Looking to buy a new computer - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

holtmate · 08-14-2004, 06:03 PM

All right...since the community was a great help in my search for a new car, I have another question: What type of system should I buy?
I have waaay too many consoles, so I don't want a gaming computer. I want a system for surfing the 'net, listening to music, burning cds, possibly watching dvds, and some basic MS Office stuff.
I know I would like an above-average soundcard, but I really don't know enough about everything else. I know this is pretty vague, but any help would be appreciated.
I'm looking to spend around $1,000-1,500 on the CPU. The monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc. are all things I need, but can probably take care of without much help.

I know I should probably stay away from the chain stores, but are there any other places to look online that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Tab · 08-14-2004, 06:29 PM

Well. . .since you mentioned that you dont know much about computers, and all you want to do is surf the net and listen to music yada yada yada. Youd probably be better off to go out and buy a dell you can pick a decent non gaming system for like 500 bucks american.

holtmate · 08-14-2004, 06:48 PM

I'm sorry...I guess I was a little too vague. I know enough about computers to be dangerous, but I'm not familiar with the differences between AMDs, Pentiums, etc. I didn't know if there were any processors suited for general computing more than others. I want to see if anyone has any recommendations on CD/CD-R/RW/DVD drives. I think that a Dell/Gateway system would probably be my best bet, but I was just looking for other ideas.

Trisk · 08-14-2004, 07:06 PM

Alright...

For the processor...I would say go with a Pentium 4. Don't get a Celeron. You won't need a super-fast one though. 2 GHZ + should be fine, but I believe most places sell 2.8 GHZ as a minimum, so get that.

Even though you won't be gaming, if you plan on multi-tasking, getting 512 ram does wonders. However...for your uses 256 ram is fine.

40 GB is probably fine too. Make sure you get 7200 rpm though. I doubt they try to do this in desktops anymore, but some lower end machines might try to slip in a 5400 (?) rpm hd. Just watch out for this.

Your video card probably won't matter...but I usually try to avoid integrated video cards. It shouldn't cost too much extra (at dell it's $50 extra) to get a seperate Gforce 5200FX video card...but again, for your uses, it probably won't matter too much (it might affect some movies actually, but I'm not sure).

Hmm...if you want a floppy drive, look out for that. It's not a standard part anymore and I always find that useful to have so just make sure that comes with the computer.

As for your sound card...if you want to make sure you get good sound quality, get a Soundblaster Audigy 2. The computer I have right now has a Soundblaster Live! and I find that to be fine, but if music will be one of the main uses for your computer, it couldn't hurt to pay extra for good sound quality, right?
And make sure you get some decent speakers to go with it. Surround-sound ones are useless unless you'll be using things made specifically for them, so getting a nice 2-speaker set for $60 is fine.

Uhh...I think that's it.

Oh...if you want to watch movies and stuff on your computer, bigger is always better for the moniter.

*Edit* I posted that before seeing your second post. I'm not sure if you wanted information other than what I just said...

The difference between AMD and Intel...eh...it's mostly just a matter of personal preference but most people think that the newer Intel Pentium 4s are better than the newer AMD Athlon XP line. HOWEVER, the AMD 64-bit has distinct advantages over the Pentium 4 in some areas. It's really not worth getting the 64-bit though, for what you're using it for.

As for cd-rw drives and whatnot...well, I'd say Dell is your best bet for what you want out of your computer and I don't think dell lets you customize brands for that...

Stompy · 08-14-2004, 09:06 PM

A system for what you wanna do... very cheap.

(Prices based on athlon xp)

Case w/ PSU - $30-50
Mobo (integrated sound/nic) - $50
Processor - $50-100
RAM (512) - $75
80 gig HD - $50 (160 gig drives go for $90)
Video card - $50 (?) unless you get integrated. If it's integrated on an asus motherboard, you should be good to go. Integrated Nforce chipsets are like having a stock GeForce 4 MX.

DVD/CD writer - $30-70 (DVD burner is $70)

Total - $445 (about)

Intel chips handle multimedia better than AMD chips, but... if you're just listening to music, running office, and playing DVDs, an Athlon XP should be decent. The only time it's noticable or when one would REALLY care is if you're making something like a PVR (Tivo type system) that relies heavily on video/audio encoding and playback.

The debate rages on as to which manufacturer is better, but in my experience in working with Intel/AMD every day, I prefer AMD. They just run a lot better, IMO (a bit hotter than intel, yes, but better performance wise). Athlon XP 3200 will perform ON PAR with a P4 3.2 ghz and is MUCH cheaper.

If you want a monitor.. I think decent 19" goes for around $200, or you could get a flat panel since you initially expected to pay around $1000-1500.

But damn, for 1500 on a CPU, you could get an Athlon 64 3200 w/ a good cooling fan, 1.5 GB ram, 160 GB drive, Nvidia 6800 GT (bad ass graphics card), SB Audigy 2, Surround sound speakers... hell, you'd have a VERY nice CPU if you want it to be in the $1000-1500 range (which is honestly a bit overkill, but hey, the power is DAMN nice), but again, for what you want, $1000-1500 is WAY too much.

Hell, even $600 for a case and all the goodies is too much. Generally a pretty up-to-date system will cost you around $400-500 (not including monitor)

[edit]
http://www.newegg.com is by far the best place to buy computer products from. VERY cheap, and very good reputation.

G5_Todd · 08-17-2004, 01:19 AM

http://www.falcon-nw.com/talon.asp

althou none of those packages come with a monitor you can add one for a reasonable price.......

thats the 1k to 2k price range....

if you want to be thrilled look at the mach5 systems....

i have a mach 5 that is a lil over 2 years old and runs GRRRREAAAT....

but when a new mobo comes out that i have been waiting for ill be getting a new mach5 i cant wait.....

justin@knac · 08-18-2004, 10:43 PM

Wow youre gonna spend that much and build it? Get the best Intel chip with at least 500 mhz mobo. Buy fast SCSI drives and fit it with min 1.5 gig of ram. Get the top ATI card.
Jack that thing out man you won't go wrong.

/dreams he could afford above

08-14-2004, 06:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
holtmate Flailing White Boy Location: Cincinnati	Looking to buy a new computer All right...since the community was a great help in my search for a new car, I have another question: What type of system should I buy? I have waaay too many consoles, so I don't want a gaming computer. I want a system for surfing the 'net, listening to music, burning cds, possibly watching dvds, and some basic MS Office stuff. I know I would like an above-average soundcard, but I really don't know enough about everything else. I know this is pretty vague, but any help would be appreciated. I'm looking to spend around $1,000-1,500 on the CPU. The monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc. are all things I need, but can probably take care of without much help. I know I should probably stay away from the chain stores, but are there any other places to look online that you could recommend? Thanks in advance! __________________ "Give her your coat" "Why me?" "Because you're perfect." "You have a point there."

08-14-2004, 06:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
holtmate Flailing White Boy Location: Cincinnati	I'm sorry...I guess I was a little too vague. I know enough about computers to be dangerous, but I'm not familiar with the differences between AMDs, Pentiums, etc. I didn't know if there were any processors suited for general computing more than others. I want to see if anyone has any recommendations on CD/CD-R/RW/DVD drives. I think that a Dell/Gateway system would probably be my best bet, but I was just looking for other ideas. __________________ "Give her your coat" "Why me?" "Because you're perfect." "You have a point there."

08-14-2004, 07:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
Trisk Insane	Alright... For the processor...I would say go with a Pentium 4. Don't get a Celeron. You won't need a super-fast one though. 2 GHZ + should be fine, but I believe most places sell 2.8 GHZ as a minimum, so get that. Even though you won't be gaming, if you plan on multi-tasking, getting 512 ram does wonders. However...for your uses 256 ram is fine. 40 GB is probably fine too. Make sure you get 7200 rpm though. I doubt they try to do this in desktops anymore, but some lower end machines might try to slip in a 5400 (?) rpm hd. Just watch out for this. Your video card probably won't matter...but I usually try to avoid integrated video cards. It shouldn't cost too much extra (at dell it's $50 extra) to get a seperate Gforce 5200FX video card...but again, for your uses, it probably won't matter too much (it might affect some movies actually, but I'm not sure). Hmm...if you want a floppy drive, look out for that. It's not a standard part anymore and I always find that useful to have so just make sure that comes with the computer. As for your sound card...if you want to make sure you get good sound quality, get a Soundblaster Audigy 2. The computer I have right now has a Soundblaster Live! and I find that to be fine, but if music will be one of the main uses for your computer, it couldn't hurt to pay extra for good sound quality, right? And make sure you get some decent speakers to go with it. Surround-sound ones are useless unless you'll be using things made specifically for them, so getting a nice 2-speaker set for $60 is fine. Uhh...I think that's it. Oh...if you want to watch movies and stuff on your computer, bigger is always better for the moniter. Edit I posted that before seeing your second post. I'm not sure if you wanted information other than what I just said... The difference between AMD and Intel...eh...it's mostly just a matter of personal preference but most people think that the newer Intel Pentium 4s are better than the newer AMD Athlon XP line. HOWEVER, the AMD 64-bit has distinct advantages over the Pentium 4 in some areas. It's really not worth getting the 64-bit though, for what you're using it for. As for cd-rw drives and whatnot...well, I'd say Dell is your best bet for what you want out of your computer and I don't think dell lets you customize brands for that... Last edited by Trisk; 08-14-2004 at 07:16 PM..

08-14-2004, 09:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	A system for what you wanna do... very cheap. (Prices based on athlon xp) Case w/ PSU - $30-50 Mobo (integrated sound/nic) - $50 Processor - $50-100 RAM (512) - $75 80 gig HD - $50 (160 gig drives go for $90) Video card - $50 (?) unless you get integrated. If it's integrated on an asus motherboard, you should be good to go. Integrated Nforce chipsets are like having a stock GeForce 4 MX. DVD/CD writer - $30-70 (DVD burner is $70) Total - $445 (about) Intel chips handle multimedia better than AMD chips, but... if you're just listening to music, running office, and playing DVDs, an Athlon XP should be decent. The only time it's noticable or when one would REALLY care is if you're making something like a PVR (Tivo type system) that relies heavily on video/audio encoding and playback. The debate rages on as to which manufacturer is better, but in my experience in working with Intel/AMD every day, I prefer AMD. They just run a lot better, IMO (a bit hotter than intel, yes, but better performance wise). Athlon XP 3200 will perform ON PAR with a P4 3.2 ghz and is MUCH cheaper. If you want a monitor.. I think decent 19" goes for around $200, or you could get a flat panel since you initially expected to pay around $1000-1500. But damn, for 1500 on a CPU, you could get an Athlon 64 3200 w/ a good cooling fan, 1.5 GB ram, 160 GB drive, Nvidia 6800 GT (bad ass graphics card), SB Audigy 2, Surround sound speakers... hell, you'd have a VERY nice CPU if you want it to be in the $1000-1500 range (which is honestly a bit overkill, but hey, the power is DAMN nice), but again, for what you want, $1000-1500 is WAY too much. Hell, even $600 for a case and all the goodies is too much. Generally a pretty up-to-date system will cost you around $400-500 (not including monitor) [edit] http://www.newegg.com is by far the best place to buy computer products from. VERY cheap, and very good reputation. __________________ I love lamp. Last edited by Stompy; 08-14-2004 at 09:15 PM..

08-18-2004, 10:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
justin@knac Upright	Holtmat Wow youre gonna spend that much and build it? Get the best Intel chip with at least 500 mhz mobo. Buy fast SCSI drives and fit it with min 1.5 gig of ram. Get the top ATI card. Jack that thing out man you won't go wrong. /dreams he could afford above

08-14-2004, 06:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tab Upright	Well. . .since you mentioned that you dont know much about computers, and all you want to do is surf the net and listen to music yada yada yada. Youd probably be better off to go out and buy a dell you can pick a decent non gaming system for like 500 bucks american.

08-17-2004, 01:19 AM	#6 (permalink)
G5_Todd Junkie Location: Reichstag	http://www.falcon-nw.com/talon.asp althou none of those packages come with a monitor you can add one for a reasonable price....... thats the 1k to 2k price range.... if you want to be thrilled look at the mach5 systems.... i have a mach 5 that is a lil over 2 years old and runs GRRRREAAAT.... but when a new mobo comes out that i have been waiting for ill be getting a new mach5 i cant wait.....