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Post by jonwiththewind on Sept 10, 2011 17:20:54 GMT 2
This is one for all you computer geeks out there. (I should admit at this stage that my computer-geeking skills are limited -> I can install a new graphics card, but I wouldn't have a clue how to reprogram the bios. Or whatever. As I say. limited). I'm looking to upgrade my computer (It's nearly 10 years old, and is starting to show it's age). I'm on a miserly budget, and I'm not looking for a super-duper cutting edge rig. Just something to allow me to play some of the games from the last 5 years which my current computer can't handle (in particular Crysis & Portal 2). Current set-up (in brief): OS: Windows XP (Service Pack 3) CPU: Pentium 4, 3Ghz Motherboard: ABITVT7 (5 PCI, 1 AGP, 4 DIMM, Audio LAN) System RAM: 1536MB Graphics card; Nvidia Geforce 4 TI 4200 Sound card: SB Live! 5.1 (Creative) Storage: 80GB (Hard drive) - pathetic I know Pretty much everything needs upgrading (I reckon), so rather than buy new components, I'm thinking of buying a more recent (but still secondhand) system. Not having PCI-E slots is a bit of a bummer, on it's own! Basically I've seen this computer on ebay, and I reckon it will move me forward about 5 years, without costing an arm and a leg. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170691905327Should I go for it? or would it not be enough of a step forward to justify the price? I reckon it's a reasonable buy. If you know otherwise, please let me know! Any comments gratefully received!
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Post by mpanayiotakis on Sept 10, 2011 23:36:23 GMT 2
Well Jon your system is lacking in every department so yes, your best bet is to buy a whole new system. I took a quick look in the auction and I don't think this system is worth buying even for the price because it's also sub-par on almost everything (graphics card, hard disk etc). Here's what I suggest you should get: - Any current 64-bit processor AMD or Intel will do fine so you're limited by price (avoid celeron or sempron cpus though). - Any cheap motherboard that can host the above processor and includes a sound chipset (almost 99% of all motherboards in sale right now). - At least 2GB of ram (DDR2 or DDR3 depending on the motherboard and price) but I suggest 4GBs. - An nvidia GTX550 or amd 6770 graphics card at least (any brand is fine). - A 500GB sata disk. - A 500watt power supply (I don't know if you can keep the one you've got but probably not). I suppose you can keep the monitor, the mouse and the keyboard and you must have a set of speakers somewhere. You can make do without a dvd-drive since everything can be transfered with a USB drive nowadays. You can clone the old hard disk to the new one so you'll be ready OS wise as well. The above system would be powerful enough to play most of today's games and judging by the computer you're currently using it should last you for at least 10 years! All the above (including a midi case) will cost you around 300-350 euros (cheap to cheapest options). If you're looking for a used system you can go lower than that but I strongly suggest to get a new system to avoid any problems and take advantage of the guarantees if needed. These are the prices you can find in Greece today but I don't think they will be much different in England.. Michael
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Post by jonwiththewind on Sept 11, 2011 0:09:58 GMT 2
Useful comments Mike - Thanks very much! Regarding the £200 system on ebay-> Bit surprised you had a downer on the graphics card. I thought that was one of the (relatively) good bits. Also, the motherboard (which you didn't mention) would seem to allow for reasonable longevity, but maybe it's not as good as I think.... I definitely can't keep my current power supply (I should have mentioned that). 300watts! Like putting a lawnmower engine in a ferrari. You're right about keeping the other bits though. I did spot this other computer for sale (locally). Not sure I could justify it (on any grounds) to the missus! LOL: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150660713867Am tempted though...
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Post by mpanayiotakis on Sept 13, 2011 23:32:59 GMT 2
Well this system isn't bad but you don't need everything in it: The SSD is too much since nobody in their right mind loads up the OS from the beginning every single time - there's hybrid sleep for that (computer opens up instantly!). 3TB of hard disk is overkill. Hard disks are only getting cheaper, buy a small one now and you can upgrade later if needed. 500GB should be more than enough. You don't need 6GB of ram either or a GTX460 unless you're planning to play all the latest games. So, you would be paying 500 pounds for something you don't need..
Michael
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Post by jonwiththewind on Sept 14, 2011 0:34:39 GMT 2
All well and good Mike, but you're missing the best bit -> It has a blue light that glows when you turn it on. Ooh. Spooky! Seriously, though, thanks for the 'reality check'. I've decided to wait until my computer goes bang (hopefully not for another 6 months to a year) before investing in a new computer. No doubt by then, we'll all be having computers surgically implanted, so I may never need to buy another grey box! Over and out. JWTW
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Post by mpanayiotakis on Sept 14, 2011 22:27:57 GMT 2
No prob, the blue light is a pro no question about it but let's face it, you're more of a red light kind of guy aren't you?
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Post by Aris on Sept 15, 2011 20:45:55 GMT 2
LOL!
AC
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Post by jonwiththewind on Nov 22, 2011 23:35:43 GMT 2
God help us, I'm back! and I want computer advice, again... I still need a 'new' computer, but haven't managed to buy one yet (I've bid on a couple, but always seem to get *just* outbid. Grr..) Anyhoo, this is the latest one I'm interested in, but I was hoping any of you techies out there might let me know if it's a good buy (for the price). www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130604407908I've never had a water-cooled PC, but for some wierd (mid-life crisis) reason, I'm not put off by the idea. Anyone interested in helping, your advice would be gratefully received. For anyone not interested in computers, I apologise for wasting your time. xx PS - This computer also has a blue (NOT red) light. That's not the only reason I 'm interested in it though.
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Post by pic10F206 on May 24, 2012 23:27:47 GMT 2
Did you already bought it?
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