Homeschool mom needs help!

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country12

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Hello,
I have spent 3 weeks now researching computers. Have found 2 and would like opinions. The http://www.amazon.com/Microtel-Computer%C2%AE-Quad-Core-processor-Microsoft/dp/B003IR93HS/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1YCKUHC7G9KDR&colid=6QRCGE9QLM1V has a graphics card that newegg.com is loud and not reliable. The http://www.amazon.com/HP-Pavilion-h8-1020-Desktop-Computer/dp/tech-data/B004XZHJRA/ref=de_a_smtd is really more than I want to spend and HP is spinning off this division so I am not sure about support. Then, never to miss a "schooling" moment, I thought maybe our son should build one. Looking for: video editing and graphics computer (he is in concept art). Any thougts would be greatly appreciated because my brain is about to explode with the finer details of these computers!
 
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lp231
Don't have a favorite because I build my own. If I were to pick between common known brands, I'll go with HP.
But with them selling their PC division, I think I'll go with Dell instead.

Here is what I came up with for under $800
Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 945 @ 3.0GHz $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103809
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 AM3+ AMD 970 chipset $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131767
Memory: Mushkin Enhanced 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1333 $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095
Graphics: Sapphire HD6770 1GB GDDR5 $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102940
Hard Disk: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB 59.99...
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doublepedaldylan

doublepedaldylan

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Generally speaking, building is cheaper than pre-made systems, and the you can also fine-tune everything to meet all your needs and nothing more. One thing would is he should do a LOT of research into parts, (like start reading articles and threads on this site) well before purchasing anything. Also, if you go that route, newegg.com is probably the go-to place for individual parts (as well as full system setups).

For example, the one I built a few months ago is priced similarly to the Microtel but has better video card/RAM/processor. If you don't need it now, have him do a self build, but make sure he reads up on ALL the components thoroughly as well as guides to the physical building once the parts are acquired.
Hope that helps!
 
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RetiredChief

RetiredChief

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I've yet to be able to build a low -> mid level computer cheaper than a "Store bought" system. But then I would NOT buy some of the Low end/cheap/poor quality components that come with these systems. Generally the PSU is normally of low end quality.

Wife need a new system PDQ, so took her to the store and she bought a "cheap" system. 6 Monthes later I built her a Low end I3 system and gave her "store" bought system Away FREE.

Building a new system can also be a learning exprience in electronics. Walmart sells a Digital Voltment for about $15. and instructions on use are FREE, just google How to use a digital voltmenter. NOT Required, but adds to the "learning" experience.

You can also look at tigerdirect for "prebuilt" systems, Just make sure you replace the PSU in most cases.
 
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lp231

lp231

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Go with the DIY route, that way you get to pick the parts you want and most of the time it's cheaper. Select the largest room in your house so you have plenty of space to work with. Just remember not to build on carpet because that will cause static which is not good for computer parts.
If your stuck, there's plenty of members here who'll gladly help out. :)
 
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country12

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Aug 22, 2011
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Thanks for the advice. Any thoughts on those two computers. How do you tell which components are "cheap"? When you look at all the components, I just don't know which is the one NOT to buy. I wish I had thought of this sooner. Now with school starting, I doubt we will have time to build one!
 
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country12

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so I know a few things we do want... i.e. i7 or AMD Phenom II x4 (unless there is a faster one), 8 gb RAM, video card 1 gb but i need HELP here, 1Tb storage, dedicated audio (i think he needs this for video editing but I never seen this on any computer I have looked at).
 
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lp231

lp231

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When does school start?
It doesn't take that long to build a computer, you can get a whole new machine up and running in a single day (minus the time you wait for parts to arrive). But newegg are pretty fast with their shipping.
What is your budget?
Do you need keyboard, monitor, mouse, and speakers?
 
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beenthere

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Now days, DIY or home built is definitely more expensive than store bought IME.

The advantage to home built is you can pick all the hardware to best meet your needs though it may be more expensive than a store bought. The disadvantage to home built is you need a lot of technical expertise to assemble and tune the PC for proper, reliable operation - which many folks are unprepared to do as it's a STEEP learning curve filled with lots of frustration even for experienced PC builders. In addition you have NO Tech Support if you're building your own PC. That can mean a lot when issues pop up and they will many times during the build and even after you have a basic functioning PC.

While I fully encourage people to learn how to build a PC, it's important to weigh ALL of the pros and cons before jumping in with both feet as you could end up with a pile of parts, a blown budget, a frustrating experience and no working PC. Some times a local PC shop will build a custom PC for a very competitive price and you usually get some Tech Support after the sale - so this is also an option worth considering, depending on your needs.
 
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country12

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I have a few weeks. I would like to keep it at $800 or under. I do need a new monitor and I am looking at LG Electronics
19 inch Widescreen LED LCD 1360X768 5M:1 E1940S-PN VGA DVI Tilt 5MS from Provantage $114. I am not sure if I need 8ms response, but that is what I have been told, so this may not be what i want. any ideas? I have speakers and mouse, but need a new keyboard

 
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country12

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This might be an idea! I could at least get a price from them. Still need to know which graphics card, and I am concerned about cooling (fans etc).
 
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country12

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If I buy... does anyone have a comment on Gateway ZX4351-UR20P 21.5-Inch Widescreen All-in-One Desktop (Black)? I am again concerned about cooling and whether this type of system is slower than a tower with similar cpu and graphics. I am really after the best graphics.
 
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country12

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thanks so much for the information! I am do NOT want to buy something that is going to need replaced in the next 2 years. I don't mind spending a little more for something that will be able to last for a few years. I just need a processor and graphics card that will allow for lots of video editing and art/drawing/painting. There seems to be no end to the number of computers you can review. Any opinions on favorites?
 
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lp231

lp231

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Don't have a favorite because I build my own. If I were to pick between common known brands, I'll go with HP.
But with them selling their PC division, I think I'll go with Dell instead.

Here is what I came up with for under $800
Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 945 @ 3.0GHz $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103809
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 AM3+ AMD 970 chipset $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131767
Memory: Mushkin Enhanced 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1333 $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095
Graphics: Sapphire HD6770 1GB GDDR5 $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102940
Hard Disk: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB 59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
Power Supply: Antec HCG 520w $58.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371047
Optical Drive: Sony DVD writer $19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118039
Case: Cooler Master Elite 330 $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119115
Monitor: Acer 21.5" LED @ 1920x1080 $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009261
Keyboard: Microsoft USB 200 $8.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109233
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit w/SP1 OEM
$99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
Subtotal $787.89

And for that Microtel system. I went to newegg, tried to configure it as close as possible and that system came out to
$637.89

 
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country12

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Thank you!!!
 
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doublepedaldylan

doublepedaldylan

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lp231 has a good looking build there. I'm surprised no one said it yet, but if you are looking to spend less, and i7 is probably not the way to get, although it is the better processor, it's performance per price is not very high. AMD probably has the best performance per price, if that is what is important.

Honestly, that system is a solid setup and will likely accomplish all your goals (also can upgrade processor in future to the AMD Bulldozer if needed sometime after it comes out).

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-your-own-pc,2601.html
Good guide on researching/purchasing/installing. Little over a year old, so some details may be a bit outdated, but not enough to cause problems.

Also, I would suggest a "Best Answer" to lp231, if you feel that that is the direction you will go.
 
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country12

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Aug 22, 2011
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so lp231... I am trying to find a computer with all those things you listed... any chance someone makes that particular configuration? I have not found it! Who wants to make that for me? :}
 
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lp231

lp231

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You might have a chance if you go to a local computer shop where they customize in building new computers.
Why not build it yourself or you and your son can build in together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ETu53QfDwk
 
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country12

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So I think maybe I have found a Dell that is close to what I need.
Dell XPS 7100

Software & Services
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64Bit, English edit
PROCESSOR & GRAPHICS CARD AMD Phenom™ II X6 1055T + ATI Radeon™ HD 6670 1GB edit
SERVICE PLAN 2 Year In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis

Does anyone have a review or a site that review this ATI graphics card in this computer? Also, is the AMD Phenom II x6 as fast as the i7?
 
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