Hello everyone,
My computer that I've had for 9 years recently died on me, and I've been searching for a while for a new prebuilt computer that will last me another 9 years. I've become frustrated and overwhelmed because I lack the technical knowledge (and the desire to learn a great deal of it) to ensure that I get that computer that's going to last those 9 years. So I'm hoping you gurus in here will help me in finding a company to build it for me and specific builds from said companies that meet my requirements while giving me what will hopefully be a long-lasting computer. If you want to discuss this via email-you can
email me at Dandragons@aol.com
*Please don't suggest I build my own-yes I know it would be cheaper, but I lack the desire and technical knowledge to build one so want a company with good tech support for any problems I might have with the new computer*
Budget: I'd like to keep it under $1,000 or very very close to that.
Computer Needs: #1 need will be for gaming. So need a lot of hard drive space for games. I'm not a "high-maintenace" kind of gamer-so I DON'T need dual monitors, overclocking, top of the line parts, etc. I just need a computer that will not struggle to play games like Civilization 5 (especially as I get further and further into a game there), and many different MMO's with an eye towards being able to play games coming out in the future comfortably. #2 need will be surfing the internet so a computer able to access webpages and sites smoothly and quickly, #3 need will be watching videos/TV episodes online.
Company: Here I come up with my first big hurdle. I really want a company with good technical support, preferably American/Canadian support not outsourced to Asia. That likely leaves out the bigger names like HP, Dell, etc. Actually the closest I've come to finding a computer that meets most of my needs has been HP's Elite series, but not much in the way of customization, not very strong power supplies, and a bad customer support encounter already with them makes me leery. If things have gotten better with the more well-known companies then please let me know. I've been to a lot of smaller companies
sites in the past that have some good recommendations but so many options and customizations that I'm instantly lost. So if you can suggest good companies here and maybe walk me through some of the builds on those sites that would be great.
Case: This is probably the part I have the least knowledge about, and the least desire to learn more. I just want a case that's very easy to open and access things inside and provide good airflow and cooling. Don't want to spend a lot of money here. Not picky about color or design, though if its blue and/or grey, that'd be cool. Need lots of USB ports with it.
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Processor: AMD Phenom. Can go as low as X4 620 all the way up to the new X6's depending on price and what you think best given my needs and price limits.
Memory: At least 4GB-DDR3 and hopefully more depending on price.
Hard Drive: At least 500GB drive, I have an 500GB External one already.
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon man here, 1GB 5750 or more, depending on price and what fits best for my needs as you see it. Being good for games is essential
Sound: Clueless here and sound has never been a big deal to me. I'm fine with integrated sound. I have a very old set of speakers/subwoofer, so can use those, or if you have a cheap yet good alternate that's fine too.
Optical Drive: Don't know much about them, just want a speedy DVD/RW one that can handle games/movies/tv episodes. Doesn't need to be Blu-Ray.
Wireless Network Card: I have a wireless Network (D-Link) here so need a solid reliable Wireless-N card.
Memory Card Reader: Just a solid 15-1 or more (or maybe 10-1?)
Keyboard/Mouse: I have an old Microsoft Wireless Keyboard and Mouse I can use and like, but if good price on a new set. could go for new ones. Just need the basic keyboard not one of those fancy gaming ones. Same with the Mouse.
WebCam: This is not a necessity, never had one, but have wanted to try one. Something easy to use, is it possible to post images from a webcam online? if so, one that can handle this. But really this is just a luxury, not a necessity.
Monitor: I have an older, small monitor that I would like to replace because it came with none of the buttons labelled and they are black on a black monitor screen, so can't read them. But price may be an issue here, so can stay with the old one if this helps out in other areas price wise. Again not looking at anything fancy here-just a solid reliable easy to use (and viewable buttons!) that will make my games look pretty and be able to show movies/videos/tv episodes on. Probably nothing smaller than 20 inches here, more would be nice.
Power Supply: At least 400W here, preferably more.
Sure I'm forgetting something here, feel free to ask questions if you think I've left something out. I don't mind if you try to talk me into a specific say Radeon card, but I'm pretty set on the general brand names of parts I want. Appreciate any help/advice you can give me here. Just remember I'm not going to be all that knowledgeable about some things.
Dan
My computer that I've had for 9 years recently died on me, and I've been searching for a while for a new prebuilt computer that will last me another 9 years. I've become frustrated and overwhelmed because I lack the technical knowledge (and the desire to learn a great deal of it) to ensure that I get that computer that's going to last those 9 years. So I'm hoping you gurus in here will help me in finding a company to build it for me and specific builds from said companies that meet my requirements while giving me what will hopefully be a long-lasting computer. If you want to discuss this via email-you can
email me at Dandragons@aol.com
*Please don't suggest I build my own-yes I know it would be cheaper, but I lack the desire and technical knowledge to build one so want a company with good tech support for any problems I might have with the new computer*
Budget: I'd like to keep it under $1,000 or very very close to that.
Computer Needs: #1 need will be for gaming. So need a lot of hard drive space for games. I'm not a "high-maintenace" kind of gamer-so I DON'T need dual monitors, overclocking, top of the line parts, etc. I just need a computer that will not struggle to play games like Civilization 5 (especially as I get further and further into a game there), and many different MMO's with an eye towards being able to play games coming out in the future comfortably. #2 need will be surfing the internet so a computer able to access webpages and sites smoothly and quickly, #3 need will be watching videos/TV episodes online.
Company: Here I come up with my first big hurdle. I really want a company with good technical support, preferably American/Canadian support not outsourced to Asia. That likely leaves out the bigger names like HP, Dell, etc. Actually the closest I've come to finding a computer that meets most of my needs has been HP's Elite series, but not much in the way of customization, not very strong power supplies, and a bad customer support encounter already with them makes me leery. If things have gotten better with the more well-known companies then please let me know. I've been to a lot of smaller companies
sites in the past that have some good recommendations but so many options and customizations that I'm instantly lost. So if you can suggest good companies here and maybe walk me through some of the builds on those sites that would be great.
Case: This is probably the part I have the least knowledge about, and the least desire to learn more. I just want a case that's very easy to open and access things inside and provide good airflow and cooling. Don't want to spend a lot of money here. Not picky about color or design, though if its blue and/or grey, that'd be cool. Need lots of USB ports with it.
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Processor: AMD Phenom. Can go as low as X4 620 all the way up to the new X6's depending on price and what you think best given my needs and price limits.
Memory: At least 4GB-DDR3 and hopefully more depending on price.
Hard Drive: At least 500GB drive, I have an 500GB External one already.
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon man here, 1GB 5750 or more, depending on price and what fits best for my needs as you see it. Being good for games is essential
Sound: Clueless here and sound has never been a big deal to me. I'm fine with integrated sound. I have a very old set of speakers/subwoofer, so can use those, or if you have a cheap yet good alternate that's fine too.
Optical Drive: Don't know much about them, just want a speedy DVD/RW one that can handle games/movies/tv episodes. Doesn't need to be Blu-Ray.
Wireless Network Card: I have a wireless Network (D-Link) here so need a solid reliable Wireless-N card.
Memory Card Reader: Just a solid 15-1 or more (or maybe 10-1?)
Keyboard/Mouse: I have an old Microsoft Wireless Keyboard and Mouse I can use and like, but if good price on a new set. could go for new ones. Just need the basic keyboard not one of those fancy gaming ones. Same with the Mouse.
WebCam: This is not a necessity, never had one, but have wanted to try one. Something easy to use, is it possible to post images from a webcam online? if so, one that can handle this. But really this is just a luxury, not a necessity.
Monitor: I have an older, small monitor that I would like to replace because it came with none of the buttons labelled and they are black on a black monitor screen, so can't read them. But price may be an issue here, so can stay with the old one if this helps out in other areas price wise. Again not looking at anything fancy here-just a solid reliable easy to use (and viewable buttons!) that will make my games look pretty and be able to show movies/videos/tv episodes on. Probably nothing smaller than 20 inches here, more would be nice.
Power Supply: At least 400W here, preferably more.
Sure I'm forgetting something here, feel free to ask questions if you think I've left something out. I don't mind if you try to talk me into a specific say Radeon card, but I'm pretty set on the general brand names of parts I want. Appreciate any help/advice you can give me here. Just remember I'm not going to be all that knowledgeable about some things.
Dan