Getting a new comp.

[jack_mcdonald93]

Hey all,

I'm looking into getting a new desktop that will mainly be used for gaming, as well as a little word processing and internet crap (laptop that I have been using is starting to reach the end of its life).

I don't want to spend heaps and don't need to run things on Ultra High or whatever, just happy to have smooth running games with no stuttering.

Found a desktop setup from Centrecom for $1,199 (probably about my limit) that I thought looked okay. How does it sound?

Processor: Intel Core i7 2.93GHz
Chipset: Intel H55
Memory: 16GB DDR3

Storage: 2TB SATA
Optical: DVD Burner
Graphics: nVidia GTS450 1GB

Case: ATX Tower
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
Monitor: 22" Widescreen LCD

Video: HDMI, DVI Outputs
LAN: Gigabit

Included with a 12 month parts and labour return to base warranty.

Now I'm alright with the software side of computers, but completely dull about hardware. Suggestions, advice would be much appreciated.

 

[dav3]

If you can I'd be downgrading the CPU a little and upgrading the video card, although being old/obsolete hardware I'm not sure if they'll be able to do that. 16gig ram is overkill too if you've got a strict budget

 

[Xtreme]

I purchased one through them last year, started kicking myself a few months ago when they started offering computers with better specs than the one i purchased.... and at a cheaper price too. I actually looked at what they

My advice would be to ask around on other forums as well as taking the advice of others that post in this thread. Everyone has a different idea on what's best.

 

[rickyp]

That's WAY too much money for what is a computer built to remove old stock.

A few questions: What is your budget? Would you be confident enough to build your own computer? Do you need a screen? Dell make fantastic screens, get one of their 24" IPS screens if you need something of high quality.

I've been researching desktop builds for the past few months and using centrecoms stock/prices I'd recommend the following:

CPU: i5 2500k ($217)
motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V ($188)
RAM: G.Skill 8gb (2x4) ($52.80)
HDD: Something temporary, the prices of HDD's are astronomical at the moment due to the flooding. So long as it's 7200rpm you will be fine (not a green drive, or an eco drive etc.)
GPU: Gigabyte 6950 1gb ($257)
Case: Take your pick
PSU: Thermaltake TR2 Bronze 700W ($115)

All up, my recommendations come to $829.80, add $200 for HDD and case, and then $75 for build, and you're saving money on a computer that can run almost any game at ultra graphics. You could even change the graphics card to a 6970 or 570 if you like.

If you're feeling adventurous, get an SSD for your main drive, and get the HDD when prices come down/you need the space.

I'm just talking rubbish at this point, let me know your budget and requirements (screen/mouse/keyboard etc.) and I'll give you a list you can take to centrecom and they'll build it for you.

 

[prankmonkey]

ewwwww
old i7 architecture
and i would be VERY wary of that HDD, most 2TB drives are green drives which run at 5400rpm.

build your own or pick the parts and get someone else to build it

 

[Biggy_Boy]

Pretty crappy build.

The 1156 socket is dead and has been superseded by Sandy Bridge. Also, 16GB of RAM is completely unnecessary and the graphics card is pretty poor.

I built my PC a couple of months ago for around that price and got an i5 2500k, 8GB RAM and a 6950, which is a pretty good build for gaming.

Only problem with building now is that HDD prices have skyrocketed due to the Thailand floods. Makes me mad I didn't buy a second HDD when they were cheap.

 

[MarcusP2]

Go to Whirlpool, find the Desktop Configurations wiki, choose the gaming one that meets your budget, and build it yourself.

Easily the best way to get bang for your buck.