctigerarmy]

Ive decided to go with:

AMD 64 bit 3000+
512 (x2) DDR 400
120 Gig HD
Gigabyte K8UT800
ATI 9600XT
DVD Burner 16x

Managed to scatch the Floppy (got one in another comp) aswell as the Keyboard.

Thanks all for the help.

 

[KingyOrTheKing]

Those updated specs sound better.

 

[Basic]

Yeah they look better. I'm upgrading to an Athlon XP 3200+ soon, I'd get a 64 bit chip but my mobo won't take it and I don't want to have to buy another one as well, not just yet anyway. Got an Athlon XP 2800+ now I doubt I'll even notice much of a difference.