Suggestions about new comp (4 Viewers)

[withoutaface]

and watching downloaded movies. Yep. That's right. No porn.

Sounds like porn to me.

 

[+Po1ntDeXt3r+]

Didn't say anything about not liking it. Just will not download it to computer - I've got younger siblings to think about. :uhhuh:

ic.. .. so u req streaming videos..

umm i think the 1 gb of ram will make it run smoother... i dun game much anymore.. so my computer is just
-a fast and large HDD
- decent speed CPU
- ram ~ 512mb
- vid card 128mb.. its a cheap one..
- DVD burner.. i use this heaps..
-okish altech lansing speakers

i do similar things to u on computer.. lol .. well almost

 

[Casmira]

wrx - I had a look at the sites you linked. Say I go for 64-bit... what would I write down as model number (and such)? Would changing the processor mean having to change the motherboard?

you only change the motherboard
optionally you get S754 or S939, S754 doesnt perform as well and hasnt got dual channel but is still 64bit, its alot cheaper, i recommend you get that you dont need full fletched 64bit action

i know even a 2ghz computer would suffice for you, but 64bit is futureproof

 

[ChrisE]

id recommend purchasing an Apple. if you dont need a computer for hard core gaming and need it for most other tasks like internet, word processing, multimedia music etc, they are awesome. i recently bought my first Mac, an indigo iMac, and despite having only Mac OS 9.2 and not as much power and features as newer model computer, it is the most functional and stable computer ive ever used. you can pick up a new imac starting from around $2000 and they look great, Mac OS X is a far superior OS to Windows in appearance and usability. i always hated macs with a passion until i used later models and i found how good they are.

 

[anti]

Excuse the long post but..

I'm impatient (programs must load quickly), I need trustworthiness (which means good customer service because I can't open things up and fix it myself, as well as reliable and tested bits and pieces), and I need some added 'extras' just in case I discover games and/or develop a passion for video editing.

This is a bit off topic, but this is the most important thing you've said. I'm not blaming you or anything but it is SO important to say 'I want object x, I will be using it in this way and this way and this way'. It helps everybody else think about your needs.

Fast loading programs = good RAMl, a fast hard drive (SATA is good for this reason)
Trustworthiness = don't build your own computer, get it from a shop, don't use pirated software, don't get cheap generic products but invest a bit in brand names with warranties and customer support
Extras = a bit more RAM, a slightly larger hard drive, perhaps a decent video card for gaming/image editing, an ergonomic keyboard and a non-glare screen (lcd)


I mean, if more people just said 'this is what i want', then people won't have to get technical on you (or you can ignore it). Again, I'm not talking about you Lainee, but as a general rule on the forum.


Essentially if you're not upgrading on a regular basis (ie. not diehard computer enthusiast) then what seems good now will still be fine in the next few years. Don't get misled by people talking about the most cutting-edge technology: while it's good, it may not last (see: Sony Minidisc) and it will come down in price (see: LCD screens). And stick to your budget

 

[AsyLum]

A year ago I was planning to get a friend to build a new comp for me, but then got sidetracked so I never ended up getting one. Back then these components were pretty much top of the line, but I've lost contact with him now so I can't ask him to upgrade. This was exactly the list that he sent me:

Intel Setup -
CPU: Intel Pentium IV 3.2 GHz
Motherboard: Abit IC7 series
RAM: two Corsair XMS 512MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM DIMMS for a total for 1GB (model CMX512-3200c2)
Hard Drive: Seagate 80GB 8MB cache, 7200rpm
Monitor: BenQ FP737S flat screen LCD
Video Card: ATI Radeon 9600 Pro Card
Case: normal silver P4 compliant case
DVD burner: Sony DRU510A
Sound Card: Creative Labs Soundblaster Audigy 2
Speakers: Logitech z640 series
Floppy: Teac 1.44
Keyboard & Mouse: Logitech Internet keyboard black and MX500 respectively

I don't really understand most of this, but just asking which parts I should upgrade and whether these are still pretty good. The price he quoted for me was around $3200, so would the price have lowered now and by how much really?

I dont see the problem with this?

Seriously most of the advice being given on here by 'hardcore' computer enthusiasts seems to be fluting their own e-penis more than anything.

That system would be good enough to run what you want comfortably. Heck im running on a slower system and doing video editing/graphics/gaming/music editing/production.

For the price, im sure you can purchase it cheaper than that, but as anti has stated, i think if you dont want to have the hassle of going around trying to fix incompatibilities up, then i think your best bet is to find a pre-loaded computer and upgrade necessary parts. Anywhere from Dell to one of the systems offered by computer stores with warranties should suffice.

Good luck with your purchase

 

[Lainee]

I mean, if more people just said 'this is what i want', then people won't have to get technical on you (or you can ignore it). Again, I'm not talking about you Lainee, but as a general rule on the forum.

Originally, I just wanted people to comment on the list my friend wrote for me. I trusted my friend to know what was best for me, and I was just for advice on whether those specs were outdated or not. I just assumed that people could interpret what I needed from that list. Guess I should've been more specific.

And stick to your budget

I don't really have a budget...? I don't mind spending more for something that's more reputable but if there's a way to cut corners and still get the same quality then I'm all for it.

id recommend purchasing an Apple. if you dont need a computer for hard core gaming and need it for most other tasks like internet, word processing, multimedia music etc, they are awesome. i recently bought my first Mac, an indigo iMac, and despite having only Mac OS 9.2 and not as much power and features as newer model computer, it is the most functional and stable computer ive ever used. you can pick up a new imac starting from around $2000 and they look great, Mac OS X is a far superior OS to Windows in appearance and usability. i always hated macs with a passion until i used later models and i found how good they are.

I've never used a Mac before, so I don't know if I'd like it or not. Next step after getting my main computer sorted out is getting a powerbook, I've heard good things about them.


Anyway, thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think I'll give myself a week or two to do some research before I decide.

 

[Seraph]

I dont see the problem with this?

Seriously most of the advice being given on here by 'hardcore' computer enthusiasts seems to be fluting their own e-penis more than anything.

haha score!

 

[poloktim]

No.

You're a mong. QED.

 

[MedNez]

I've never used a Mac before, so I don't know if I'd like it or not. Next step after getting my main computer sorted out is getting a powerbook, I've heard good things about them.

Macs are nice, but I don't think a Mac desktop is the way to go for you at the moment. I stand with the opinion that 1gb ram and/or a 64bit athlon is overkill and beyond what you need. The 1gb ram is a little much, but if you want to, not going to stop you getting more a good thing - However 64bit isn't appropriate for what we're looking for.

Perhaps you should get some advice from some computer stores as to what they think you should do to your suggested configuration =)

 

[jm1234567890]

lol, the length of this thread proves that saving time a going with a Dell is the way to go!

or get a mac, they are just as easy to configure. besides if there is any windows specific software you need you could always run it on virtual PC (assuming you got a pretty fast mac).
problem is $$$.

A$ 2,999.00 Image
Image

$2999

Free Shipping
20-inch widescreen LCD
1.8GHz PowerPC G5
512K L2 cache
600MHz frontside bus
256MB DDR400 SDRAM
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra
64MB DDR video memory
160GB Serial ATA hard drive
Slot-load SuperDrive

seems like only 1.8GHz, but it is enough for almost anything you want to do.
it won't be 60% the performance of a 3Ghz P4.

or this for a power mac
$2399

1.8GHz PowerPC G5
600MHz frontside bus
512K L2 cache
256MB DDR400 SDRAM
Expandable to 4GB SDRAM
80GB Serial ATA
8x SuperDrive
Three PCI Slots
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra
64MB DDR video memory
56K internal modem

note: powermac doesn't include monitor.
you can buy an apple cinema display or something else.

as you can see, pretty expensive, but you do get quality

www.apple.com.au

 

[velox]

But that leaves her with a very limited upgrade path

 

[jm1234567890]

But that leaves her with a very limited upgrade path

she said she wasn't going to touch the computer's innards for serverl years.

 

[velox]

But what if her needs change? Mac's are pretty restrictive...

 

[jm1234567890]

But what if her needs change? Mac's are pretty restrictive...

like what?

the only thing i can think of that the mac can't do is play games.

 

[ogmzergrush]

like what?

the only thing i can think of that the mac can't do is play games.

Well Lainee *has* already said that in the future she may consider starting to play games, so this *tiny* restriction *might* be a problem if she does.

 

[velox]

Incompatibility of software. Thats the problem i had when i had a mac. Maybe times have changed. But i still recommend a pc. Thats what she came for advice on, whether her pc parts were good.

EDIT: In a couple of years time, when the pc is old, im sure Lainee would rather a pc than a mac. With a mac, ur left with a hunk of old parts, whereas with a pc, you can at least upgrade.

 

[Lainee]

Macs are nice, but I don't think a Mac desktop is the way to go for you at the moment. I stand with the opinion that 1gb ram and/or a 64bit athlon is overkill and beyond what you need. The 1gb ram is a little much, but if you want to, not going to stop you getting more a good thing - However 64bit isn't appropriate for what we're looking for.

Perhaps you should get some advice from some computer stores as to what they think you should do to your suggested configuration =)

64-bit isn't appropriate? Hmm... I think I'll take your word for it. Does that mean sticking with the original Intel?

I really don't trust computer stores - they are helping me for monetary reasons after all. As opposed to everyone here who is helping out of the kindness of your hearts.


jm1234567890 - 1.8Ghz? That means downgrading on what I already have now (I think).

Thats what she came for advice on, whether her pc parts were good.

:uhhuh: Thank God, someone finally gets it.

 

[velox]

64 Bit probably not as you're not going to push your system to the limits...., although it'd be for the same price (increased performance).

 

[poloktim]

Macs are nice, but I don't think a Mac desktop is the way to go for you at the moment. I stand with the opinion that 1gb ram and/or a 64bit athlon is overkill and beyond what you need. The 1gb ram is a little much, but if you want to, not going to stop you getting more a good thing - However 64bit isn't appropriate for what we're looking for.

Perhaps you should get some advice from some computer stores as to what they think you should do to your suggested configuration =)

Sorry MedNez, I'm gonna have to disagree here.
NEVER GO TO A COMPUTER SHOP TO GET ADVICE! They're like car salespeople, if you look/sound like you have no clue about computers, they'll take advantage of it.

Research on the Internet about building computers, and what each part does for your computer, know something about what you're going to do first. Ask on this forum what a term means if you don't know, or better yet, go to www.google.com and type "define: <insert term here>" in the search box. You'll normally be presented with a list of definitions.

Hope this helps.