AMD Computers: What to buy--and from whom?

[fharvey]

For the first time since 1986 I am contemplating the purchase of an AMD-based computer. The ones I find on the Internet are awfully expensive, but apparently that's because they are gaming machines and use the 64-bit chip and who knows what else. I was toying with the idea of building my own computer but have abandoned that notion in favor of a easier, quicker solution: buying one.

So . . . what's a good source for an AMD-based computer that delivers awesome performance at a reasonable price? Frankly, I'm afraid to buy an HP, will not buy a Compaq, and Dells, which I have used for the past umpteen years, don't come with AMD chips. I once read that one should not buy a new computer until one can at least double the speed of one's current computer. Right now I have a 1.7 ghz Dell. I know that computers with 3.4 ghz Intel chips exist. My goal, however, is to double my performance, not my ghz rating.

So, Nerds of the World, given your collective knowledge and the wisdom you've amassed from your hours of online communications and your obsessive entanglements in the universe of ditigal communications, may I lean upon you for your advice and expertise? Who makes good AMD computers? From what reputable dealer can I purchase an AMD-based computer at the most favorable price/performance ratio, with the emphasis on performance?

Your expertise and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cheese]

I make good AMD computers. Build your own man (you'll end up getting a better deal, and learn alot). www.newegg.com

 

[gotrootdude]

what's a good source for an AMD-based computer that delivers awesome performance at a reasonable price?

That's like saying, "I want it fast, I want quality, and I want it cheap". It just doesn't happen unless you do it yourself.

You could go to shops like www.ibuypower.com , or www.cyberpowerinc.com

BUT

They will never do the job as good as you can.

 

[dannyboyfx]

a friend bought the cyber power, and was extremely happy with not only the computer, but the customer service also. i dont know of any other good cheap brands, but i buy power and cyber power are considered very good systems.

 

[batharoy]

My advice is to buy it locally. If theres a problem it's a simple car ride away
as opposed to having to get an RMA and send it back (at your expense)
then have to wait for them to send it back to you.

Actually my advice is to build it yourself. newegg.com is a great place to
start if you do build it yourself. And remember you get exactly what you
want if you build it yourself. (exactly what you want within your budget)

 

[techkid]

AMD Athlon 64 are a pretty good CPU (from what I heard), probably only about $50 over the price of the Athlon XP. But as with all AMDs, they apparently have heating issues.

 

[southernlady]

We use the AMD Athlon XP and have been extremely happy with it's performance but there is a NEW kid on the block...

It's the AMD Sempron™ processor: http://tinyurl.com/5p8b3 and can be reviewed here:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1608491,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1608519,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1628242,00.asp

One place to check out prices on motherboards is http://www.pricewatch.com/ I agree that newegg is a good place to purchase stuff but there are other online stores. For example: http://www.tigerdirect.com/ and this one, which is local to us and has given us GREAT service: http://www.microtechcomputers.com/ Also you will notice a web address in my signature...we are GETTING ready to go live with our own business. We aren't there YET but we will be soon. Liz

 

[drkilldrmz]

I just saw a pentium 4 3.0 ghz boxed chip with hs/fan, AND a motherboard combo at www.outpost.com for a measley 189.00. I don;t know how they can do it, but i wish i had an extra 200. bucks. Look into a barebones system with case, motherboard, cpu and fan for value. .. Just my 2 cents

 

[southernlady]

Probably cause the AMD's are *killing* the pentiums in the price war's! It's either cut prices or DIE! LOL. Not everyone will switch to an AMD but these days, for many of us, if you want a computer, you go AMD. Liz

 

[brite750]

http://www.jncs.com/static-temp/sys-ax.php
Very good quality product and service

 

[southernlady]

OH OUCH, those are high prices...maybe great service tho so I guess that makes up for it? Liz

 

[brite750]

Hey, we're all rich in here in Rochester, actually my build was only like $130 over the cost of the components at newegg, so if it's worth it to you to have the thing built and garenteed by someone else then it's not a bad way to go. BYO is always cheaper, but it takes time and there are no garantees other than the vendors of the components, this place is local also , so if I have a problem, it's a 5 minute drive.

 

[southernlady]

brite750, This one is local to us (15 min drive)...and it has GREAT service too. And the prices aren't NEARLY as high as the ones I just saw on the page you had http://www.microtechcomputers.com/ Liz

 

[brite750]

Msi mobos are cheaper than Asus, no mention of what kind of hardware i.e. case, psu, ram, hdd, fdd, optical drives, etc. only 90 day warantee, the nice thing about J&N is you can tell them the componants you want, just like a home build, your just paying extra for the labor. Also what is the income level of MI, local places tend to charge according ot the income level of the area they are located, it's not their major consideration but it does enter into the mix. I'm not saying that J&N is cheap , they're not but they produce very high quality systems made to order, and have very good service. If poster is looking for cheap then don't go to J&N.

 

[drkilldrmz]

Yeah.. we're all rich up here in portland too. I remember just the other day as i was taking the trash to the dumpster at the end of my trailer development, someone threw away a perfeclly good 486 machine. JUST THREW IT AWAY!!.. Someone's gotta be rich to just toss that..