Is this good enough?
Getting a New Computer Soon
Monday, April 14, 2008 by Xiandi | Discussion: Personal Computing
I need some advice. I know next to nothing about computer specs, but I'm planning on getting a new computer soon. I realize that it will probably have Vista on it so it will need lots of RAM, but thats about all I know.
My son was looking up different computers and comparing prices, etc. This is one of the options he came up with.
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Hp s3400z Computer
Windows Vista Home Premium w/Service Pack 1
2.3 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ dual-core processor
3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM
256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400-HD, DVI, VGA adapter, HDMI video card
No Modem (not sure if important info)
320 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive
LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/- R/RW SuperMulti drive
15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, headphone port
Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/front audio ports sound card
price includes free shipping
$539.99
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Do you think this is a good deal? Is it going to be good enough for what I want to do? Would you change anything on it?
I have specs on a more expensive computer too but was wondering if this one would *do it* for me. Most of the time I use it for skinning and web surfing, but I would like to be able to play games and watch movies on it too (not something I can do with my current computer).
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Reply #23 Monday, April 14, 2008 10:49 PM
Reply #25 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:41 AM
Reply #26 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:44 AM
Reply #27 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:35 AM
I dont trust ebay and I dont think you want to build your own however I would look for other companies a little less mainstream but sence your going for a cheeper end computer thats probably fine. I notice HP and Dell charge over the top prices on performace goods I am not sure about the lower end i would recomend either getting 2 or 4 gigs of ram 3 will not work well i cant remember why it has to do with frequencies or voltage but you wont get the most out of it if you dont have a even number. I dont have the HP site up but try putting a 8800GT in it that is a exelent card for most anything and its cheep.
Reply #28 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:36 AM
Unless you know what you're doing, home built is not the best way to go. Yes I do agree I'd rather build it myself than buy some prebuilt crap, but for someone who just wants to get on the net and check email, prebuilt would be easier, especially since they'll be getting a warranty and support whereas home built you don't (hence needing to know what you're doing).
Reply #29 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:39 AM
Reply #30 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 8:11 AM
Furthermore, these smaller stores are often better on price than larger retailers/department stores. It is my experience that they generally offer more personalised service/better after sales support because it's their bread and butter and want you to return.
Just a thought.
Reply #31 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:21 PM
I doubt you could build that HP system for $539 from parts bought elsewhere
Reply #32 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 6:47 PM
Case: Linkworld 431-06 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - WWW Link
Motherboard and OS Combo: GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 AMD 690V Micro ATX AMD Motherboard and Windows Vista Home Premium Combo - WWW Link
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Brisbane 2.3GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - WWW Link
Memory: Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) X 3 - WWW Link
DVD Burner: LITE-ON Black 20X SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - WWW Link
Hard Drive: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA Hard Drive - WWW Link
Video Card: BIOSTAR V8402GL26 GeForce 8400GS 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - WWW Link
Card Reader: SABRENT 65-in-1 Card Reader w/ USB 2.0 Port - WWW Link
Grand Total - $476.89 plus Shipping
And the satisfaction of building it yourself. If you were to go for a few cheaper parts you could save even more. I had the total down to around 350 dollars the day on a simular build. I'm pretty sure Ebay would be even cheaper as well.
Reply #33 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 6:49 PM
Reply #34 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 6:50 PM
Reply #37 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:51 PM
Reply #39 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:55 PM
In which case, just stick with 2gb since 64bit is a can of worms you don't need to open, especially for what you plan to do with the machine. Both my machines (XP Pro and Vista Home Premium) are running on 2gb ram.
Reply #40 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 8:01 PM
I have time still to get all this together. I'll check out your links Kona, maybe I'll learn a thing or two in the process. Thanks to all of you for your input!
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Reply #21 Monday, April 14, 2008 9:43 PM
Get a widescreen LCD, that's the only thing I would recommend.