Hi everyone. Sorry if I should have posted this in the Consumer Electronic / System section but I need answers quickly and thought there is more traffic in this section.
I am on a budget and would like to buy a used HP DC7100 (pre-built business grade "convertible minitower"):
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF10a/12454-12454-64287-321860-3328898-402163.html?jumpid=oc_R1002_USENC-001_HP%20Compaq%20dc7100%20Convertible%20Minitower%20PC&lang=en&cc=us
I just need to upgrade my system (still using a PII with Windows 98SE as I'm writing this...) for internet use and being able to use all the little convenient gadgets like mp3 players, cameras and flash drives.
The configuration is as follows:
PIV 3.2 GHz
512MB DDR (will upgrade to 1024)
80GB sata hard drive
Integrated 128MB video memory with a PCI-E slot
DVD ROM
Windows XP Pro SP2
I'm not a gamer but the only thing is I'd like to run Tomb Raider Anniversary just for fun on it as well as some other not so demanding 3D applications. So I'd like to install a dedicated video card.
The store I want to buy it from can upgrade the RAM to 1GB which I will ask. I asked them if it's possible to install a dedicated video card and they suggested the ATI Radeon x1650 Pro 512MB. I asked for a 8600 serie NVIDIA card but the guy told me that it needs a more powerful power supply (like 450W) but that they can install the 8500GT 256MB on it.
Which one is better in your opinion? Will it work properly on this pre-built discontinued HP model or do I run the risk of ending up with blue screens of death and other annoyances? Is this a good deal? (They ask $285 without the video card and memory upgrade)
Thank you
Frankie
I am on a budget and would like to buy a used HP DC7100 (pre-built business grade "convertible minitower"):
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF10a/12454-12454-64287-321860-3328898-402163.html?jumpid=oc_R1002_USENC-001_HP%20Compaq%20dc7100%20Convertible%20Minitower%20PC&lang=en&cc=us
I just need to upgrade my system (still using a PII with Windows 98SE as I'm writing this...) for internet use and being able to use all the little convenient gadgets like mp3 players, cameras and flash drives.
The configuration is as follows:
PIV 3.2 GHz
512MB DDR (will upgrade to 1024)
80GB sata hard drive
Integrated 128MB video memory with a PCI-E slot
DVD ROM
Windows XP Pro SP2
I'm not a gamer but the only thing is I'd like to run Tomb Raider Anniversary just for fun on it as well as some other not so demanding 3D applications. So I'd like to install a dedicated video card.
The store I want to buy it from can upgrade the RAM to 1GB which I will ask. I asked them if it's possible to install a dedicated video card and they suggested the ATI Radeon x1650 Pro 512MB. I asked for a 8600 serie NVIDIA card but the guy told me that it needs a more powerful power supply (like 450W) but that they can install the 8500GT 256MB on it.
Which one is better in your opinion? Will it work properly on this pre-built discontinued HP model or do I run the risk of ending up with blue screens of death and other annoyances? Is this a good deal? (They ask $285 without the video card and memory upgrade)
Thank you
Frankie