Solved: New computer

[jcmj]

Hi- I'm thinking about buying a new computer but, I only want a tower.
I like my flat screen monitor, keyboard and mouse are options I can
upgrade myself. I'd like a newer one than I have now. I now have a
Dell Dimension 2350 that's 5 years old. It has 1.8 ghz, 512 ddr sdram
at 266mhz. This isn't enough anymore. I play games, video editing,
music cd's, photo's, surfing and etc. Can you give me any idea of a
faster processor, more memory, more powerful video card ( i now
have a bsic card)? I know some of this info, but I'm not sure if
I'm right. I thought about just buying a processor but then I do
not know about compatability w/ MB etal. Any help is appreci-
ated. Thanks... [email protected]

 

[Specsnow]

Hi there,

This all depends on your price range. I know of a very nice system from Gateway that you can get for only $399.99 plus shipping, and it would be a very nice improvement compared to what you have now. I posted the link below:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4011757&Sku=G180-1000

I have recommended this machine to a few other people on a budget and they all loved it, so it is a good choice. If you want something better or cheaper, check out the other PCs on their web site, but I'd recommend this one definitely.

Hope this helps.

 

[XanderB]

Generally if you are on a tight budget I would recommend building your own PC. It is more economical and you have unlimited room for tailoring it to fit your needs. If you would be interested in going down this path I have enclosed several helpful guides for you to use!

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/building-pc,511.html
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Guides/buildyourpc/
http://www.sharkyextreme.com/hardware/guides/build_computer/

 

[Specsnow]

Yes, but in certain cases, such as this one, buying a new PC pre-build is not only practical, but cheaper. If you were to break down the parts nowadays to build a new PC, you'd be looking at about $400 or more, and that's without the customer support from a major company. I'd go with the pre-built for this case...

 

[Compiler]

Well.... yes and no Specsnow. That depends on the customer/user/poster.

If a user is just going to do work, video editing, light gaming (WOW, UT2003) and internet - then a plain name brand box with lots of RAM will do for $400~500.

If a person wants to play high end games (Crysis, UT3, etc) he should build it himself. Since he'll end up replacing the PSU for a $50~100 unit and may have thermal issues.

jcmj - What games do you want to play? What is your budget? Otherwise, going to best buy and picking up a box on the weekend is the best deal. Get either an AMD X2 or intel Core2duo system... I do NOT recommend an intel Dual core Pentium with Vista.

Check this out... $500 and includes monitor and junky printer: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999998300050005&type=product&id=pcmprd98400050005 but the computer by itself is $400: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...5510F&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1212192194382 In stores, they should have this or something simular for the same price... always having sales on weekends. For $480, bigger HD, 3GB RAM and faster cpu: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8830492&type=product&id=1207957307299

 

[jcmj]

Thanks guys- I appreciate your replies. Each of you has a different outlook which I appreciate. This is why I come to this site. I'll check the websites you all posted and go from there. In response to the gaming ques., I'm definately not on the high end of gaming. The kids do the gaming which I control. Anyway, Thanks again to all of you. jcmj