Shopping for a computer, need some advice?

Question

I don't know all that much about computers and we are looking for a new one. We do some game play and a lot of internet searching. What are the minimum requirements I should be looking for and what should I avoid?

gateway? dell? on their websites which one is the best?

Answer 1

You are on the right track by knowing what you need a computer for. Don't get sold something you don't need and end up spending a fortune. Modern gaming can require some high spec graphics cards but remember these are expensive so only invest if you really want to play demanding titles. You can get a cheaper PC with on board graphics card but I would invest a little more for a dedicated memory card.

Avoid buying extras such as Antivirus and Firewall software as there are plenty out there that are free and do the job just as well. I use AVG antivirus and Zone Alarm firewall which can be downloaded from there websites.

Go for a dual core processor as well which are pretty much standard now.

Answer 2

A dual core processor, and a hard drive with at least 200 GB of space would be minimum. Both of these are pretty standard these days.

Since you plan to play games, make sure it has a video card and not onboard video.

Answer 3

i would be looking at a dual core processor. 2gb ram and 100gb+ hard drive.

The graphics card is what to look for depending on the games you plan on playing.

DVD burners are good to but there almost standard now

Answer 4

waiting for 3 parts for a laptop seems like overkill to me.Also 4 weeks waiting is to long.although as mentioned with air travel might have some impact. I would want to know what these parts are and probably get a second opinion. What were your fault symptoms and ask what are the parts.you will want to know how much this is going to cost.. let me know the answers if you want one or two not everyday parts I suppose so looks like having to wait. I would keep pushing them though you have a right you are the one paying

Answer 5

Knowing your needs and sticking to your guns will save you a lot of money and hassle so good for you! For what is a surfing, movies/music online and light gaming rig i would suggest a DIY system below:

Motherboard:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-ECS-A770M-A-AMD-Phenom-Athlon-64-x2-AM2-Motherboard_W0QQitemZ190186336748QQihZ009QQcategoryZ149173QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Rationale: AM2+ boards allow you to upgrade to more powerful processors in a few years time

CPU:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AMD-Athlon-64-X2-4000-Brisbane-2-1GHz-AM2-CPU-NEW_W0QQitemZ370009364514QQihZ024QQcategoryZ80139QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Rationale: Excellent price/performance ratio and meets your needs

RAM
http://cgi.ebay.com/2GB-KIT-2-X-1GB-PC5400-DDR-667-PC-5400-2048MB-2X1024MB_W0QQitemZ200187381166QQihZ010QQcategoryZ111425QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Graphics card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102103
Rationale: DirectX10 great for multi media + light gaming

Speakers
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-1-speakers-Midiland-MLI-991-computer-gaming_W0QQitemZ250200760159QQihZ015QQcategoryZ32861QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD4VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m124

Power Supply unit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817101030

Hard Disk:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136153

DVD RW:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SAMSUNG-SH-S202N-LIGHTSCRIBE-20X-18X-DVD-RW-DUAL-LAYER_W0QQitemZ150197414081QQihZ005QQcategoryZ44956QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Display
http://cgi.ebay.com/Westinghouse-19-Monitor-LCM-19v1-Silver-Black_W0QQitemZ200187481833QQihZ010QQcategoryZ41808QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Total = 420ish w/o casing & operating system (your choice)
You could further save if u have freinds who know PC assembly and a OS CD to spare *wink*