Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Simaril on July 08, 2006, 06:33:53 PM
-
I've coaxied an old machine along for years, including upgrades to the CPU, added drives, add memory....but its definitely about as cutting edge as a butter knife. I've been saving pocket change, I've hoarded the game pay from occasional ref stints.....and I've gotten clearance from our family's in house accountant to pck up the balance for a new system.
I'm wondering what specs you guys would recommend.
Some background. When I buy stuff, I dont generally find the premium for top-of-the-line to be worth it to me. So, I'm definitely not a mercedes guy, or even a Lexus guy -- I go for the upper end Honda, nicely equipped. Reliability and minimal hassle are important, after some negative experiences with other systems. At the same time, I would NOT be happy with the computer equivalent of a Dodge Neon. There's no way I want to get something and find I've outgrown it in a few months.
I am open to building a system, though frankly when I checked into in last time around I found the cost awfully close to getting a similarly equipped machine pre-built, and the hassle/frustration factor of a build swayed my decision away. Getting into the guts doesnt intimidate me at all.
My previous purchases have been Gateways or more recently Dells. I got an Alienware laptop with replaceable video card, but even with that upgrade, 1Gig RAM, 3.0GHz CPU it has troubel with AH. (That baby cost me innumerable hours on tech support too.....)
So, now I'm looking at a total cost of $2500 or under. I'm specifically hoping for a larger LCD screen, 19" or more resolution 1200 or 1600. I expect 2GIG RAM, and 200GB HD. Gaming is the most demanding thing I do with my machines, since work software is pretty pedestrian. I may do some digital editing, but otherwise media isnt a big deal. I'm happy with my Boston 3.1 speakers, and dont require upgrade there -- especially since I've usually got the headset on!
Some specific questions:
Dual Core, or faster single core?
AMD or Intel?
Who are reliable and reasonable AMD builders?
What video cards are higher end values?
Is it better to get dual card, or faster single -- cost being comparable?
And for HTC, is dual core support in the future for AH? Will Vistacrap be required for AH forseeably?
Thanks all!
-
Unless your unhappy with dell's I recomend a XPS system. I just bought a Dell my self
3.0 Ghz Dual-Core
1 Gig of Ram
128 Meg Vid Card (Upgrading that soon went cheap on that so I can get one I actually wanted)
19 Inch Flat Pannel Monitor (1280x1024) (for another 40 bucks or something you can get a higher Res Monitor)
Lots of USB ports...
And some other non important things... But over all it only cost me a little over a $1,000.00
Compared to my 1.0 Ghz I gig ram computer it runs AH wonderfully
(And mind you, I only went with the E510 system, I was on a real tight budget mind you) So Im sure if you went with one of their actual Gaming systems and Customized it to your liking you'll get a great deal.
Of course this is my First Dell, And Im not sure how its going to hold up in the long run.. And QUIET?? I can't even tell this PC is on except for the little LED telling me it is
-
Check the hardware forum. There are lots of past posts that discuss this sort of thing.
-
Originally posted by eagl
Check the hardware forum. There are lots of past posts that discuss this sort of thing.
Oops. Sorry.
Skuzzy, how about moving the thread if you would?
-
Sim the only thing I would recommend is hold on a bit longer.
Intel and Amd has new stuff OTW.
Heck this will give ya more time to make the $$ pool bigger also.
Bronk
-
I n=know what you're saying, but ....isnt there ALWAYS new stuff coming? Or is the new stuff grondbreaking?
-
Think quad core for Amd and Intel's new chip is suppose to kick the watermelon out of an FX62.
Kev has a post in the hardware forum.
Amd suppose to be setting up for ddr3 ram also.
Bronk
-
Saw a nice 19" LCD in Fry's today for $199 after mail in rebate.
3ms response.
-
Please don't buy Pc's in a box ie: Dell.
-
Originally posted by Strykar1
Unless your unhappy with dell's I recomend a XPS system. I just bought a Dell my self
3.0 Ghz Dual-Core
1 Gig of Ram
128 Meg Vid Card (Upgrading that soon went cheap on that so I can get one I actually wanted)
19 Inch Flat Pannel Monitor (1280x1024) (for another 40 bucks or something you can get a higher Res Monitor)
Lots of USB ports...
And some other non important things... But over all it only cost me a little over a $1,000.00
Compared to my 1.0 Ghz I gig ram computer it runs AH wonderfully
(And mind you, I only went with the E510 system, I was on a real tight budget mind you) So Im sure if you went with one of their actual Gaming systems and Customized it to your liking you'll get a great deal.
Of course this is my First Dell, And Im not sure how its going to hold up in the long run.. And QUIET?? I can't even tell this PC is on except for the little LED telling me it is
Upgrade the card, good luck in finding a Power supply to fit.
-
If you can build a PC (which isn't very difficult) I would suggest that.
When you purchase a boxed PC just about everything in it is OEM including windows. The version of Windows you get is made for Dell. Dell tells microsoft what they want and what would be in a full blown version might not be in the Dell. Nothing wrong with OEM mind you as long as it's not made for a specific manufacturer.
When you build you chose your case. You can use that case for years. Why? Because you can replace the mobo, cpu, and type of memory. when you purchase off the shelf you're pretty much stuck with it the way it is. Upgrading is nearly impossible.
There are many on these Boards such as Roscoroo, Whels, Kev367 and StarofAfrica and many more that can answer any questions you may have about building your own and the advantages of doing so.
I built my first one years ago and now I build them for others also. If I can do it I'm sure you can....I've only got three brain cells left and I have to share.
-
I have had lots of good luck with Dells (hundreds of them including business use), have several at home, use one now as my main gaming system (a Dimension 9150 with Pentium D) and would get a Dell again for my next computer. I typically buy Dimensions, but buy them with low-end PCIe graphics cards and then buy an OEM graphics card of my choice that is much higher performance.
-
LOL For 2500 bucks you can build a KICK bellybutton system!! (Or Buy one)
-
Originally posted by Masherbrum
Upgrade the card, good luck in finding a Power supply to fit.
Card is being upgraded, And With some research I have found 500 watt supplies that do work for my type of dell.. Apparently someone out there was smart enough to realize that DELL power supplies can only be obtained through dell. And the price isnt bad either. Seen many people on the DELL forums recomend it. Thanks for the Advice though
-
Build yer own...
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/06/12/your_diy_gaming_rig_for_720/
-
Originally posted by Strykar1
Card is being upgraded, And With some research I have found 500 watt supplies that do work for my type of dell.. Apparently someone out there was smart enough to realize that DELL power supplies can only be obtained through dell. And the price isnt bad either. Seen many people on the DELL forums recomend it. Thanks for the Advice though
Make sure it has a good amp draw. While it may be a 500W it may not have the quality of an Antec, Thermaltake, etc.
I built mine (3500+, 7900GT) for $905 at www.cyberpower.com (http://www.cyberpower.com) and couldn't be happier.
-
Originally posted by Strykar1
Apparently someone out there was smart enough to realize that DELL power supplies can only be obtained through dell.
The Dell I've got can take any standard-format power supply. You don't have to buy it from Dell. Same for the Dell I had before this one.
-
Now that this thread's in the hardware forum (sorry I put it in the wrong place at first) -----
Rosco Whels, Kev367, and StarOfAfrica ---
I've heard you guys are experienced builders. I have no problem with the actual build, but I guess I want to be sure: do you really get more machine for less, or does the bulk discount Dell gets and we dont make it hard to compete costwise? Last time I was in the market I ran the numbers, priced parts and OS through NewEgg, and found the build couldnt compete.
I am NOT a "gotta have a Ferrari" guy. I'm loking for reliable, cost effective, and comfortably fast performance. I'd been leaning towards a Dell gaming system....should I change my mind?
-
Originally posted by Simaril
I am NOT a "gotta have a Ferrari" guy. I'm loking for reliable, cost effective, and comfortably fast performance. I'd been leaning towards a Dell gaming system....should I change my mind?
That's why I get Dell Dimensions. Good enough performance for good enough price, and much lower hassle.
-
Sim
I could go on and on with some tips on a new system.
but i dont have the time.
I have build lots of Pc's for other people
send me a Email and I'll contact you directly if you wish
However If you take on this task by yourself Here is what to look for.
1st AMD or Intel for a CPU
2nd Video Card the more expensive the better but do not try and buy anything over $600 its a waste and it will come down in price
3rd RAM 1 to 2 gigs recommended Pc3200 or BETTER or DDR2
4th Harddrive look for SATA HD with a 3/mbs transfer rate ( not at all expensive) or a Parrallel HD
5th Motherboard Everyone has there OPINION on these
Mine is the GIGABYTE boards.
but what u need to look for is I/O ports how mant PCI/USB/AGP/PCIx
the more the better espeacially USB also consider Chipset Intel SUCKS
Nvidia or Via ect. are the choices.
Now SHOP SHOP AND SHOP around someone hase the same part you need at a cheaper price that $600 vid card u may get at $300
Last but not least The CASE
The CASE is and Extension of your Personallity and its FUNCTION is a big part get a case thats you but remember u need to have as many FANS in it to ALso 550watt or better Powersupply
Keep it COOL!!
Good luck and feel free to ask me anything!!
-
Some Dell cases will take a standard PSU, Some will not, and the only vendor for those that are up to snuff is PC Power and Cooling. Very Good true, but also very expensive as well.
-
ALSO
It is in my opinion that you can have a much better system
and have more Control over it if you build it
Only buy these ready to go PC's if u don't want to bother building or can't
Because believe me I can build a better cheaper system then Dell, HP or any other company.
Dont buy into the hype thats why we BUILD !!!
-
Originally posted by BigR
LOL For 2500 bucks you can build a KICK bellybutton system!! (Or Buy one)
Where the heck did you buy your parts? I built a top-end system for just under 1k... :huh
-
i went with the dell E510 system. Went to Dell outlet and got a ordered system that was never ship for less than $450. I did add a 7900 GT OC Card/ there is a 400W PS that will work with the E510 for less than $40.
One thing to remember if you only play Ah is that the CPU is moore importent then the Video card, you would not see much differents between a 850/7600/7900 card in AH. Other games you would.
-
I like the Dell Dimension series the best, as those seem the cheapest Dells for what you get. These days, you have to go to the "small business" section to find some of them -- they aren't all listed in the "home and home office" section for desktops.