|
New computer purchase
|
|
|
BBall4
Newbie
|
14. March 2006 @ 06:34 |
Link to this message
|
|
Hi, I'm looking into getting a new computer. I'm trying to be very budget concious, currently I've found one on DELL's refurbished website for around 534 bucks. Specs are:
CPU: Intel P4 630 w/ HT Tech 3.0 Ghz 800 FSB
RAM: 1 GB DDR2 NON-ECC SDRAM 533 MHz 2 DIMMs
HDD: 160 GB 7200 RPM
VIDEO: 256MB PCI Express x16 ATI Radion X600 SE HyperMemory
OS: Windows XP Media Center
DVD: 16x DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write
We've used these DELL computers at my work and they seem to do just fine, but I want this one for games. Would this be a good computer to start with and then upgrade it over time, or would it be alot better to just build one from scratch? I don't know how good the DELL MOBO is or the power supply. 700 is the top of my budget. The computers main purpose will be gaming.
Thanks in advance.
|
|
Advertisement
|
 |
|
|
|
tocool4u
Suspended permanently
|
14. March 2006 @ 06:58 |
Link to this message
|
|
If you want to play it for games it would be better to build it
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
14. March 2006 @ 07:16 |
Link to this message
|
|
Definitely build your own.
It may not be as good as you want, but you'll be able to upgrade far easier.
With $700 you are well on your way, especially if you already have the keyboard, mouse and monitor.
I would recommend ASUS A8N-premium for $167 newegg.
Opteron 146 retail for $212, overclocks very well even on air, and you can sell it ob later if you go for a x2 CPU (however at present there is no point having x2 for gaming alone).
1GB (512x2) XMS Corsair memory 3200 $91
128MB 6600GT GPU at about $120.
This would leave you $110 or there abouts for a case and PSU.
You then have a very stable, fast MB with a quality CPU which easily clock to 2.2-2.4 GHz, with some quality memory you can double up at a later date.
The card is more than enough for most games at a high quality level and can be changed or doubled up to SLi later.
PS AMD are far better than Intel for gaming, so there is a good reason to steer clear of the Dell.
|
|
tocool4u
Suspended permanently
|
14. March 2006 @ 07:21 |
Link to this message
|
|
YOu forgot the HDD
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
14. March 2006 @ 07:47 |
Link to this message
|
|
Ah yes!
Those HDD thingies help!
Maybe you won't have so much for the case after all.
But basically the main thing would be to get the base system with the possiblity to upgrade, rather than be stuck with a dead dodo from the start.
|
|
BBall4
Newbie
|
14. March 2006 @ 09:42 |
Link to this message
|
|
Looking at the stuff that you suggested, it's going to cost me 900 or more by the time I'm done. What type of a DVD-ROM do you suggest? What size of a HDD is common. If I was going to use the computer to backup movies is there anything special I should do or get that might speed that process up? How about an OS? I am very interested in building my own computer even if it costs alittle more, just may have to do it over time, but there are a few questions unanswered. Thanks.
|
|
tocool4u
Suspended permanently
|
14. March 2006 @ 10:15 |
Link to this message
|
|
I would get a 250 SATA HDD and operating system Windows XP or if you like linux .....IT's free
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
14. March 2006 @ 11:51 |
Link to this message
|
|
I would definately go with a sata 2 drive, 80 Gb would be the smallest I would go for, aiming to double it up and set them in RAID 0 when you have both. This will speed things up for gaming and general read write applications.
For the DVD I would go for a dvd rw drive on its own to start with, NEC make cheap reliable burners which give good results. Aim to add a single rom drive later if not at the beginning.
You can always get a refurb gpu which will save some money about $30, they still come with a reduced warranty.
You could go for 1GB of Corsair value memory instead of the XMS that would save another $25.
A 80GB HDD would be $50 for an Hitachi, DVD burner another $37.
That would take it to $622 without the case and PSU.
If you went for an antec case/psu bundle you won't go far wrong, as their PSUs are quality, something like the p150 with a 430w 2.2 psu.
make sure you go for an atx 2.2 not 2.0 psu. These are about $140, taking it to $762 all in.
As for operating systems, then obvioulsy xp pro is the way to go.
You can either buy a second hand copy from ebay etc..., download a trial version for similar from the many places they are available.
Then when ready change to vista when its out and proven.
Personally I wouldn't go for the cheaper versions of the asus a8n boards, as the premium has got everything right, and the 32sli is very awkward to work on.
You could always go for a cheaper cpu as well, something like the athlon 3000+ will only set you back $145 saving you another $67 which would bring it down to $695, which is right on your top budget.
Hope this helps.
|
|
BBall4
Newbie
|
15. March 2006 @ 06:29 |
Link to this message
|
|
Well I talked to my other half yesterday and it sounds like I'll be able to spend alittle more than 700 bucks! Now the budget is 1000 so I'm just going to go with the first things that you mentioned. I was reading on the new SLi and it mentioned needing to be able to have a PSU that was SLi capable, since the SLi and 64 bit processors are the future, do I need to make sure that whatever I get is ready for these new technologies? Is there other things I should be looking into to make sure that I can keep up with the technology? How long would you say this computer will be able to keep up with games? Thanks
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
15. March 2006 @ 07:06 |
Link to this message
|
|
It will play any present games around.
Don't go overboard on the video card, as nvidia are bringing out the newer G80 core card later on, and this is supposed to be directx 10 compatible.
As for other future proofing, then there is still a lot of room for improvement on that board.
Make sure you get an atx 2.2 psu, and maybe think of getting pc4000 ram instead of 3200, then you can start overclocking very easily on the board, just by changing the multiplier and manually setting the memory, cpu clock and ht.
Only thing I've found on the board is the ram spid is not read correctly and it is best to set the timings and voltage manually to get the best performance.
There does appear to be a few people moaning about this board, but they tend to be people that don't really have a clue what they are doing.
Personally its about the best I've ever worked with.
Don't know if you can the Hiper type r psu where you are, but that again is very stable under stress and has all the cables required for your build.
|
|
BBall4
Newbie
|
15. March 2006 @ 11:11 |
Link to this message
|
|
Thanks for the help, One last thing though what's a good sound card?
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
15. March 2006 @ 11:40 |
Link to this message
|
|
Anything from the Creative Audigy 4 upwards will sound very good.
Definitely worth the money on any system, as you then appreciate just how bad onboard sound systems are.
|
|
tocool4u
Suspended permanently
|
15. March 2006 @ 11:41 |
Link to this message
|
|
well...most are already intergrated but you could by one if you want to boost the sound performance
I disagree my system came with 8 channel audio and it is pretty good for me
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 15. March 2006 @ 11:42
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
15. March 2006 @ 12:24 |
Link to this message
|
|
Onboard sound systems do appear okay, until you try a seperate card, you then realise the difference, then theres no going back.
My mb has the realtek 8 channel audio, but not a patch on sound card.
|
