Hey fellas, I'm pretty good with computers however I need advice on what to do.
I can buy a 20 or so inch LCD which I would really like. Anyone have a 16:9
monitor? Im thinking Id like widescreen, but I have an 18" viewable CRT right now
and I do like the squarness of it, just used to it I guess. I run it at 1600x1200. Advantages/disadvantages to
widescreen? Post your opnion if you would.

OR

I can build a system (monitor excluded)
Intels new processor (forget the model) dual core, overclocked to about 3.5 ghz on stock cooling
ATI Radeon X1600 PRO 512MB PCI Express
Already have a hard drive, sound etc.
My buddy is making me a parts list, he is a computer genious!


My current setup briefly is a 1.6ghz P4 (from 2001!), 768mb of very slow RAM, ATI Radeon 9600XT 128mb.

So basically LCD or CPU?

 

Since you are coming off such an old(in computers terms anyway) pc, then almost anything new will seem really fast. Both AMD and Intel are fast these days with duel cores. Quad-core CPUs are around the corner. You pay a little more for Intel. You will like the 3.5Ghz fine.

I think the monitor question is more about budget, taste and room. You can buy a large and very clear CRT these days and if you have the room for it on a desk and like the square - then go for it. If you don't have the room for a super deep CRT then go with the LCD. You will get used to the new shape in no time and won't even notice after a week of use. Obviously budget is always a factor. You can buy a lot more screen for less money in CRT form.

 

Yes, space is a problem which is the main reason I would like to get rid of my large, heavy and deep CRT. I am in a townhouse on campus, so my room is small. LCD would free up lots of deskspace. Orig I wanted an AMD, not a socket 939 (too much $). Intel has a recent and cheap dual core processor that can be overclocked as easily as any AMD. I play basic games, BF 1942 and Vietnam etc. Nothing very demanding, but I just need to update hardware at some point. My current Gateway has been nothing but reliable, very happy with it. But the more I think about the space issue, the more im leaning to an LCD.

 

If you are on campus and have the cash, then I would get an LCD too. You won't need to do any overclocking for the games that you listed if you get a 3.5, a gig or better of ram and a 256meg video card. It doesn't sound like you are going for the double videocard setup.

 

I've got a 19" LCD at the moment, and my next monitor will be a 21" wide screen, since I like watching movies on it... But that's just me... Don't get the widescreen unless you plan on watching movies with it, kind of pointless for anything else, except maybe video editing...

 

best/cheapest way I think is a dual monitor setup. Even if you have 2 CRTs they won't be as large (depth-wise) as a big CRT.

this is my desktop:

 

i have and am currently using a Dell 26" lcd TV for my monitor and could not ever go back to anything else. and i also watch TV on it while usng the computer. it wasnt expensive only 1000 bucks shipped.

 

Sounds like a nice setup ray. PTurbo, I won't be going for a dual card setup. I'll be sure to post pics of what I end up getting! Gonna take 2 weeks or so. Can't wait!