New PC Specifications

[XStream]

Hi Guys,

I am looking at buying a new pc and wanted your advice on some things.

Ok, almost all of the fully assembled systems that you buy from a shop come with integrated video/audio/network card etc... Do you think this is good or bad?

Also, probably most of them will not be very compatible with linux, I would really like to run linux and windows side by side. So do you guys think I should go with a pre-built pc or build my own, the thing is that I know nothing about putting together my own pc and was wondering if you guys know of some really good guides, I have searched but not found anything that is detailed enough to help me.

What have you got by the way of a pc, was it pre-built from a shop or did you build your own, also what are the specs of your pc?

thanks guys.

[Eero Ränik]

Integrated video is a bad thing.
Integrated sound is sometimes very good, sometimes it totally sucks, depends on the motherboard and its chipset.
Integrated LAN is very good, I'd actually wouldn't suggest to buy a motherboard without one.
I think you should build your own computer. My computer was prebuilt though, but I've replaced most of the parts myself anyway. A good guide on assembling your computer: http://www.all-about-pc.de/english/buil ... onents.asp. It's actually harder to choose the components than putting them all together...

[distantvoices]

It is part of my business to assemble pc's so I do it at home too. Assembled all the four of them whith bought and already present hardware. Next step would be to crimp the needed cables myself, but I don't yet have the spare time for that nor the tools. Well Crimpers and sorta aren't that expensive.

If you are ready for a challenge of your passion and patience then assemble the pc by yourself. But it isn't *that* hard.

But unfortunately, I canna give advice on mainboard or so for I lack specific knowledge 'bout them. Best you scan throu' online shops and 'zines to fetch the required knowledge.