computer question for the geeks

ferny · Apr 10, 2006

I'm thinking of getting myself a computer and routing the internet to my bedroom. I'll use the computer for the internet, word prcessing and possibly games. I'm so far out of the loop it's rediculous. I used to know about everything that was out there and now I know nothing! :shock:

I'm looking for something second hand (eBay) but I'm not sure waht specs to look at, cpu wise. What sort of speeds shold I look at? I don't want to spend lots, and I don't want anything that's going to be no use in a few years. Our home PC is a seven year old PII 350 to give you an example.

2500mhz+?

duncanp · Apr 10, 2006

Yea you come crawling back when you need help... :lol:

nice to see you

Meysha · Apr 10, 2006

What do I get out of it???? :sexywink:

Rob · Apr 10, 2006

I'd say you'll probably want to go with an AMD 2800 or higher, or an Intel Xeon 2.8 or higher. You'll probably want a 512Mb+ of RAM, 250Gb+ HDD and the usual accessories. Shouldn't set you back more than a couple of hundred anyway. IMO stay away from machines which have obviously been designed for gaming - look out for flourescent and see-through cases, as these are likely to have been unrealistically over-clocked and abused - the GTi equivilent in computer terms.

Rob

Xmetal · Apr 10, 2006

Save your pennies, buy something with a 64bit CPU coz you'll be set for when Windows Vista is launched.

bantor · Apr 10, 2006

I would strongly recommend not buying used. For VERY little more if any at all you can buy a brand new system. They are really not that expensive anymore. As for what it has Rob said it all. And I also agree with Xmetal. Vista is set for a late fall release (or so i last herd) so make sure you buy something that is compatable.

bace · Apr 10, 2006

Buy a new Mac.

With the new Intel Processors they're making them so you can boot either OS X or Windows.

Verbal · Apr 10, 2006

I don't recommend less than 1gb of RAM anymore...so I'd go with 1gb of RAM, 160gb HD (unless you will be "acquiring" a lot of media from the web, then go 250gb), and at least a 2.3ghz cpu. Like Rob said, an Athlon 2800+ is a good bet. Or, if you are feeling risky, grab an Athlon MP 2400+ and overclock that sucker! :mrgreen:

bace · Apr 10, 2006

My computer right now is perfect, and you can get them from for around $400 brand new right now

Celeron 2.4Ghz
2x 80gig Hardrive
DVD RW 16x
1gig RAM (just upgraded)

Perfect for editing pictures, internet, porn, etc etc.

But yeah, my next computer purchase will be a MacBook...

Sexy Machine.

joyride · Apr 10, 2006

for what you are saying you will use it for, youre best bet is probably buying new. tComputer cost have come way down recently, and you can get a great one for around $600-700. I would stay away from the Xeon core, as they are highly overpriced. they have advantages, but nothing you would need. AMD tends to be cheaper than Pertium, but are great chips. As recommended before, get at least 1024 or ram. This is an expense you dont want to skip on. As for hard drive size, it depends on what you plan on storing. I have a ton of music, so I need a lot of space. I dont really think they offer new computers with below 80 gig anymore. And stay away from dell. Out of 10 people I know, only one has been happy with it. The other computers had constant problems.

JohnMF · Apr 10, 2006

pay someone to make it for you to your specs. it's usually cheaper

bace · Apr 10, 2006

JohnMF said:
pay someone to make it for you to your specs. it's usually cheaper

Or just build it yourself. It's really a lot simpler than most people think. Fak, if I can do it, anyone can.

monicam · Apr 11, 2006

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor - Retail - $158.00, $2.99 shipping

eVGA 128-P2-N368-TX Geforce 6600GT 128MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail- $115 AR Free shipping

CORSAIR XMS 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail- $93.00, Free shipping

ASUS A8N5X Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail- $80.99, 4.85 shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16819103535 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16814130214 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16820145450 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16813131569

ferny · Apr 15, 2006

duncanp said:
Yea you come crawling back when you need help...

nice to see you

Thrrrrrp to you. :greenpbl:

:mrgreen:

Thanks for the replies, I'll read them when I've got rid of my headache. Started travelling at 2pm yesterday. One ferry trip, one bus trip, one coach journey, one flight and a ride in a car later and I was home around midnight.

I'm not looking to spend huge amounts. Now more than £250 I think. Money is tight, as ever. Until I get a decent job in a few months.

monicam · Apr 16, 2006

ferny said:
Thrrrrrp to you. :greenpbl:

:mrgreen:

Thanks for the replies, I'll read them when I've got rid of my headache. Started travelling at 2pm yesterday. One ferry trip, one bus trip, one coach journey, one flight and a ride in a car later and I was home around midnight.

I'm not looking to spend huge amounts. Now more than £250 I think. Money is tight, as ever. Until I get a decent job in a few months.

God Bless..and take care