Buying a new PC

[Sunday Red]

Hi guys,

I've had my current desktop PC for about five years now and it's getting to stage where it's not good enough for the functions I need it to perform.

It's slow and particularly laggy when I run multiple applications.

This morning, it took me about half an hour to complete a task that usually takes me five minutes, simply because I had four internet tabs running, iTunes and Photoshop with a large file. That's nothing unusual, so I think an upgrade is in order.

Because I haven't even looked at another computer in 4-5 years, I have no idea what's out there. I will head out to have a look later, but I like to have an idea in my head before I speak to someone.

So can you please tell me what 'good' specifications are in a desktop PC these days? Obviously I know they will range from bargain basement to high performance, so I will list a few paramaters below:

- Not looking to spend a fortune (somewhere between $1200-$1600)
- Must be fast
- Must allow me to run multiple apps simultaneously without lag
- I do a lot of web work and also use Photoshop
- Good for multimedia (more so music than video though)

I keep seeing Dell advertise what seem to be good, cheap systems online. Are they any good? Any help or advice would be appreciated. Cheers!

 

[sblack]

Do you want a Dell/HP pre built or would you be willing to go down the custom route.

A custom setup would most likely be better and cheaper. A $1000 Dell would be a piece of shit compared to a $1000 custom.

 

[Mr Eagle]

I know that your machine is fairly old and so part compatibility may be an issue, but have you considered just upgrading the CPU or adding some extra memory?

 

[hamG]

You go to the right store $1500 will get you a very good system nowdays. All the gear is really cheap

 

[Jabso]

I woudln't go with HP after my experience. They're pretty expensive for what they offer and they can be difficult to upgrade and come with a lot of pre-installed bullshit.

If you're comfortable with custom made you can get the exact same parts for a lot less money, and pay $20-50 for a shop like CNET Technology to build it for you. I'd go to places like here rather than Harvey Norman for computers.

 

[flamethrower]

Grab the Green Guide to check out the price range on some decent desktop systems.

I would recommend getting the latest, fastest CPU that you can afford. For up to $1600 you should be able to get an Intel Core i7 quad core CPU with a decent graphics card (nVidia or ATI Radeon), 6 Gb of RAM, a 1 TB HDD with Windows 7. If you don't need a new monitor, just get a box only to get better specs for the same money.

Dell Systems are good in that you can customize them to you own liking/budget, but they are more expensive than equivalent generic systems.

 

[nicky]

get a mac

 

[azreal]

get a mac

+1

 

[Hawkamania!]

You go to the right store $1500 will get you a very good system nowdays. All the gear is really cheap

Find a respectable computer retailer and see what they can offer. Usually you can get a better hardware configuration for the same price. Another advantage is upgrading will be less of a hassle compared to dealing with propriety pc makers.

get a mac

Why pay more for less? Buy a PC and install a user friendly Linux distro instead. Unless you are a gamer, then unfortunately, you will have to get Win 7.

 

[CF]

look at ebay too. There are some really good systems at cheap prices there.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/New-Intel-Q8...wItemQQptZAU_comp_dekstop?hash=item53dd699a27

 

[Ant_]

Why pay more for less? Buy a PC and install a user friendly Linux distro instead. Unless you are a gamer, then unfortunately, you will have to get Win 7.

Or do as you said and use a console for gaming.

 

[Hawk Dork]

Go to a computer swap meet.
I had a guy build mine a few years back
Have an idea of what you want by checking out the green guide and hit up a few guys in the meet.
The guy I chose sorted me out for a grand,It took a few days and I picked it up from his place.
Find a nerdy one who looks trustworthy.
My guy was Chinese student who was importing stuff and I had bought stuff of him before.(plus discount for cash)

 

[Messenger]

If you are looking for a Windows machine stay away from Dell and HP (which has the worst bluetooth capabilities I have ever seen, pathetic).

Plenty of knowledgeable shops will put one together for you (and support it).

 

[dylan123]

I would also recommend checking out a shop like centrecom, they are very cheap and are very helpful in recommending you a system for your requirements. You can also put in your own parts here http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/build.php?page=1 and get them to build it but since you have not been keeping up to date you will probably not really know exactly what you want. Also, on their pdf file under in-store prices and systemparts their are some pre built systems that would do a great job for what you want as well

cpu= i7, I think a quad could do it fine but since the 775 chipset is on its way out there is not much point buying something which does not have many upgrade options
hard drive= maybe SSD (solid state drive) for your OS and such so that runs really fast then a 1tb hard drive to store your info on
motherboard= plenty of options depending on price range
ram = 4gig +
graphics card = something like an 8400 would be plenty for things like photoshop

May go over the budget when you have to add things like a case, power supply and such so I guess it would be best to see what they recommend.

 

[Sunday Red]

Thanks for all the input.

I made a decision on Friday after weighing up the pros and cons. In the end I decided to go with a laptop. For an additional few hundred dollars, I can get one with similar specs to any top PC on the market at the moment. That also allows me to take it with me to client meetings, pitches (I do a lot of freelance work) etc. as well as at home.

Ended up selecting the Dell Studio 17 with a few upgrades.

Intel® Core™ i7-720QM (1.6GHz, 4 Cores/8 Threads, turbo up to 2.8 GHz, 6MB Cache)
6GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (1 x 2GB + 1 x 4GB)
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4650 1GB
1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (2x500GB)
Slot Load Fixed Blu-ray BD-ROM / DVD + /-RW Combo Drive
17.3” High Definition+ WLED (1600x900) Display with TrueLife™
Windows 7 plus Microsoft Office
Backlit keyboard
9 cell battery

All up, I parted with $2190.

 

[dylan123]

A bit of $$$ but that is a very nice laptop, that would do everything you want with ease.

Hope it runs well for you for a while

 

[Warsaw]

There were mention of HP desktops but wondering if someone knows about their notebooks. Looking at one of their pavillion dv6 range.

 

[Archer_11]

Thanks for all the input.

I made a decision on Friday after weighing up the pros and cons. In the end I decided to go with a laptop. For an additional few hundred dollars, I can get one with similar specs to any top PC on the market at the moment. That also allows me to take it with me to client meetings, pitches (I do a lot of freelance work) etc. as well as at home.

Ended up selecting the Dell Studio 17 with a few upgrades.

Intel® Core™ i7-720QM (1.6GHz, 4 Cores/8 Threads, turbo up to 2.8 GHz, 6MB Cache)
6GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (1 x 2GB + 1 x 4GB)
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4650 1GB
1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (2x500GB)
Slot Load Fixed Blu-ray BD-ROM / DVD + /-RW Combo Drive
17.3” High Definition+ WLED (1600x900) Display with TrueLife™
Windows 7 plus Microsoft Office
Backlit keyboard
9 cell battery

All up, I parted with $2190.

Good pickup - i7 w 6gb ram definitely the way to go. Blu ray drive is a nice bonus, well done.

 

[sblack]

Why didn't they give Triple Channel RAM? Makes no sense like that

 

[abcde]

Hey guys,

I am looking to build my own Computer and am looking to get some assistance on components I should be looking at. I have a rough idea but there seems to be some very knowledgeable people on here so thought i would run some ideas past you.

The pc will mainly be used for some programming (Visual Studio), gaming (more games like football manager but may be the odd HD game), and video ripping and streaming. I do want something fairly future proof though. I reckon i have about $2500 to spend all up.

Motherboard ASUS P6X58D Premium $366
CPU i7-930 $349
Ram 6G Kit DDR3 1600 Patriot-Signature $220
Hard Drive WD SATA 1.5TB x 2 $250
Graphics Card 1GB GTS 250 ASUS $156
Case Thermaltake Element G $164
DVD Drive ASUS DRW-24B1LT DVDRW Drive $49

$1554 at the monent

My main queries are the PSU (have no idea what I should be looking for) and is it really worth going for a SSD for my primary hard drive. I also need to get a Monitor, speakers keyboard and mouse but there not a high priority at the moment.

So any tips or changes you would make??

thanks greatly

 

[sblack]

Thanks to Whirlpool Wiki.

$2,250 ($2,750) Intel Multi-Purpose Config
(CrossfireX ready for a second ATI Radeon HD5850)

CPU: Intel Core i7 930 $349
Mobo: Gigabyte X58A-UD3R $258
RAM: G.Skill-NQ 6GB DDR3-1600 $205
SSD: G.Skill Falcon II 128GB SSD $399
HDD1: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB $105
HDD2: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB $105
GPU: 1GB ATI Radeon HD5850 $352
Case: Antec P183 $195 (relocate the top-exhaust fan onto the top hard drive cage, using the wire brackets to mount it)
PSU: Antec CP-850 $160
ODD: Sony-NEC Optiarc AD-7240S $39
CPU HSF: Noctua NH-U12P SE2 $88
Peripherals: [ 23" / Sidewinder X8 / Sidewinder X5 / M2600 5.1 ] (+$466)

Total: $2,255 ($2,721)

You can obviously cut some extras out that you may not need to save a couple of hundred. Like say a HDD/SSD or the CPU cooler, or a cheaper KB/Mouse/Speaker combo

If you are spending $2000+, then a SSD for OS is probably essential.

The case is up to personal opinion, so don't worry about that ... as is the KB/Mouse combo. 23" screen is probably a good choice for your price range.

RAM is all the same, just make sure it is Triple Channel

Graphics card is based on the games you want to play really. If you're only going for FM or some mid range, then the 5850 isn't necessary, but would future proof it a bit more.

Hopefully this can give you some direction on where you want to go.

 

[abcde]

Thanks to Whirlpool Wiki.




You can obviously cut some extras out that you may not need to save a couple of hundred. Like say a HDD/SSD or the CPU cooler, or a cheaper KB/Mouse/Speaker combo

If you are spending $2000+, then a SSD for OS is probably essential.

The case is up to personal opinion, so don't worry about that ... as is the KB/Mouse combo. 23" screen is probably a good choice for your price range.

RAM is all the same, just make sure it is Triple Channel

Graphics card is based on the games you want to play really. If you're only going for FM or some mid range, then the 5850 isn't necessary, but would future proof it a bit more.

Hopefully this can give you some direction on where you want to go.

Thanks heaps blacky i will head over there for a bit more of a look

 

[sblack]

Thanks heaps blacky i will head over there for a bit more of a look

They are very helpful over there.

Just either search for a setup in the forum similar to your needs, and read through that ... or just start a new thread asking for some help. They will most likely customise the generic setups from the wiki to suit your needs.