Buying a new PC

[steveo1953]

Hello,
I'm looking to buy a new PC - specifically an Advent DT2110 from PC World.

Specs:

i5 2320 (3 MHz, 6 MB cache)
8 GB DDR3 RAM (1333 MHz)
HD 2000 Processor Graphics
1 TB HDD (SATA)
Onboard HD Sound (probably Realtek - Yuk!)
Wireless KB and Mouse

No Monitor

I have questions re the graphics:

Anyone know what the max resolution is? How many outputs? And what type? How Much System RAM does it use? Or does it depend on other factors?

Also, does it sound like a decent system?

Thanks

 

[Sunius]

Max resolution would be 1920x1080 per monitor, for up to 2 monitors. Motherboards don't support dual link dvi cables (there's no dedicated graphics card), so it won't be higher than that. There will probably be 3 outputs, vga, dvi and hdmi. Can't say for sure though, without knowing model of the motherboard.

PS how much are you paying for it?

 

[refillable]

Y U NO build a PC? well sorry...

Click here for big details:

http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/quick-reference-guide-to-intel-processor-graphics/

Most people will probably use 1920x1080, and yes this IGP supports that, using HDMI, Dual DVI&VGA, using DP would work too. It would also support dual monitor.

If you're looking for a better integrated graphics, I recommend A6 and A8 CPU/Graphics from AMD. They have better performance and support newer technologies than intel ones.

But if that's your only choice then yes, that's good enough I can say, but if you have other choice then let me know...

 

[steveo1953]

Thanks for the replies peeps... The system is on offer at £500. Seems good ro me...?

 

[Sunius]

no no no no no no no no no! That's expensive, you're getting ripped off. If you were to spend like 3 hours building a system, you could get it waaaaay better:

Intel Core i5 2500k - £160.50
Asrock Extreme3 Gen3 - £115.43
Kingston HyperX DDR3 1600 MHz - £41.30
Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB - £81.49
Corsair CX430 - £31.20
Coolermaster Elite 360 Mid Tower Case - £32.49
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo - £32.95
Samsung SH-S223C 22x SATA DVD RW Writer - £10.65

Total: £506.01

For £6 more you could get a PC that would blow the preassembled one away:
*Better processor with unlocked multiplier, you could easily get to 4.3-4.4 GHz with it. It also has Intel HD 3000, better than Intel HD 2000.
*Faster memory, with 1600 MHz frequence, instead of 1333 MHz.
*Quality Corsair PSU. I bet the preassembled one contained cheap generic PSU.

However, if you don't need better PC but you want to save money, I could pick parts for it too.

 

[refillable]

Plus 1 for Sunius

For 500 Pounds is Too much man, if you would build a PC you'll win more. This time I used an AMD based system for better IGP (and less than 500 too! The IGP's much better than HD2000/HD3000 Of course!).

AMD A8-3870k http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-316-AM&groupid=701&catid=1967&subcat= 110
ASUS F1A75 http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-471-AS&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat= 72
Kingston HyperX DDR3-10666 2x4GB http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-098-KS 36
Seagate 1TB 7200RPM http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-248-SE&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=1279 93
Corsair CX430 http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-059-CS&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1084 35
Cooler Master Elite http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-214-CM&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat= 37
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-035-CM&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1395 27
LG DVD RW http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-112-LG&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat= 20

Total: 430

Not that is just cheaper, it also has better graphics performance (not CPU though). It also has overclocking abilities and will let you make hybrid crossfire (to crossfire an AMD GPU with the IGP).

 

[steveo1953]

WOW!!! Those are fantastic!

Plus 1 for Sunius Plus 1 for refillable

Problem is though, I've never built a PC before, and wouldn't trust myself to!!! And sadly, I don't know anyone who builds them either.

I have found this one on ebay ( Milennium Computers ):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vantage-Intel-Quad-Core-I5-1tb-8gb-DDR3-ATI-Radeon-5450-1gb-Windows-7-Gaming-PC-/150764366245?pt=UK_Computing_DesktopPCs&hash=item231a41a9a5#shId

for £452.

There are so many different ones out there..... my requirements are mainly processor ooomph and memory - the graphics are secondary, but must not interfere with the memory - so a discrete card is required.

Any comments on this one?

 

[Sunius]

I think you should invest some time to learn how to build the PC. It really looks way more complicated than it is. There are loads of youtube videos around, of how to build a pc, just take a look. You'll see that it's really simple! 6 months ago I built my first ever self built PC. I was actually afraid of it, but guess what, I got it done in 40 minutes. Just watch the videos, you'll understand.

P. S. The one your linked probably has a crappy power supply. It has weaker CPU and worse RAM.