Recommend me a computer!

[Giotto]

Hi, I want to buy a new computer. Problem is, I have no knowledge of computers and I want to get a good one. Can someone help recommend some nice specs for a new computer so I don't get ripped off! What brands are good (like gateway, or dell, etc...) or should I get someone to custom make me a computer??? any recommendations appreciated.

 

[Goober]

I recommend the following:

-AMD Athlon 2000+ or higher OR Pentium 4 2Ghz+, same things
-NVidia Geforce 4 Video Card at least 64 Mb, probably more, or a Radeon
-At least 512 Mb DDR Ram
-At least 80 Gig HD, probably more like 120 Gig would be better
-I dunno about a sound card, something new, moder, and shiny!!!

I do not really know enough about which brand to choose from. I got my computer custom build for me at the local university, they have a computer place. I spent @ $1,700 Canadian on it, this was October 2002. I reccomend a custom build machine, it is nice to be able to choose your parts. I assume you want a PC, If you want a Mac, I cannot help you very much. Make sure you get a flat screen monitor, or preferably the skinny led ones. I have not had a component failure, but I have had many a problem with Windows XP, although not as many as Windows 2000/ME. I would reccomend XP, it is easier to fix then 98, and 98 is ancient anyways. I do not know how much $$ you wanna spend on this. Also, it depends if you want this computer for gaming or not. If you want to do gaming on it, then that will change what you want drasitically.

 

[Giotto]

Yea I plan on doing quite a bit of gaming. My computer will be used basically for games, internet surfing, writing, and music listening.

I don't really have a budget since my dad will buy it for me, I don't want to get ripped off though, I just want a top of the line computer that I wont have to call tech support all the time for. I'd say I want to spend like $2500 U.S or so.... that's just a vague limit though so if a good computer is more than that then I can get it... I just don't want to be ripped off. And I want it to be nice.

P.S. I definitly want a windows P.C. not a mac! I live in the heart of Microsoft country!!!

P.P.S. I want a really big and cool moniter... how much are those?

 

[bobgote]

$2500?

holy crap you could buy the worlds best computer ever for that!

i got a 19" viewsonic crt monitor for about $350 AUS. should be a fair bit cheaper in yankee dollars. of course you might want a lcd one, which cost more.

but yeah, at least get 512MB Ram (i have 1GB), and a nice spicey processor - for cash efficiency you usually get the 3rd or so from the newest from that brand as the prices drop a fair bit after a while. If you have a lot of cash to splash, you might want to go pentium.

and get a 128MB video card at least.

 

[Nixnutz]

RealGoober has given you some good advice on components, but if you've got $2500 or so, want a good machine and don't know that much about computers, by a Mac whether you live in the heart of the Darkside or not.

It'll be easier to figure out and maintain. The best software and games are available for Mac anyway.

Either way, spend the bucks on the box and not the monitor. Load it up with RAM and a good video card. Its the box that does the work.

 

[Giotto]

I just had an idea... should I get like one really good computer or like 2-3 computers around $1000? which would be better?

 

[Nixnutz]

Spend the bucks on one good computer!

 

[Turner]

If you're doing gaming, don't get an LCD. They look cool, but have problems keeping up with CRTs when it comes to some games. Civ3 shouldn't be a problem, but if you're doing Half-Life2 or Unreal, you'll notice it.

www.buyabs.com has some pretty cool computers on it. Their Ultimate X5 starts out at $1700, and is very tweakable.

 

[Giotto]

i went to a gaming computer website of the comp makers "falcon northwest" and customized their nicest model with most of the best stufff i want and it came out to like 6200$... is this worth it???

 

[Plexus]

Simply put, no. The same computer six months from now will run for 1/3 that.

 

[Comraddict]

6300? you are crazy!

Here is what I got, which is system that should satisfy 95% people

P4 3.2 - 290$
Radeon 9700 pro -225$
1GB of PC3200 RAM - $150
LIAN LI Al case- $120
Antec TruePower - $80
2x WD 80GB SE drives in RAID- $160
IC7 875P motherboard - $115
DVD ROM and CDRW - $100
17" LC monitor - $450
TOTAL- $1,700

you shouldn't spend more than that... everything is high end ( CPU, MEM, motherboard, PSU, monitor, case) except radeon 9700 pro, which is still more than good. So don't be anybody's sheep.

 

[Goober]

Ok, so you can afford a top of the line computer then. Then, I reccomend:

AMD Athlon 3000+, P4 3.0 Ghz+
1 Gig of Ram
120 Gig HD zt least, for gaming.
NVidia 128 Mb at least, maybe a 256? Or a nice Radeon.
Good Sound card.

I reccomend a Windows PC as they can run the most games, and are used the most. Macs have their problems as well, they are not the best solution in the world either. I am going to split me computer, have Linux and XP, Linux for Internet, everything non-gaming, and XP for Games. I think that would work the best, as XP is the best for games, and Linux best for stability (or so I have heard). Definitely buy one computer, not 2-3. A labtop - I dunno. They are pricier, but you can take it with you, no stick with a tower computer, better for serious gaming.

And ya, as Plexus Stated, somputer depreciate in value fast. Mine that cost 1,700CDN$ (originally for a NVidia 64 Mb, AMD 1700+, 256 Ram, 40 Gig HD, now has 200 Gig HD, and 768 Ram) is probably not worht nearly as much, and you will find that technology is advancing so fast that your once nice., new shiny computer will be old very, very soon. *deep sigh*

 

[Giotto]

See I had really no clue about what was good or not or whatever. I'll just try and get a custom one between 2000 and 3000.... is there anything in particular I can do to it that will make it easier to upgrade in the future when the technology becomes obsolete (which it probably will like 2 weeks after I get it lol)

 

[Goober]

What comraddict said is perfect. Looking at his list, everything there is what you want. Make sure you get a top-of-the-line video card, you have the money. Basically, print that, take it to a local shop that builds comptuers, make sure they are trustworthy, and get this thing built!!! It might cost you more to have it made, but then you can get the components that you want, instead of some crappy thing that is pre-made for you. I know here in Canada, A&B Sound does offer to build you a computer, but I do not know if they are in the States as well. They seem local. I was gonna go there to have my computer made, but the University was cheaper, and more fleixble. And you want an LCD screen. I was gonna get one, but I didnt, and I have been regretting it since.

 

[Pongui]

Originally posted by Giotto
See I had really no clue about what was good or not or whatever.

This suggests to me you might buy a lot more than you know what to do with, because money's no object, today. Maybe better take it easy and make a conservative purchase, then six months or so later when you've got your bearings buy the software, peripherals, or upgrades you realise a need for.

No matter how you end up using your computer, you'll be staring at the monitor most of the time. So you can't lose by investing in a 19" or 21" CRT monitor. Just compare them (with identical screen images, preferably text) in the store - your own eyes know best.

Originally posted by Giotto
is there anything in particular I can do to it that will make it easier to upgrade in the future ?

Yes, but no computer aficionado who loves tinkering and plotting strategic upgrade paths will recommend it. All-in-one motherboards. These have the network, sound, video, etc. integrated on the main board, so everything works tolerably well together. Naturally, they're a lot less expensive than an assembly of various brand names. This will not be a cutting edge high performance board but a passing grade board for the year or two before you scrap the whole thing to buy a new one.

Definitely get your computer made at a local shop. If a salesperson earning commission hugs you at the door, walk out. Try to find a place that feels like an auto mechanic's; if you see customers bringing in their computers for upgrades, and waiting the fifteen minutes while it's done without charge or hassle on a front counter, then you're in the right place.

 

[bobgote]

Originally posted by Giotto
i went to a gaming computer website of the comp makers "falcon northwest" and customized their nicest model with most of the best stufff i want and it came out to like 6200$... is this worth it???

you shouldn't need to spend more than say 2500 to get a computer that is high end and does what you need no worries.

 

[Ohkrana]

Originally posted by Giotto
Hi, I want to buy a new computer. Problem is, I have no knowledge of computers and I want to get a good one. Can someone help recommend some nice specs for a new computer so I don't get ripped off! What brands are good (like gateway, or dell, etc...) or should I get someone to custom make me a computer??? any recommendations appreciated.

Take the easy way out get an XBOX.

You don't say what it is you want to use a computer for?

If you just want it for the usual Word/Office stuff, netsurfing and e-mail. Then you don't need anything fantastic.

You want to run high end games and media packages well thats a different scenario and one that will cost a few dollars.

Most likely you probably want something in between so you can play strategy games at least.

I'd recommend against getting a custom built one unless you are pretty sure on what it is you want to get.

Maybe some of your friends got a computer they want to sell cheap? Thats worth looking at.

Know of any Government auctions you can check out bit of a hit and miss thing.

Probably worth looking at buying one of those magazines in the news agent for rookies. Stuff like 'How to build your own PC' or something similar.

Plus brand names don't mean that much except as a measure of the level of service you'll get in regards to warranty's and customer service help lines.

You might also want to consider the PC or MAC option (I'm anti mac myself) but thats whole other area.

These days you really have to look at what it is your getting and if it can be upgraded without too much fuss. That can get a little technical with motherboards that have graphics and/or sound cards built in etc. Different cases for different motherboards - so don't be in a rush to make a purchase because thats how you'll get ripped off.


[edit] Monitors - well if you like your games you want a 17 inch digital monitor at least thats sort of a Gamer's base standard. Although a 22 inch one is quite nice but pricey!

The LCD monitors are quite good but it has been said they don't display game motion to well. I can't say if that is or isn't the case because I haven't played a game in quite a while on my LCD so I don't know. In terms of space saving and being quite easy to shift around LCD moniter's are excellent.

Plus do you want a wireless mouse and keyboard they seem to be real popular right now. You probably want to buy some computer magazine that reviews computers and associated peripherals. Down here (Australia) I use APC as my base line for computer tech reviews which are pretty good.

 

[Comraddict]

probably that systems he looked at have pentium 4 extreme edition, which is extreme waste of money..these CPUs cost $800-1000 and are better than regular P4, but they still run at same speed. not that better!

 

[Arizona_Steve]

Firstly, build your own computer. Don't give Dell, Gateway or any other unpatriotic "shipping American Jobs to India" company your money.

At that price, I'd also consider waiting a few months, as we'll have PCI-Express and 939-pin athlon-64s to play with.

 

[Goober]

Originally posted by Arizona_Steve
Firstly, build your own computer. Don't give Dell, Gateway or any other unpatriotic "shipping American Jobs to India" company your money.

I assume you mean "have your own computer" built. The average person does not have the skills necessary to build their own computer. I would not know where to start, except with extremely detailed instructions, with plenty of pictures. I would reccomend having a computer shop build it for you, as had been above described. Trying to build it yourself is likely gonna be difficult, and you might make mistakes (actually, you likely will, if you do now know what you are doing). I only trust myself to install RAM, and not very much at that . . .