I plan on buying a new computer (custom Dell) and will be specializing w/ limited funds...(see details)...?

Question

Which means, having limited funds presently, I'd want to put it on the parts that cannot be later upgraded.

As far as I understand, the processor and hard drive are permanent; while your RAM, video card, sound card, and most other aspects are changable.

I am into gaming and will probably customize the Dell XPS 200 or 400 (both start at the same price...unsure which way to go). Would it be wise, then, to put my money in the processor and hard drive while going minimal on the other components?

Any thoughts are appreciated -- thanks in advance!!!

For Maximus -- I know this sounds very computer illiterate, but what are HHD's? And doesn't it already start with dual core processors?

Answer 1

First go with the 400, put in dual core processors and dual HHDs then get 1024 of ram. and get a good graphics card.

Answer 2

A good processor and RAM are a necessity. If you are able try to get a motherboard that supports DDR2, and try to have at least 1GB of RAM. You can go with a dual core processor, or a Hyper Transfer Processor depending on what you wanna use your PC for. Unless you're gonna play a lot of video games, an integrated Video card will be fine. You only really need 1 hard drive, unless you plan to fill it up with junk. As far as audio, modem, ethernet cards, the onbard ones will do. Just focus mainly on the processor and the type of RAM that the motherboard supports. For future updates, make sure your motherboard has a PCI-express port, in case you wanna opt to get a better graphics card.
I myself bought a new PC, but i went sorta balls out on it, here are my specs-
Intel Pentium D Dual Core 3.0Ghz
1GB RAM DDR2
Nvidia GeForce 7300GT 512MB
160GB SerialATA HDD

Dell is good but try this website, you get a much better deal
www.ibuypower.com enjoy

Answer 3

Everything is replaceable!!

If you purchase a XPS you should be set!! You can upgrade everything later...Hard drive, memory, video card, sound card etc.. The processor is far more difficult on a Dell machine because they have the motherboards designed for them and detailed information is difficult to obtain (not impossible).

I would suggest purchasing the best processor you can and save money elsewhere...the rest can always be upgraded. The most expensive upgrades will be the monitor, memory and software. If you don't need the Office Suite right away that is a big money saver. Any software you currently have can be transferred to this new system providing you UNINSTALL it from the previous system.

Answer 4

Dell is good for 'turn-key' systems, but if you want the most 'bang for the buck', its best to shop online. Several online electronics distributors beat Dell's prices all to hell as far as features and performance. Check out these 'Systemax' offerings from TigerDirect...
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?cat=6&keywords=Systemax&noredirect=1