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Buying a new computer — Brooklynian

Buying a new computer

dapearl9
dapearl9
edited November -1 in The Lounge / Random Stuff
Any advice on buying a new desktop computer? I'm trying to stay around a $500-600 budget (not including monitor) and want it mostly for games and non-linear editing (AVID). Should I get someone to help me build it? Is uBid.com or other sites worth checking out? Also, I know next to nothing about actual computer mechanics. :oops:
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Comments

  • brooklynleather
    brooklynleather
    tigerdirect.com

    They are great, but not brand named. They are also PCs, but if you don't go for it :)
  • dapearl9
    dapearl9
    Nice! Thanks for the recommendation.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    I would have someone help you build it for that budget and purpose. If you're interested, I have lot of parts around - basically everything but a graphics card.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Also, if you're going to piece it together, www.newegg.com
  • pizza
    pizza
    Build it yourself. Check out Newegg, TigerDirect and Zipzoomfly. I built mine by myself the first time but it's probably better to have help.
  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior
    http://www.sharkyextreme.com/ check their build guides on what is good. they have 3 build guides they update all the time. high end. mid and low. check low ;) probably be within your budget and it would probably still run all the games with bells and whistles.
  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior
    let you in one of the nets biggest sekerts :p.

    http://www.slickdeals.net/

    check this site daily sometimes very often almost weekly you'll find nice pc deals and parts etc...
  • flux
    flux
    Dude...get a dell. check out http://www.techbargains.com/
  • doctorj
    doctorj
    Agree with flux: if you're not building and maintaining it yourself, get a Dell. They're cheap and next day on site support is awesome.
  • dapearl9
    dapearl9
    Yeah I've had decent luck with Dell in the past. Building a PC is tempting...but based on my lack of knowledge and some feedback from friends who had problems with homemade ones I'll probably stick to buying from a company.
  • daver
    daver
    I haven't personally used them, but the guys at work dig on http://www.ecost.com for price.
  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior
    front of slick deals right now:


    HP Home has a new $400 off $999 coupon DT1158 for most desktop PCs. Thanks Selma

    HP m9300z AMD-based media center desktop $600

    Click here

    1. Select the following options (or any combination totalling $250 or more)
    1. FREE UPGRADE to 3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM from 2GB
    2. Blu-ray DVD writer/player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner (add $250)
    2. Add to cart and check out, apply coupon DT1158 for $400 off
    3. Your total will be $1000 - $400 = $600

    Specs

    * Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
    * AMD Phenom 9550 quad-core processor (2.2GHz)
    * 3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM from 2GB
    * 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300, DVI-I, VGA adapter, HDMI
    * 320GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
    * Blu-ray DVD writer/player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner [Bluray burner, DVD burner]
    * ATSC-NTSC TV tuner with PVR, FM tuner, remote
    * Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/ front audio ports
    * Norton Internet Security 2008 - 15 month
    * HP keyboard and HP optical mouse

    HP m9300t Intel-based media center desktop $600

    1. Click here
    2. Select the following options (or any combination totalling $150 or more)
    1. Blu-ray DVD player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner [add $150]
    3. Add to cart and check out, apply coupon DT1158 for $400 off
    4. Your total will be $1000 - $400 = $600

    Specs

    * Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
    * Core 2 Quad processor Q6600 (2.4GHz)
    * 3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM from 2GB
    * 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300, DVI-I, VGA adapter, HDMI
    * 320GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
    * Blu-ray DVD player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner [Bluray reader, DVD burner]
    * ATSC-NTSC TV tuner with PVR, FM tuner, remote
    * Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/ front audio ports
    * Norton Internet Security 2008 - 15 month
    * HP keyboard and HP optical mouse

    HP a6560t media desktop PC $650

    1. Click here
    2. Select the following options (or any combination totalling $ or more)
    1. Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9300 [add $170]
    2. 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300 and TV Tuner Card/PVR [add $80]
    3. Blu-ray DVD player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner [add $150]
    3. Add to cart and check out, apply coupon DT1158 for $400 off
    4. Your total will be $1050 - $400 = $650

    Specs

    * Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
    * Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9300
    * 2GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024)
    * 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300 and TV Tuner Card/PVR
    * 320GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
    * Blu-ray DVD player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner [Bluray reader, DVD burner]
    * Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/ front audio ports
    * HP keyboard and HP optical mouse
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Build one. Learn. What's the worst case scenario? You're not going to overclock/overvolt anything (not at this point, at least :twisted: ) and the connectors on the power supply leads are shaped in a way that makes it impossible to plug them in to the wrong receptacle, so it's almost impossible to do harm to the components. Just don't do anything stupid like, oh, put it together while it's plugged in...

    The upshot is that you'll better understand the workings of a computer. When something does fail, you won't have to pay a geek $150/hour to diagnose and fix the problem. When you realize how obsolete your graphics card is, you'll fearlessly replace it and reap the benefits. 6 months later, when your state-of-the-art card is obsolete again, you'll replace it again! Great fun! ;)

    Really, build it. I'll make you a deal - if you get really stuck, I'll help out. Like, in real life, and stuff, if necessary. I want to empower you. I want to be the Tony Robbins of your computer-building success story... in fact, this is where I put my money where my mouth is - if you build, I will contribute to you: Abit AT8 motherboard, AMD Opteron 170 (server-class dual core CPU), 2 gig of OCZ ram, MS Windows XP. This hardware trio was the hot shit two years ago, and can still hold it's own against the budget CPU/mobo/RAM configurations out there now, the difference is, you'll be able to get a much better GPU (graphics card).

    You will need to add: PCIe x 16 Graphics card, power supply (don't cheap out!), an optical drive or two.

    I will also contribute a case, but would encourage you to buy a case with a removable motherboard tray. I'll throw in a 80 GB hard drive if you want it, but I would buy a larger (250GB+) SATA hard drive.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Here's an interesting option from the pre-built arena...
    http://www.tomshardware.com/news/crysis-warhead-pc-ea,6344.html
  • dapearl9
    dapearl9
    Yeah I saw that ad somewhere else too. That might be where to go. Your post before had me swaying towards the making my own side for a moment, but I've had friends who know computers very well who had problems with the computers they made themselves which made me shy away.

    I should look on eBay too.

    WhyFi, could you give me some advice on what specs to look for specifically too? I know I want:

    At least a dual core processor
    2Gig RAM minimum
    Firewire (for editing, this could be worked around)


    I'm not too sure what to look for in terms of graphics cards, sound cards, or anything else important.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    What specs...? Hmm... Yeah, I would look for a dual at a minimum, and 2gb RAM at a minimum, too... after that, it's mostly fluff - they don't tend to give you the nitty-gritty info about the hardware, specifically motherboard specs. Things that I personally want?

    1) I tend to lean towards AMD as opposed to Intel. AMD is, IMO, the best bang for the buck, and the platform has more flexibility. I like the fact that you can buy a AM2+ motherboard and assure yourself that processors from the previous, current, and next two generations can simply drop in.

    2) Absolutely must use PCIe x 16 for the graphics card, not AGP. If you can find the model number of the card, find out how much it costs - you'll probably want to be in the $100-ish region or more.

    3) This is really tough to determine with pre-builts, but a good power supply unit is really important. Inadequate PSUs are the cause for most newbie build problems. Power-hungry multi-core CPUs and even more power-hungry graphic cards can leave a system unstable (crash often) if there isn't enough juice to go 'round. Look for 500w or more, if they offer the info.

    4) Decent airflow through the chassis vs. your tolerable noise threshold. High-performance bits get hot. If you can't keep them cool, they die.

    5) Decent RAM, as in bandwidth and latency. A great CPU doesn't mean squat if traffic bottle-necks at the RAM. DDR2 800 (PC6400) or higher, CL5 or lower, if possible.

    I would still encourage you to build your own, unless you absolutely have no time to dick with it. If you're really worried about work-related stuff on it, I would use an external hard drive to store those files until you're convinced it's stable (run tests). That way, if it does go down, you can still access your work with relative ease.

    If you're still interested, I plan on buying a new graphics card and a few odds and ends for the Almost Computer at home. I'm not having any success at getting rid of parts, and I'd rather not let it sit there. You can, if you'd like, a) take the opportunity to see how everything goes together and/or b) buy the thing on the cheap. It'll probably be week or two.
  • pizza
    pizza
    WhyFi I think you may be a bit behind in your PC spec stuff. Intel is currently kicking AMD's ass in terms of performance. Do they even make mobos with AGP and gpu's that are AGP anymore? That's like saying don't get a cd-rom drive. If this person is going to use Vista, having more than 2gb of ram will offer more performance because of Vista's Superfetch feature. And especially if he is going to use a 64 bit version of Vista which uses more memory. Vista is a memory hog in general anyway.

    I would say get a:
    2-3 ghz Intel Core 2 Duo dual core. Amd if you want to save money and sacrifice performance.
    Nvidia 8 series graphics card, 8600gt, 8600gts, 8800gt, 8800gts, 8800gtx,
    Or get an AMD graphics card, which currently are outperforming Nvidia. The 4850 and 4870 are considered the best bang for your buck right now.
    2-4 gb ram. Ram is dirt cheap now, so you can get 4gb on 2 sticks for $50.
    Don't skimp on the power supply. I would get an 80+ certificed (energy efficient) PSU with Modular cabling. Modular cables make cable management much easier. And I would get 500+ watts like WhyFi said.
    Get a motherboard with Intels latest chipsets. P35-P45 and in between. I don't know what motherboard features you want but getting one with raid can come in handy. And I would get one that supports at least ddr2 800 ram.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Yeah, Intel is ahead in terms of top end performance, but not in terms of bang for the buck and certainly not in $600-$800 total build arena - have you read any of the posts on this thread? Also, yeah, there actually are pre-built boxes with AGP cards being shoveled off on unsuspecting people in the bargain bins, which is relevant because the OP is fairly averse to building and thinking about buying pre-built - have you read any of the posts in this thread?
  • pizza
    pizza
    I built my pc for around $500-600 and I have a 3 ghz c2d. Intel isn't only ahead in the top end performance. They are ahead down the line. Maybe in the absolute bargain bin an AMD would outperform some of the low price Intels. But not many since the ones based on the Conroe architecture get very good performance and are great overclockers.

    You can easily throw in an great Intel chip in a $600-800 machine.

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072

    2.5 ghz 45nm Intel for $88

    Even the lowest price prebuilt pc's on tiger direct don't have AGP mobos.

    http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3883661&CatId=2630
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Or for $77 you can get a 2.8 GHz AMD with an unlocked multiplier -
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103289

    Must you fanbois spew everywhere? I was expressing my personal preference, which I backed with solid reasons. I have built plenty of AMD rigs and plenty of Intel rigs. As a platform, at this price-point, and for this purpose, I prefer AMD at the moment. Not least among the factors: stronger performance at just about every price-point they sell at, more flexible long-term platform (do you think that you're going to just drop a Nehalem in your 775?), and keeping them around benefits everyone, because if there's no competition, Intel ass-rapes everyone - do you remember the fun times before K8? Probably not. :roll:
  • pizza
    pizza
    Ghz aren't the only thing that have an effect on performance. Despite having an unlocked multiplier you could overclock the Intel way higher. I'd rather have a locked multiplier cpu that can easily go up to 3.5 ghz and runs cooler. And that's besides the point of me posting that CPU. I was only showing you can easily throw a great Intel into a $500 PC. :? I don't know where you get that you can't throw in a Intel if you're building a $600-800 pc?

    I'm not a fanboy, just recommending the best value for his price point. I recommended getting an AMD graphics card because they are currently the best value and performers. :roll:

    I'm not bashing your personal preference. I'm only recommending the OP go Intel because they are currently better. I've built AMD and Intel machines. If he was building a $200-$300 PC I'd tell him to go AMD.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    pizza wrote: Ghz aren't the only thing that have an effect on performance.
    Really? And where do you think Intel learned that? From AMD. Here, again, is my point that competition is a good thing. Until AMD whipped their asses with K8, Intel was intent on trying to push the GHz, despite their diminishing returns.
    pizza wrote: Despite having an unlocked multiplier you could overclock the Intel way higher.
    Who says the OP is going to OC? You're making a recommendation based on your needs, wants and limited experience.
    pizza wrote: I was only showing you can easily throw a great Intel into a $500 PC. :? I don't know where you get that you can't throw in a Intel if you're building a $600-800 pc?
    And my counter-recommendation shows that they're (Intel) not a clear-cut best buy at the price-point that YOU selected, quite the opposite.
    pizza wrote: I'm not a fanboy, just recommending the best value for his price point.
    And how is it a better value if he has to buy a new mobo with the next gen Intel processors? You still haven't addressed this.
    pizza wrote: I'm not bashing your personal preference. I'm only recommending the OP go Intel because they are currently better. I've built AMD and Intel machines. If he was building a $200-$300 PC I'd tell him to go AMD.
    I call bullshit. You have a $600 PC with a C2D - 10-1 says this is your first build. This is also evident in the fact that you recommend PSUs with modular cables.
  • pizza
    pizza
    WhyFi wrote: [quote=pizza]Ghz aren't the only thing that have an effect on performance.
    Really? And where do you think Intel learned that? From AMD. Here, again, is my point that competition is a good thing. Until AMD whipped their asses with K8, Intel was intent on trying to push the GHz, despite their diminishing returns.

    I never said competition wasn't a good thing. I think it's great AMD prices so competitively because it forces prices down on processors in general. If it was just AMD or Intel prices would probably be higher. It's amazing how AMD forced Nvidia to drop the prices of the 260 and 280 by $200 a few weeks after they came out.
    pizza wrote: Despite having an unlocked multiplier you could overclock the Intel way higher.
    Who says the OP is going to OC? You're making a recommendation based on your needs, wants and limited experience.

    YOU BROUGHT UP UNLOCKED MULTIPLIERS! lol
    pizza wrote: I was only showing you can easily throw a great Intel into a $500 PC. :? I don't know where you get that you can't throw in a Intel if you're building a $600-800 pc?
    And my counter-recommendation shows that they're (Intel) not a clear-cut best buy at the price-point that YOU selected, quite the opposite.

    I wasn't recommending that cpu. I was stating you can easily throw in a high performing intel cpu in a $500 machine. You claimed you wouldn't be able to put one in a machine for $600-800 which is ludicrous.
    pizza wrote: I'm not a fanboy, just recommending the best value for his price point.
    And how is it a better value if he has to buy a new mobo with the next gen Intel processors? You still haven't addressed this.

    CPU sockets change on AMD mobos too. What happened to 939? :cry: LGA775 has been around 3 years. You might be out of luck if you wanted a new phenom but your Am2 has no phenom support. :?
    pizza wrote: I'm not bashing your personal preference. I'm only recommending the OP go Intel because they are currently better. I've built AMD and Intel machines. If he was building a $200-$300 PC I'd tell him to go AMD.
    I call bullshit. You have a $600 PC with a C2D - 10-1 says this is your first build. This is also evident in the fact that you recommend PSUs with modular cables.

    What makes you think it's bullshit??? You really need to catch up with pc technology. 8) I've built many computers. Modular cables allow you to use only what you need and make cable management easier.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP2AFTYtFhQ

    You really need to lighten up. Someone recommends something else and you go apeshit screaming fanboy. Relax. Seems like someone else is the fanboy here. :roll:
  • pizza
    pizza
    @dapearl9, if you want some specs, check out the HardForum. Lurk around there and you'll get a sense of what to get. This guy here is recommending PC specs from 3 years ago.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Modular PSUs give you a additional junctions to short and corrode - they're for hacks and wannabes. And what builder builds himself a $600 rig unless it's his first? :roll:

    Re: AM2 - did I recommend AM2? No, I specifically mentioned AM2+, the fact that you didn't distinguish the two further supports my theory that you haven't been around the block and that you don't know what you're talking about. Plus, many AM2 mobos can support Phenom and beyond with a BIOS update, as long as the mobo manufacturer makes that update available... so, uh, you're just plain wrong.

    Intel makes some great products, but to say that they're the only choice for a rig above $300 is the absurd ranting of a fan.
    pizza wrote: I've built many computers.
    pizza on HardForums wrote: I just got into PC gaming/building. (9/2/2008)
    http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1032975726#post1032975726
    I rest my case.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Just in case there's any confusion about Pizza's identity -
    pizza wrote: I hate Gamestop! Exploiters of children! I wish I still had the games I traded in as a kid. :(
    pizza wrote: I prefer Ebay and Steam. :P
    http://brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=466860#466860
    Pizza on HardForums wrote: I haven't bought a game from Gamestop in years. I stick to Ebay and Steam. I wish I never traded my games to Gamestop when I was younger.
    http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1033039173#post1033039173
  • dapearl9
    dapearl9
    If there were a smiley with an exploding head it would be in this post.
  • supreme_ian
    supreme_ian
    ahahahha Pearl.. buy a mac....
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Does this work?

    image
  • pizza
    pizza
    WhyFi wrote: Modular PSUs give you a additional junctions to short and corrode - they're for hacks and wannabes. And what builder builds himself a $600 rig unless it's his first? :roll:

    Corrosion? Nonsense. :lol: Wannabes? I don't think I understand. What's with all the name calling?

    Re: AM2 - did I recommend AM2? No, I specifically mentioned AM2+, the fact that you didn't distinguish the two further supports my theory that you haven't been around the block and that you don't know what you're talking about. Plus, many AM2 mobos can support Phenom and beyond with a BIOS update, as long as the mobo manufacturer makes that update available... so, uh, you're just plain wrong.

    I didn't say you recommended AM2. I was pointing out how sometimes people get screwed with motherboards, even on the AMD end. I also mentioned the 939 socket. Not all AM2 motherboards support Phenoms. I did distinguish the two. I stated you might be out of luck. Not you would be.

    Intel makes some great products, but to say that they're the only choice for a rig above $300 is the absurd ranting of a fan.

    I didn't say they were the only choice. I recommended them. You seem to think AMD is the only choice based on your AMD bias and anyone who mentions anything else is a fanboy.


    [quote=pizza]I've built many computers.
    pizza on HardForums wrote: I just got into PC gaming/building. (9/2/2008)
    http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1032975726#post1032975726
    I rest my case.

    Nice detective work there Sherlock. :roll: New is relative and I am new compared to the people on that forum who have been working with computers for 10-20 years.
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