Looking for help for new PC

joycem10

Deity
Joined
Jan 25, 2002
Messages
2,352
Location
pittsburgh
Let me preface by saying that I know NOTHING about computers except that more RAM and processing power is generally good. I have an old HP Pavilion that needs retired and was hoping for some advice on a new PC.

I use my PC for the following: Ripping CDs, burning CDs and downloading songs to my MP3 player, internet access, backing up my handheld, playing the occasional CIVIII game (most likely more often when CIVIV comes out), and work applications.

I plan on going budget because I really dont see the need for anything more. Im considering either a HP Pavilion 1100e, 1100y or a Dell Dimension 2400. The Hps are priced at around $280 while the Dell would come in around $320.

The HPs have either an Intel Celeron D or an AMD Sempron processor whie the Dell sports a Celeron 2400. The Dell has 512 MBS while the Intel would only have 256.

Any advice? Is the difference in memory that important? Is there any reall difference in the processors? All advice, including suggestions on other models, is welcome & appreciated.
 
If you don't want to play games, go for what's cheapest, but does not have less than 512 megs of RAM. You'll need it for anitvirus, anti-spyware, firewall, and that kind of stuff. If it wasn't for such crap you would be fine with just 256. (Personal experience.)
 
The only problem I see right offhand is that none of those choices give you any options for the video card. I'm not sure what the vid card requirements for CivIV are expected to be, but I'll tell you that you'll want more than the integrated video those comps have.

Other thoughts:

I would get a minimum of 512MB RAM. Otherwise you're really going to see some chugging when you have many windows open, or in games.
I would also get a DVD burner. Not only is it useful for backing up data, but it's becoming more common for games to ship on DVDs.
 
I built this PC recently with help fr here, if you're interested in DIY. Mayhaps you can go to an outlet who can assemble a PC, based on your preferred components? :)
 
Back
Top Bottom