Hard Light Productions Forums
Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: ssmit132 on June 20, 2009, 09:18:04 pm
-
I'm looking for a new computer for my birthday. I got the specs of this ready-made Acer from Harvey Norman:
- Pentium Dual Core 2.7Ghz
- 2GB Ram, 320GB HD, DVD RW
- 512 GeForce G210
- Vista Home Premium
for $1099.00, with a 19" ICD Monitor starting from $199.00.
However, this suggested computer from the program on the computer magazine I get seems to be better:
(http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8166/perfectpc1317.png)
What do you think of that? I know the one from Harvey Norman isn't that good compared to the PerfectPC one, but I just want someone's opinion on that before I go and get someone to build it for me (I'm not confident enough to try and build it myself), such as what kind of performance it will have. However, I want to keep around $100-200 for a wireless router, too.
Cole suggested that I go to Newegg, but I'm not sure about that, as I don't know if my Mum would be able to get the tax refund if I get something overseas (You can get a rebate on new computers if you're a student and you're getting it for 'educational purposes'). Also I need to get it before the end of the financial year to be eligible, and the maximum cost is $1500
-
(I'm not confident enough to try and build it myself)
Try and build it yourself anyways. The hardest part is finding what parts you want to get, and you've already done that. There is only one right way for all the parts to fit together and they're more resilient than you think. You'll feel better for it. :)
-
Aye. It's actually super-simple to build a PC, it's like doing a really simple puzzle with 10 pieces.
-
I'd second the build it yourself suggestion. NewEgg is a great place to do research. It's also where I got the parts for my system. :D
As for your system, I'd look at more RAM, a 64 bit OS, and a bigger hard drive. (Those things are all fairly inexpensive.) You also might want to consider XP instead of Vista. I know that they've fixed the problems, but there was so much bad press initially that M$ has essentially written off the entire OS. You might want to go with XP 64 bit and upgrade to Win7 once the initial bugs get ironed out. Also, I searched NewEgg and didn't find that GeForce G210. Could you post a direct link to it somewhere?
-
Is it a possibility to wait until mid-October when the retail Windows 7 is released? From all tests, W7 is far superior to Vista and somewhat better than XP.
-
Linux.
-
I could wait for mid-October for Windows 7... :p
Should I buy the parts from NewEgg or should I research on there and try to buy the parts local? Also, would Newegg just send the parts if I want to build it myself?
Also, do you know of a good wireless router that supports Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and isn't too expensive?
-
1. Some of those prices are weird. Really, I've seen 1.5TB for $125, yet on that thing there's a 1TB drive for $150...
2. Core 2 Duo is an useless thing to buy these days. Get a Quad or i7 for a new computer. Look at the best price-performance ratio, such as the i7 720. It is possible for you to try AMD (cheaper than Intel if you like to overclock), but it seems you're set on Intel.
3. Rather than a single HD 4850, I'd suggest TWO of them, or a single HD 4890. You could also go with nVidia, in which case a GTX 285 would be the best (and most expensive, except for the GTX 295) choice. GTX 275 seems to be about even with the HD 4890...
4. 4GB of ram, and 64 bit XP (cheap, and you can wait until W7 comes out). Unfortunately W7 is going to be RIDICULOUSLY expensive - starting at $250... the 64 bit XP you could probably get OEM to halve the price...
5. Buy as much as possible from retailers if you can. If you have a good retailer near you, such as Frys Electronics, buy from them rather than online. You may get the full sales tax, but shipping costs are eliminated (for all of the computer parts combined, the costs can be anywhere from $40 to $200) and you get the parts instantly. Sometimes you can nail some sales and get parts for VERY cheap (I got 4GB of 4-4-4-12 latency DDR2 800mhz RAM for only $45).
6. The case is important. Very important. It doesn't have to be a refrigerator, but it MUST be large enough and must have good air flow. DO NOT buy a flimsy piece of crap, even if it has good air flow, because it will not last in the unideal environment a desk or home floor can be. That $60 for a PSU AND case, AND mouse, AND keyboard, will give you utter crap. You should be spending $60, at least (unless you get a deal), on the case alone.
7. Cheap PSUs (Power Supplies) WILL **** YOU OVER. It doesn't have to be modular, but make sure it has enough power and MOST IMPORTANTLY MAKE SURE IT IS RELIABLE! If the power supply fails, it can either be: a. an annoyance - you have to replace it. b. a problem - it shorted out your motherboard and CPU costing you a couple hundred. c. a massive ****ing emergency - it started smoking and burnt part of your case and shorted out most of the parts in your computer, rendering most of your equipment destroyed. You don't want to take the time to sue the PSU company (chances are you'll lose anyway) - you'll simply lose that $1,000.
-
I'm not really worried about Intel or AMD and ATI or nVidia. Either one is fine with me, but I'd go with the cheaper brand (as far as I know both brands perform equally well). I'm just not very hardware-savvy, the only things I know are memory and hard drives - anything else I'm not very knowledgeable about. So I'll go and look around the computer stores - unfortunately there's only two dedicated computer stores around my place.
The only good (well, I think so) case/power supply brand I know off the top of my head is Antec - any other good ones I should look out for?
-
Sorry DarkRev, we don't have NewEgg in Australia :(
ssmit:
I bought my machine from AusPC Market 2 years ago - it is still going strong.
I advise getting a copy of Vista so that you can use the upgrade path to Win7.
I got an Antec modular PSU.
I agree that the PSU is important. I remember seeing a review somewhere that showed that the cheaper PSUs are generally inferior to the brand name ones.
I'd go Intel processors - they seem to have better offerings atm.
As to ATI/nVidia - I've never had problems with nVidia (my brother had an ATI card, and always had problems)
I'd go 32bit OS unless you have a reason to go 64bit - driver support is generally better under 32bit - I bought a USB/serial belkin device a little while ago (to try out the new embedded systems hardware at uni), and they don't support it at all under 64bit. Just one cautionary tale.
Hope this helps!
-
Sorry DarkRev, we don't have NewEgg in Australia :(
Wait, what? I never mentioned NewEgg...
Anyway, ATI is cheaper, but nVidia is usually more of a quality product. Low-tier nVidia cards are useless, so if you're looking for good price-performance ratios, go with high-end ATI or mid-high nVidia cards. 8800GT, 9800GTX, GTX 260 Core 216, GTX 275, GTX 280 (and if you're financially secure, GTX 285) are all great choices. 2x HD 4850 and HD 4890 are the only good ATI options right now.
-
Okay, I'll have a look around the shops today.
One thought occured to me, though; what about sound cards? Do I still need to buy one, or are they integrated into something else now?
-
I'd actually suggest the two 4770 instead of a single 4890.
-
;-)
-
Sorry DarkRev, we don't have NewEgg in Australia :(
Wait, what? I never mentioned NewEgg...
Anyway, ATI is cheaper, but nVidia is usually more of a quality product. Low-tier nVidia cards are useless, so if you're looking for good price-performance ratios, go with high-end ATI or mid-high nVidia cards. 8800GT, 9800GTX, GTX 260 Core 216, GTX 275, GTX 280 (and if you're financially secure, GTX 285) are all great choices. 2x HD 4850 and HD 4890 are the only good ATI options right now.
Things may have changed since I bought my components, but as of last summer, the HD 4870 was an excellent pick... is the HD 4890 the same thing but a bit better?
The 4870 was performing as well as much higher-priced Nvidia cards in benchmarks.
-
Well, I didn't get to look in the shops today, but I found an Australian site that allows you to get a quote on a custom computer, so I decided to see what hardware I could get at what cost. I've only done the internals for the moment, since I want to get them out the way before I choose what external peripherals I want (and since I'll probably just get a cheaper keyboard and mouse, they're not really important at the moment - also a Ethernet card since I'm not going to worry about a wireless router yet).
This is what I have so far:
(http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/1608/centrecompossiblecomput.png)
This is by no means set in concrete, just more of like throwing together pieces at the moment, and I probably won't find the exact parts around my area. I chose the HD 4870 since it appears to balance price and performance. Also, I'm not sure on the case and power supply (specifically wattage), so I chose one of the higher-wattage Antec ones.
-
I'd really go for the 4890 over the 4870. You can also get WD Blue and Black HDDs, much better than the Green Power ones in terms of performance, much better.
Go for a newer dual rather than a ****ty quad like that, try the E8XXX series, or optionally an AMD Phenom.
Is that AUD? Cause some of those components seem a bit too expensive.
-
Since it's an Australian site, I assume they're in AUD, Cole. But this is just to get an idea of what it'll cost me; I'm (almost certainly) not getting the components from this company.
Something like this, then?
(http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1608/centrecompossiblecomput.png)
I decided to choose an AMD processor since then I'd be able to get the 4890 without paying as much as I would with an Intel processor.
I can be flexible with the case and motherboard (especially as I chose a more expensive motherboard this time around), but I don't want to pay much more for the internals, as I don't have much left out of $1500 for externals as it is.
I'll probably stick with whatever operating system I get for a while, until Windows 7 is released and goes down in price.
-
First, ditch the network and sound cards; onboard is likely as good as your choices. Second, get a samsung disk - UJ not UI - $125 or less. Finally, the power supply won't work with a 4890 (or a 4870 for that matter).
-
Samsung disk, as in hard disk? And as I said, I can be flexible with motherboards and cases, so I'll just keep researching/asking the storepeople (as long as they are the helpful type).
I'll think I'll stick with the AMD Processor and the HD 4890, though. I haven't had any luck finding what kind of power the HD 4890 requires yet, but the Phenom II I chose uses 95W, so will a 550W power supply suffice?
Also, any motherboard that says it has 'Gigabit Lan' or something similar means that it has built-in Ethernet, doesn't it?
-
This one (http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/productmodel.do?group=&type=61&subtype=63&model_cd=249&ppmi=1155). 550 should work if it's a decent brand, but you'll want to check that it has 2 PCI-E connectors. Yes, gigabit lan indicates an ethernet port.
-
Okay, I'll start shopping around tomorrow. :) Thanks for all your help guys!
-
7. Cheap PSUs (Power Supplies) WILL **** YOU OVER. It doesn't have to be modular, but make sure it has enough power and MOST IMPORTANTLY MAKE SURE IT IS RELIABLE! If the power supply fails, it can either be: a. an annoyance - you have to replace it. b. a problem - it shorted out your motherboard and CPU costing you a couple hundred. c. a massive ****ing emergency - it started smoking and burnt part of your case and shorted out most of the parts in your computer, rendering most of your equipment destroyed. You don't want to take the time to sue the PSU company (chances are you'll lose anyway) - you'll simply lose that $1,000.
He is absolutely not kidding. We (as a household) lost a kinda expensive graphics card, motherboard, and cpu this way.
-
Well, I went around the three computer shops I knew of today.
The first one, Ed's PCs, they went around the sort of parts I wanted and then found a estimate price for me: $1985 (for everything). This is a bit too expensive, but they did offer to let me have a go of building it myself under their supervision, which I thought was nice.
Next, Micro-Ed. They just added a few things to one of their usual offerings and ended up as $1627 just for the tower.
The last one I went to, Quality Computer Services, was one I only recently remembered when my friend was talking about it. The man that (I believe) owned the store didn't use AMD and Raedon stuff, but that was all right, since he recommended that I not build one myself, because of one thing I overlooked: a warranty. When I thought about that, I realised that was a really good point (so did my mum :P). The information he gave was really good.
So when I got home I had a look at my latest PC User magazine, and then I found a gem, the TI Computers TI Deluxe 1500 (http://www.ticomputers.com.au/pdtDetailList.asp?grp=pdt&pdtid=TIW0042).
description: PC User fastest gaming PC (page 32)
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 CPU
GA EP43UD3L Motherboard
2G DDR II PC6400 800 Mhz
1TB Samsung SATA II HDD 7200rpm
1G Geforce GTX 275 PCI Express
TI Deluxe Case with 550W Power
Logitech Ps II Keyboard and Mouse
22" LG or ASUS LCD Monitor
22 Speed DVD RW Dual Layer
Windows Vista Basic
Total price is $1,499.00
(option: Upgrade to Vista Home Premium Extra $20)
manufacturer: TI Computers
Warranty Detail: All system include 2yr limited RTB Warranty, one year warranty on speaker keyboard mouse & video card.
Now I think that this is what I'm looking for, since it has many of the parts you guys recommended, and PC User says that it played Crysis at almost 50 fps at 1,680 by 1,050 resolution, which is good enough for me (since I know that Crysis seems to be the benchmark for DirectX 10 capable systems).
I know it's still not being built custom or anything, but since it's basically what I was aiming for anyway I think I might as well get this system. What do you think?
-
Samsung disk, as in hard disk? And as I said, I can be flexible with motherboards and cases, so I'll just keep researching/asking the storepeople (as long as they are the helpful type).
I'll think I'll stick with the AMD Processor and the HD 4890, though. I haven't had any luck finding what kind of power the HD 4890 requires yet, but the Phenom II I chose uses 95W, so will a 550W power supply suffice?
Also, any motherboard that says it has 'Gigabit Lan' or something similar means that it has built-in Ethernet, doesn't it?
I'll suggest you look at the price of the HD 4870. You still get a good-performance card and they can cost a lot less, at least in the USA. Next, a 430W Antec /should/ work with a HD 4770 and even up to a HD 4890, but you'd be close to the limit. It should run just fine but it's something to consider.
-
Good luck finding a 430W PSU with two PCI-E connectors.
-
Good luck finding a 430W PSU with two PCI-E connectors.
Molex-to-PEG.
-
And also, you want at least 4GB of RAM these days.
-
And also, you want at least 4GB of RAM these days.
That. Definitely that.
-
;-)
-
Keep in mind that the amount is not everything and the speed of the RAM is important too.
Not at all. The difference between different speeds of RAM is barely noticeable.
One of the major things to look out for is the amount of L2 cache on your processor. A slight increase in that is enough to make your system noticeably faster, according to what I read or heard. I can't remember where I got that info from. But it is much faster than any RAM since it is on the processor. I think my L2 cache is 1MB, but since I have 2 cores, it is 2MBs.
Agreed. Processors with more L2 and L3 cache are going to perform better than those with less. Although it isn't multiplied by cores, so you only have 1MB total.
-
Keep in mind that the amount is not everything and the speed of the RAM is important too.
Not at all. The difference between different speeds of RAM is barely noticeable.
One of the major things to look out for is the amount of L2 cache on your processor. A slight increase in that is enough to make your system noticeably faster, according to what I read or heard. I can't remember where I got that info from. But it is much faster than any RAM since it is on the processor. I think my L2 cache is 1MB, but since I have 2 cores, it is 2MBs.
Agreed. Processors with more L2 and L3 cache are going to perform better than those with less. Although it isn't multiplied by cores, so you only have 1MB total.
Depends if they advertise the total size of the cache or size per core.
The latest Phenom II and Core i7 have L1 and L2 cache specific to each core and L3 shared between cores. Core 2 seem to have L1 specific to each core and a shared L2 (and no L3 cache, but since their L2 cache is monstrous compared with other processors in the same range, it's not much of a problem).
-
But if he only has 1-2MB, it's an older CPU, so it probably doesn't share those traits.
-
A top of the line Core i7 has a total 1 MB of L2 Cache (256KB per core). But yeah, you're right.
-
Yeah, but that i7 has oodles of L3.
-
DDR2 800 v. DDR3 1600 has /some/ differences. There are a few programs that will benefit but overall overclocking is the best way to improve performance.
-
Yeah, but is it worth 40$ to the average Gamer Joe?
-
;-)
-
It's not that it's a bad CPU, it's that it is several ears old and it doesn't have that feature/construction.
EDIT: And on the laser/light CPUs, Sun has been testing them for several years. They can transfer much more than conventional technologies, but they're still in testing. It'll be many years.
-
I have an athlon 6000+ processor. Even by today's standards, I would think it is still a pretty good processor. Here are the specs:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/athlon64-x2-6000.html
It's kinda obsolete now.
It is a 3GHz processor and I think in this case, since it is 2x, that means I have 6GHz, right? That is the whole point of multi-core.
No, you effectively have two processors each running at 3 GHz which could perhaps produce performance like that of one running at 6 GHz in a linearly parallelisable problem.
We can't make the transistors much smaller because they are pretty much the size of molecules and that means it can't be divided any smaller to where it could function like a transistor, and so in order to increase the speed, they have to give it more processors (cores) in one and use more space.
Where did you get that idea? Sizes are still shrinking. The problem was getting them running faster.
-
;-)
-
How did transistors turn into robots? Anyway, just because something doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it's impossible. How about you try doing some research instead of rattling off assumptions.
-
Aye, just because you don't think something's possible, doesn't make it so. lrn2google.
-
;-)
-
Hope you didn't get a lower-end X3, get the Black Edition, which is a phenomenal CPU at a very agreeable price.
-
Exactly, same goes for the afterlife, ghosts and everything else many people on this board tend to think is impossible. Things may only sound illogical since humanity doesn't understand enough about a certain subject for it to sound logical yet.
The **** are you talking about? You're the one saying it was impossible, or, I can't even tell what you were trying to say.
-
;-)
-
But you just said that it would be impossible. You contradicted yourself.
-
How did you end up talking about these things? :p
Anyway, how about something like this? I put together some parts from Umart - they build what you order and then you pick it up.
AMD PhenomII 710 TripleCore CPU
Asus M4A78 AM2+ 770 HT5200 2DDR2 RAID GLAN ATX
Kingston DDR2 4(2x2G)PC6400 800Mhz - KVR800D2N5K2/4G
Seagate SATAII 500GB 7200RPM (SV35 Surveillance
Sapphire HD4870 512M GDDR5 PCI E TVO
Benq G2020HD 20 inch Wide Glossy Black 5ms D-sub DVI-D
LG H22NS30 SATA 22X+- Super Multi DVD Rewriter Black with Software
Creative Sound Blaster 5.1VX Retail box
Gigabyte GP-S4600 2 piece 100Watt PMPO 1WATT RMS 120HZ-20KHz Black
Antec NSK4000B-II Solution ATX Tower Black No PSU
Antec ATX EarthWatts 500W
Microsoft Basic Black Value Pack with Optical Mouse
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic 64bit(OEM)purchase with Hardware Only
Three Year On site warranty(for $0-$3000)Umart System Build Only
-
Get rid of the sound card, unless you're doing high-quality sound work you don't need it.
Might want a bit bigger PSU, although that should do.
-
I would highly suggest the AMD PHenom II X3 720 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649) because it is much more overclockable and a better value than the 710. Also, I sure hope you're going to be assembling these parts yourself...
And, it's VERY MUCH worth it to get the HD 4890 rather than HD 4870 for the few extra dollars. The HD 4890 is much stabler, cooler, faster, quieter, and better.
-
;-)
-
By the way, that system from Umart in my last post is $1497 for everything, including assembly.
Might want a bit bigger PSU, although that should do.
I specifically chose that PSU because it had 2 PCI-E connectors and I didn't want to pay too much, and it's Antec.
Get rid of the sound card, unless you're doing high-quality sound work you don't need it.
The motherboard has a "ALC887 High Definition Audio 8 -Channel CODEC", so I assume it has on-board audio?
I would highly suggest the AMD PHenom II X3 720 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649) because it is much more overclockable and a better value than the 710.
And, it's VERY MUCH worth it to get the HD 4890 rather than HD 4870 for the few extra dollars. The HD 4890 is much stabler, cooler, faster, quieter, and better.
With Umart, I would go over budget with the HD 4890, since it's at least $100 more there :(. However, I can get the 720 Phenom while ditching the sound card.
Also, I sure hope you're going to be assembling these parts yourself...
I did say in my last couple of posts that I would no longer be building it myself, since I would not get a warranty (and Mum wants me to get a warranty in case something goes wrong). :p
Actually, if I get a warranty for at least some the individual components, I might just be allowed to get the prices from Umart, buy the parts, and then assemble them myself... :nervous: The only reason I decided to look at Umart is because a good friend of mine who's great with computers and parts showed me the site. :nod:
-
That sounds good, although if at al possible get the 4890. The 4870 was the flagship card meaning that it was pushed to the top to help get the best clocks, the 4890 is a newer card that's been refined, and it's been build on the experienc garnered from the 4870.
-
That sounds good, although if at al possible get the 4890. The 4870 was the flagship card meaning that it was pushed to the top to help get the best clocks, the 4890 is a newer card that's been refined, and it's been build on the experienc garnered from the 4870.
And there's a pretty good performance difference between the two, but I'd still say the reduced price for the HD4870 or even HD4850 is worthwhile. In short, use two.
-
Update: Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to get this computer in the next few days (which is what I had in mind) due to the fact that my new processor of choice (http://www.umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&id2=13&bid=6&sid=33222) is currently out of stock (ironically, I decided on this one because the Phenom II triple core I had chosen had also gone out of stock). However, I think I'll probably go with this:
ITEMs to Order :
Asus P5KPL-1600 S775 QuadCore G31 FSB1600
Kingston DDR2 4(2x2G)PC5300 667Mhz - KVR667D2N5K2/4G
Seagate SATAII 500GB 16m Cache(ST3500418AS )
Sapphire HD4870 512M GDDR5 PCI E TVO
Asus VH192D 18.5 inch Wide 5ms D-Sub Black
LiteON IHAS124 SATA DVD-RW 22X Black OEM
Gigabyte GP-S4600 2 piece 100Watt PMPO 1WATT RMS 120HZ-20KHz Black
Antec NSK4000B-II Solution ATX Tower Black No PSU
Antec ATX TruePower 650W [A friend recommended that I get a larger power supply, and I suppose that would be good if I need/want upgrade]
Microsoft Black Value Pack Keyboard&mouse
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic 64bit(OEM)purchase with Hardware Only
Three Year On site warranty(for $0-$3000)Umart System Build Only
Other :
Intel CORE2QUAD Q8200/2.33GHz/4MB/1333FSB/LGA775/QUAD (when available)
-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.209473
-
No go, he's in Australia.
-
Come to America. :p But no seriously; that's too bad. I forgot he's a filthy Aussie :lol:.
Nothing against Aussies; just poking some fun at you.
-
;-)
-
Who's to say that the American isn't the one who is filthy? I'm sure you can get PC parts anywhere in the world if you just buy online and ship it. I always buy my parts online these days. I saved $200 on my Athlon 6000+ processor by buying online vs going to the store in person. Sometimes you may have to wait longer but the important thing is if the person can get the parts. One rule of thumb and common sense is to never buy used parts or used CDs.
There are probably many countries that are now higher tech than here in USA. Depends on the branch of tech. Probably the UK along with other European countries have better tech. Also Japan with its electronics and France with its vehicles and fuel economy. We have an aging and out of date infrastructure here.
Try reading the end of my post... I was making a joke; using some friendly banter.
-
...
-
I'm referring to other threads I debated on around 2 months ago on those other subjects that you must have missed, like the one titled "are humans special" etc, and other people saying that the afterlife is not logical and other funny things, but I won't continue on about it since it is off topic.
The only thing I was thinking wasn't possible was making machines or transistors smaller than a molecule, but maybe I'm wrong.
HighMax - a rule of thumb here, is you have to have at least 1,000 posts before you can start making statements like you did :)
-
:)
-
Sweet! Only 250 posts to go ;7.
-
I'm referring to other threads I debated on around 2 months ago on those other subjects that you must have missed, like the one titled "are humans special" etc, and other people saying that the afterlife is not logical and other funny things, but I won't continue on about it since it is off topic.
The only thing I was thinking wasn't possible was making machines or transistors smaller than a molecule, but maybe I'm wrong.
HighMax - a rule of thumb here, is you have to have at least 1,000 posts before you can start making statements like you did :)
I'd say more 1000 posts or well over a year here. I'm actually not that frequent a poster...
Date Registered: August 09, 2006, 02:45:17 PM
Posts: 1,106 (1.039 per day) (plus 1,111 in this section)
It's been a while. :p Anyways, for those that missed it...Nothing against Aussies; just poking some fun at you.
-
;7
-
Nothing against Aussies; just poking some fun at you.
No offense taken. :)
-
I was kidding and am not racist.
(http://shopseinfeld.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/kramer054.jpg)
-
I remember I was also active in Inferno and BWO forums long before people like General Battuta were even members.
Sorry for the off topic.
Bahahahah, no. I've been around since the VBB days pre-2000. I wasn't necessarily registered to post, though.
-
Well, it is more about the poster, his knowledge, and his contributions than the number of posts or length of time of being a member here. I have been here since about Nov. 04 though.
i know - i was totally giving you a hard time ;)
-
:bump:
This is why I like Aldi:
(http://www.aldi.com.au/au/media/offers/W40_medion_computer_PD.jpg)
This seems really good value to me. Sure, it's not going to be the most powerful computer (i.e. video card, the GT220 (http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_geforce_gt_220_us.html)*), but it looks like it has very good specs for its price. What do you think (http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/58_10106.htm)? (Note that this is only the tower, keyboard and mouse - no monitor is included.)
Quad-core power and lots of hard-disk space
Medion’s desktop computers tend not to be the best-looking of devices, and the E7330D, an Aldi special on sale from Sunday 27 September, is no exception.
Its shiny plastic front isn’t bad but overall the squat design doesn’t do the computer any favours.
Then again, with a desktop computer looks are perhaps the least important of its characteristics. Far more interesting is what goes on inside the case: it has an Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 processor with 4GB of memory, an Nvidia Geforce GT220 graphics card which has 1GB of its own memory, and a 640GB hard disk. In addition to that storage, there’s a CD/DVD writer that reads and writes all current formats except Blu-ray.
Those are impressive credentials, and this computer is certainly capable of coping with most tasks up to and including video editing, likely to be the most demanding thing a home user will do, aside from playing games. Despite its 1GB of memory, the Geforce GT220 is not the fastest graphics card around*, so while modern games will play properly, you may have to turn down the detail levels a little to get them to run at a decent speed.
As with other Medions the E7330D has plenty of connection ports and sockets. There are two USB ports, headphone and microphone sockets and an eSata port hidden under a flap on the front panel, which also covers a memory card reader. On the back are four more USB ports, surround-sound outputs and Firewire and network sockets. The computer can also connect to wireless networks. The graphics card has DVI, VGA and HDMI outputs so that it can connect to any kind of monitor or flat-panel television set. There’s also a connector on the top for a special Medion hard disk.
The supplied wired keyboard and mouse were not particularly impressive and the computer doesn’t come with a monitor. It does include a three-year warranty, though, along with an impressive software package including Microsoft Works 9, Corel Painter Essentials, Corel Draw Essentials and Corel Home Office. The supplied Windows Vista Home Premium comes with a voucher for a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it’s released in October.
As an upgrade PC the Akoya E7330D is an impressive deal with lots of power and storage space.
-
One thing I noticed that no one seems to mention is that you are buying the "home" or "basic" versions of windows.
don't get that, that's crap.
ALWAYS pro
-
No, Vista Premium is about the best Vista, Ultimate is like 300$. Don't get it unless it has Windows 7.
-
No, Vista Premium is about the best Vista, Ultimate is like 300$. Don't get it unless it has Windows 7.
Licence cost free upgrade from Windows Vista® to Windows® 7†
(The cross refers to a footnote that shipping costs have to be paid)
-
One thing I noticed that no one seems to mention is that you are buying the "home" or "basic" versions of windows.
don't get that, that's crap.
ALWAYS pro
I don't know what the deal is with Vista or 7, but my family had an XP Home machine for several years, and I never noticed a single functional difference between it and my own XP Professional box. In fact, from what I remember reading, unless you're getting into some fairly advanced networking stuff, there really isn't much of a difference at all from an end-user standpoint.
-
Yeah, there isn't much that I can see. Home just hides more stuff from PC-illiterate people, IIRC.
-
It screws up your freedom, bad.
-
So I went to a few Aldi stores today, and they all were sold out of these computers. Dang! I honestly didn't anticipate computers going out like hot cakes.
-
I just got tired of building computers and decided on a cheep, easy fix with little to no work for me.
I love the HP flat screen / touch screen PCs... Check them out. (wait for w7 on them of course).
-
I don't see waht's so hard about building PCs that people get tired of. 30 minutes of research and I've got all the info necessary.