New Computer Tips Please

[Eric A]

Hello

I want to upgrade the computer I have at the moment. I want to get a whole new system. The unit I have at the moment must be at least 5 years old and has serious lag on basic games like flight simulator. I need to get a new one for gaming and net surfing really.

I just need tips for the unit itself. I've already decided on a Dell 21.5" monitor.

Incase you haven't realised, I am a n00b when it comes to computers. I know enough to get me outta trouble, but not enough to know what specs are good and bad for the price etc.

My price range isn't too high, but not skimpy either. $1000-$1500 aud.

Thanks, Eric.

 

[RDTigger]

Holy cow... That buy a lot of computer..

What do you have now?

You are looking at quad-core, they released dual cores and have improved upon the processors design.

Possibly 8GB of Ram and the OS people rave/trash in Vista


This is what you might in the range for.. Link

The computer in general has become more affordable...

 

[Cashlaw]

Huh, I just built my home computer a few months ago, and went through the same thing.

You might be able to find a really good package deal on a computer built around an Intel Core2 Duo chip . . . I'd look for the E8400, 3.00GHz.

The price on the E8400 would be much better than a four-core chip, because this is a slightly older model, but the performance would be above and beyond what's needed to surf the web, word processing, edit photos, and play games.

Don't believe the hype. Anything more than 3.00GHz on a chip is largely not used by normal use of the computer at home. The difference between 2.90 versus 3.00 versus 3.10, just for examples, isn't worth paying extra for the higher number.

Gamers actually like the E8400, specifically, because it was geared toward processing the programming used in popular games - flight simulators, FarCry, Crysis, etc.

Four-core chips are worth it if you're editing big movie files, editing batches of 1000s of photos, running AutoCAD or similar programs, or need to keep a ton of heavy science processing programs open at the same time. They are hyped relentlessly in ads, but for home use, 90% of the time they are overkill and buying more chip than you'd ever need or want to use.

I'd also look for as much RAM as you can find (6 to 8GB would be perfect) and the best video card that fits your budget, maybe something in the ATI 4800 series or the NVIDIA 280 series. The video card will make the most impact on how nicely the new monitor works, and the extra RAM will do the most to speed up how fast your programs work.

Other parts really don't matter that much . . . the size of storage isn't important, since you can add more storage very cheaply if you run out. The kind of CD-ROM or DVD drive isn't too important (they're all basically the same), etc. The kind of case it is in doesn't matter, that's purely personal preference.

Hope that helps a little! Good places to read about computer components are www.techreport.com, and www.anandtech.com.

 

[RDTigger]

Pretty sure he just wants a nice tidy bundle..

A quad core with an independent video card.. Lotsa GB in the hard Drive and plenty of RAM for processing..

The linked PC I posted will carry him everywhere he wants to go...

 

[Eric A]

Pretty sure he just wants a nice tidy bundle.

That's it

I don't want to rebuild my computer. It's too bulky for starters, and an eye sore...

I just want something more modern with style, and that can work for me as well. I don't know if this makes a difference but I run google sketchup a lot... My current computer has lag with that.

I'm not sure what my computer is at the moment. It's a bitsa that and a bitsa this. My grandpa put it together a while ago for his own use. For business. A far cry from the gaming I want.

Cheers.

 

[RDTigger]

That's it

I don't want to rebuild my computer. It's too bulky for starters, and an eye sore...

I just want something more modern with style, and that can work for me as well. I don't know if this makes a difference but I run google sketchup a lot... My current computer has lag with that.

I'm not sure what my computer is at the moment. It's a bitsa that and a bitsa this. My grandpa put it together a while ago for his own use. For business. A far cry from the gaming I want.

Cheers.

Well get what you want.. Just remember the processor is the only thing that is a waste to try and up grade.. Memory, HD space and upgrading a video card are simple.. easy, and create a much more powerful PC.

The quad core will breeze thru all u need.. and allow you to multi-task... Get the 21.5" and you will be happy... Get some 2.1 speakers with a sub woofer

 

[rallysman]

I was looking for a nice bundle and decided that they're all crap for the price.

Build your own........it's worth it.

 

[FSM]

If you don't have blue LED lights in the case though your computer still sucks, regardless of how fast it is. Blue lights are key.

 

[Cashlaw]

More modern with style?

From what you're describing, I think you're looking for an Apple / Mac. I don't know much about them, except that they have started building around Intel chips lately. Maybe some Apple fans could chip in more info on what to look for.

 

[Eric A]

Well get what you want.. Just remember the processor is the only thing that is a waste to try and up grade.. Memory, HD space and upgrading a video card are simple.. easy, and create a much more powerful PC.

The quad core will breeze thru all u need.. and allow you to multi-task... Get the 21.5" and you will be happy... Get some 2.1 speakers with a sub woofer

So get something that has got a great processor, and I can upgrade the rest? Sounds easy enough.

I was looking for a nice bundle and decided that they're all crap for the price.

Build your own........it's worth it.

Nah. Probably is worth it, but I don't want to.

If you don't have blue LED lights in the case though your computer still sucks, regardless of how fast it is. Blue lights are key.

Haha, the one I have now has got three! But it's still crap...

More modern with style?

From what you're describing, I think you're looking for an Apple / Mac. I don't know much about them, except that they have started building around Intel chips lately. Maybe some Apple fans could chip in more info on what to look for.

No, not a mac... I had a go of one at school and hated it...