Build for a Friend

A 3200+ performs similarly to a 3.2GHz Pentium 4, a 3000+ to a 3Ghz, 1700+ to a 1.7GHz etc. In most tests they're actually a good margin higher but it's close enough.
I would personally go with Seagate myself, I don't really think it matters much as all hard drive manufactures make good products as only the best survive but I believe Seagate's a bit quiter on average.
Go Platinum as it's been around longer and the bugs are a little more worked out, you won't need SLI anyway.

 

well if i build it with a 3000+ it will cost roughly $20 less than a system with the P4 630. It will cost $1003 instead of $1024 (plus $75 build fee). So you think i should go AMD

 

It will run cooler (therefore quieter), be a bit faster, make upgrading a snap, and you can proudly join the Athlon club of uberness.

 

My preference would be WD, i've noticed WD's drives spindles get noisier over time and have quiet read/write heads and Seagate have quiet spindles and noisy read/write heads!
It really doesn't matter which you choose.

 

Well i think i might let my client join that club of uberness, but i didnt get a chance to talk to her today and get more info on what she uses the computer for, i just want to make sure she is comepletely satisfied since this is my first customer i want them to be completly satisfied so i can have references for future clients.

 

Good thinking, but with the specs we're looking at I don't see why she wouldn't be

 

Well I will be back tomorrow and i will hopefully be able to get a hold of her and get a concrete set of specs. Also to give you an idea of whats she is coming from, my friend says she is using 3-4 year old laptop(i think) so i think she will notice quite an increase in performance.

Exact prices with S&H (UPS 3 Day) are
Intel System $1030.37
AMD System $1003.97

I can save $10 by buying the case from monarchcomputer.com

 

Well after thinking about i have decided to go with intel on this build since i think the HyperThreading will give her a little performace gain, if she does do any heavy multitasking, im probably ordering the parts on tuesday, i tell you guys how it works out when its all done.

 

just made an order with them and already they've messed it up. aparently my shipping address isnt on my credit card info any more, but newegg, zipzoomfly.com, and coolerguys.com, somehome seem to have authorized it..weird huh? :swear: but they do have good prices on mb/proc combos. any else use pricewatch?