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new computer specs help
adjunct
Registered User new member
Registered User new member
hi there,
this is my first thread on Penny-Arcade, I've lurked the forums once or twice before and I noticed that in the help/advice forum people were really sincere and honest to each other, it's nice to know people still like to help each other out like that :P it's also the reason why I'm asking the following:
I've been pondering whether to buy a new pc for a while, there are a few pc's throughout the house, but the one I use doesn't really meet my expectations. I was thinking if anyone could help me out with choosing the right specs for a new pc. I browse the internet a lot, I frequently have several programs running (or at least try to, the one here at my mom's house restricts me to at most 2), I like playing emulated games but also high quality games if I get the chance, I'd watch any video's of whatever kind preferably on the pc, the same for music, and Im used to using Windows XP classic layout.
I have about €600 ($800) at my disposal, but since I dont have a job atm I'd prefer if it wasn't too much of an impact on my bank account, Im thinking half of it? anyway, I'm not much of a hardware expert, but I was thinking a processor of at least 2 gHz would be good, if there's anything better for not much more that's totally ok, I also need a good amount of temp memory I think, seeing I want to run several programs at once, a HD with a few 100 Gb (my younger brother bought a 320 Gb one for like €80 -$107- the other day, that'd be fine if there's no better deal around), and a nice up to date videocard (not too overkill, just something to get around with the games that are out now)
so basically I want help on both the price of it all and the products I should go with. the hardware can be seperate, my dad can help me with assembling, but do consider, whatever it is you might suggest, it should fit with eachother :P
I'm looking forward to responses!
this is my first thread on Penny-Arcade, I've lurked the forums once or twice before and I noticed that in the help/advice forum people were really sincere and honest to each other, it's nice to know people still like to help each other out like that :P it's also the reason why I'm asking the following:
I've been pondering whether to buy a new pc for a while, there are a few pc's throughout the house, but the one I use doesn't really meet my expectations. I was thinking if anyone could help me out with choosing the right specs for a new pc. I browse the internet a lot, I frequently have several programs running (or at least try to, the one here at my mom's house restricts me to at most 2), I like playing emulated games but also high quality games if I get the chance, I'd watch any video's of whatever kind preferably on the pc, the same for music, and Im used to using Windows XP classic layout.
I have about €600 ($800) at my disposal, but since I dont have a job atm I'd prefer if it wasn't too much of an impact on my bank account, Im thinking half of it? anyway, I'm not much of a hardware expert, but I was thinking a processor of at least 2 gHz would be good, if there's anything better for not much more that's totally ok, I also need a good amount of temp memory I think, seeing I want to run several programs at once, a HD with a few 100 Gb (my younger brother bought a 320 Gb one for like €80 -$107- the other day, that'd be fine if there's no better deal around), and a nice up to date videocard (not too overkill, just something to get around with the games that are out now)
so basically I want help on both the price of it all and the products I should go with. the hardware can be seperate, my dad can help me with assembling, but do consider, whatever it is you might suggest, it should fit with eachother :P
I'm looking forward to responses!
adjunct on
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Posts
Actually, I don't think it really matters. The cost of the OS alone is going to eat up most of you're savings. It would be far cheaper to upgrade the PC you currently use.
The key to the whole thing will be the motherboard. This will dictate how far you can upgrade and the type of CPU and memory you can use. To find out what kind you have open up the side of the computer. Find all the expansion cards. They should be the tallest things on the motherboard. If you don't have any look for several long slots all near each other. They are usually in the lower left corner near the back of the machine. Motherboard manufacturers will usually print their name and motherboard model somewhere in that area.
Once you have that info look up the company up on-line. Most motherboard manufacturers have a online version of the motherboard manual you can look at. This is where you will find the memory type the motherboard can use. Look to add at least 1 GB of RAM. If you can find a good deal then concider going for 2 GB.
The next thing to grab is a new hard drive. Places like www.newegg.com have lots of good hard drives and are usually cheaper than a brick and mortal store. I saw a Western Digital 400 GB drive for $99 the other day. Before you buy anything look and see if the motherboard supports IDE or SATA or both.
The final thing to grab would be a new CPU. Look closely at the motherboard manual of the types of CPU's it can handle.
***No motherboard ever made can use all CPU types or all memory types.***
If there is anything left take a look at a new video card. Nvidia and ATI both make decent video cards with some costing around $200. It would be easier on you if you install a new version of what you already use. In other words, if you are using a ATI card now replace it with a newer one. This is just because removing drives can be a pain. To find out what you have go to Start/Run and type in dxdiag. Once the program loads click on the display tab and you'll see what you're using now. (dxdiag is a diagnositic tool that comes with Direct X. It will tell you alot about you're computer.)
The only other thing you many want to upgrade is sound. These days the Creative Labs X-Fi cards are the king of the hill. There are various models that range in price.
Due to your limited funds I strongly recommend looking for sales, rebates, and OEM versions.
If you still have your heart set on a new computer you may want to wait until you have a job. Most people would have trouble getting a new computer for less that $800.