[gambitnut]

I teach people how to build computers at a nonprofit called Free Geek where we take donated computers, take them apart, test the parts, rebuild them by putting the working parts in the working computers and give them to our volunteers for free. Ask away.

[ToddMacCulloch11]

My computer is about....5, 6 years old. It's start to get a little slower opening programs and things like that, so I think its about time to upgrade some RAM (I got 128 MB now, most it can go is 512, each slot can hold 256). So anyway, I know how to put it in and all that, but I was just wondering if you can suggest what is good brand/price wise? I'm looking to pick up a 256MB PC133 SDRAM. I just want something that will hold me over for a while til I end up getting a new computer in a year or so.

[gambitnut]

Originally Posted by ToddMacCulloch11

My computer is about....5, 6 years old. It's start to get a little slower opening programs and things like that, so I think its about time to upgrade some RAM (I got 128 MB now, most it can go is 512, each slot can hold 256). So anyway, I know how to put it in and all that, but I was just wondering if you can suggest what is good brand/price wise? I'm looking to pick up a 256MB PC133 SDRAM. I just want something that will hold me over for a while til I end up getting a new computer in a year or so.

I think there is a difference with the brands, but not major and just about any RAM should hold you over for the length of time you're talking about, I'd just look for the cheapest. If you don't mind taking a bit of a drive, contact Free Geek Penn and see if they have any for sale, they'll have a great price if they have some. If you don't want to do that, look for sales in your area or try ebay.

Also, if you can find all of the programs you need for it, Linux will run faster. You could at least try a dual boot so you can use windows if you don't like it.

[ToddMacCulloch11]

Thanks for the help. I may check out that place. I was going to go to philly in a few weeks, so if I'm already a good portion of the way there.

Linux might not be a bad idea...I'll check it out. I really don't use the computer for all that much stuff, so I'm sure it can handle whatever I'd use it for.

Thanks again for the advice!

[sheefo13]

Okay well I bought a Demon IV case and plan on building a "gaming PC". What type of parts (motherboard, processor, RAM, Hard drive) should I get for it to run at an acceptable speed for gaming. I am just wondering things in general, good things I can do for it at a cheap price... Tips ect. Also should I get certain things before I get other things? Like a motherboard first with a proccesor? Any idea where I can get these for a good price?

[gambitnut]

Originally Posted by sheefo13

Okay well I bought a Demon IV case and plan on building a "gaming PC". What type of parts (motherboard, processor, RAM, Hard drive) should I get for it to run at an acceptable speed for gaming. I am just wondering things in general, good things I can do for it at a cheap price... Tips ect. Also should I get certain things before I get other things? Like a motherboard first with a proccesor? Any idea where I can get these for a good price?

Well, the other parts won't do you much good if you don't have a motherboard or processor.

What kind of games do you like to play?

If you don't mind taking a risk, ebay or some discount site online would probably have the best prices.

[sherako]

i wish you had this program in syracuse NY. i have been looking to learn how to build my own mobo for the longest time now. can you recommend me any good teaching books of this nature?

[gambitnut]

Originally Posted by sherako

i wish you had this program in syracuse NY. i have been looking to learn how to build my own mobo for the longest time now. can you recommend me any good teaching books of this nature?

You want to build a mobo? Not a computer but a mobo?

[hoojacks]

I'm building a budget gaming computer. Of course, with that comes an off brand GPU. So, thats what I'm getting. I know that sometimes they are older models that are OC'd to newer speeds, but other than that risk, whats the real disadvantage to (to give you my situation) buying an MSI 1800XT for 300 instead of an ATI 1800XT for 500?

Also: as a casual gamer (i dont plan on oc'ing, i just want oblivion to look pretty), is it worth busting out 175 bucks to get an A8N SLI-deluxe instead of something weaker, like the A8N 5X that I bought?

thanks!