Want to buy a new computer. Can someone recommend what I should get?

[ccualumni]

This looked like the right to post this question.

I bought my computer about 6 years. I have had a bunch of upgrades and it still runs ok. The max memory is 1gb and I have that in there and there is not much more I could do to really improve the computer.

I looked on eBay and saw some pretty cheap computers and was thinking that maybe I could replace mine.

I mostly surf the net and will play some games once in awhile.

I say I need minimum specs because I just talked the wife into upgrading to HDTV and the TVs were great deals, but pretty much blew out all of our extra cash.

Here is what I am thinking:
Get dual core, but not sure what speed. (2.8, 3.0, etc...)
3 GB memory (can probably upgrade after the purchase)
Will have to upgrade video card since most on eBay at my price have integrated.
250+ GB HD

I want to get the other basic stuff as well: DVD burner, usb 2, network card, etc...

I am hoping to get some advice from those that are familiar with current computer specs.

I have not purchased a new desktop in a long time and am not sure what to get.

Thanks

Current computer info:
Pentum 4, 2 ghz
1.99 ghz, 1.o gb ram (not sure why the system has GHZ listed twice).

 

[rexter]

The processor (Central Processing Unit) is 2 Ghz but its running at 1.99 and that's normal.

If all you do is use it for internet, a hundred dollars or less of upgrades would be sufficient. If you have Windows XP, Install the updates to Service Pack 3 before installing these products.

DVD-RAM - $25 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136144 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136147 Most cases even OEM DVD drive comes with PowerDVD OEM player and Nero OEM programs for disc editing and movie playing.

USB 2 interface $20 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815104202

Video Card $35 - $55 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129088 - run without fan so it not noisy and more likely to work with your old motherboard. This one is more powerful http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102073 if you motherboard permits. But call newegg to check your Motherboard for video card compatibilty.

Installation of these equipment is less than 30 mimutes depending of the tools required and tools you have. The upgrades would add 2 to 3 years extra usages of your computer.

Download the PC Wizard tools , it'll show information about your system.

If you want new PC then this is a nice unit if you don't need that much power - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883149001.


On the other hand a PC like this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103152 is more than enough.

I know you've mentioned ebay but I can't recomend something I'm not sure about.

 

[rexter]

I forgot to add a hard drive if you need some expansion - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136111

 

[ccualumni]

Thank you very much for that information. I do play games once in awhile.

They are usually not graphics intensive like Crysis, but it would be nice tyo be able to handle other games.

My card and comp did well with WOW and COD4, but I know newer games will be tougher to handle.

The main thing is that my computer is just slow.

I only have the basic programs start up with the computer, run AV, and spyware software.

I knew my computer had slowed down, but did not realize how slow it was until I bought a laptop with Vista. It has 3gb ram, and although it is a low end laptop, it blows my desktop away when it comes to speed.

If I was lookign for a computer to play games with, which would you recommend?

My current computer limits me to 1gb ram, and I know that is really slowing me down.

Thanks again for all of that information, I really appreciate it.

 

[rexter]

Would you be comfortable building it yourself or just buy pre-assembled, and how much is your budget before taxes?

It's not really that much hard to figure out what equipment you'll need for gaming as there isn't much option. It's like more is better.

So check what kind of games do you want to play and check what are the recomemded hardware requirements. So You can now base the equipment from the game that require the most.

 

[4my8]

The best solution if you want to save time and money is to get a new PC. Buying parts to upgrade can be a bit difficult if you dont know what your doing. And e-bay although a good choice u have to be careful when buying a used PC.

If you can afford to spend $580 - $750 u can get something to meet your needs and more. check out HP and Dell they been giving some good deals lately. Here are some good choices.
HP Pavilion Elite m9500z series $600
Toshiba Satellite Pro S300-EZ1512 $580 laptop
A good chice to make will be to sell your old one and put the $$$ toward a new one.
But for games u will need to invest into a good graphics card....preferably one of the newer ones as gaming specs have gone up.

check out http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_buyprebuilt_us2.html

 

[ccualumni]

Thanks again for the information.


I do not have a set budget, but do not want to break the bank. I know laptops have been getting real cheap.

I was also thinking of buying a lower priced machine, then getting a good video card after that.

I am not sure which games I will play as I play them as they come out or someone tells me abiout it and I try it out.

Thanks

 

[ComputerNexus]

Whats up,

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www.thecomputernexus.com is the best place in my opinion i have bought my computer there and runs better than perfect!

If you would like to talk msn : kandy_m4n@hotmail.com