Looking for utlimate game machine. Is everything compatible, do you have improvements, and do I buy everything separately, or try to buy everything from one supplier:

Case: Antc Performance Plus 880
Motherboard: Asus P4S533 Pentium 4 (Northwood),
Socket 478, 3GB DDR-SDRAM, 533 MHZ FSB
CPU: Pentium 4 2.53 ghz
Hard Drive: Western Digital Corp. Spec. Ed. WD Caviar 80 GB

If run at default clock speeds that does look like the ultimate gaming rig, although it's overkill on the RAM. No gaming rig needs more than 512MB. The only time you need that much memory is when you're copying files, otherwise, you could save a $400 on memory. The only thing I might change would be the case.

If you think the Antec power supply is really all the rage, then buy it separately. Buy a case that is made completely of aluminum for best cooling and it will also weigh a third of a metal case. A lot of manufacturers make aluminum cases, but the best known is the Lian-li, which is practically flawless. Everyone gets the PC60U for the most part, although they have tower cases and their older models too. The PC60U is an ATX mid tower, has the standard number of drive bays, 2 temperature sensing fans in front, on exhaust fan, one fan on top, 2 USB ports in front, tool-less screws, removable motherboard tray, both side panels are removable. Sure, everyone has one, but still that doesn't dispute the fact that they are quite nice. The PC60U fully supports Pentium 4 systems, which its box advertises brightly and clearly.

Who to buy it from? I would say whoever charges the least and has a good reputation/rating. But I get the impression you don't care for economics too much so I would just go with one vendor. Buy it all from newegg if you can. Over the last two years, they've become the most reliable vendor on the internet, and practically every techie you talk to will direct you to them.

Who exactly is this machine for? When do you plan to upgrade it next? You should be asking those questions too. And how much are you willing to service it? A computer requires constant maintenance and a complete retrofit every few years to consistently work. I ask these questions ONLY because sometimes people buy the absolute best expecting it to last them 4-5 years, which is impossible.

Thanks for your help. Computer is for me. I am always maintaining and upgrading, but I have had this one for 3 years and I want to install wireless web access on the new one. Have no one to bounce ideas off of - appreciate your comments. What to do you think of water cooling? Do you always have to cut the case to make it fit?

I personally don't have a watercooled system so perhaps someone else can answer that question for you. All I really know about is the reviews. From what I know you don't have to cut the case.

this wasnt a wise method. im simply now angry. - L -

OOps

sorry, im a newbie. a little test.

just another little test.