Done my research just need some last min advice

Hi all,

I've done quite a bit of research before deciding on a new machine. I finally know the difference between memory and hard drive space, the different types of video cards and what they do, CPUs duo and quad, etc.

Ok, so I'm close to a middle aged woman who knows very little about the innards of computers but likes to play computer games and I need your help!

I haven't been able to play a newer game on my unit now (HP Pavilion 8765c straight from the box with some added memory) for a couple of years. I'm not a heavy duty gamer, but if I get something current, I want to be able to play it on high res., etc. I know that a game like Cysis may not be possible but I would hope most others will be.

So, I have configured an HP m9100t and a Dell XPS420 right around $1300.00. (see specs below) My question and comments are:

1) The HP has a 512MB 8800GT but the CPU is a 2 Duo E6750. The Dell has the slightly better (according to Tom's charts) E6850 CPU but with the lesser 256MB 8600GTS and no better upgrade available. I'm not sure which to go with. I'm thinking the HP with a better graphics card is more important at this point.

2) The HP has a non-opt out of ATSC-NTSC TV Tuner which I won't need, but perhaps in the future?

3) I could go with a guad on either one of these for the same price, but for current games it seem duo is still the way to go. I'm not that big of a gamer that I will continue "upgrading" my games. I just would like to play the ones available now.

4) I could go to CyperPower, but all of those configurations confuse me! Might be less expensive with more options, but I’m not sure about their quality or warranty. And my little current HP has done very well. Any input?

Anyhow, I'm leaning towards the HP...what do you all think? Here are the specs...

HP:
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) edit
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E6750 (2.66GHz) edit
Memory FREE UPGRADE to 3GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024,2x512) from 2GB edit
Graphics Card 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT, 2 DVI, TV-Out edit
Networking No Modem edit
Hard Drive 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive edit
Primary CD/DVD Drive LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive edit
Secondary CD/DVD Drive 16x max. DVD-ROM edit
Front Productivity Ports 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, video, audio edit
TV & Entertainment Experience ATSC-NTSC TV tuner with PVR, FM tuner, remote edit
Sound Card Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio edit
Security Software Norton Internet Security(TM) 2008 - 15 Months edit
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0 edit
Speakers HP stereo speakers with subwoofer and remote (2.1) edit
Keyboard and Mouse HP multimedia keyboard and HP optical mouse edit


and here is the Dell:

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support
MEMORY 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs edit
HARD DRIVE 500GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache edit
OPTICAL DRIVE Dual Drives: 48x Combo + 16x DVD+/-RW w/ dbl layer write capable
MONITORS No Monitor
VIDEO CARD 256MB nVidia GeForce 8600 GTS
SOUND CARD Integrated Sound Blaster®Audigy™ HD Software Edition
KEYBOARD Dell USB Enhanced Multimedia Keyboard
MOUSE Dell Optical USB Mouse
FLOPPY & MEDIA READER No Floppy Drive or Media Reader Included
WI-FI AND MODEM 56K PCI Data Fax Modem
My Software & Accessories
SPEAKERS Dell A525 30 Watt 2.1 Stereo Speakers with Subwoofer
ADOBE ELEMENTS STUDIO Adobe Elements Studio for XPS™ 420
ANTI-VIRUS & SECURITY Trend Micro Internet Security 15-months
PRODUCTIVITY Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD


Any input is appreciated!

Stacey

It might not be an upgrade if you are loosing 600mhz

absolutely go with the 8800gt, check the charts - you'll see what a difference it makes, where as the CPU dif is miniscule

and now i have to do the inevitable thing and shout at you for not building it yourself
edit: I suppose the only possible problem with the HP, is if they've built it shoddily, the 8800gt may cause quite a lot of heat, but if you have a warranty then, meh

Yeah - you may need at least 500W PSU. The one listed there is 350W

I agree, go 32-bit.

Go with the 512mb GT as well. For games you don't want to give up a good video card for a slightly better processor.

I'd go with 550ish

This has got to be one of the most helpful forums out there!

Thanks for the configurations from the other sites. I am tempted to go with CyberPower, but people are telling me to stay with a "trusted" retailer such as HP.

Can anyone comment on CyberPowers reliability, customer service and warranty?

I have a cyberpower at the moment. I only have bought one computer from them so I can't speak for any others that may have got dud equipment. Runs pretty good, and was a really good price (around 500 cheaper than from dell.) I would try to stay away from HP unless you need their "services".

I purchased a cyberpower once, just once. When I received the pc, I had to open the case to hook up front panel. Upon opening, I found out I didn't have the memory I ordered. It was slower. Hard drive? wrong! ATA instead of SATA. Contacted cyberpower they told me they were sorry they just couldn't get what I wanted. But they did adjust the billing. I'm sorry just not good enough. So beware!

That sure bites. I had the same problem with my local shop, but they did call me and offer alternatives, they didn't just go ahead and make changes by themselves.

1) Stay away from aftermarket CPU coolers, as almost all lack the secondary component cooling function of "downdraft-style" coolers such as the Intel OEM cooler. Especially on an nVidia chipset board, you want to be sure the northbridge and PWM area stay cool. You'll be able to overclock that CPU a fair amount with the Intel cooler, so stick with it.

2) I'd sure prefer a Seagate hard drive, which has a 5-year warranty, instead of the 3-year-warranty WD drive.

3) 3 years can be a long time in the small-PC-company business. Is their warranty backed by a bond/service contract so you're still covered if they go out of business in the next 3 years?