New computer

[ali2837]

this dell xps 8300:

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=d00x8328&c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&model_id=xps-83008300

seems good value with 12gb ram and i7 processor @700£ but the graphic card seems underpowered for my current screen (dell e228wfp), could anyone recommend a better budget one or computer system hopefully not to expensive

 

[Combat Wombat]

Is it just the tower that you need? if so... a custom build would be much more economical.

 

[ali2837]

i've looked around for barebone kits and components but am new to building computers so i'm trying to find something not to difficult

 

[sosofm]

The best thing is buy parts and to do your own build. What DELL and others sell are almost the weakest parts in the world and are overpriced.

 

[hang-the-9]

The video card will run any monitor, you wan to pick one based on what you want to use the computer for. The i7 built-in video is not bad, it's way better than the old Intel video, but is bellow the lowest "gaming" video card. About on par with a $40-50 stand-alone card. Enough for HD video for sure and for some games at lower settings or older games.

 

[Combat Wombat]

Look here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/333034-31-3000-build-input-needed

 

[ali2837]

I have a strict limit of 700, does this look like a reasonable build

coolermaster elite 430 - w window £39.87 Ebuyer
Case fans 120mm blue led *2 £5.28 Ebuyer
antec truepower new 550w modular £59.72 Ebuyer
gigabyte z68 apd3 £76.99 Dabs
kingston 1600 8gb ddr3 cl9 £32.43 Ebuyer
intel i5 2500k 3.3ghz £172.30 Amazon
artic cooling freezer pro 7 £16.87 Ebuyer
msi amd radeon hd6850 cyclone 1gb £122.99 Novatech
wd caviar blue 500gb sata 6gbs £65.99 Ebuyer
Lg 24xdvd RW £14.99 Ebuyer
Windows 7 (64bit) home premium £71.14 Amazon

Total £678.57

are there any better options that would keep to the limit
(i will probably buy 2nd hd 6850 when i have the money)

 

[hang-the-9]

If you want to run two video cards, should up the power supply by another 100 watts. 550 may be enough, but may as well get a bit better and not have to buy a whole new one later if there are issues.

 

[Saga Lout]

Try Novatech in Portsmouth for barebones systems. http://www.novatech.co.uk.

 

[ali2837]

Thanks i'll think ill upgrade to this from novatech @£45
OCZ StealthXStream2 600w Silent ATX2 Power Supply 80PLUS

 

[Combat Wombat]

I have a strict limit of 700, does this look like a reasonable build

are there any better options that would keep to the limit
(i will probably buy 2nd hd 6850 when i have the money)

I would just go all out for a 6970 myself...