More Computer Help Please

Reason

Reason

New Member
As I have posted before, I am going to HOPEFULLY be getting a new computer soon. This is the computer I'm considering getting.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DXPS400G1&s=dhs

I would just like some opinions on the items that you are getting for the price. Dell also has the one XPS system that is one step up from the computer listed above in the link for $1700+ however I'm not looking to spend THAT much money. That is why I asked about the computer in the link, what you are getting for that much money.

If you all would, please send some words of advice my way.

Thanks,

Chris


Edit:

A friend told me to check out Cheapguys for a new comp as well. Wondering how the above Dell compares to this computer? I can always use my old monitor so that isn't an issue.
http://www.cheapguys.com/cgi-bin/qu...its_seen=&page=search.html&and=&affiliate_id=
 
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Ok I finally broke down yesterday and bought a computer. The computer I got? A Dell, but not the xps 400 (the Dimension 9150 through small business), because right now you can get a computer basically the same as the xps 400 that is 22% off! I think you have to act quickly and you have to go through the small business section. I have actually bought my computers through Dell as a small business person because most of the time I find that the same computer is often times $50-100 cheaper that way.

Small Business Computers at 22% off

I always list my business as "self employed", which in my case is true because I develop (open source) software at home off and on.

Edit: Another option I would consider is dropping the sound card and upgrading from the 7800gtx to the x1900xtx. I did, because it has about the same performance as two sli-7800gt's. I defintely out paces the 7800gtx, and you can turn on anti-aliasing and dynamic lighting at the same time, which is a nice perk. From what I hear form others here, going from 1G to 2G of RAM makes a difference. If you are on a tight budget though I suspect in general you will get more out of the video card than the RAM for games in general, not sure about WoW in specific.

If you have the money, another thing I would consider is getting two HDDs w/ RAID 0 (performance raid). HDDs are one of the slowest devices on your compter, next to your optical drives (which take the crown here).
 
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The big bonus for WoW is more memory. The performance there is great. Everything loads in memory. I have 2gigs and IF has almost no lag at all now, any lag that does pop up there is server lag not client.

If WoW is your main game to play and you don't need to see every spec of dirt in the game, stick with the video card you have. Personally I keep all the details at low except for distance. It makes seeing herbs much easier.

I have 2 HDDs in my machine at home, one for applications/OS and the other for downloads, music, and applications i wish to test. The speed increase going raid 0 is not worth it for me. This is a casual machine and I do not need the minor speed boost.

The dual core will be nice, I am looking at having that my as my birthday present this year.
 
Angus has got it right. More RAM, and unless you are an audiophile usually integrated sound is more than good enough. However, 2gigs of RAM will help you more with WoW than an uber video card.
 
since this talk is going on about computers, I'm gonna throw in my question:

I play a lot of WoW on my laptop (dont laugh). Can't recall the type of vid card, but advice at purchase (from Darren) said decent card. RAM is 512, and wonder if its worth going for more. I know I have 2 RAM slots, and the 512 is a single stick... so there should be the second slot to add another 512 or even just a 256 stick to it. Any thoughts/advice on this idea? (where to get it...? approx costs...? good/bad?)
 
Most assuredly you want more RAM. RAM will make your WoW experience much more enjoyable, even if you have a low to mid-end video card. For just RAM you can go to one of the RAM sites like crucial.com and figure out what you need. Prices are decent, sometimes better than most other places. And they used to offer free 2-day shipping on orders over $50 I think.
 
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I got the 20" LCD w/ the Dell I got, primarily because the package deal I got offered it and not the 19", and let me tell you that LCD rocks! The 19" should be even better for games because it has a better response time, though I haven't had any problems w/ ghosting. I read reviews that said that it was a good display, but I have been most pleased with the results! Just make sure you disconnect the standard VGA connector from your display when you get it and use the DVI cable.

Let me know how you like your new machine when you get it. I am thrilled w/ mine, though I do need to get myself a headphone set and mic now. It's been painful hearing others comment on stuff and only having guild chat to respond with, I feel like such a nonsequitur. :p
 
I wanted to attempt to build a computer instead of buying one. This is everything I've came up with so far. Please let me know if everything here will work together and how everything will run. I tried to take a premade Dell system and replicate it so hopfully this stuff will work together, then again maybe I selected wrong things and they won't. ALL and ANY help will be greatly appreciated.

Processor - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116239
RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820221118
HD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148100
CD/DVD Single Drive - Not sure
Video Card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814133166
Case w/450w PS - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811156178


This is everything I've come up with so far. As I'm not really into computers, I tried my best to replicate a premade one from Dell. If anyone could PLEASE let me know if this stuff with work together first of all. Also, I need help on picking a CD/DVD drive. I perfer a single one, not two drives (one for each).

Also, If there is anything else that I will need, please let me know.

ttyl,

Chris
 
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If you are going to put together a custom system yourself, I would consider going AMD based. According to Tom's Hardware guide you will get more bang, and likley for less money. CPU Charts
 
Chris,
You need a motherboard. Most motherboards today work better with two sticks of RAM rather than just one.

Regardless of AMD or Intel your Case and Video Card both look fine to me.
If you are big on Seagate I'd go with this HD vice the one you picked it meets the latest SATA standard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148111
Good CD/DVD burner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106015

If you go with the Intel solution perhaps a motherboard like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131539
along with this memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141211
and the processor you picked out.

AMD solution could be something like this:
Motherboard:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131524
Processor:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103562
Memory:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145575

If you have the $$ you could buy a second identical HD and configure as RAID 0, you get improved performance. Both motherboards will let you do that.
Both motherboards have the option to take advantage of two NVIDA video cards in the future, but you'd also need to update your power supply if you go to make that upgrade...
 
Great! Thanks for the reply. I went ahead substitued out a few things that you suggested and went ahead with the AMD products as well. Here is the list that I came up with. If you wouldn't mind taking a moment to go back through this, let me know how everything is.

HD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148111
CD/DVD Burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106015
Motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131524
Processor - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103562
RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145575
Video Card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814133166
Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811156178




Also, I was at best buy last night getting a CD and stopped by the Computer section before leaving. I saw this computer at the store and wanted to know how the above products compared to it. I'm sure the Best Buy computer isn't as good, but I'm just wondering how.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...t&productCategoryId=cat15108&id=1138087857903
 
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Chris, your parts list looks good. Need to decide if you want a floppy drive or not. You'll also need an operating system if you already own a copy of windows or you may need to add that to the shopping list as well.

The reason why you build your own computer is to get the exact pieces and parts you want for your system. The Best Buy computer has somethings the system you have listed out parts for that you'd still have to go buy to get the same functionality, like a digital media card reader, keyboard, mouse, and software. The video card isn't as nice as what you have picked out, the motherboard / case doesn't offer the same expandability, the HP is probably using a generic HD and RAM. It also is probably cheaper by quite abit than the list of components you've got picked out. Plus you get their warranty/service support. If the video performance is a significant issue you could always buy the HP and the video card you picked out and install that in the PC instead of what it comes with.

Hope that helps...

Mike
 
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