Hey guys. I'm (kinda) getting a new computer. Really all I need to get is a case, a video card, motherboard, processor, and of course RAM. I have hard drives, and even if I needed one those are easy to choose. I'm looking for suggestions here, but here is some important info first:
-This is what I do on my computer: Surf the web, play the occasional CS Source game, use all the usual applications (Zune software [which happens to be a bit of a resource hog, actually], Outlook, OpenOffice, Firefox, uTorrent). I WANT to be able to play Bioshock and Episodes 1/2/3 i.e. nothing too amazing
-With that said, I seriously don't use my computer for high end shit or anything, so I don't want a top of the line kind of thing. I just want to be able to run all of the aforementioned things smoothly and have it look decent. So really I'm looking for a medium performance computer that costs around or under $400.
-I already picked a case, and it will be $40. I figure I'll probably want an Intel core-duo.
Now, after all of that said, I really am computer hardware-retarded, so I don't have any idea where to go from there. Any suggestions will be appreciated, especially if you give me a good tailored computer to my medium-performance needs.
_________________ "Jesus is never mad at us if we live with him in our hearts!"
"I hate to break it to you, but he is--he most definitely is."
The word "bi-partisan" usually means some larger-than-usual deception is being carried out.
Hmm, yeah, that's a little pricey, but I'll keep it in mind.
_________________ "Jesus is never mad at us if we live with him in our hearts!"
"I hate to break it to you, but he is--he most definitely is."
The word "bi-partisan" usually means some larger-than-usual deception is being carried out.
Joined: Thu 10-19-2006 12:39PM Posts: 186 Location: getting bent over by chartwells
Source: RC I
Open Box: ASUS P5NSLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI Intel Edition ATX Intel Motherboard
Model #: P5NSLI
Item #: N82E16813131032R
$59.99
ASUS EN8500GT SILENT/HTP/512M GeForce 8500GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
Model #: EN8500GTSILENTHTP512
Item #: N82E16814121091
$89.99
Update Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 Allendale 2.4GHz LGA 775 65W Processor Model BX80557E4600 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E4600
Item #: N82E16819115032
$154.99
Update OCZ Value Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ26672048VDC-K - Retail
Model #: OCZ26672048VDC-K
Item #: N82E16820227060
$49.99
Subtotal: $354.96
this is all from newegg. it is pretty much my current setup with an upgraded vid card and processor. it's not top of the line, and you wont be able to play on the highest graphics levels, but it runs all the games i play really well.
i chose to go with reputable but more expensive companies rather than cheaper and, well, cheaper, companies for reliability and customer service.
the motherboard is the same one i have, and i have no complaints. everything is laid out great and it runs perfectly. it is an open box item, but that shouldnt be an issue with newegg. you also have the ability to run two vid-cards in an SLI setup if you want to upgrade in the future.
that video card will run a dual monitor setup if you want, but you may want to use the leftover money and replace the cooler (should run about 15-25 bucks) or point a fan at it that sits on the bottom of the case (what i am doing). with the crappy stock coolermaster fan pointed at mine, my temperature sensor shows only a little above ambient.
edit: i was writing this while the other responses were posted. you can keep this setup and go with the better card and still be under your $400 limit.
Joined: Fri 04-21-2006 7:18PM Posts: 104 Location: off campus
Source: RC I
I have a core2duo E6750 it's pretty badass. 2.66GHz stock, but I have it at 3GHz with stock fan and all, and it runs at like 40c. It'll beat the AMD's and runs a lot cooler
Edit: the xx50 series also have the faster FSB of 1333MHz
For $65 more ben is not going to get a 50% increase in speed, and from what it sounds like he's using it for, he doesn't need increase the budget of his build (keep in mind we're trying to keep the system under 400 bucks, here) by $65 just to gain 15fps or so in most games, or speed up video compression by 10 seconds.
So, from what it sounds like the OP needs, the intel e6x50s are overkill (and costlier) and the amd 5000+ black edition beats out the similarly priced (and inexpensive) intel 4xxx chips.
_________________
BigPeeOn wrote:
Here's the deal: chemistry is the devil. Anything beyond balancing an chemical equation is black magic.
Joined: Thu 10-03-2002 3:08PM Posts: 1206 Location: East of South Dakota
Source: VPN
The intel chips are much more upgradable on current motherboards. AMD can't offer that. So if in a few months you get some more money you could jump up to a Quad Core without getting a new motherboard.
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