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Community Area => Tech Support => Topic started by: Jon415 on April 20, 2010, 09:06:30 PM

Title: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 20, 2010, 09:06:30 PM
Im gonna buy a new computer soon to replace this old mac ive got and ive been looking at This one:
http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/desktops/studio-xps-8100/pd.aspx?refid=studio-xps-8100&s=dhs&cs=19

I'm looking for a computer that is proficient in gaming (can play swbf1&2, CoD 1&2) and enough power so that i wont have to upgrade processor any time soon.
What are your opinions of the computer in the above link? (price range is around $700)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 20, 2010, 11:14:12 PM
If you only want to play those games, it seems like it could do the job.

If you plan on getting more newer games, with a lot of details on them, you maybe want to have an i7 processor and you will definitely need a better video card.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 21, 2010, 07:18:02 AM
I'm not really looking to get newer games but my video card can be upgraded later.  Ill get the nVidia gt220 for now and if i need to upgrade in the future i will.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Xfire Keenmike aka cull on April 21, 2010, 08:54:07 AM
Quote from: Jon415 on April 21, 2010, 07:18:02 AM
Ill get the nVidia gt220 for now and if i need to upgrade in the future i will.
How much will that choice cost you?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 21, 2010, 02:20:00 PM
Haha. Building your own is always the best deal. But again, if you are seriously considering to buy that one you mentioned, it's not bad. But I do recommend building your own.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 21, 2010, 02:38:33 PM
maybe this is just me but i wouldnt risk a 70$ savings for the possiblity of messing up my soon to be computer. ill leave the computer manufacturing and engineering to Dell, but thats just me, ive never built a comp b4.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on April 21, 2010, 02:41:41 PM
Quote from: Soap Mactavish on April 21, 2010, 02:38:33 PM
maybe this is just me but i wouldnt risk a 70$ savings for the possiblity of messing up my soon to be computer. ill leave the computer manufacturing and engineering to Dell, but thats just me, ive never built a comp b4.

Red's specs are wayyyy better than that Dell computer. That's saving far more than $70. ;)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 21, 2010, 05:42:04 PM
didnt notice, i dont like to read  :whistle:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 21, 2010, 06:42:28 PM
So with that processor combo deal i would just put the parts into the case thing?

QuoteProcessor and Case (Combo Deal - it saves monies):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.380901
It didnt say the size pof the cache for the processor..

Also, does this come with windows 7 or anything?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 21, 2010, 08:33:12 PM
Cool thanks for the links :tu: This computer seems much better than the one that i saw from dell.  I will consider buying this, but i will have to decide because like what soap said i would't want to mess everything up.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 21, 2010, 09:28:24 PM
Most of it is "plug cable a in port b." You do have to know where things should be located in a normal computer, etc. It's basic stuff, and if you have any questions, we are here for you.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 21, 2010, 10:11:41 PM
Cool sounds simple enough :D Also looks like a much better choice than the dell.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 22, 2010, 04:36:21 AM
yo red, anyway i can get in on that Windows 7 deal? My XPS dell rlly hates Vista   ;)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: SchTicK on April 22, 2010, 01:09:33 PM
Aren't the new i5 an i7 processors much better than the Core-Duo in Red's suggestion?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 22, 2010, 01:49:43 PM
they are very expensive.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 22, 2010, 02:12:46 PM
wouldnt Intel be more compatible with the newer games coming out? ik he said he didnt care but he will in a couple years and gets tired of swbf he will.

Win7 deal?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 22, 2010, 05:43:43 PM
So the motherboard will come with instructions on how and where to put all of the parts?  And i am also once my computer is assembled, do i just plug it in, plug my monitor in, and put the win7 disk in the dvd drive?
And im assuming all of those parts are compatible (?)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 22, 2010, 06:10:23 PM
right now if you get the AMD processor that could possibly be a restraint to what you can play, seeing as most games are released for Intel Processors. correct me if i am wrong im not a Pc gamer.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jedikiller on April 22, 2010, 06:16:10 PM
Generally both are supported in games. Intel is more mainstream than AMD, but pretty much everything will work on both platforms.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 23, 2010, 02:23:47 PM
im just saying, Intel is more common. Idk, listen to them not me when it comes to hardware :P
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 23, 2010, 05:54:03 PM
Quote from: Jon415 on April 22, 2010, 05:43:43 PM
So the motherboard will come with instructions on how and where to put all of the parts?  And i am also once my computer is assembled, do i just plug it in, plug my monitor in, and put the win7 disk in the dvd drive?
And im assuming all of those parts are compatible (?)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Xfire Keenmike aka cull on April 23, 2010, 07:00:20 PM
Do you live near by a computer parts store? I was able to talk a local compusa into installing my computer components for free. The labor to install was waved provided I bought the parts in store. You have reds list and can compare to what is in store if you have a good one near by.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 23, 2010, 07:32:19 PM
there u go! now u dont have to worry about screwing up your computer in the process.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 23, 2010, 08:01:28 PM
yea, but you need to tack on a extra 200$ minimum to that price for Windows 7.

unless u have an inside deal  ;)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 23, 2010, 10:07:16 PM
I saw on google products win7 for $70

Quote from: Red on April 23, 2010, 07:57:46 PM
Read up on that guide I posted earlier-it tells you things like how to avoid static discharge when installing your parts (which can completely ruin a processor).

So do you know how much an anit-static bracelet costs?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 23, 2010, 11:04:13 PM
Most of the rooms in my house are carpeted :( But i guess i could just clean out one of my old rooms and use that, or just use i giant table.. Will touching like a metal bowl that is on the ground count as touching a grounded metal object?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 23, 2010, 11:07:10 PM
buy in windows 7 from a specific store wouldnt really affect your customer support since you will always call microsoft for Windows issues.

(sorry if this is against the rules, but maybe just glance at my issue, it seems to have been ignored)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 24, 2010, 02:20:24 AM
If you're a K-12 or College student, you can get software discounts on most programs. Windows 7 might come down to like 80ish dollars.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jedikiller on April 24, 2010, 07:32:16 AM
Check if your school district is in the OnTheHub program. They have Win7 Pro for about 70 dollars or so. It's for K12, though. I'm assuming that you're in that age range.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 24, 2010, 08:32:26 AM
Thats awesome. Windows 7 for 80$
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 24, 2010, 09:08:43 AM
Quote from: Soap Mactavish on April 24, 2010, 08:32:26 AM
Thats awesome. Windows 7 for 80$

Yeah, just go to a tech store and ask them for the student discount. If they don't have one, go online.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 24, 2010, 01:05:41 PM
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Buy+win7&cid=3870803260970352673&ei=207TS7PkIJ-SjgTWlMS7CA&sa=title&ved=0CAwQ8wIwATgA#p (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Buy+win7&cid=3870803260970352673&ei=207TS7PkIJ-SjgTWlMS7CA&sa=title&ved=0CAwQ8wIwATgA#p)

Win7 for about $80
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 24, 2010, 01:40:51 PM
Quote from: Jon415 on April 24, 2010, 01:05:41 PM
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Buy+win7&cid=3870803260970352673&ei=207TS7PkIJ-SjgTWlMS7CA&sa=title&ved=0CAwQ8wIwATgA#p (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Buy+win7&cid=3870803260970352673&ei=207TS7PkIJ-SjgTWlMS7CA&sa=title&ved=0CAwQ8wIwATgA#p)

Win7 for about $80

Make sure it's the full version.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jedikiller on April 24, 2010, 02:04:25 PM
That's the Anytime Upgrade. It's not the full version and if you buy that it will do nothing.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 24, 2010, 06:14:20 PM
 :(

Well thanks for the heads up i might've actually bought that
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 24, 2010, 07:53:42 PM
will windows 7 work on a dual boot with MAC? i was wondering because it only says XP and Vista on Apple's site.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 24, 2010, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: Soap Mactavish on April 24, 2010, 07:53:42 PM
will windows 7 work on a dual boot with MAC? i was wondering because it only says XP and Vista on Apple's site.

It should. I don't see why not.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on April 24, 2010, 09:07:40 PM
Hello from a Mac that dual boots with Windows 7. :P
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Katarn on April 25, 2010, 05:00:47 AM
64 bit or 32 bit ag?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on April 25, 2010, 06:52:10 AM
My mac is capable of running 64-bit so it should work just fine but I installed the 32-bit version because I'm afraid of compatibility issues and I only have 2 GB of RAM. I believe that a 32-bit OS is maxed out at 3-4 GB.

If I remember correctly, Windows 7 comes with both 32 and 64-bit editions. At least one of my copies did.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 25, 2010, 09:28:48 AM
cool, ill be getting Win7 64-bit soon then.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 25, 2010, 08:43:27 PM
Ok Red, as much as i would like to buy the computer you posted, I still have a few issues:

Warranty
-If i start biulding my computer and i screw up and a part breaks, warranty is voided and money goes down the drain

OS
-Still very confused about how i am supposed to get win7 running if i manage to build this computer
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Xfire Keenmike aka cull on April 25, 2010, 09:07:55 PM
That is why I let the techs at my computer store get my other pc to a turn key state. Later I just installed reinstalled xp on it by myself, it was as easy as poping in the cd and waiting to read the monitor. And another thing, if the tech messed up a part that I bought from with in thier store they would replace it. I am sure you can find similar priced parts in a computer store near you. Let's go shopping!
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Xfire Keenmike aka cull on April 25, 2010, 10:08:09 PM
Nice that you have choices. See how much each cost and pick what you feel comfortable with. Its cool.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 25, 2010, 10:45:32 PM
Geez people, stop being so scared of building a computer. If you can use your hands and a screwdriver you're fine. I can see why now so many computers are overpriced.

The only downside I see is that if you ever have a computer problem, you can't send it back to the manufacturer (well, you can, but that would be you). You can always go to a tech place and have em look at it instead. And you shouldn't have any problems if you buy quality stuff.

If you ever played with legos and have plug things to an outlet, then you have done everything that is required to build a computer. There's no dark magic or obscure steps. If you ever have a doubt of where to put what, just google it. If nothing comes up in google, then post a pic here and we'll help you out.

Sorry if this kinda sounds like a rant, but people, stop being so scared of doing things and go for it. It IS wayyy simpler than what you guys are thinking.

You can do it! :D
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 26, 2010, 01:29:06 PM
Quote from: Red on April 26, 2010, 12:12:37 PM
Many brands have excellent warranties. Look them up and sign up for all of them to protect it for free. Some have lifetime warranties or more (XFX has double-lifetime; transfers if you ever sell it).

They do. But then you'll have to find out what's the problem and send the piece to the company instead of the whole computer to Dell if he was gonna buy that Dell computer.

Just make sure to not throw away the boxes or any paperwork inside it. I recommend putting all the boxes in one big box so you don't lose it. Very few are the brands that accept the part without the box.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 26, 2010, 07:31:29 PM
Quote from: Red on April 25, 2010, 09:42:11 PM
Windows 7 - Just buy the OEM version I sent you in the PM.

The Win7 OEM price you sent me will add about $100-$140 to the total price of about $656 wich puts my total at Over $750, not including tax and shipping.  That would unfortunately put it out of my price range.
I did some research, and found an HP for $705:
Processor:
AMD Athlon(TM) X4 630 quad-core processor [2.8GHz, 2MB L2, up to 4000MHz bus]

OS: Win7 Home Premium

Memory: 6GB

Hard Drive: 640 GB

Graphics: Radeon HD 5570 (opinions on this card compared to nvidia geforce gt220?)
,
Also has mocrosoft works 9, Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet (whatever that means), Wireless Keyboard and mouse, and speakers.

Can anyone tell me more about the graphics card and processor?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 27, 2010, 05:25:27 AM
Would building A custom laptop be practical? That is the most practical computer for me.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 27, 2010, 06:15:04 AM
Quote from: Soap Mactavish on April 27, 2010, 05:25:27 AM
Would building A custom laptop be practical? That is the most practical computer for me.

You can't custom-build a laptop yourself.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 28, 2010, 07:15:27 AM
AMD Athlon(TM) X4 630 quad-core processor [2.8GHz, 2MB L2, up to 4000MHz bus]

Does anyone know how good above processor is?

And what about the HD 5570?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 28, 2010, 01:35:37 PM
Quote from: Jon415 on April 28, 2010, 07:15:27 AM
AMD Athlon(TM) X4 630 quad-core processor [2.8GHz, 2MB L2, up to 4000MHz bus]

Does anyone know how good above processor is?

Good enough. If you are focusing in gaming, then you should focus on the graphics card, which is like a processor (in theory), but for high demanding activities such as gaming.

It's good for the price.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 28, 2010, 09:15:58 PM
I am pretty much focusing as much as i can on the graphics card-that is the starting processor of the computer with the best graphics.  I'm looking at the Radeon Hd 5570. Do you know anything about that card?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 28, 2010, 10:09:04 PM
Quote from: Jon415 on April 28, 2010, 09:15:58 PM
I am pretty much focusing as much as i can on the graphics card-that is the starting processor of the computer with the best graphics.  I'm looking at the Radeon Hd 5570. Do you know anything about that card?

That one is alright for gaming. For the games you mentioned, it should work on the highest settings. For newer games, it should work on the low settings maybe medium. (It is better than the GT220)

I will try and build a computer for you like red did, but including the software (Win 7) this time. I'll do that tomorrow (rather, today after school :P)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 29, 2010, 06:20:07 PM
I'm broswing the hp website and looking for a computer that is good for gaming and has good ram/processor.  The HP that i saw had a free 6gb ram upgrade and a free 640 gb hard disk upgrade.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 29, 2010, 06:43:16 PM
wow free 6GB of RAM? link?! (i may have to get in on that :P )
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 29, 2010, 08:06:02 PM
ik red, im just saying even 6GB of RAM alone is pretty good on a computer, not counting the 2GB that is standard on the computer.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Xfire Keenmike aka cull on April 29, 2010, 08:09:33 PM
Quote from: Red on April 29, 2010, 04:59:59 PM
future-proof
Funny words. An old card today was once a new future-proof card yesterday.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 29, 2010, 08:21:23 PM
lol, i think if i bought one of those Alienware desktops that might *futre-proof* me for a while xD
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 29, 2010, 09:07:17 PM
Its an hp-and its 4gb standard heres the link:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto.do (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto.do)

Also free hard drive upgrade to 640 gb.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on April 29, 2010, 11:39:51 PM
Quote from: Jon415 on April 29, 2010, 09:07:17 PM
Its an hp-and its 4gb standard heres the link:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto.do (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto.do)

Link doesn't work.

Alienware is for the ones that want to brag about having an alienware. I would say it has the most inflated prices in the market, haven't heard good thing about their customer support, which is crucial for computers like these.

The computer Red built at the beginning of this thread is better than the entry level desktop from alienware, which runs about $1000.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 30, 2010, 01:18:28 PM
Quote from: Red on April 29, 2010, 08:24:31 PM
Alienware is crap. All they offer is a shiny case and inflated prices, much like some other company I know.


nice....

hit me where it hurts
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 30, 2010, 04:26:45 PM
so wait. Lemme get this straight. You get 4GB of RAM standard, and then a 6GB upgrade?! thats like 10 GB.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 30, 2010, 05:41:01 PM
ah, that would make more sense. But still, nice amount of RAM for free.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 30, 2010, 06:00:40 PM
Sorry 'bout the link hope this one works:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops&a1=Category&v1=High+performance&series_name=e9300z_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/desktops/High_performance/e9300z_series (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops&a1=Category&v1=High+performance&series_name=e9300z_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/desktops/High_performance/e9300z_series)
Wow thats long :P
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 30, 2010, 06:10:40 PM
wow, that is a really good PC. Almost the same specs as my mac. Imo you should buy it.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Xfire Keenmike aka cull on April 30, 2010, 09:42:52 PM
Quote from: Jon415 on April 30, 2010, 06:00:40 PM
link hope
You can take a print out of the web link to best buy and see if they can do better. The words Choices: means you should look in to what you get for 599.99. Red and I and others say you can do better if you pick the pc parts yourself.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 30, 2010, 10:00:04 PM
maybe find acompany that will build the machine for u with your specs
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on April 30, 2010, 11:24:51 PM
Ive been looking but nothing within my price range that has a decent graphics card is available :(
Will the 5570 be able to play games like swbf2 and KotOR or maybe CoD2? (assuming i get passed the win7 compatibility issues)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on April 30, 2010, 11:36:33 PM
those are low Graphics demading games. You shouldnt have any issues.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 01, 2010, 08:45:32 AM
Except for win7 compatibility.  Ive looked around and alot of people cant get swbf or KotOR to play on their win7 pc.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 01, 2010, 06:10:14 PM
Just found new another computer that looks good but i dont know anything about compatibility.  Heres the specs:

Magic 2000 AMD 64 Budget

-AMD Athlon II X2 250 3.0GHz (Dual Core) 45nm, AM3 2MB Cache
-Spire Kestrel-King II AMD 64 fan
-ASRock N68-S nForce 7025, Onboard Video, PCI-EX, LAN
-4GB (2x2GB) PC5300 DDR2 667 Dual Channel
-ATI Radeon HD 5750 1GB PCI Express 16x dual head, DVI, HDMI
-500.0GB Hitachi 7200RPM SATA2, UDMA 300 8m cache
-Lite On 22x DVD Recorder Dual Layer +R/RW -R/RW
-Realtek HD digital audio (onboard)
-Ethernet network adapter (onboard)
-PowMax Black Mid Tower ATX Case w/ Front USB
-Logisys 550W ATX Power Supply w/ 6pin PCI-E
-Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit DVD
-Standard assembly and test 3-5 business days
how does this look?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on May 01, 2010, 06:17:42 PM
Pretty good actually. It should work for games on medium settings. What do you mean by compatibility?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 01, 2010, 08:16:53 PM
Quote from: shadow on May 01, 2010, 06:17:42 PM
Pretty good actually. It should work for games on medium settings. What do you mean by compatibility?

each one of these hardware devices much be inter-compatible with each other and the OS.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on May 01, 2010, 09:48:38 PM
What Red kinda meant is that the computer you'll get is an investment. You shouldn't blindly go and buy the first one that seems good. You need to know your needs, and find a computer that meets them as well as your budget. Don't give up because everything is complicated.

And personally, I have heard not so good things about WD external HDD. I don't know if their HDD is the same way.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on May 01, 2010, 10:44:34 PM
Quote from: Red on May 01, 2010, 10:03:15 PM
WD internal hard drives are the best around. Their caviar series is absolutely top-notch.

Fact.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 01, 2010, 11:24:28 PM
The thing about that computer: i made all of the components as cheap as i had to in order to get that HD 5750 card.  Seeing as how  I also need to have win7 and probably microsoft office also (unless theres something else that lets my type up papers that comes with win7), the computers ive been seeing are out of my price range.  The best choice that ive seen so far is the hp that i posted the link for.

Quote from: Red on May 01, 2010, 08:37:19 PM
Looking at that build, there are several brands I don't trust. ASRock, Hitachi, and Logisys. Logisys especially as the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is the most prone-to-fail part of your system next to your hard drive (on that topic, hitachi isn't as good as Western Digital), and if your PSU fails, your entire computer will be useless until you can buy another one.

That confirms that i'm not buying that computer.  If i upgrade it to different companies (if the site will even let me) then it will be way above my price range.  I dont want to risk a PSU failure, if my computer ever fails like that..... :panic: :wall:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jedikiller on May 01, 2010, 11:39:13 PM
You may want to look into OpenOffice.org as a potential free alternative to Microsoft Office. It will let you do most everything that Office does for free. I use it on my computer and have no problems.

What is your price range? You have to consider this- anything you get will probably last you a while. I have, currently, a four-year-old system. It was top of the line back then. It's pretty crappy now comparatively, but it can run anything at high settings (except Crysis, where it only does medium), and looks perfectly fine doing it. Everybody makes such a big deal out of 'obsolescence'- yeah, it's obsolete if you're trying to stay on the absolute latest and greatest. But for a person like you, who is not an enthusiast, I'm pretty sure anything you get will serve you just fine for at least two years or so.

I think you need to tell us exactly what your price range is, what games you want to be able to play, and then just let someone make a recommendation to you based off of that- either prebuilt or DIY. This thread is confusing enough as is- too many chefs ruin the stew and all that.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 02, 2010, 11:35:12 AM
jon if you need software i can hook u up for free. Just talk to me on GR.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 02, 2010, 07:14:38 PM
Wait i just found a computer on ibuypower.com. heres the specs and stuff:
Is ibuypower a reliable site?


Processor:
AMD Phenom™ II X2 550 Dual-Core CPU

Processor Cooling:
Free Upgrade] Liquid CPU Cooling System w/ 120mm Radiator [AMD]

Memory:
[2 GB X2] DDR3-1333 Memory Module Corsair or Major Brand

Video Card:
HD 5570 OR dual HD 4350's (The 5570 has dx11 so i think thats better)

Special:
Free mw2 download :tu:

Motherboard:
ASUS M4A78LT-M-LE -- AMD 760G/SB710 Chipset w/ Integrated ATI video, 8-channel, Gb LAN, S-ATA Raid, USB 2.0, PCI-E MB

Power Supply:
550 Watt -- Power Supply (corsair)

Hard Drive:
500 GB HARD DRIVE -- 16M Cache, 7200 RPM, 3.0Gb/s

Optical Drive:
24X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive

Sound Card:
3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard

Network Card:
Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100)

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium + [Free 60-Day !!!] Microsoft Office 2007(Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access ....) 64-Bit

Additional Software:
Microsoft Works 9.0 (make the most of your home PC)

No speakers, will i still be able to hear sound?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on May 02, 2010, 08:15:55 PM
Buy speakers?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 02, 2010, 08:36:54 PM
It doesnt come with speakers.  I left them out so i could have enough money for better graphics.  Whats the lowest priced card that will play CoD mw2 decently?  The HD 5750 would be a stretch for me, what about the 5670? (assuming there both better than the 5570)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jedikiller on May 02, 2010, 08:48:39 PM
5570 will play MW2 at highest settings no problem. my 4-year-old X1900 plays it on high, 30+ fps, just fine. MW2 is not very demanding on the system at all. The 4350 is a bad card, from what I've read. Don't get that one.

The performance of games also depends on the resolution of the monitor you're using. The bigger it is, the lower your settings will have to be. What's the size of the monitor you'll be using?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on May 02, 2010, 09:07:13 PM
The X1900 was an incredibly good card for its time. I believe that was one of the best of the Xxxxx series. That card was made before the Ati Radeon HD series was being made. Now it's not as good as the cards available today, but it has proven itself very future proof, seeing how it's better than my ATI Radeon HD 2600. I'd say stick with the 5750. The directx compatibility doesn't really matter, it's the performance in benchmarks that does.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: vf501 on May 02, 2010, 09:15:23 PM
iBuypower is reliable and good.

That computer looks fine for the $700-$800 rang ut the graphics are weak.  The PSU and motherboard are top brands though which is a good thing.  Although for that price you can build a Phenom x4 system with a ATI5770 or GTX260 and 4GB ram, your case won't be as nice, but it'll be a better system.  Losing liquid cooling is no big deal either as its only need for a high overclock, or for really hot living areas.

Red disagrees but I say if your budget fits it, go with a quad core if you plan on getting newer games.  Open world games especially put a large load on the CPU and you'll notice a difference between a Quad and a Dual in those cases.  Getting a quad is pretty much future proofing your system for the next few years.

For gaming, no need to exceed 6GB RAM either, most games are built with 32bit in mind and barely touch 3.25GB of RAM total.  The extra overhead of 6GB is just for the rest of the system.  Anything more is only good for visual work and editing movies or sound.

If you go pre-built avoid HP, they have bad customer service and one of the higher system failure rates.  Dell stuff is too inflexible and can be a headache going through them for replacement of proprietary parts.  Toshiba and ASUS are two of the highest rated PC makers in terms of reliability.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 03, 2010, 07:21:05 AM
Quote from: Jedikiller on May 02, 2010, 08:48:39 PM
What's the size of the monitor you'll be using?

I'm not sure of the size but my current resolution is 1280x1024

Quote from: vf501 on May 02, 2010, 09:15:23 PM
Although for that price you can build a Phenom x4 system with a ATI5770 or GTX260 and 4GB ram, your case won't be as nice, but it'll be a better system

I also need a system with win7 and iworks, is their a system with the above graphics and processor for $700?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 03, 2010, 05:07:30 PM
The liquid cooling is a free upgrade-would "Certified CPU Fan and Heatsink" be better?  Also the "[== Quad Core ==] AMD Athlon™ II X4 620 Quad-Core CPU" is only $5 more so i think ill get it.  Also for bad company 2 and battlefield 1943 the only requirements it says for processor is quadcore.  Does that mean any quad core?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 03, 2010, 05:10:58 PM
Quote from: Jon415 on May 03, 2010, 07:21:05 AM
I also need a system with win7 and iworks, is their a system with the above graphics and processor for $700?

iWorks is Mac only
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 03, 2010, 05:12:55 PM
Its available on this system

Oh my bad its Microsoft Works
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 03, 2010, 05:19:39 PM
Once again jon, if u need software, ill can get it to u.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 03, 2010, 06:27:12 PM
Its ok its only $9 and i can afford that but thanks for the offer
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: shadow on May 03, 2010, 07:53:45 PM
Put those $5 towards speakers if you need them.

Red, you do have to admit gaming will go further down the Quad-core road eventually.

Jon, right now you should be fine with 2 cores.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 03, 2010, 08:19:36 PM
9$ for MS word?
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on May 03, 2010, 08:44:42 PM
Microsoft Office + Better - Junk + Free = OpenOffice.

If you're going slightly above the price range, you're better off doing so. ;)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 04, 2010, 04:06:27 AM
is OpenOffice compatible with MS word? I'm sure eventually he will need to use his documents on school computers. (presentations and such)
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on May 04, 2010, 09:08:01 AM
Quote from: Soap Mactavish on May 04, 2010, 04:06:27 AM
is OpenOffice compatible with MS word? I'm sure eventually he will need to use his documents on school computers. (presentations and such)

yes
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 04, 2010, 09:11:59 PM
Changing opinion back to the HP:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/series/category/desktops/e9300z_series/3/computer_store?jumpid=in_r329_personalization/browse1/SDP_SDP (http://www.shopping.hp.com/series/category/desktops/e9300z_series/3/computer_store?jumpid=in_r329_personalization/browse1/SDP_SDP)
With amd phenom x4 820 processor
6gb ram
640 gb hard drive
Speakers
Mocrosoft works 9.0
win7
HD 5570
Grand total: $734
The processor is not phenom II, but it is a quad core with 2.9 ghz clack speed and 2mb cache+4mb shared
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: aeria. on May 04, 2010, 09:58:26 PM
I don't think you're going to bother with building your own computer, so I think you're better off sticking to the computer you'd like best. That one seems to be it.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 05, 2010, 07:18:50 AM
Yes thats the best one for the money ive seen.  Well thanks for all the help :D :tu:
Without you guys i mightve actually ended up woth that dell xps ( :td: )
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 05, 2010, 05:26:22 PM
that computer is very good. buy it so we can play some real games :D
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 05, 2010, 05:32:53 PM
Will be ordering once CSTs are over next week :cheer:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 05, 2010, 06:31:30 PM
yay, once you get it we can play on steam. god im excited...
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 05, 2010, 06:46:21 PM
How do i get steam (Stupid juice had to spill while i'm typing :rant: )
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 05, 2010, 08:41:05 PM
Ok. 
Quote from: Red on May 05, 2010, 07:38:40 PM
IMO that's a pretty weak computer for gaming. It's got a good processor, but the video card is balls, not to mention the processor is quad-core, and we won't see a lot mainstream games getting quadcore support until a few years later at best, and by that time this processor will be obsolete. It's not a particularly good buy either-the computer is more expensive than it should be. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.

If i had the money to get a better video card, i would.  This is my budget now, and it will do until it becomes obsolete.  Anyway, PCs are upgradeable.  So when that video card becomes obsolete i will upgrade.  I dont know how that really works though since i'm new to pcs, but i know it can be upgraded.  Ive been able to survive for years on a computer with an outdated powerpc processor (1.25 ghz , 512 cache), 256 mb ram, 37 gig hard drive, and outdated os 10.3.9.  I've gotten used to a crap computer now; anything will be an improvement from this thing.
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 06, 2010, 04:05:34 AM
http://cdn.steampowered.com/download/SteamInstall.msi (http://cdn.steampowered.com/download/SteamInstall.msi)

there ya go. It works sort of like gameranger, except like 20x better. You no longer need to get a disc to play a game. Just download from steam. DVDs are now obsolete xD

Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 06, 2010, 07:15:33 AM
Cool.  So ill download that on my new PC when i get itt :D

EDIT:

WOHOO IT CAME :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
now to transfer my 6 gb of personal files out of my old computer using my.............4gb flash drive :dry:
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 25, 2010, 06:54:16 PM
nice!!!!! get steam and add me jon. johnston9234
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Jon415 on May 25, 2010, 08:49:40 PM
cant till i have a game in my account.......Portal is downloading now :D
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Soap Mactavish on May 26, 2010, 03:50:32 AM
portal doesn't count I think, you must purchase a game
Title: Re: Looking to buy a new computer....
Post by: Hardcore on May 26, 2010, 06:55:26 AM
You Go add him Soap.

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