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Systemax AMD Athlon 64 or Athlon 64 x2 No OS built-to-order Socket 939 PC

Tuesday, October 4th, 2005 | Desktop Computer Reviews, Reviews

Being able to choose the components that you want for your computer before you get the computer allows you to get exactly what you want the first round. Instead of upgrading later, you are able to upgrade anything you like first, and you don’t get stuck with something that’s not quite right.

The Systemax Socket 939 desktop computer is a good choice for those looking for a powerful home computer.

The Socket 939 connection allows use of both AMD Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 processors. Absolutely everything else is customizable.

Basic specs…

• Socket 939 K8N Neo4-F motherboard
• 256MB PC3200 DDR memory
• CD-ROM
• SATA hard drive
• LAN connection

AMD Athlon 3000+ is a good choice for a processor, giving an ideal price to performance ratio in my opinion. You can pick from the Athlon 64 range, which will add up to $240. However the Athlon 64 X2 option will push it up by a minimum $390. This means that the newer Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is not offered. It’s a pitty, cause that chip is a fine choice for budget conscious buyers.

The 256MB of memory is pretty unworkable. You will need at least 512MB, but I’d recommend 1GB.

Choice of drives range from the basic 80GB all the way up to 250GB. But apart from these are the great Raptor drives from Western Digital. Although the most expensive hard disk upgrade, the Raptor is the fastest consumer drive for SATA available today.

CD-ROM drive might do, but most people should go for DVD burner, or at least the CDRW/DVD combo drive.

The other optional extras include

• Card reader
• Dial-up modem
• Upgraded Network adapter
• Wireless router
• Firewire card
• Upgraded keyboards
• Camera
• Upgraded soundcard
• Speakers
• Upgraded video card
• Monitor

Overall you can put a good PC together. The motherboard is the only thing that can not be changed, but is very well specced already.

The basic computer with my preferred upgrades of 1GB RAM, speakers, 17 inch LCD monitor and DVD writer, it comes to about $950. With Windows XP, about $1090. Everything you could need for a few more years.

Buy it online right now at the Internet's most trusted retailer

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