Buying a new computer and confused about processors, RAM, and brand.?

Question

I have read answers to similar question, but they really don't answer my question. The games we play are Pogo and Yahoo, some poker sites. We do email and web surf. That's all we do. I have been told different answers about a dual core processor, i.e., I need one and no I don't need one for the gaming I do, saying the dual processor is more for the extreme gaming. Is Dell the best out there compared to HP or Gateway or any others? Is 512 Ram enough? I am looking at a Dell AMD 64 3200+, 512 DDR2, 160 GB, cd/dvd burner 13:1 reader, Win XP Media for $623???

Answer 1

For what you want it for that should be fine, but you could get a cheaper computer of that type on newegg.com.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16883103037
Here's one for less that's basically the same, but costs less and has a dvd burner although it doesn't come with a monitor or speakers. I personally prefer Intel processors too which this one has. You can also browse some other computers on newegg, they usually have great prices.

Answer 2

If that's all you do, I would get the cheapest deal you can find. Almost any new computer you can buy will do those things. the only consideration would be if you plan to use the PC for other things in the future. Don't limit yourself too much with a bargain basement PC. The only upgrade I really think is a must have is a larger LCD monitor. 17" or possibly a 19". It makes using the PC so much easier when you have a bigger screen to look at.

the AMD 64 is probably overkill for you. You don't need a processor that powerful. you DO need more ram though. 512 is the barebones minimum.

Answer 3

this is socket 775, so that you could not positioned a i3/i5/i7 in it. the perfect CPU you could purchase for that motherboard is a QX9775 center 2 Quad CPU, this is faster than any i3/i5 and could beat many i7s. although, it is probably too expensive for you. I advise determining to purchase a used Q6600 or Q8300 which regularly run from $one hundred thirty - 100 and eighty. i replaced into able to purchase a used Q8300 from $100 and twenty yet i replaced into fortunate. Even a Q6600 or Q8300 must be as or more advantageous powerful than maximum i5's. @ C-guy i do not see how a E8400 ought to outperform a Q8300, even even as the Q8300 has a decrease clock and L2 cache. The Q8300 is rated at 37 GFLOPS, the E8400 is about 22-24 GFLOPs. A Q8300 has too low of a multiplier to be overclocked a lot, yet i imagine a Q6600 must be overclocked as a lot as a E8400 assuming both were utilising a good CPU cooler.

Answer 4

The above post are pretty right, however. Software packages will be transfering over to 64 bit in the near future. If you eventually want to run these programs you will need a 64 bit cpu. Stay away from dell nothing but problems, i know a guy who works for a company that makes compents for dell. There are some horror stories.

Answer 5

If all you're doing is Pogo, Yahoo and some on-line stuff, then an entry-level machine should be fine.

160GB would seem to be an enormous amount for you, but if your needs change, it'd be nice to have extra.

512mb ram is about the minimum. The price to upgrade to 1gb is usually cheaper when you first get the machine than when doing it afterwards. I would go with more ram.

You're not going to have a need for huge processor power unless you start doing quite a bit more with the machine. Again, an entry level machine (1.5ghz and up) should be fine.

My dad is still using a 1.2ghz machine for Pogo and email stuff. We hooked him up with a fast broadband connection and that's working out great.

Answer 6

That's plenty for just those types of things you listed.

The processor is more than plenty, you don't need dual core, and 512MB RAM is the minimum you should have with Windows XP.

Answer 7

get a 2nd hand p4(everypne is selling it off for dual core). that's all u require.

check for specs: p4 with HT technology is better.
good if it has a 256 rd ram(rare mother boards but awesome fast) or a 512 ddr.