Choices Choices

I am going to either buy or put together a new computer but cannot decide what it is that I want to do. There are just so many good choices. I am currently using my Pentium III 700 mhz machine that I put together a few years ago. I don't really play games since I got my X-Box. But I am running into USB compatibility and speed issues that I want to resolve. So I decided it was time to upgrade. My friend recommended a SFF since it will eliminate some desktop space and give me more than enough performance that I need. But should I go with a Pentium D or Athlon? One is cheaper, one is better both are more than I need. Then there is the DEll XPS Gen 2 laptop. That is pretty awesome...but I don't know the consequences of having a laptop versus a machine I built myself except for future upgrades. My head is spinning and I can't decide!

Also look at mini-towers and a microATX mobo. SFFs are small, but they don't really take up less desk space - they're shorter, but wider than a std or mid-tower. A mini-tower is narrower than SFF so it atcually does use less desk space.

Mike.

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-- Groucho Marx</font color=blue>

SFF sucks and takes up MORE desktop space. Desktop space is horizontal, towers are verticle, SFF cubes are wider than towers.

If you want something small, I suggest finding a fairly narrow Micro ATX case and putting a good Micro ATX board in it.

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Good point. Or he can buy a laptop like he mentioned. The choice is his.

My opinion is that gaming laptops aren't too good becuase theyre not mobile. They are heavy and expensive. They also get extremely hot. my 538 processor gets to 70+ when I am playing games.