[mdlug] Well, shucks - motherboard/CPU advice needed

[Ingles, Raymond]

> From: Garry Stahl
> >  I think I'll price out what it'd take to get a MB w/onboard graphics,
> > and what it'd take to get a more expandable MB, and see if I can sell the
> > wife on the higher-priced option. :->

 Ya know, I think I can. Here's what it looks like (after rebates):

 Same CPU and memory for both:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0253284
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0256275

 $170 total.

 Cheap MB option:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0259059
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0266720

 $65 (MB) + 2x$20 (SATA adapters) = $105

 Expandable MB option (assuming I use the PCI IDE controller you so
generously offered):
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0278891
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0281134

 $55 (MB) + $80 (pretty *nice* video) = $135

 So, $275 for the one, $305 for the other. Now, this is after rebates and
before shipping, but even so - $30 for better performance now and *much*
better future-proofing? Should be a no-brainer.

> I prefer a separate video cards as the on board digs into your
> system RAM for the display.  Not being a twitch gamer I don't need the
> latest (Gate has a G Force 4, a bit dated these days)

 Me, too, but I was laboring under the assumption that it saved a significant
amount of cash. Doesn't look to be the case.
 
> BTW, if you want to haul that box over Thursday I have a few video cards
> we could try and see if Aaron is right.

 I've got a couple of spare AGP and PCI video cards myself, I might give
that a whirl.

> I also have a PSU tester.

 That would be quite useful, the problem is the four kids I mentioned before.
Plus my wife is recovering from surgery (she's fine, thankfully) so I've got
to be around. I honestly don't think it's the power supply, though.

 Sincerely,

 Ray Ingles                                          (313) 227-2317

 "If atheism is a religion, then not collecting stamps is a hobby."
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