I am planning on buying a Dell desktop soon. The computer I want is the Dell Dimension C521. The following are the stats:
AMD Sempron Processor 3400
512 MB DDR2 (memory)
80GB (hard drive)
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Graphics GPU
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio (sound card)
The #1 reason for the computer will be to type Word documents (I'm a writer) and Internet surfing (no porn!). But I was also considering playing DVDs on it. (I have no desire to burn CDs/DVDs or do stuff with photos or music. What I just mentioned is absolutely it: Word, Internet, and possibly DVD playing. Nothing more.)
What I want to know: is this enough power to play a DVD on? Will the picture be good? The computer can play DVDs, but I don't know how good the quality will be. I have my own real DVD player, but I thought, maybe I should use the computer to play DVDs just in case my housemates are hogging the tv--that way I can watch a movie on my computer in my room. Please help.
2006-11-18 04:12:28 · 9 answers · asked by Zippy 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
My first suggestion to you would be stay away from the Sempron chip! This chip has no thermal overload switch, and has been known to catch on fire all by itself! I would recommend the Athalon, or Turon chip. Also you should consider getting a minimum of 1 GB of memory, 512 MB is the bare minimum for any program. I hope this helps, good luck!
2006-11-18 04:19:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you will definately have enough power to do what you want with that computer. Playing a DVD on your computer doesn't require insane amounts of processing power. If all you will be doing is typing in word, surfing the net, and occasionally watching a DVD on the computer then you should be just fine with the set up you are considering. I don't think you will run into any problems as long as you aren't trying to type, surf the net, and watch a DVD at the same time. The picture quality of the DVD on your computer is going to vary depending on the monitor you are using, but will not be of poor quality. Best of luck with the new computer!
2006-11-18 04:19:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds just fine, the quality should be fine even with the default printer they give you, not a problem there, and any computer in the last 5 years can play a dvd, especially now, just make sure it has the full word software, not just a trial version, otherwise it expires in like a month then you have to end up buying it for 180 dollars or getting an alternative, and no one wants to go through that
2006-11-18 04:17:35 · answer #3 · answered by Shadowfyre 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For your needs, the computer system you described is fine. However, there is one item I should mention. During the holiday season, most new computer purchased will come with a coupon which allows the user to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista. Vista is the next new operating system from Microsoft. The coupons offer a free upgrade or one with a markedly reduced price. The system you describe is fine for Windows XP but not Vista. Vista requires at least 1GB of RAM. For more information on the coupon program, read the following article
"MS to Offer Free, Discounted Vista" -- betanews.com (http://www.betanews.com/article/MS_to_Offer_Free_Discounted_Vista/1160157828)
On another note, you don't need to worry about video quality for the system you described. High end graphic (a.k.a video) cards are for gamers. If you don't plan to run 3-D multiplayer games then there is little reason to purchase a high end computer. The item you should consider is which media player you plan to use. Some programs included greater functions and special effects; however, these programs are usually bundled with a new computer. Personally, I don't recommend Windows Media Player.
2006-11-18 04:28:06 · answer #4 · answered by What the...?!? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be more than enough but with the new stuff coming out I would look more towards getting a computer with a Duo Core processor.Makes mutitasking faster and make sure the CD rom you are getting can play the DVD's.Duo Core processors are the way to go now.
2006-11-18 04:17:17 · answer #5 · answered by guy_hodges 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes that's enough for your needs. Actually it's more than enough just for Word, Internet, and DVD. Just add a nice speaker systems to enjoy the movie.
2006-11-18 04:19:14 · answer #6 · answered by komomkoro 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are fine. If you are interested in video quality, make sure you dont skimp on the monitor. Everything else is no problem.
2006-11-18 04:15:56 · answer #7 · answered by orlandobillybob 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from Sempron or Celeron.
2006-11-18 04:29:19 · answer #8 · answered by droids77 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes Enough for all what you mention
2006-11-18 04:15:56 · answer #9 · answered by hard_cane0 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋