Hell's Katz Squad

I'm constantly looking for upgrading, or buying a completely new computer. I figured I'd put my findings and research here.

Generally, I like to get close to these prices when looking for new parts:


Video Cards

Leadtek PX7600GS TDH Extreme 256MB $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814122006
GPU: 520MHz
Memory: 900MHz
Memory Size: 256mb
Pipelines: 12
GDDR2

eVGA Geforce 7600GT 256MB $165-20 = $145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130017
GPU: 580MHz
Memory: 1500MHz
Memory Size: 256mb
Pipelines: 12
GDDR3

Monitors

Hanns·G HW-191DPB - $182
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824254005
Size: 19'' Widescreen
Resolution: 1440x900
Response: 5ms

ViewSonic VA912b - $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824116353
Size: 19''
Resolution: 1280x1024
Response: 8ms


Barebones

CompuDirect (via Pricewatch) - ~$350
Motherboard: Asus A8N-SLI S939/nForce4 SLI/DDR400/PCI-Express/RAID/1GBE/ATX Motherboard
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 3800+
Case: Mid-Tower 400WT Housebrand

AicMicro (via Pricewatch) - ~$350
Motherboard: Gigabyte SLi Motherboard
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 4000+
Case: Mid-Tower 400WT Housebrand + Case Fan

SMKSuperStore (via Pricewatch) $342
Motherboard: Gigabyte K8N Pro SLI
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3800+
Case: Basic 450W Mid-Tower Case - Economical & Efficient - Black
+ Upgraded Cooling Package (Upgraded CPU Fan + 2 BB Case Fans + Artic Alumina)

The eVGA and Viewsonic are the better choices, both more well known than the competitor.

I've used Leadtek in the past, so I'm happy with them. However, I'd rather go with a 7600GT over a GS.

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech ... phics-card <-- winnar

Yea thats the one they used to render all those CG scenes in the Matrix and Lord of the Rings
It's got 18" spinners with green lights on em too.