I want a computer that is between $500-800 without screen. I want something that will last for a long time and has good enough specs to play a game every once in a while and can eventually be upgraded. I want it mostly for school and some entertainment such as editing a few pictures and I do not want integrated graphics. I also DO NOT want a Mac. Also should I go for AMD or Intel for the CPU, and for the graphics ATI or Nvidia.
2007-08-12 10:42:42 · 13 answers · asked by Hola 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Both Amd and Intel make comparable chips. And ATI and Nvidia make comparable video cards. Most of the time the difference between them is negligible. People prefer one brand over another because of personal experience or a brand that they have always had.
Pretty much any setup will get you where you need to go. Do your homework, and don't skimp out on your holy trinity (Processor, Video card, Ram) You can choose to spend the rest of your budget on the extras if you want, but the more power you pump into those three components, the kick-assier computer you will have.
Hope this helps! :-)
2007-08-12 10:52:55 · answer #1 · answered by N2jazz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Intel Core Duo, you can get some good deals on these CPUs. Don't worry about the top CPU speed, but do get the fastest FSB speed.
Graphics, as long as it supports DirectX 9 and has 256MB of memory it's fine (ATi do a fanless version at this spec.). Get a specific brand and DirectX 10 if you require it for a particular game only, they'll be pricy and can cost your whole budget!
Buy a good case and board that can take at least 4GB RAM (you'll probably need at least 2GB installed) and has enough USB2.0 ports. Gigabyte Ethernet is nice, too. Firewire 800 only if you want to edit videos, but you can get this later as an add-on card. Get the biggest Hard Drive you can afford on your budget, this you won't regret and 500MB is a good price point for value/capacity. A DVD ReWriter (Dual Layer) is cheap (NEC are good), you shouldn't need a BluRay or HD-DVD until much later when prices drop and usefulness rises.
I'd advise on quiet fans where possible (especially on the PSU, this one is hard to change later).
2007-08-12 17:59:30 · answer #2 · answered by Hacked Off 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you want a pc thatll last? then i wouldnt recamend getting an "off the shelf" pc. i HIGLY recamend dell. they still have driver support for even their oldest desk tops.
or maybe goto your local pc techncian shop ad get one bilt to your spec.
id recamend AMD and INTEL for different things.
i personaly prefer AMD. And atm id recamend the AMD 64 duel core processer possibley at 2ghz maybe 1.7 depending how much. id use soemthing like that for gaming, multi media etc.
for a gaming pc id get a nvidia Ge-force 7200 graphics card and 2 gig ram. youd be sorted for atleast the next year and a half to two years with that set up.
if you decide to go for a Intel, got for the intel core two duo. 1.7 ghz two gig ram and nvidia geforce 7200.
but if youd want a multimedia graphics card get ati saphire.
ill inclue a AMD set up and prices to get you an idea incase you decide to get a pc built specialy for you.
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ 2.1GHz Socket AM2 Processor - Retail - $69.99
MSI K9A Platinum Socket AM2 ATI CrossFire Radeon Xpress 3200 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $124.99
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual - Retail - $89.99
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black - OEM - $35.99
Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s - OEM
- $74.99
PNY GeForce 8500GT VCG85512GXPB Video Card - Retail -$119.99
Rosewill RP600V2-S-SL 600W Power Supply - Retail
- $64.99
thats all $579 for a pc anyone would be jealous of. btw that mother boared is capable of 8 gig ram... ;] sweet as. and you got $130 to get you self a sweet case.
Enjoy your new pc man. what ever you decide... all the items listed above are from newegg.com have a look
2007-08-12 18:12:30 · answer #3 · answered by edd t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy high-priced CPUs like Intel Core 2 Duo and high-priced Motherboards like Gigabyte P35C-DS3R, and get everything else cheap. This way you can upgrade anytime you want later on. Visit your local custom computer stores to get a specific motherboard because you need a good motherboard to upgrade constantly.
Computers from companies like Dell, HP, Compaq, and so on usually have very crappy motherboard to reduce the price and make you force to buy a new computer evey few years.
2007-08-12 17:52:48 · answer #4 · answered by mrlie3 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go here:
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=7862787
and buy all those parts. I made the list all by myself.
Then we'll talk on yahoo messenger or something on how to put it together and install the OS, drivers, etc.
I promise you that this PC will be cheaper than ANY OEM pc with the same specs. I mean $25-100 in savings.
Check out this site for more info on why you should build a PC rather than buy one.
http://tinyurl.com/2q3frt
2007-08-12 18:15:38 · answer #5 · answered by blingbling064 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your price range is a bit low if you want a all around computer that won't age for some time.
If you where to purchase the parts your self you could get a pretty good computer for around $1000
From TigerDirect.com
Case $70
CD/DVD Burner $40
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz / 4MB Cache / 1066MHz FSB - $239
Seagate / Barracuda 7200.10 / 500GB / 7200 / 16MB Sata - $120
Corsair Dual Channel TWINX 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz - $85
EVGA nForce 680i SLI NVIDIA Socket 775 ATX Motherboard - $200
XFX GeForce 8600 GT XXX / 256MB DDR3 - $119
Coolmax / CR-550 / 550-Watt / ATX / 24-Pin / 140mm Fan - $49
OCZ / Vindicator / Socket 754/939/940/AM2/775 / Copper Core / CPU Cooler - $49
Total: $971
2007-08-12 17:59:02 · answer #6 · answered by Maller 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Smart decision to avoid Macs -- I prefer Intel for the processor and I would recommend HP or Dell.
2007-08-12 17:46:40 · answer #7 · answered by mdigitale 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
AMDs are better in desktops, but by game you have to be more specific, tetris or battlefield2.
Don't get an emachine, you can't upgrade them, dells do not last long. I suggest you go to a local computer shop and discuss your needs.
2007-08-12 17:48:43 · answer #8 · answered by The Question Man 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Buy a Dell. They always offer great deals at a reasonable price and they have nice computers.
2007-08-12 17:54:46 · answer #9 · answered by jtm_74 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Compaq Presario. Look at the line up @ Walmart.com. Hot computers that can be updated to keep current for years to come. Mine will hold up to four gig of ram.
2007-08-12 17:56:41 · answer #10 · answered by runner1 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋