Karaoke Forums

I was looking online & came across this. Not being completely computer savvy, was wondering what some of the computer users thought...specs, needs, ideas? I figure it's a lot cheaper than buying a comparable unit already pre-built.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... &CatId=333
It's a computer kit that I would need to assemble completely. Looks as though all I would need is a hard drive, dvd drive & OS...which I already have to get it up & running which I can upgrade later if needed. For the video I am most likely going to use http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3738465&sku=E145-8510&SRCCODE=WEM1739C&cm_mmc=Email-_-Main-_-WEM1739-_-50under50. I have a nice USB audio interface & XP operating system.
I know a little electronics & should be able to put it together with no problems.

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[shadow=deepskyblue]I'm impressed, I've never met such a small mind inside such a big head before.[/shadow]

I alway build my PCs from scratch, other than laptops of course, and I never liked the Intel graphics chipset. Since you are getting a graphics card, I like that little package. Also, the realtek audio chip onboard is just OK for karaoke. I would get a much better sound card if you want to sound goo. If you are going to use strictly for karaoke, then you can't beat the price on that one.

However, if you want to run more than that, it may be a bit underpowered. The processor supports the 800MHz front side bus but the memory and the MB is only running at DDR2 at 667MHz, a generation behind. Today, most PCs run at 800MHz or even at 1066 MHz DDR3. I am not sure if you can find a better deal but if you need more power, I would look around a bit.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

I already said I had a good USB audio interface so the sound card don't really matter. It would be pretty much karaoke only, maybe some music/multimedia as well.



Couldn't the memory cards be upgraded later to an 800 or better, or are they completely different?

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[shadow=deepskyblue]I'm impressed, I've never met such a small mind inside such a big head before.[/shadow]

I don't think that motherboard supports 800MHz speed. If you want to go faster, you will have to upgrade the motherboard as well. The processor should not be a problem.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

Unless you are looking to learn more about the inner workings of computers, I would advise against it. You can buy pre-built computers for just about as cheap, and they are more likely to work right.

I am an electronics technician and computer programmer, and I have never built my own computers. In general, the premade ones are about as cheap as chips.

The only thing it will do for you is not add things you don't want, but oftimes if you strip a 'puter down too far you find you will need the feature later. Or you will opt for a feature which makes no sense any more, like a floppy or a parallel printer port.

Now if you want to learn a little bit about the inner workings, and feel like you know your computer inside and out, that might be a reason to do it. But the amount you will save will be miniscule and be counterbalanced by the risk, so don't do it for money reasons.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Every time I've bought a pre-built computer, I've regretted it. EVERY one has died on me within the year.

But the ones I build from scratch (because I'm being very selective of the parts I put in them), last MUCH longer.

And I love having spare parts... when something goes out, I've usually got an adequate replacement.

I HIGHLY encourage someone to build a barebones pc (maybe with someone that can help assist if all those internal wires and connections freak people out), just because when it comes time to replace something, you've done it, and you know what you're getting into!

I will say that mckyj57 is for the most part correct. With a good sale and knowing what you're getting, you can get a prebuilt one for about the same price. SOMETIMES you can get some TERRIFIC sales like at 3btech.com! I'm on their mailing list and there was a dual amd one motherboard/cpu combo I REALLY wanted, but finances are just not there this week.

A 2 unit rack mount with a large hard drive runs about $2500 0n Ebay. I build my own.

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That claim is ludicrous. I have bought literally a hundred desktop computers. Most of them run have 24/7 as servers, with a couple dozen used as desktops for people. Almost none have failed.

If you buy the very cheapest no-name white-box premade computers, or known-shoddy brands like eMachines, then you might have trouble. But brands like HP and Compaq and Dell can't fail like that, or they would break themselves honoring their warranty. And they do honor those warranties.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

First of all, I build my computer for customizing. I never found that pre-built units have exactly what I want. If I end up replacing parts to customize it, then I am paying for more than I want. You pay for having a brand name on the computer, like HP or Dell. However, because they buy it direct from the manufacturers, they get them cheaper. Their margin is what make the computer cheap or expensive.

Overall, I do save some money by building my own. Not a lot but enough of an incentive. I built my 3U rack mount computer on my own and saved about $700. I recently built my game machine and saved about $200. On top of that, the bonus is that I built them to exactly what I want, which saves me more money by not having to replace part.

One more tip, if you go to a local store and buy the components to build, like Best Buys, you may not get the best prices. I shop online for many parts, like ebay, then the rest I go to local Fry's Electronics, which has the lowest price around. Check out www. frys.com for their online prices, which is same as the brick and mortar prices.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

No, it's NOT ludicrous. It's MY STATEMENT! Geez, flat out call me a LIAR?

I've not bought a couple of dozen, but I HAVE bought four retail deals. ANd they WEREN'T bottom of the box.

And a warranty doesn't usually last you the year. Most of them are good for 30-90 days, and then an EXTENDED warranty, excluding certain things comes up after that.

For EVERY homebuilt one, I've had no warranties, other than the limited one from the retailer and manufacturer, usually 30 days.

Google pricewatch. I can put any box together for less.

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I have a couple of e-machines that I got from MalWart that ran me about $250 each loaded with XP earlier this year - specs were MUCH better than the older 5-8 year old towers that they replaced. One is my wifes tower (she & the kids do a lot of gaming, could use a better video card for that, but still alot better than her older 800mhz processor/377 mb ram...) the other I got for a replacement of my dj computer that died - both running 24/7 & neither have had even a hiccup as of yet. Thinking about getting one as a backup for my karaoke computer now. I mean it's pretty small compared to some of the stuff out today, but for a XP loaded machine it isn't bad & the price is right. Has a 2ghz Intel Celeron (wouldn't be my first choice but works fine), 1gb DDR2 ram, 160gb hd. In my dj computer I added 2 good sound cards - 1 for playback 1 for recording as I use this for my recording at shows as well. Again running both Audacity & OTSdj programs all the time, while having wifi connected & websurfing - googling if songs are available have even tested downloading from Tricerasoft that work fine, also my rotation program going - never a hiccup in anything. I'm pretty happy with my 'disposable' (as I thought it would be) purchase......so far!!!

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From factory experience the cheaper assembled machines are put together with class b or lower components. The rework line has to replace a lot of parts if they do have any quality control at all.

I choose the motherboard (Asus) and everything else. My finished box might be as much as off the shelf but it is top quality.

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I always thought that ASUS was a low end brand? When I got my karaoke tower back from service, they had replaced the MB with an ASUS, I know it only cost me $79 so I was kind of leary.
Only difference I have noticed is if the computer needs to be rebooted, the extended display HAS to be turned on, otherwise the computer does not see it. I had a Gigabyte MB in there previously & the extended displays would be remembered regardless of them being turned on or even plugged in. MISS THAT! Also I do notice a very low 60 cycle hum that never used to be there. Not enough to be irratating, but I can tell it's there that never was there before.

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I have tested a lot of HP DC series. (inc. 7100 &7600)
Fantastic when they work,
Scrap when the cap's prematurely fail. (All too often)
Havn't seen that on cheep systems.
On DIY systems with MB's such as Gigabyte...
Heatsink fan FITTINGS and other aux. stuff lets it down.
Usually nothing to do with the main components.
Only my observation.

OMG. Sorry.
DC7100's & DC7600's are the ones with good caps.
Sorry

Actually ASUS is on of the best brands when it comes to motherboards. Right along with Gigabyte. I would never put anything else in a self built computer.

Lately, I buy from the computer salvage guy..

I have an IBM Think Center 3.0 gigahertz hyperthreading, 2 gig of ram, 250 gig SATA hard drive DVD CDR Intel guts, XP Pro, $150.00

Last month, Gateway 3.2 gig, 2 gig ram, DVD CDr in the box, $175.00 (B stock) Factory refurbs.

PCMALL dot com has tons of HP refurbs.. If you like HP..

Interesting... is the software legal on that, Jerry?

From what I've found online, the XP Pro new is $149.99!!

Yes, legal. Shipped with XP, still has it..