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I had a computer built back in 2001 and it has been a real champ. I went with some of the best stuff at the time but its getting quite dated. I would like a computer to last 5+ years again and it has to be quality but not necessarily the absolute top of the line costing twice as much because it has the most current toys and gimmicks. I'd like to go through www.cyberpowersystem.com if I could through their intel or AMD configurator. They have specials but I just don't know much in the last 5 years the new motherboards to go with or not go with, new processors and the quad core and more technology out there. I have a very good idea what I like and what I don't, but i'm looking for a solid machine thats in the 800 dollar ballpark without breaking the bank, 4gb RAM, 1TB HD, Quality power supply, DVD/CD ROM and a DVD/CD burner (Yes I want dual drives I like it that way and continue to use it as such) Decent cooling, and anything else I may "need" let me know as new things have come into the scene since i've been in it much. I just don't know all of these new terms for the brands and processors and other technical garble. Let me know what you think or any other routes that I may take!
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What are you wanting to do with the computer? the company you link to seems to be more into the gaming systems. Their price seems fairly good, a quick check with Newegg shows a good price match so no problem there.
A couple of things I noticed is that they get their price looking even lower by not including the OS or monitor in their price, you have to add them in using the configurator.
As for long lasting you may want to look at an Intel Core I5 or I7 processor and something with an Intel X58 chipset. You also may want to wait until the end of the month before buying as then it will include Win7 already installed, unless you really don't mind trying the upgrade process later.Originally posted by bwiese -
aren't you much better off these days buying a pre built machine?Comment
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The things I will be using it for, are obviously internet perusing, music, video, some gaming, power point and similar programs, and DVD/CD burning. The basic computer stuff. I have found that the gaming setups tend to last a lot longer because they're made for more "abuse" from running hot, and using demanding video and memory. I built a "gaming" system that still actually runs VERY well but its getting dated and more and more things aren't accepted because of system limitations so its getting time to upgrade. I have considered the windows 7 and am absolutely in no hurry. the I7 processor seems to be the route I want to take. I have been a big AMD fan but it looks like Intel is kicking butt in the new market.
I prefer to buy machines built to my specs and honestly I looked at Dell and a few other companies and they're little if any cheaper. I couldn't find one to meet my specs that didn't cost more than I could build it for. Plus, cyberpower has great support and guarantee their products. I also like full size cases for cooling so things aren't jammed so close together and overheat. I always add fans and all the cooling options I can because like an engine, if you have a large area under the hood with great cooling, it just runs better.
Thanks for the responses, especially the recommendations.Comment
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Have you considered a laptop and maybe an external hard drive? You can get a pretty decent machine for $549-$699, and that leaves you a few bucks left for a nice external HDD as well as a cordless mouse.
If your primary concern isn't gaming, this is the route I'd probably run.sigpic
قلبي ينزف بيضاء وزرقاء وحمراء
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I absolutely don't like laptops because they run hot and rarely last more than 2-3 years using them between 1-3 hours a day. My wife and I use our computer constantly and getting a tower thats large and well cooled helps make a computer last dramatically longer. Plus, they're a royal pain to work on. I can upgrade ram, memory card, fans, CPU, and other stuff with a desktop that I can't do with a laptop very easily. When a single thing goes out on a desktop, its usually replaceable whereas a laptop you typically get proprietary stuff that's harder to replace (not all the time, but a lot of times)Comment
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The Intel i7 X58 one will definatly work, it may be a little more than 800 though. The main changes I would make are make sure to get the 64 bit OS if you want more than 3 gigs RAM and the other defaults are just fine on the hardware side.
On the software side they still offer XP, but you will be limited to 3+ gigs of RAM (3.25 or so) so buying XP and 6 gigs is a bit of a waste. Also they don't include a monitor in the default build so you will either need to use your existing one or get a new one.Originally posted by bwieseComment
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Looks like its gonna be more in the 800-1k ballpark. I'm not thrilled about it, but thats what i'm going to have to do. I have a legal copy of XP pro right now I may just keep, but depending on reviews, windows 7 looks promising. I have a nice 22" monitor now so the tower is all I really need.Comment
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Last edited by JaMail; 09-21-2009, 4:06 PM.Jason M- My 5 year old is a NRA life member, are you?
WTB: Stoeger Condor Competition Combo (I'll trade 1911's or other handguns)Comment
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Looks like you don't need anything souped up, you might just want to browse Dell's site for a pre-built tower. In my opinion, they do tend to over charge for increased RAM and hard drives and dual optical drives so get the machine and then upgrade those parts yourself from sites like newegg.com or tigerdirect.com or even pay a visit to Frys.
If you can wait a few more weeks, I'd suggest getting the new computer with Windows 7 pre-installed. You might also find less RAM will go father with 7 than it does with Vista so you may not even have to upgrade that and save a few bucks. Plus I like 7 much better than Vista anyways!Comment
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I've been building my own computers since the mid 90's but I think I'm finally fed up with all the different things that can go into one and I think the next computer I get will likely be a laptop with a large external drive or two. I don't do any gaming so CPU power isn't as big a deal. I just want it to be able to keep up with me for the next few years.. until I need to upgrade again.Comment
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You would want to go with Windows 7 64bit. This is what everyone is switching to. I used it myself for a few hours, and it seems nice. I don't like the UI though. But aside from that, it is pretty much like Vista.
I've heard mixed reviews from Cyberpower. Sometimes the PC works great, sometimes they forget to plug in some parts completely, ect.
Just stay away from Ibuypower.
The AMD Phenom 2 CPUs are doing pretty well to. You'll have to check benchmarks and compare motherboards to see which one is cheaper in the end.
AMD tends to keep older CPUs around longer, so you'll likely have cheaper upgrade options in 3-4 years if you feel like you need it. AMD is generally better in the sub $100 market.
Make sure the PC supports DDR3 as well.
If you plan on using a decent video card, make sure you get a case that is big enough and has room for good airflow and extra fans. These things have got huge. And have extra room, in case you want to upgrade 3 years down the road.
And don't get a no name brand PSU, they don't cut it anymore.Comment
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