New Box, HELP
December 19, 2007 10:17 AM Subscribe
New computer build, how to decide
What I need is an updated box, currently running a dual processor Intel, 700mhz, 1 gig, XP Pro. I plan on getting a new box, dual core (AMD or Intel), ghosting my 40 gig hd and doing a repair install of XP to keep all my programs. I am NOT a gamer. I do use photo shop, etc. I have looked at ARS's site and the boxes don't seem to fit what i want.
I do use 2 monitors, both analog (crt 19", lcd 19", but would consider a new flat panel.
Computer types and all, give it your best shot, cheaper wins!
What I need is an updated box, currently running a dual processor Intel, 700mhz, 1 gig, XP Pro. I plan on getting a new box, dual core (AMD or Intel), ghosting my 40 gig hd and doing a repair install of XP to keep all my programs. I am NOT a gamer. I do use photo shop, etc. I have looked at ARS's site and the boxes don't seem to fit what i want.
I do use 2 monitors, both analog (crt 19", lcd 19", but would consider a new flat panel.
Computer types and all, give it your best shot, cheaper wins!
Best answer: Is this a DIY your project or are you planning no buying from a big-box retailer? If it's the later, I'd just keep an eye on special deals at slickdeals.net, techbargains.com, tigerdirect.com, newegg, etc. The former two in particular are a good sources to start from to see when manufacturers are having deals- and there are some great ones out there.
If you DIY, The Tech Report has guides on systems builds. There're also some decent forums dedicated to this, like tom's hardware and Newegg's "eggxpert" forum (reg required).
Personally, when I build systems, I peruse newegg.com and look at user ratings and especially comments for components in my price range and go from there. I'll spend a week or so researching everything to see what the best deals are and what products to avoid and which rock.
posted by jmd82 at 11:03 AM on December 19, 2007 [1 favorite]
If you DIY, The Tech Report has guides on systems builds. There're also some decent forums dedicated to this, like tom's hardware and Newegg's "eggxpert" forum (reg required).
Personally, when I build systems, I peruse newegg.com and look at user ratings and especially comments for components in my price range and go from there. I'll spend a week or so researching everything to see what the best deals are and what products to avoid and which rock.
posted by jmd82 at 11:03 AM on December 19, 2007 [1 favorite]
I've had good results referring the Ars Technica System Building Guide.
posted by notyou at 11:09 AM on December 19, 2007
posted by notyou at 11:09 AM on December 19, 2007
Argyle's info is pretty good, but you should be aware that the lower-end Dell desktops do not have IDE connectinos. So if you want to plug your old drive into the new Dell system, you'd have to install a PCI-to-IDE card, or buy an external hard disk enclosure.
I'm about to purchase my fourth system this year from the Dell Outlet. Two went to my parents and in-laws; I'm using one as a quasi-media PC and the other as my primary desktop at home. Lots of bang for the buck on the low end, there.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 11:21 AM on December 19, 2007
I'm about to purchase my fourth system this year from the Dell Outlet. Two went to my parents and in-laws; I'm using one as a quasi-media PC and the other as my primary desktop at home. Lots of bang for the buck on the low end, there.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 11:21 AM on December 19, 2007
Argyle's suggestion isn't too bad, but consider:
Pros: You'll end up with a new case, motherboard, memory, processor, HDD, CD/DVD, mouse and keyboard (and likely monitor, probably flat panel), rather than just a new mobo, memory, and processor. That's quite a bit less items to worry about, in terms of eventual breakdown. You'll also end up with a warranty. With an external USB enclosure, your old HDD becomes a backup device.
Cons: You'll be giving up any and all say in the quality of the items in your system. Low-end Dells will use low-end parts. You'll also have to either delete all the crap that comes with the system and install your own stuff all over again, or wipe the drive and ghost as planned and risk having some things not work correctly afterwards.
Argyle suggests Vista. I'll weigh in with the thought that anyone building a system from parts (as I've often done myself) probably is trying to save money, so reusing a perfectly serviceable (and more importantly already paid-for) operating system is way, way cheaper than buying an upgrade or full version of a pre-service pack, admittedly bug ridden, and hardware-wise quite demanding (not to mention unfamiliar) OS.
Heck, Tiger Direct has bare-bones PCs, including only case, power supply, mobo, memory + processor, for $270 and up if you want Intel Core Duo. $99 if you're OK with single core. Dell can't beat that.
posted by caution live frogs at 1:24 PM on December 19, 2007
Pros: You'll end up with a new case, motherboard, memory, processor, HDD, CD/DVD, mouse and keyboard (and likely monitor, probably flat panel), rather than just a new mobo, memory, and processor. That's quite a bit less items to worry about, in terms of eventual breakdown. You'll also end up with a warranty. With an external USB enclosure, your old HDD becomes a backup device.
Cons: You'll be giving up any and all say in the quality of the items in your system. Low-end Dells will use low-end parts. You'll also have to either delete all the crap that comes with the system and install your own stuff all over again, or wipe the drive and ghost as planned and risk having some things not work correctly afterwards.
Argyle suggests Vista. I'll weigh in with the thought that anyone building a system from parts (as I've often done myself) probably is trying to save money, so reusing a perfectly serviceable (and more importantly already paid-for) operating system is way, way cheaper than buying an upgrade or full version of a pre-service pack, admittedly bug ridden, and hardware-wise quite demanding (not to mention unfamiliar) OS.
Heck, Tiger Direct has bare-bones PCs, including only case, power supply, mobo, memory + processor, for $270 and up if you want Intel Core Duo. $99 if you're OK with single core. Dell can't beat that.
posted by caution live frogs at 1:24 PM on December 19, 2007
Response by poster: I have worked on Dells, HPs, even Packatd Bells (GROAN). I do not like what i have seen inside. I would rather pay a little more and have something that is seviceable and dependable!
Thanks jmd82, I had not seen The Tech Report. Looks like a I found what I am looking for!
posted by raildr at 1:41 PM on December 19, 2007
Thanks jmd82, I had not seen The Tech Report. Looks like a I found what I am looking for!
posted by raildr at 1:41 PM on December 19, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
You really can't build your own cheaper than that. I bought $300 versions for my daughters, bumped up the RAM to a Gig and they can do pretty much anything with them.
For two monitors, you'll likely need a different video card. For $30-50 you can probably get a Nvidia 5x00 or 6x00 series card with dual outputs.
To be clear, buying a PC is by far the cheapest way to go if you are not a gamer.
If you really want to build your own, the Sharky Value Guide may be helpful.
I have tried the 'old drive into new motherboard/CPU' trick 3 times now. It worked once. Once it left the disc unbootable, but readable. The third time it bricked the drive. YMMV, but it's no cakewalk to pull off the repair install.
Unsolicited advice: Since you don't sound like a PC enthusiast fanboi, consider moving on to Vista. For all the slagging in the press, Vista is a significant improvement on XP in terms of daily tasks. Sure, there are problems with it in some high performance gaming areas, but for basic computer usage, it's better than XP.
posted by Argyle at 10:52 AM on December 19, 2007