Yeah, NewEgg can be hit or miss. When you're not in a hurry, it's great to just wait for the right deals to come along.
However, pricewatch.com, tigerdirect.com, and frys.com are other good places to watch (occasionally Amazon, but rarely).
As for brand preference...haven't really had one for the past few years. All of the internal components are made in China and stuffed in a case with a label slapped on the outside.
However, there are some that are built better than others. Given that, I would avoid Systemax and Compaq (do they even make compaq computers anymore?). HP is ok, but not stellar. Most of the time name brands are less reliable than the off shoots. If you avoid cutting edge, then you can do some good research online with regard to pre built systems.
What are you looking for in a computer? Knowing that would let me at least make some intelligent recommendations.
Hi Mate:
Maybe your friend could build one for me and ship it over.
Cheers,
David
LOL. Would be nice if we could David. Unfortunately, the postage may be just a tad prohibitive!! LOL
[quote="ozbloke":1ilmspbf]LOL. Would be nice if we could David. Unfortunately, the postage may be just a tad prohibitive!! LOL[/quote:1ilmspbf]
Hi Mate:
Just wish I could get a good handle on a configuration. The last time I didn't really get what I needed.
Thanks,
David
P.S. How much would the postage cost?
[quote:a17pwl8j]P.S. How much would the postage cost?[/quote:a17pwl8j]
More than the computer, I would imagine. Besides which, we run on 220-240v and you on 110-120v.
David the configuration which would be best for you is not that difficult to come up with mate, but it would be a big help if we had a ballpark dollar figure to work with. I gave you a fair indication in an earlier post. Here's what I believe would suit you best (bearing in mind that we are looking for a configuration which will do the best job for you at the least cost):
1) Intel 'E' series core 2 duo processor. The 'E' series starts off at E4000 series (lower end) and goes up to E8000 series (high end). Here is a page that lists all Intel core 2 duo processors with relevant specs plus initial release price comparisons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_In ... processors
Note: The Frequency (in Ghz) is what you will see most often quoted but the L2-cache and FSB (Front-side Bus) figures are an important part of the speed equation too. My machine, which was built around 2 and half years ago, has an Intel core 2 duo E6850 CPU.
The latest series from Intel is the i series; starting off at i3 through to i7. This new range includes hyper threading technology but it is my understanding there is no real advantage unless the software one is running actually supports hyper threading....in most cases it will not. Still, if you happen to come across a machine that fits the bill [i:a17pwl8j]and[/i:a17pwl8j] includes an i series CPU, all the better.
2) 4GB RAM. These days RAM is mostly available in 1GB and 2GB modules. 2GB would most likely suffice for you but RAM is not too expensive and is definitely an area where it is better to have too much than too little. 8GB would, IMO, be a tad overkill and would also be a waste of money....4GB fits the bill nicely.
3) Dedicated graphics card. Because of your fondness for games, this is a must for you; it is only the amount of dedicated RAM which is questionable. I believe 512MB RAM would most likely suffice but 1GB RAM would definitely do the job. Again, price will probably dictate; if you trip over a machine which is perfect in every respect at the right price and includes a 512MB card then I would go for it. On the other hand, if you find a machine which fits the bill, price wise and all, with a 1GB card then all the better.
4) Hard Disk Drive. Most machines come equipped with large capacity HDD's these days; the price differential as sizes increase is not substantial so manufacturers tend to bung in larger hard drives to enhance the appeal of their product. You are running XP on an older machine so I am guessing you would currently have an 80GB HDD, so they are all going to seem huge to you.
Personally, I like the 500GB drives, even a 320GB HDD will do for you. In most cases 1TB would be a tad overkill. Again, price comparisons will dictate.
That's about it really mate. Other components such as; optical drive, network card, etc. are all pretty standard fair.
Cheers....Jim
[quote="ozbloke":2j92oobt][quote:2j92oobt]P.S. How much would the postage cost?[/quote:2j92oobt]
More than the computer, I would imagine. Besides which, we run on 220-240v and you on 110-120v.
David the configuration which would be best for you is not that difficult to come up with mate, but it would be a big help if we had a ballpark dollar figure to work with. I gave you a fair indication in an earlier post. Here's what I believe would suit you best (bearing in mind that we are looking for a configuration which will do the best job for you at the least cost):
1) Intel 'E' series core 2 duo processor. The 'E' series starts off at E4000 series (lower end) and goes up to E8000 series (high end). Here is a page that lists all Intel core 2 duo processors with relevant specs plus initial release price comparisons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_In ... processors
Note: The Frequency (in Ghz) is what you will see most often quoted but the L2-cache and FSB (Front-side Bus) figures are an important part of the speed equation too. My machine, which was built around 2 and half years ago, has an Intel core 2 duo E6850 CPU.
The latest series from Intel is the i series; starting off at i3 through to i7. This new range includes hyper threading technology but it is my understanding there is no real advantage unless the software one is running actually supports hyper threading....in most cases it will not. Still, if you happen to come across a machine that fits the bill [i:2j92oobt]and[/i:2j92oobt] includes an i series CPU, all the better.
2) 4GB RAM. These days RAM is mostly available in 1GB and 2GB modules. 2GB would most likely suffice for you but RAM is not too expensive and is definitely an area where it is better to have too much than too little. 8GB would, IMO, be a tad overkill and would also be a waste of money....4GB fits the bill nicely.
3) Dedicated graphics card. Because of your fondness for games, this is a must for you; it is only the amount of dedicated RAM which is questionable. I believe 512MB RAM would most likely suffice but 1GB RAM would definitely do the job. Again, price will probably dictate; if you trip over a machine which is perfect in every respect at the right price and includes a 512MB card then I would go for it. On the other hand, if you find a machine which fits the bill, price wise and all, with a 1GB card then all the better.
4) Hard Disk Drive. Most machines come equipped with large capacity HDD's these days; the price differential as sizes increase is not substantial so manufacturers tend to bung in larger hard drives to enhance the appeal of their product. You are running XP on an older machine so I am guessing you would currently have an 80GB HDD, so they are all going to seem huge to you.
Personally, I like the 500GB drives, even a 320GB HDD will do for you. In most cases 1TB would be a tad overkill. Again, price comparisons will dictate.
That's about it really mate. Other components such as; optical drive, network card, etc. are all pretty standard fair.
Cheers....Jim[/quote:2j92oobt]
Hi Mate:
Under $2000.00. Would that be adequate?
Would you take a look at the following web site to see if any of these under $2000.00 look good? http://www.ibuypower.com/Info/i7.aspx
Cheers,
David
David - You could buy just about anything you want for that sort of money. I have been thinking more along the lines of the $500.00 - $800.00 mark (excluding monitor).
Had a look at the site you linked to, it appears they specialise in gaming machines. They are fairly high-end machines, the couple around the $800.00 mark, with the i series CPU, would be plenty for you mate. They look quite nice machines at pretty reasonable prices.
Let me have a better look around; I'll check out TigerDirect and a couple of others and make some comparisons. Will provide you with a link to anything suitable.
Cheers mate....Jim
[b:1p5vf6yg]UPDATE:[/b:1p5vf6yg]
Well David, neither TigerDirect nor DealsDirect impressed me, they are both much the same as Newegg. I am certainly much more impressed with what I saw on the iBuyPower site you linked to....some nice machines there at reasonable prices. Their Gamer Paladin E730 sounds spot on for you. Although, I have read some reports that iBuyPower's after sales service is not too good.
Would you be looking at upgrading your monitor too?
One thing that concerns me: What operating system are you looking at?? I assume you have some older games, flight simulators, etc. that you would like to continue running. Just worries me a little bit as too whether those would be compatible with Windows 7 or not, and especially with 64-bit.
It's something you might like to think about and check out further.
Cheers.....Jim
[quote="ozbloke":4d36pe35]David - You could buy just about anything you want for that sort of money. I have been thinking more along the lines of the $500.00 - $800.00 mark (excluding monitor).
Had a look at the site you linked to, it appears they specialise in gaming machines. They are fairly high-end machines, the couple around the $800.00 mark, with the i series CPU, would be plenty for you mate. They look quite nice machines at pretty reasonable prices.
Let me have a better look around; I'll check out TigerDirect and a couple of others and make some comparisons. Will provide you with a link to anything suitable.
Cheers mate....Jim
[b:4d36pe35]UPDATE:[/b:4d36pe35]
Well David, neither TigerDirect nor DealsDirect impressed me, they are both much the same as Newegg. I am certainly much more impressed with what I saw on the iBuyPower site you linked to....some nice machines there at reasonable prices. Their Gamer Paladin E730 sounds spot on for you. Although, I have read some reports that iBuyPower's after sales service is not too good.
Would you be looking at upgrading your monitor too?
One thing that concerns me: What operating system are you looking at?? I assume you have some older games, flight simulators, etc. that you would like to continue running. Just worries me a little bit as too whether those would be compatible with Windows 7 or not, and especially with 64-bit.
It's something you might like to think about and check out further.
Cheers.....Jim[/quote:4d36pe35]
Hi Mate:
I could not locate the E730? Will look more carefully. I have a 22" Samsung flat screen monitor which I would keep. I was hoping to use Windows 7. I don't know if all my games will run under that. Do I need 64-bit?
BTW, have you seen Ziggie on the Forum? We were getting pretty close to solving my sound problem. Haven't heard from him since Friday.
Cheers.....David
Hey David,
[quote:3n45sy51]I could not locate the E730? [/quote:3n45sy51]
Here it is: http://www.ibuypower.com/Store.....ladin_E730
[quote:3n45sy51]I was hoping to use Windows 7. I don't know if all my games will run under that[/quote:3n45sy51]
I think Windows 7 would be the best option...latest OS and all that. Whether all your games will run in W7 or not is an unknown quantity. If you went for the Professional or Ultimate edition you would be able to download XP Mode and try any non-working games in that. NOTE: XP Mode will not work in Win7 Home Premium.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/wind ... -windows-7
[quote:3n45sy51]Do I need 64-bit?[/quote:3n45sy51]
No, not really but it would seem a shame to have all the necessary modern hardware in place and then not fully utilize it.
[quote:3n45sy51]BTW, have you seen Ziggie on the Forum? We were getting pretty close to solving my sound problem[/quote:3n45sy51]
Yes, well Ziggie is a working family man so I guess he would have plenty of other things to keep him occupied on weekends.
I have responded to your last post on the sound problem mate, if you follow the steps there you should be OK.
Cheers.....Jim
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