Although I like building computers, with the current prices it does not make
sense unless a high end machine with lots of modifications is
needed/desired. Most of the build-it-yourself components come with a 90 day
to 1 year warranty and the builder is responsible for labor. Most new
computers come with a minimum 1 year warranty on the complete machine. With
your intended use, you do not need a high end machine.

I would look at an "emachine" with a 2.93+/- Celeron (or equivalent AMD),
512MB of RAM, 100+/-GB hard drive, minimum 17" CRT monitor, 64MB (shared)
onboard video with ability to add a video card, onboard Ethernet and sound,
and Windows XP. If your going to use dial-up, you will need a modem. This
configuration would probably cost less than $400 to purchase retail and
about $500 to build.

Just my thoughts. Good luck. Sorry it took so long to respond.

Tom Mayer

    ----- Original Message -----
From: "daniel" <[log in to unmask]>


Hello, and a Happy New Year too all.
After vacillating for some time,  I am ready to build my first computer.
I am unclear however on which components to choose.
I will try to delineate my needs.
I will never play games.
I will surf the web.
I want to do scanning, as well as working with a digital camera.
I enjoy MP3 files.
My pricipal question is which motherboard to purchase.
Do I need SLI? If I purchase a board with SLI, must I use two video cards?
I have noticed that the newer memory is DD2. Is there a big advantage to
having a board that would support this memory?
Any additional advice would be appreciated.

Daniel

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