Ontario Computers

christine186 · Post by **christine186** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 1:09 am

I need a new computer soon and have been looking around and the best place I can find is called MDG. It looks kind of like a homemade computer place. But I'm unsure on alot of things, like motherboards and video cards. All I'm sure on is I want a good warranty and not an IBM. Other than that I'm in the dark so could you please give me some suggestions on stores to check out and what to be aware of.

Thanks for any help.

poptom · Post by **poptom** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 1:26 am

A small shop can probably build exactly what you want and for the lowest price. Go talk with them. Tell them how you will use it and see what they propose. Then you can post here for opinions and suggestions.

Perhaps other Toronto folks can recommend a shop that they like.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 2:52 am

everything I've heard is to stay miles and miles away from MDG computers, unless you want countless hours of headaches and arguing because they sold you a computer that dont work.

cy · Post by cy » Sat Feb 23, 2002 3:40 am

Originally posted by christine186
I need a new computer soon and have been looking around and the best place I can find is called MDG. It looks kind of like a homemade computer place. But I'm unsure on alot of things, like motherboards and video cards. All I'm sure on is I want a good warranty and not an IBM. Other than that I'm in the dark so could you please give me some suggestions on stores to check out and what to be aware of.

Thanks for any help.

I donno about MDG but I do know there's couple of store sells cheap stuff around Toronto area. Canada Computers is one of them.
Instead of going to get a pre built computer, maybe it's a really good oppunitity to learn more about building your own computer

It's a lot of fun

Just a suggestion..

terrancelam · Post by **terrancelam** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 4:50 am

I just noticed that your from Toronto!

What part? There are plenty of places to go around to shop for parts (to build your computer yourself) or to have them build it for you!(They'll just charge you for the time they spend.)

The greatest majority of computer stores is along college and spadina and goes down on both sides of college to the college and bathurst. If you need some more help with gettings the parts and which stores to buy from I be more then glad to help you out!

I'll have alot of free time during the up coming march break and if you want the comp sooner, I can tell you through PM which stores to go check out!

christine186 · Post by **christine186** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 11:26 am

I know the stores you are talking about but I don't think building my own computer is a good idea because I don't know the difference between a chip set and a PCI card. It would be a nightmare for me so I think the best thing to do would be buy one with some kind of warranty for some protection. The shocking part about looking for a computer store is they are not trustworthy. I don't care how far a store is, if it has a good reputation. Any suggestions?

blebs · Post by **blebs** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 11:43 am

Hey people, she needs to know basically what all she would need in the computer, such as size of hard drive, CD-RW, video card, etc.

Christine186, I know this is a hard one to answer, because you've been limited by your IBM, but what all do you want to do or be able to do, with the new system? This is the question that you need to answer for yourself.

I'm sure all of us can recommend top of the line things, but if all your really going to do is surf the net and do small applications like Microsoft Works and the like, you do not need a top of the line system. Sure, allow plenty of room for expansion and upgradability, but lets see what can be done with the budget you had in mind to spend.

Take terrancelam up on that offer. The Computer Guru is in the same city!

christine186 · Post by **christine186** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:03 pm

You know I've been going in circles getting ripped off at every corner I turn. The computer that would be best for us would be mainly for my son's learning, games, internet, of course upgradable for when my son's needs change and with some kind of warranty so I don't kill it with a bat like this one I have now. I know I want a Pent. 4 at least 1.7GH, for memory, I'm not sure. For games, a good card, I see on the board g force alot. What I've been doing is reading every thread and taking that advice but I'm scared of the stores that I've found. They don't seem reputable.
Terr's talking about a bunch of stores downtown and you can go back and forth between them for the best price on parts but if I did that I'd fill this forum with so many questions, you would all leave and find some other place away from me and if you stayed you would all be invisible for the rest of your lives!

Any other info needed or have I got it covered?

blebs · Post by **blebs** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:13 pm

You silly person! How many times I gots to say that everyone here, whether the choose to go stealth or not, is here to help.
I appreciate where your coming from, plus I think mom spends more time on the computer then son does, so it might be best to build it the way mom would want it.

I also understand that until you acquire more working knowledge of computers, that it would be best to buy from a reputable dealer rather then tackle the building yourself.

Can anyone who builds computers out here, tell me if there are any restrictions when it comes to shipping the computer from the U.S. into Canada?

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:18 pm

ok here we go!

epox 8khaL mobo
athlonXP 1600 or higher if u can afford it
geforce 3 ti200(decent card that even u or ur mom can setup as a geforce 3 ti500 with our help

)
30gig harddrive western digital
50x cd rom or so, really any brand
TDK, liteon, or LG cd burner if u feel its needed or whatever, fastest u can afford.
this motherboard i recomended comes with sound so u dont need a sound card.

thats the important stuff.

any well known motherboard would be good really

epox, asus, msi, soyo, abit, soltek would all be good motherboards, mainly u would want one with the VIA 266A chipset, NOT the 266 chipset.

the above system adn the rest of its basic components shouldnt be too pricey and it would be one nice system too, and upgradable as well!

i am an AMD fan myself

come on guys i could spend hours typing up good systems u guys chime in too so she has a good selection idea in her head before the store ppl corrupt her

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:20 pm

Originally posted by blebs99
You silly person! How many times I gots to say that everyone here, whether the choose to go stealth or not, is here to help.
I appreciate where your coming from, plus I think mom spends more time on the computer then son does, so it might be best to build it the way mom would want it.

I also understand that until you acquire more working knowledge of computers, that it would be best to buy from a reputable dealer rather then tackle the building yourself.

Can anyone who builds computers out here, tell me if there are any restrictions when it comes to shipping the computer from the U.S. into Canada?

i think u pay a tax

christine186 · Post by **christine186** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:20 pm

My son can't do anything on this piece of junk because the PCI card won't go in and Advanced power Management is gone, also lost Mwave again and now I'm just tired of reinstalling to lose it all on startup. Remeber this is an IBM=garbage

Randy · Post by **Randy** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:31 pm

I agree with yardofstuff!!

only thing i would chge is dvd instead of cdrom 10$ diff

make sure that you get a motherboard with an AGP slot
DONT get integrated or onboard graphics and sound

blebs · Post by **blebs** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:46 pm

Christine F.Y.I., the system that my son Steve built, is AMD based (Athlon XP processor) GeForce 2 video card, 40GIG Western Digital Hardrive ATA100, crappy onboard sound, unknown modem, unknown ethernet card, Sony CD-RW burner 10x10x40,
CD-ROM 48X, 1.44 Floppy drive generic, etc. All he has in this thing, (He bought a "bare bones" system and built from there) is $500.00 USD. The thing absolutely screams and gaming is beautiful.
Just to give you an idea. Add a monitor for 2 or3 hundred bucks and you'd have a very kick butt system!

Total=Under $1000.00 USD

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:48 pm

a geforce 2 is getting outdated unless its a Ti

christine186 · Post by **christine186** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:51 pm

Randy, could you give me that in english so I don't get confused, what is an APG slot? Oh yea, I forgot we need a burner to make copies of games and DVD is good but a little more expensive. Under $2000.00 is what we are shooting for as far as price goes.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:52 pm

AGP is Advanced Graphics Port, common on most if not all new motherboards.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:54 pm

check out http://www.robotnik.com
Know of a few that have delt with them, havn't heard anything bad. Prices are in canadian dollars.
check out there complete system prices, no bad for canadian dollars.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:58 pm

Originally posted by Martiangod
check out http://www.robotnik.com
Know of a few that have delt with them, havn't heard anything bad. Prices are in canadian dollars.
check out there complete system prices, no bad for canadian dollars.

for canadiam prices some decent prices!!!

http://www.robotnik.com/cgi-bin/SoftCar ... 1014510830

looks good the P4 isnt a 1.6a i dotn think so i'd stay away for it.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 1:31 pm

Links to Ontario comp stores

christine186 · Post by **christine186** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 1:32 pm

The 1.6 is what I was looking at and now you say, not good.
The system is warrenteed for one year only and software is not at all. I was thinking of at least 2 years. The problem with Robotnix is it's too far to pick up the computer and toss in their face if it won't run properly. My husband was thinking Dell computers may be the way to go, what do you all think?

RoundEye · Post by **RoundEye** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 2:33 pm

We got on a reseller program at my work with Dell. Our customers are very happy with the machines that they are getting.

I don't think there is much of an upgrade path, but from what I've read in this thread, a new machine will have more than enough power for what you will want to do.

If you order a pre-built machine, I would make sure you get at least 256meg of ram and a decent video card (only if you plan on gaming). Other than that a new machine will run office apps and surf the web just as fast as a P3-500.

We always want the fastest and best, but you just need to asses what your computeing needs are, and make a purchase based on that.

poptom · Post by **poptom** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 2:36 pm

Yes, I think Dell may be best for you if you don't have one built locally. I expect you will hear arguments about this, though.

blebs · Post by **blebs** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 2:56 pm

Originally posted by poptom
Yes, I think Dell may be best for you if you don't have one built locally. I expect you will hear arguments about this, though.

I'll second that if Dell is an option for you in Canada. You may have to pay for more then one year of warranty on parts and service, but I'll tell you what, I paid the extra on this Gateway and I'm glad I did. I've been through 3 monitors and a DVD-ROM in 2 1/2 years. They've replaced all the items without complaints and paid the shipping too, on the warranty RMA parts.

BaLa · Post by **BaLa** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 3:13 pm

Originally posted by blebs99

I'll second that if Dell is an option for you in Canada. You may have to pay for more then one year of warranty on parts and service, but I'll tell you what, I paid the extra on this Gateway and I'm glad I did. I've been through 3 monitors and a DVD-ROM in 2 1/2 years. They've replaced all the items without complaints and paid the shipping too, on the warranty RMA parts.

damn...
I guess Gateway sells crap? eh..
now I know what brand comp to NEVER EVAR buy...
oh wait...
I build my own

terrancelam · Post by **terrancelam** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 6:33 pm

Though you think you may get ripped off at the downtown college stores, they aren't just for parts. They will build you computer for you as well for a decent price, compared to that of Dell. Also they will provide the tech service (if its not enough.)

The very first thing I need to know from you Christine, now that I know what you looking for the machine to do, is to find out how much money you have to work with in CAD in total (so I can estimate taxes as well.) Then I can give you a estimate list of stuff you can get for the money and what you should be looking for if you don't want to get it from a store around there. They also sell extended warranties on their whole computer systems (This applies to the majority of stores.)

Like I said, if you'd like PM me and based on what you have to spend and the kind of tech support your looking for, I'll tell you which store to visit. Some are better because of cheaper pricing on parts, but have crap tech support. Others have a bit higher pricing, but have some of the best techs in town!

It totally depends on what you want. I'm just trying to keep you from getting a dell, because although it'll work, it's a pain in the arse when trying to upgrade and do anything that'll will require you to open the case up or actually install software.

terrancelam · Post by **terrancelam** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 6:34 pm

I missed the 2000CAD thing, I'll post a reply tonight on what you should get based on that price.

terrancelam · Post by **terrancelam** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 7:09 pm

Case: Mid-Tower ATX w/ 350W PSU, P4 Compatible. Must have 4 Bay slots atleast. (Around $115 w/o tax.)

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 1.6(A)ghz Retail, Socket 478 (So it comes with a heatsink), $259CAD(Not including taxes.)

Motherboard: Asus P4B266 (Intel 845-D) DDR-Ram Motherboard, $252CAD (Not Including taxes.) (Here is the link on the mobo: http://www.asus.com.tw/mb/socket478/p4b266/overview.htm

Ram: 256mb of Branded(Micron) PC-2100 DDR-Ram. $140CAD(Not including taxes)

Hard Drive:Maxtor D740X 40gig 7200RPM Liquid bearing Hard drive, ATA/133, $150CAD (Not including taxes.)

Video card:Asus 8200T2 Geforce3 Ti200 64mb DDR Pure w/ViVo(You probably will only use the Video out.) $303CAD (Not including taxes.)

Sound Card:Sound Blaster Audigy Gamer. $138CAD (Not including taxes, comes with games

)

CD-RW:LG 24x10x40x CD-RW Retail, $146CAD (Not including taxes, but should be able to copy games.

)

Monitor: Viewsonic E70f Perfect Flat CRT, 17" $294CAD (You can get it in black for $295CAD, still not including taxes.)

Keyboard: Microsoft Internet Keyboard PS/2, $28CAD OEM.(Not including taxes.)

Mouse: Logitech PS/2 Corded Optical mouse. $25CAD OEM. (Not including taxes.)

Speakers: Creative SoundWorks, FPS1500 (4 speakers, 1 subwoofer.) $95CAD (Not including taxes.)

NIC: D-Link 10/100mbps Ethernet card (DFE-538TX), $23CAD without taxes.

Total cost= $1968CAD without taxes. So it'll be like $2200 something with taxes I think. This is the minimum I would get for a computer in today's gaming world. I Could make it cheaper, but for what you wanted, I think this would meet your needs and give you room to grow into whatever you would liek to do on the net.

terrancelam · Post by **terrancelam** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 7:18 pm

Case: Mid-Tower ATX w/ 350W PSU, P4 Compatible. Must have 4 Bay slots atleast. (Around $115 w/o tax.)

CPU: AMD Athlon XP 1700 (1453mhz) Retail, Socket 462 (So it comes with a heatsink), $230CAD(Not including taxes.)

Motherboard: Asus A7V266-E (Via KT266A) DDR-Ram Motherboard, $220CAD (Not Including taxes.)

Ram: 256mb of Branded(Micron) PC-2100 DDR-Ram. $140CAD(Not including taxes)

Hard Drive:Maxtor D740X 40gig 7200RPM Liquid bearing Hard drive, ATA/133, $150CAD (Not including taxes.)

Video card:Asus 8200T2 Geforce3 Ti200 64mb DDR Pure w/ViVo(You probably will only use the Video out.) $303CAD (Not including taxes.)

Sound Card:Sound Blaster Audigy Gamer. $138CAD (Not including taxes, comes with games

)

CD-RW:LG 24x10x40x CD-RW Retail, $146CAD (Not including taxes, but should be able to copy games.

)

Monitor: Viewsonic E70f Perfect Flat CRT, 17" $294CAD (You can get it in black for $295CAD, still not including taxes.)

Keyboard: Microsoft Internet Keyboard PS/2, $28CAD OEM.(Not including taxes.)

Mouse: Logitech PS/2 Corded Optical mouse. $25CAD OEM. (Not including taxes.)

Speakers: Creative SoundWorks, FPS1500 (4 speakers, 1 subwoofer.) $95CAD (Not including taxes.)

NIC: D-Link 10/100mbps Ethernet card (DFE-538TX), $23CAD without taxes.

Total cost= $1917CAD without taxes. So it'll be like $2200 something with taxes I think.

syncmaster · Post by **syncmaster** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 7:49 pm

Originally posted by blebs99
Total=Under $1000.00 USD

Yes that almost the price for a basic fast system, at 1250 $ USD you will get a nice system ,and all the parts will be made by famous brands , plus one 17 inch top quality monitor ..
My advice is to stick in the Intel setups .

christine186 · Post by **christine186** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 1:54 am

Terr. has given me two setups to choose from and noone has said a word about them. Does this mean you all are in agreement or not, please give me some feedback to help me make a choice.
And is Dell really a bad thing or is it because you all rather build them and call them yours because I can't find anything negative about Dell and from what I hear the service is remarkable.

BaLa · Post by **BaLa** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 1:59 am

Originally posted by christine186
Terr. has given me two setups to choose from and noone has said a word about them.

terrance knows his stuff

no reason to reply...
pretty much all top quality components as far as I can tell...

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 2:00 am

terr's athlon choice is good, but i would say the epox 8khaL over teh asus.

terrancelam · Post by **terrancelam** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 2:03 am

Dell's tech support isn't what is in question, their hardware and price is what is in question. They are generally over priced and you don't get the highest quality components (Almost no room for expanding IMHO and if it was possible, it would require a bit of cash to do, more then a custom made computer.). I think both setups would be very nice and I would be proud to have it in my home!

It's all about the power, no longer does the 50mhz to 100 make that big of a difference once you've gone past 1.3 ghz on any CPU(That'd you really notice, but then again the same can be said for lower CPUs). What accounts for your gaming issues is the video card and the GF3 Ti200 is very good for the price. As for the monitor, you could go bigger, but I choose something that will you last (and has better tech in it) over something that a is cheaper(I.E A Samsung Monitor, they have a very bad tendency to get blurry after a year of usage.). As for everything else in the box, just room for you to grow into whatever you want to do.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 2:04 am

Well, two great systems that boil down to AMD or INTEL, personal pre for me is Intel.
But either system is top notch.
One thing you have to remember in this equation is the lack of software,
Not trying to steer you off, but just so you take it into consideration.
Either of these two machines that T is suggesting will blow a factory built away and in the long run would leave you an upgrade path if you can find anything in the parts T has suggested that you would even want to upgrade.
Just make sure you have access to software to complete the package

blebs · Post by **blebs** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 2:06 am

Nothing wrong with either system he's telling you about. You'd have a darn fine sound system with it. He could skimp on the audio card and speakers, but in todays world, if you can afford it go for it. If your thinking of spending less, say so. Say $1500, he'll still find you a fine system in that range too. No matter what, he's trying to give you the most bang for the buck.

Martiangod has a very good point there. Don't overlook that!

christine186 · Post by **christine186** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 2:12 am

Do you expect the prices on these componants to change very much in the next two or three months or do you think they will stay about the same and if you think they will stay the same then please remember me and I will let you know when I'm ready and do you need to be there or am I going on my own? By the way I'm printing this out right now to have on hand. I mean no offence by asking for other opinions because all this stuff may as well be in another language for all I understand. Sorry if it sounded a bit off.

aagiants · Post by **aagiants** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 2:16 am

Originally posted by terrancelam
[BSound Card:Sound Blaster Audigy Gamer. $138CAD (Not including taxes, comes with games ) [/B]

very good games too, i have it, i highly reccomend the card, as for terrencelam, this guy is a troll, and dont know what he talking aobut lol jk. Really, this guys great, he help me built my 1st system, which is workign great for me. For u, its basically the old ?, AMD or intel, since i know you wont Over clock nething, i would say intel, since i prefer them lol, dont beat me guys, but its up to you. These guys on the board only OC and buy the best stuff since they want to and want the best stuff out. My system (sig) aint that great, but after having half as slow ocmputer for 2 years, i think this system is screamin and kicks as$. Try to get Terren oon ICQ< he can really help you.

blebs · Post by **blebs** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 2:21 am

Originally posted by BaLa

damn...
I guess Gateway sells crap? eh..
now I know what brand comp to NEVER EVAR buy...
oh wait...
I build my own

Hey are you cracking on Ted Waite and moo cow?
I haven't had any troubles with the mobo or any of it's components. I had a Pioneer DVD-ROM that decided to plain quit reading CD's and DVD's, so it went the way of the trash can. They sent me a faster, and so far, more reliable Panasonic DVD-ROM.
There monitors, umm well, in my opinion, don't get a VX700!

Now for the ancient chinese secret-When I bought this thing, I was pretty much in the same boat as Christine186. I didn't have a clue as to what I really needed or wanted, but got, what was at the time, one fast machine. At that time, the fastest processor out was the 650 Pentium 3.

This thing does everything I want it to do even if it is slow by todays standards. Of course the 2.2 processors will be slow in a year or two anyway also.

BaLa · Post by **BaLa** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 2:24 am

Originally posted by blebs99

Hey are you cracking on Ted Waite and moo cow?

huh?

well it doesn't matter to me anyways...
like I said I wouldn't buy a complete system..

only laptops and that's b/c they're hard if not impossible to build...

I was previously under teh impression that Gateways were pretty good comps though...

SG Broadband Community

Ontario Computers

Ontario Computers

Re: Ontario Computers

Hi! :D

Stay away from Dell

Whoopps heheh

General Computer Specifications

Here is the same computer with a AMD CPU

Well

Re: Well