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Worries about pre-made computer.

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December 11, 2013 8:23:19 PM

After some major argument, my parents left off with either a pre made computer and not one I can build, or none at all. I didnt like the idea of getting one of those iBuyPower ones so I just scrapped the idea altogether. Now i am being presented with the news a "surprise" computer has been ordered and its making its way here on Christmas. Knowing my parents, I asked for the type of computer. They showed me this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/5150-unleashed-desktop-8gb-...
Theres something about it, though I dont know what it is, that keeps bugging me. Yes part of it is the unattractive case that Im willing to change later on but there seems to be more to it. Maybe its because Ive never used AMD or because the graphics card seems a bit off to me. Can you guys give me your insight on this?

More about : worries pre made computer

December 11, 2013 8:27:15 PM

cpu and graphics card both pretty weak IMO but for its price point its ok for a premade
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December 11, 2013 8:40:11 PM

Kind of got ripped off by about 100$ or more depending on the quality of the keyboard and mouse (couldn't find the exact case, so picked one from Inwin at the middle price)

And it is pretty easy to make a decent rig with $600 (and I doubt the parts are as good, OEM stuff is usually bought in bulk and they scrape every last penny out of it)

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2j0Fe
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2j0Fe/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2j0Fe/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-4100 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($98.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-S2P Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 6670 1GB Video Card ($60.38 @ Newegg)
Case: Inwin MANA134 ATX Mid Tower Case ($68.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $534.25
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-11 23:37 EST-0500)
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December 11, 2013 8:45:29 PM

At least they didnt pay more than it is worth. Typically PC like that are about 100 more than the parts, which is for "labor". The CPU and GPU can be replaced later if you want more performance.
Its priced right for what you get on a pre built.
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December 11, 2013 9:08:27 PM

airplanegeek said:
cpu and graphics card both pretty weak IMO but for its price point its ok for a premade


Airplanegeek is correct, the graphic is lower end as is the processor. If you are worried about AMD dependability, don't be; they make very good CPU's, just aren't as fast as i5's and i7's. The description says the cpu is unlocked, which means that, if cooling is sufficient, you can overclock it a bit.
What we aren't being told about is the power supply. At the end of this I will provide the link to the manufactures site, but it looks like the standard PSU is an Ultra 600W. The only two on their web site that I would consider dependable are the Antec 900W (way more power then you need) or the CoolerMaster 850 (and that would entirely depend on the model as many of the CM psu's of the recent past have been poor).
I mention the PSU because the video card and cpu can be upgraded in the future (like after the warranty runs out).
The rest of the computer doesn't look to bad.
One really nice thing about pre-built is usually the warranty. Hopefully your parents ALSO bought the extended warranty and Geek Squad support: not a necessity, but it's nice to be able to take an ailing machine in and let someone else fix it. I don't generally support or like extended warranties, but I feel it would be a wise consideration with this PC.
One last thing: I have used only AMD processors for all my machines. Why? I could afford them, even though several times I wanted intel. NOT one has ever given me a problem. Re. video cards: A very good friend, and my son, swear by Radeon cards and would never change.
Hope this helps. Please reply after you get it an tell us how it runs.
http://www.cybertronpc.com/customkititems~kc~gm2223a~gr...
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December 11, 2013 9:19:21 PM

you should show your parents this.

looks awesome on the out side but seriously it is a hobbled system you would be better off buying a playstation 4 it would be more powerful than that thing in its current state. the graphics card alone in the ps 4 is more powerful than the one in that system. here is build that is geared for gaming looks aside .. it will play battle field 4 or many other games on high / ultra settings for that budget. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2j1FU
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December 11, 2013 9:23:37 PM

if your worried about warranties and things of that nature most places will accept returns for parts with in the first 30 days and after that you always have manufacturers warranties.
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December 11, 2013 10:09:37 PM

so,if i understand this correctly,this is a present? suck it up princess.having been thru life at least once,i can say with a certainty,"dont look a gift horse in the mouth". once you have this computer you can always get a job and upgrade it.
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December 12, 2013 12:06:21 AM

aldan said:
so,if i understand this correctly,this is a present? suck it up princess.having been thru life at least once,i can say with a certainty,"dont look a gift horse in the mouth". once you have this computer you can always get a job and upgrade it.


GAFFS then laughs.. Yep that about sums it up!
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December 12, 2013 12:21:05 AM

Its not a particularly strong setup for the money. But then again, you haven't told us what you intend to use it for.
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December 13, 2013 9:24:23 PM

This really helps. In the end once the computer has arrived, Ill take a closer look. I think I'll end up changing the RAM to either the ones you suggested, or Corsairs. I might also change the processor to an i5 that I was originally going to buy for my rig. And I'll definitely change the graphics card to something a little better. Not sure about the PSU. The case i think Ill change it for a Cooler Master that was going to be for my original rig.
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December 13, 2013 9:29:08 PM

you cant the cpu without changing the mobo too because they have different sockets
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December 13, 2013 9:29:09 PM

you cant the cpu without changing the mobo too because they have different sockets
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December 13, 2013 10:34:28 PM

airplanegeek said:
you cant the cpu without changing the mobo too because they have different sockets


A bit confused. Can you elaborate?
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December 13, 2013 11:48:19 PM

each cpu has a different layout of the contact points on the bottom, the motherboard has a socket with the same arrangement of contacts. the FX-4100 and intel i5 use different arrangements so they aren't compatible
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December 14, 2013 1:19:00 AM

Dragavor, leave it alone. Don't break it. Based on Your posts here, You do not have the knowledge to upgrade a PC. (No offense.)
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December 14, 2013 10:00:01 PM

Agree with recycled. Its obvious that your current skill set is not yet up to the task. Your just going waste money, and possibly damage critical components.

Stop looking a gift horse in the mouth and just enjoy your new PC.
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February 28, 2014 9:49:57 AM

Dragavor, THANK YOU for picking my response as the best answer!

While it is expensive to learn PC hardware by doing, You can tinker with the software all You want. The worst case is that You would have to reinstall the Windows OS.

Edited for correction: You could also loose all Your data, so You might want to back it up before delving too far into some of the things I recommend.

I recommend Professor Messer's videos on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/professormesser
I'm using them to review for a college class (professional development class to study for the CompTIA A+ exam.)

You could follow his 802 A+ (Software) class, and learn how to do things You did not know were possible on Your PC.

His 801 A+ (hardware) class is fascinating if You can get on CraisgList and buy a few very different, very old $10 PCs to play with.

If You are looking to work with PCs, A+ Certification is a great place to start. I have seen a manager at Fry's Electronics grab someone, and almost put them in a headlock trying to "encourage" them to come to a job interview.

The downside is that it costs $180 to take the exam. Maybe You could ask Your parents for the $180?
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