Spec advice

[SuperDavidGT]

I have $AUD1500 and I'm wasting it on either my car or a computer. Assuming I go for the computer, and decide to finally upgrade my Ghettoblaster 1000 or whatever the fuck it is, I'm looking for something that will play games with no problem at all, even if its old school high end, but more oriented to multitasking, since I like doing work, surfing the net, listening to music and occaisionally watching tv/playing xbox all at the same time

i already have monitor, tv card, sound card and speakers, dont worry about keyboard and mouse - ill just get the latest logitech shiz - so ignore those

and im also thinking of getting one of those mini pcs, (as in those small cubes) anyone got opinions on those?

thanks in advance, niggaz

[iplayguitar]

the shuttle sn25p has gotten good reviews. that with a 7800gtx and x2 cpu of some sorts would be pretty nice. to top it all off, throw in a gig or ram (the mobo inside of the case only has two ddr slots since its a sff, you might wanna get a 1 gig stick of ram to allow for a future upgrade).

[King Speedy]

What's the exchange rate to USD?

[nineball16]

$1aud = about .78 US

[SuperDavidGT]

mmm im loving the shit on the shuttle site, the only problem is trying to find something with 2 pci expansion slots. im starting to think a $200 radeon 9800pro and a $300 athlon 3500+ would be nice in there, but man im anal and i want my beautiful audigy2 AND my tv card. are there sff's with 2 pci slots or am i going have to deal with onboard/usb sound(shudder)?

[King Speedy]

Go with an all-in-wonder card if you're that desperate for tv-in.

[iplayguitar]

dont get the 9800pro. go with a 7800gtx or 7800gt.

[Digital Limit]

Doesn't that require a new mobo?

[King Speedy]

I would definitely not put a gtx and x2 in a shuttle case. The heat coming off of those items (especially the gtx) could be disastrous in a case of that size. If you want something light, just get an aluminum case.

[nineball16]

i'd go with the athlon3500+, and stick with a 7800gtx. if ever buying a rig, always spend extra on a card

[SuperDavidGT]

@nineball: i dont have the money for a gtx, and im not going to waste what I have on a video card thats going to be half its exorbitent price in 6 months.

i dont play games on this thing (at least nothing more than casual), and when i do the most demanding game ive got is GTA:SA. hence the 9800pro, its got the 256 of ram and its so fucking cheap, ill be more than happy with that after having a mx440 for however long its been out.

@speedy: i looked at those, but someone said they womp too much power and if i get the shuttle i wont be able to keep up with it. besides, i dont think you can get HDTV on AIW, or at least not for the price im prepared to pay. weights not an issue, its size and desk space. i got a monster case now and i wouldnt mind some extra room for some more random useless shit

EDIT: what about RAM? if i get a venice core what kind of ram would i need and how much would be ideal?
and hdd - is it worth paying the extra to get some SATA driveage or should i stick with my ATA133s?

[iplayguitar]

get 512 to 1 gig of pc3200 ram. i dont think you harddrives are gonna bottleneck your performance.

[TopSecretBoy]

I'd spend the little extra and get the 6600gt. I'm sure a few here can attest to the cards kickassness/price level.