06-26-2005, 07:05 PM
I am typing this post on the new computer. It runs really spiffy. Fast! I am able to run WoW with all the visual settings ramped up to the maximum without any sacrifice in performance. There really is a qualitative difference in the game's appearance. The CPU temp is 46 degrees--5 degrees cooler than with my attempt at upgrading.
Here is the story behind how I got it working.
I shipped the motherboard and power supply back to NewEgg and they sent me replacements. After doing some comparison shopping I decided to bring the components to Laboratory Computers, a local shop, for them to assemble. They charge only $35! Of course I needed to buy some stuff from them; fortunately their prices are very close, almost identical to NewEgg.
This is what I bought:
1. A new case-- Of course I didn't really need this, but without the power supply it was only $15! And it looks really nice.
![[Image: 1150-P4-BKUSB.jpg]](http://www.apextechusa.com/images_u/1150-P4-BKUSB.jpg)
2. Samsung CDRW drive and DVD ROM drive--$62 for the two.
3. Here is where I went crazy--Western Digital Raptor WD360GD 36.7GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
4. Well if I was going to go all out then why not toss in more--Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JD 160GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive for storage.
Total including installation and tax: $353.98 Yes, I went way over budget, but I am working a lot more hours now and I can afford it.
As for the old machine and the optical drives which would not work when I did my upgrade--they work fine in their old box. I have no clue why they would not function before.
Thank you to everyone who gave me helpful suggestions.
Here is the story behind how I got it working.
I shipped the motherboard and power supply back to NewEgg and they sent me replacements. After doing some comparison shopping I decided to bring the components to Laboratory Computers, a local shop, for them to assemble. They charge only $35! Of course I needed to buy some stuff from them; fortunately their prices are very close, almost identical to NewEgg.
This is what I bought:
1. A new case-- Of course I didn't really need this, but without the power supply it was only $15! And it looks really nice.
2. Samsung CDRW drive and DVD ROM drive--$62 for the two.
3. Here is where I went crazy--Western Digital Raptor WD360GD 36.7GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
4. Well if I was going to go all out then why not toss in more--Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JD 160GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive for storage.
Total including installation and tax: $353.98 Yes, I went way over budget, but I am working a lot more hours now and I can afford it.
As for the old machine and the optical drives which would not work when I did my upgrade--they work fine in their old box. I have no clue why they would not function before.
Thank you to everyone who gave me helpful suggestions.