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[BudokaiMR2]

As posted above, DoW2 is $20 on D2D right now which is the same price it was on Steam during the sale. Since it is a Steamworks game, you can add the CD Key to Steam and it will function like a Steam game.

Well unfortunately it doesn't seem like this will work either.
It says this when I try to buy "Error: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is Country restricted on your IP."

Well fuck, This is why I hate download purchases. It defeats the goddamn purpose if it is region restricted

 

[brain_stew]

Thanks.
Would I be able to get "real" 5.1 like DD or would I be stuck with ProLogic with the analog jacks?

You could get DD by using DDLive (you may have to buy the codec from Creative, not sure) but you really wouldn't want to, it'll sound much worse and waste more CPU time. Its only three cables, no big deal.

 

[brain_stew]

looking for advice on a amd processor. does the lack of L3 cache on many of the cheaper models really make that much real world difference when playing games?

i was going to go with this AMD Athlon II X4 630 Propus 2.8GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103704

but maybe something like this would be better?
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680

higher speed and L3 cache vs. 2 more cores?

other suggestions in this general price range appreciated!

The only dual cores worth even considering these days are the i3s. I'd personally just get the 620 and OC.

 

[UrbanRats]

In "case" department, what does it change from a HTPC case and a normal tower case? °___°

'cause i've seen some really slick HTPC cases...

 

[Coldsnap]

No offense, but wasn't that a sub-$100 card when it came out almost 3 years ago?

Dunno. It's 10x and can run most games i throw at it. Pretty decent card for $30 or so.

 

[TouchMyBox]

In "case" department, what does it change from a HTPC case and a normal tower case? °___°

'cause i've seen some really slick HTPC cases...

Changing to a HTPC case? That depends, there are many varieties. Assuming you have a full ATX motherboard, you'd have to get a case with 7 expansion card slots, as many are designed around m-ATX boards. Also many HTPC cases are low profile cases, meaning that you would need low profile expansion cards. If you go for a low-profile case, expect to be at least a generation or two behind in GPU technology. Of course you would also need to make sure your cpu cooler will fit should you have an after-market cooler.

 

[UrbanRats]

Changing to a HTPC case? That depends, there are many varieties. Assuming you have a full ATX motherboard, you'd have to get a case with 7 expansion card slots, as many are designed around m-ATX boards. Also many HTPC cases are low profile cases, meaning that you would need low profile expansion cards. If you go for a low-profile case, expect to be at least a generation or two behind in GPU technology. Of course you would also need to make sure your cpu cooler will fit should you have an after-market cooler.

Thanks for the answer.
well, i don't have a PC yet, so i was just wondering what the difference was.
sounds more complex than i thought.

If you go for a low-profile case, expect to be at least a generation or two behind in GPU technology.

Also, how do i know if a case is low-profile?

 

[brain_stew]

Thanks for the answer.
well, i don't have a PC yet, so i was just wondering what the difference was.
sounds more complex than i thought.

Not really, not if you're starting from scratch like you are. Just buy a suitable motherboard for the case you want and you're good to go. there's plenty M-ATX cases available these days and thanks to Zotac you can even pack a quad + mid/high end GPU into a super tiny M-ITX case.

 

[SundaySounds]

In "case" department, what does it change from a HTPC case and a normal tower case? °___°

'cause i've seen some really slick HTPC cases...

Most HTCP cases are micro-atx, which means it's a lot smaller. You'll need a micro-atx Mobo and you'll just generally have a lot less room for your stuff. Most HTCP cases probably couldn't fit the higher end video cards because of their size.

Not really, not if you're starting from scratch like you are. Just buy a suitable motherboard for the case you want and you're good to go. there's plenty M-ATX cases available these days and thanks to Zotac you can even pack a quad + mid/high end GPU into a super tiny M-ITX case.

They make quad GPUs??

 

[Ryu]

Is this ram and CPU/mobo combo compatible?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.319613

I'm close to pulling the trigger on this system so long as all the parts are compatible and I can find a case in the 1-75 dollar range.

What does everyone think of this case?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/NewProduct.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

 

[Frankfurter]

They make quad GPUs??

A quad core CPU + a mid/high end GPU is what he meant.

 

[BravoSuperStar]

so, just to get it straight:

I have both hard drives in my computer, then I use one of those programs to clone/copy/transfer it. After that I remove the original C drive, hook up the new one, and when I boot up everything will work?

Pretty much. You can backup the image to an external drive or just clone it straight over. It depends on the app you choose as well, but that is the basic idea.

The only dual cores worth even considering these days are the i3s. I'd personally just get the 620 and OC.

Did some quick OC'ing tests yesterday on my Athlon 620 quad, got it up to 3ghz with ease. Bumping the RAM down to 333mhz allowed me to push the chip to 3.2ghz+ stable. No vcore adjustment either. The Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 pro lowered the load temps significantly. After 3 complete runs of 3dmark2k6 it was 49-50c, idles around 35-36c. I wouldn't recommend doing a lot of OC'ing on the stock cooler that comes with this chip, it's absolute trash.

I'm going to do some stock VS oc'ing comparisons on some games later today and will post the results.

 

[Decado]

What's the best PCI-e 1.0 card on the market right now (or perhaps best price/performance)?

It looks like the issues I've been having getting the catalyst drivers to install may be connected to my PCI-e 1.0 (x16) motherboard not supporting PCI-e 2.0 (despite being "backwards compatable"). Anyway, looks like I'll have to return my Sapphire HD5770 (soon, too, since I think 30 days is fast approaching).

What PCI-e 1.0 card should I get in exchange?

 

[Owzers]

Pretty much. You can backup the image to an external drive or just clone it straight over. It depends on the app you choose as well, but that is the basic idea.



Did some quick OC'ing tests yesterday on my Athlon 620 quad, got it up to 3ghz with ease. Bumping the RAM down to 333mhz allowed me to push the chip to 3.2ghz+ stable. No vcore adjustment either. The Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 pro lowered the load temps significantly. After 3 complete runs of 3dmark2k6 it was 49-50c, idles around 35-36c. I wouldn't recommend doing a lot of OC'ing on the stock cooler that comes with this chip, it's absolute trash.

I'm going to do some stock VS oc'ing comparisons on some games later today and will post the results.

I'm curious about the results for the overclocking with the stock cooler that comes with the 620. The reviews on newegg made it seem like you could get it to 3.2 with the stock without problems.

 

[BravoSuperStar]

I'm curious about the results for the overclocking with the stock cooler that comes with the 620. The reviews on newegg made it seem like you could get it to 3.2 with the stock without problems.

I'm sure those clock speeds are attainable with the stock cooler, but for how long and in what type of case, environment etc? The stock cooler is an all aluminum heatsink with a 70mm fan and overall fairly small. And if the PC can't run 24/7 without crashing, even with extended gaming sessions then I don't consider it a successful overclock. The case mines in also lacks a front fan, or even the ability to mount a front fan so I have to take that into account in the setup. It's also upstairs in my house which tends to be warmer overall. The quality of the aftermarket heatsink is like night and day, all copper contact with aluminum fins with a 92mm fan. For $28 it's money well spent, IMO.

Edit: Also forgot to mention how loud the stock fan is compared to the 92mm one on the aftermarket cooler.

 

[rollingstart]

Pretty much. You can backup the image to an external drive or just clone it straight over. It depends on the app you choose as well, but that is the basic idea.

ok, thanks.

 

[TheFatOne]

Ok guys I am trying to build a PC for a friend. His budget is $800 for everything including the monitor. This is what I have come up with so far.

CPU AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz $99
Motherboard GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $79.99
RAM G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 93.99
GPU HIS H577FM1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 162.99
CD/DVD Drive LITE-ON Black 24X DVD... 23.99
HDD SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 54.99
Power Supply CZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 69.99
Case GIGABYTE Luxo X140 Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 29.99
Total $614.93

He wants to be able to play MMORPG's and the latest games. This is the build I have come up with so far. If anyone has any suggestions please help. His budget for the PC is $600(he already bought windows 7) and his budget for the monitor is $200. I also need suggestions for a monitor. He wants something in the 20-24 inch range that he can connect to his PS3. All suggestions are welcome.

Edit: Updated Motherboard and RAM. Any suggestions for a cheaper power supply?

 

[Owzers]

I was just looking up monitors yesterday, and this one seems to be pretty good at least from the cnet reviews.


http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-7345

My only problem with wanting to get a monitor for my other gaming is that the viewing angles of monitors don't seem to be that great in general and i was thinking maybe just save up money and get a regular HDTV instead, though it is a lot more.

 

[BravoSuperStar]

Ok guys I am trying to build a PC for a friend. His budget is $800 for everything including the monitor. This is what I have come up with so far.

CPU AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz $99
Motherboard GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2 $49.99
RAM Patriot Extreme Performance 4GB (2 x 2GB) 99.99
GPU HIS H577FM1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 162.99
CD/DVD Drive LITE-ON Black 24X DVD... 23.99
HDD SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 54.99
Power Supply CZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 69.99
Case GIGABYTE Luxo X140 Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 29.99

The total comes up to 590.93. He wants to be able to play MMORPG's and the latest games. This is the build I have come up with so far. If anyone has any suggestions please help. His budget for the PC is $600(he already bought windows 7) and his budget for the monitor is $200. I also need suggestions for a monitor. He wants something in the 20-24 inch range that he can connect to his PS3. All suggestions are welcome.

I'd suggest a newer motherboard, one that supports DDR3 and then swap out the RAM as well. You also know thats a micro ATX motherboard? Did you want that size, or regular ATX? Anyway, maybe this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392

You could also probably find a cheaper PS that is just as good, or better. Check out the Antecs.

 

[AZ Greg]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

One more thing, he is currently using an 8800GT and is completely happy with the performance so he would want to replace it with the same thing since it's probably cheap now as well. But if I remember right the 8800GT is now the 9800GT correct? The reason I ask is because his computer isn't necessarily built for gaming in terms of casing (relatively small case) and power supply (not sure of the numbers but I know it's enough for the 8800GT). So he wouldn't want to get a replacement card that is too big or requires a bigger power supply. Also, if there are any other cards for slightly more $ with slightly more power but fit the same efficient characteristics of the 8800GT I'm sure he'd be interested in paying a little more for it.

Thanks again!

^ Can anyone help me with this? Thanks!

 

[Slappy967]

I am intrigued by theFatone's post as I was going to post a question asking about recommendations for a $600-700 gaming rig. I am dying to get a new pc capable of playing all the new games and Star Trek Online so any help is very appreciated!

 

[Owzers]

What about this for a cheaper motherboard than the gigabyte 770 one


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135250



Downside i can see from a non-tech-side is the lack of an optical output which would be nice if i ever used it on my HDTV with surround sound, but i'm not sure the likelihood of that.

 

[Firestorm]

Ok guys I am trying to build a PC for a friend. His budget is $800 for everything including the monitor. This is what I have come up with so far.

CPU AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz $99
Motherboard GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $79.99
RAM G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 93.99
GPU HIS H577FM1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 162.99
CD/DVD Drive LITE-ON Black 24X DVD... 23.99
HDD SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 54.99
Power Supply CZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 69.99
Case GIGABYTE Luxo X140 Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 29.99
Total $614.93

He wants to be able to play MMORPG's and the latest games. This is the build I have come up with so far. If anyone has any suggestions please help. His budget for the PC is $600(he already bought windows 7) and his budget for the monitor is $200. I also need suggestions for a monitor. He wants something in the 20-24 inch range that he can connect to his PS3. All suggestions are welcome.

Edit: Updated Motherboard and RAM. Any suggestions for a cheaper power supply?

Power Supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

Well unfortunately it doesn't seem like this will work either.
It says this when I try to buy "Error: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is Country restricted on your IP."

Well fuck, This is why I hate download purchases. It defeats the goddamn purpose if it is region restricted

PayPal someone to get you the key or use a proxy?

 

[SlaughterX]

I'm thinking about upgrading my video card... would going from a 4870 to a 5770 be a worth while upgrade, would it be better at all?

 

[Firestorm]

I'm thinking about upgrading my video card... would going from a 4870 to a 5770 be a worth while upgrade, would it be better at all?

You'll probably see a performance decrease in some of your games.

 

[SlaughterX]

Hmmmm, I want to upgrade to the 5000 series, but I'm not really trying to spend $300 on a new video card... Guess I will jsut keepw aiting, but I am not at all happy with how MW2 runs on my 4870, I should have sprung for the 1GB model.

 

[Owzers]

Power Supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008


PayPal someone to get you the key or use a proxy?

I don't think that power supply will work well with the 5770 graphics card ( the power supply is 400W and the graphics card description says it needs atleast 450W)

 

[BravoSuperStar]

I don't think that power supply will work well with the 5770 graphics card ( the power supply is 400W and the graphics card description says it needs atleast 450W)

Corsair 400 watt will work fine, that recommendation is assuming its a crappy PS with weak 12v rails.

 

[Firestorm]

I don't think that power supply will work well with the 5770 graphics card ( the power supply is 400W and the graphics card description says it needs atleast 450W)

It's more than enough. Used it for my cousin's build along with a 5770.

 

[Owzers]

Well then...maybe i'll buy it

major sticking points now:

Motherboard: the gigabyte 770 doesn't support crossfire if i ever want to get another card, but it does have optical out and from reviews it's a very good board. The other alternative ( i don't really have one) is that cheaper one i linked to that only has 2 reviews. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135250

cpu: leaning towards athlon x4 620 but only if it's easily overclocked with the stock fan. if not i MIGHT get the athlon x4 that's 2.8GHz to start.

case: ugh.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146059
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146058
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147147

I guess those are the top runners atm, i do like the clear panel look but i'm unsure if the fan noise on any of the stock fans will be bothersome and if it wont be best to just get the really cheap only-front-fan-no-window one and buy two low dcb fans. I was looking at cases with included power supplies of 400w and 500w but am unsure.


Graphics card: I know i want an ati 5770 but i don't know which maker or if it really even matters. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4102864&cm_re=ati_5770-_-14-102-864-_-Product leaning towards that


....yarg.....

 

[chixdiggit]

Having some problems with my new rig and Steam. I'll try to launch a game and it will freeze, or not start even though I played it fine an hour a go. I then right click on the game in the Steam menu and check the integrity of the game cache. It comes up that I'm missing files. It downloads the files and the game plays fine. This has happened several times with several different games. It also seems to happen after my PC has been on for a while. The system temp and CPU temps are fine. Any ideas? Is it Steam? Bad hard Drive?

 

[careful]

Hey guys, got a friend looking to upgrade from his integrated GPU to something not too costly ~$100 CAD. He doesn't want to buy a new PSU either, so what would you recommend? He's upgrading mostly for Dragon Age.

 

[brain_stew]

Hey guys, got a friend looking to upgrade from his integrated GPU to something not too costly ~$100 CAD. He doesn't want to buy a new PSU either, so what would you recommend? He's upgrading mostly for Dragon Age.

5670. Dragon Age is more dependant on your CPU though.

 

[Fixed1979]

^ Can anyone help me with this? Thanks!

As long as he doesn't go with the 9800 GX2, and he already isn't pushing the limits of what the power supply can do then he should be fine. Both cards are very close in power consumption.

 

[Doytch]

Just ordered myself a 5850. $285 CAD for the Powercolor model with a price match. I ended up shying away from the Bewawa deal that's been making the rounds since NCIX won't price match the Sapphire at $260 (below cost), and honestly, the site seems sketch to me.

Gonna try to hawk the Dirt 2 voucher at work... =p

 

[FoxMcCloudDS]

I was just looking up monitors yesterday, and this one seems to be pretty good at least from the cnet reviews.


http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-7345

My only problem with wanting to get a monitor for my other gaming is that the viewing angles of monitors don't seem to be that great in general and i was thinking maybe just save up money and get a regular HDTV instead, though it is a lot more.

I just picked up an acer, it's REALLY nice. and at a great price for what you get (23" 16x9 40,000:1 contrast ratio 5ms)

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-H233H-bmid-23-Inch-Widescreen/dp/B001OD76RW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263785025&sr=8-1

I got mine at Best Buy with the 4 year warranty after tax it was only 200ish

 

[BudokaiMR2]

Power Supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008


PayPal someone to get you the key or use a proxy?

I would happily paypal someone $25 bucks to get my DoWII.

Any volunteers?

 

[Ninja Moomin]

I'm actually thinking of building myself a PC.

Does the system here stack up well?

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/how_build_awesome_pc_647


Is there anything that you would change given the chance?

 

[ElectricThunder]

Damn it all Monoprice, why did you have to send me the wrong damn cables? The PID is RIGHT THERE on the damn package/screen to match things up proper with. Maybe I'll get a chance to install Win 7 64 on my new PC and get the thing OPERABLE by the end of THIS week! FFS

 

[KittyKittyBangBang]

I'm actually thinking of building myself a PC.

Does the system here stack up well?

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/how_build_awesome_pc_647


Is there anything that you would change given the chance?

seems like a pretty good budget build, I think this is about the best bang for your buck if this is your price point.

If you are looking to spend a bit less, I would consider maybe changing the CPU to the X3 435, it has a bit higher GHZ per core, so would probably outperform the X4 in gaming with no OC. You could also do just fine on 2GB of RAM if this was too high a pricepoint.

If you have a little more to spend, I think the absolute first thing I would do is go to a full ATX mobo, more upgrade options down the road.

 

[KittyKittyBangBang]

Damn it all Monoprice, why did you have to send me the wrong damn cables? The PID is RIGHT THERE on the damn package/screen to match things up proper with. Maybe I'll get a chance to install Win 7 64 on my new PC and get the thing OPERABLE by the end of THIS week! FFS

I have had 2 messed up orders from Monoprice, they took care of each one but still kinda deflating.

the first a DVI Y-splitter was faulty, they replaced it.

The second I ordered 3 12' HDMI cables and I got 3 6' HDMI cables, i returned and they sent the right ones back. No biggie.

for the lowest prices on the planet, I can deal with a screwup or 2

 

[Ninja Moomin]

seems like a pretty good budget build, I think this is about the best bang for your buck if this is your price point.

If you are looking to spend a bit less, I would consider maybe changing the CPU to the X3 435, it has a bit higher GHZ per core, so would probably outperform the X4 in gaming with no OC. You could also do just fine on 2GB of RAM if this was too high a pricepoint.

If you have a little more to spend, I think the absolute first thing I would do is go to a full ATX mobo, more upgrade options down the road.

Which motherboard would you recommend?

Any merit in 2GB ram, a better motherboard and another GPU?

But if so, which?

 

[ElectricThunder]

I have had 2 messed up orders from Monoprice, they took care of each one but still kinda deflating.

the first a DVI Y-splitter was faulty, they replaced it.

The second I ordered 3 12' HDMI cables and I got 3 6' HDMI cables, i returned and they sent the right ones back. No biggie.

for the lowest prices on the planet, I can deal with a screwup or 2

Yeah, just the timing that frustrates me on top of having to even do this in the first place since ASUS included the wrong damn cables. From a friend, I might be able to use a little converter doodad to hook up my old monitor here to it and make progress that way...but I'm leaning against it as it would be a pain to get it out from the old enclosure and back/forth as I try to get everything settled up in the old PC, transferred to the external HD, then over onto the New PC.

Though if Monoprice throws me off another week that may well be what I have do. While still waiting on my freaking replacement mouse to get shipped and delivered PROPERLY this time. I'm getting rather paranoid about the 30day Newegg return window if something acts up since "everything" technically arrived in the early part of this month.

 

[Nemo]

Okay, so I've got that nostalgia shit going on right now and I want to buy a laptop. However I want to install windows 98 on it. What laptop should I buy for this? Dual core or single? Will the OS have any problems with other hardware?

Also, how safe am I from viruses? What AV should I use etc. The laptop will mostly be used for older games. I've got more than a hundred lying here and want to revisit them all. So any help regarding compatibility will be appreciated.

edit, oh yeah is it recommended to buy a netbook over a laptop for this stuff since that is weaker hardware? I'll be using a usb dvd drive to instlal the games.

 

[Combichristoffersen]

Okay, so I've got that nostalgia shit going on right now and I want to buy a laptop. However I want to install windows 98 on it. What laptop should I buy for this? Dual core or single? Will the OS have any problems with other hardware?

Also, how safe am I from viruses? What AV should I use etc. The laptop will mostly be used for older games. I've got more than a hundred lying here and want to revisit them all. So any help regarding compatibility will be appreciated.

edit, oh yeah is it recommended to buy a netbook over a laptop for this stuff since that is weaker hardware? I'll be using a usb dvd drive to instlal the games.

If you're going to run Win 98, you should be just fine with a single core CPU (AFAIK Win 98 doesn't evven support multi-core CPUs). As for problems with HW, you might risk that some of the components in the laptop don't have Win 98 drivers available.

As for viruses, get Avira (Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't support Win 98 AFAIK). And I dunno if I'd recommend a netbook for anything besides browsing the web.

If you don't absolutely need the PC to be a laptop, you'd probably be better off by just picking up some old, used PC for dirt cheap and use it to run Win 98.

 

[BravoSuperStar]

Okay, so I've got that nostalgia shit going on right now and I want to buy a laptop. However I want to install windows 98 on it. What laptop should I buy for this? Dual core or single? Will the OS have any problems with other hardware?

Also, how safe am I from viruses? What AV should I use etc. The laptop will mostly be used for older games. I've got more than a hundred lying here and want to revisit them all. So any help regarding compatibility will be appreciated.

edit, oh yeah is it recommended to buy a netbook over a laptop for this stuff since that is weaker hardware? I'll be using a usb dvd drive to instlal the games.

A better idea would be to get VMware or something and just run it as a virtual machine under a more stable, modern OS.

 

[Tain]

I've got a friend who's looking to spend $700 on a PC. No need to worry about Windows or a monitor.

I've been hearing a lot of back and forth when it comes to which Radeon to buy, if he's going the ATI route.

 

[Trojita]

Ordered my first laptop and I'm waiting for it to be shipped tomorrow. It's an HP Envy 15 which HP just refreshed during CES. I'll mostly be using it for when I go home to PA to visit my family. I was thinking about using it partially as an htpc since my main computer is upstairs on the third floor of the apartment and my plasma is on the second. I'm really glad it comes with ATI since that means I can actually get decent sound from my pioneer receiver.

Here are the specs:

• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-540M processor (2.53GHz, 3MB L2 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.06 GHz
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5830 Graphics - For i5 Processors
• 15.6" diagonal Full High Definition LED HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen Display (1920x1080)
• External Tray Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support with 2 USB Ports
• Webcam Only
• Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
• Envy Instant On Solution, Corel VideoStudio Pro X2, Corel Paintshop Pro X2, Stardock My Colors
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Polymer Battery
• No Productivity Software
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

It only weighs about 5.10 pounds and is like an inch or so thick. I got a good deal on it so I'm pretty happy

What do you guys think? I'm now searching for a laptop bad and some headphones to use.

 

[brain_stew]

I've got a friend who's looking to spend $700 on a PC. No need to worry about Windows or a monitor.

Looks like a Phenom ii build to me then.

 

[Nemo]

If you're going to run Win 98, you should be just fine with a single core CPU (AFAIK Win 98 doesn't evven support multi-core CPUs). As for problems with HW, you might risk that some of the components in the laptop don't have Win 98 drivers available.

As for viruses, get Avira (Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't support Win 98 AFAIK). And I dunno if I'd recommend a netbook for anything besides browsing the web.

If you don't absolutely need the PC to be a laptop, you'd probably be better off by just picking up some old, used PC for dirt cheap and use it to run Win 98.

Thanks. Will a Celeron 900 CPU do the trick?

A better idea would be to get VMware or something and just run it as a virtual machine under a more stable, modern OS.

I'll be looking into this also. Thanks.