New PC

**burwell** · #1 (**permalink**) 08-08-2005, 10:51 AM

It might be time for me to think about a new PC.
What do you think are the Pro`s and Con`s about buying off the shelf (and getting lots of things you wouldn`t use) and a Private Build PC.

**helslayer** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-08-2005, 04:38 PM

Hi Burwell, Personally I would buy direct from the manufacturer. Prices are getting keener as we can see from the recent demise of Time & Tiny computers. Plus, you avoid the middle man and his profit. I've had two systems from Mesh, which I've been very happy with. I've also had a couple of PC's built for me, but I've had compatability problems issues with both. Also, try Evesham, Dell and any other you see advertised. Its important to decide what you are going to use your PC for. If its email, word processing etc, you don't need to spend megabucks on a top of the range latest processor driven system. Remember, as soon as you unpack it, its out of date. My advice is go for a mid range unit that allows you to do photo editing and manipulation with out the system slowing down. If you go for a reasonably well known brand, you will be able to upgrade in the future as you need to. By the Way, does the wife know what your considering?.....lol

**burwell** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2005, 11:20 AM

Well Nige...as you well know the wife does not come into my comp room...and I would ask you to keep quite on my intentions.
You seem to have a down on pers build Desk top PC`s which as you know is the one I have operated since 1999...I would agree with you..you would need to choose your man carefully...but he is at least available and ready to assist if anything should go wrong..and nothing has gone wrong with mine that was not my own fault.
Also I think you are more sure of getting top quality components...and to have your Hard drive partitioned exactly as you require!!
I agree there are some very good deals around for about 500 quid.(Median).but they all seem to be heading towards very powerful graphics cards and jargon relating to Power Cinema software......plus 250 Gb of disc god almighty Ive got by with 20 Gb partioned 50/50 and still have 70 per cent available on each drive.
But food for thought..and I do thankyou for you comments.
Cheers bry

**Syrus XL Media** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2005, 05:05 PM

Another consideration to make at this time is the introduction of Windows Vista, which is released next year. Of course you don't have to upgrade to the new OS as soon as its released.

Specifications on Vista are also high, a quick look at the recent beta release shows that it will require a minimum of 512Mb of RAM, and around 3Gb just for the Operating System, these values dont include any programs you run.

It's always best to check what the future holds, and hels said you don't really need a 'fully loaded' spec just to check emails or word processing.

**burwell** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2005, 08:48 AM

Thanks Syrus...noticed in my mag about Vista (which is a rename of something else they were doing)....It`s nice I think to have more power than you need in order for things to run smoothly...but I don`t think I want to pay out just to be able to find where all the probs are.
Would you say that XP has sorted out all its probs!!
I am very surprised that 512 RAM is needed for the op system before you even start.

**helslayer** · #6 (**permalink**) 08-16-2005, 04:01 AM

Hi Burwell, Longhorn was the code name for Vista which is probably what you can remember. Personally, I would still opt for XP over Vista at this stage. The reason for this is, yes, it has sorted its problems out, is stable and in theory can run happily on 128 megs. Vista, or any new OS for that matter will come with its own shortcomings and only after it has been on release for several months and used by the general public will service packs appear to resolve compatability and security issues. If you want a system that will do everything you throw at it, be stable and accept all the add-ons you plug into it, go for XP. Consider installing Vista, if you do want the latest operating system after the first service pack has been released. Only my opinion of course, but I hope you find it useful.

**burwell** · #7 (**permalink**) 08-22-2005, 08:55 AM

Thanks nige..enough to think about.
And can you tell me what "Rep Power" means under my icon on the left side of the window.

**Syrus XL Media** · #8 (**permalink**) 08-22-2005, 09:41 AM

Quote:

And can you tell me what "Rep Power" means under my icon on the left side of the window.

Rep Power is a recognition for posting an informative post/message. You can give another user more Reputation Power by clicking on the small Yellow face on any post you consider is worthy of merit.

You also gain ucash for replying or creating a new thread. uCash can be used in the Store to buy various addons to use on the forums.

**JohnnyBee** · #9 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 01:50 PM

Hiya Burwell; like Hybrid, I've been building computers for a fair while now and I have to say that I don't know how some of these builders can do it for the prices they're asking, and still make a profit.
A new mid-range Sempron with 512 and an 80Gb drive will set you back a mere £250 or so, and you can buy a top-range gamer rig with a dual-core Athlon and all the bells and whistles for £500 -ish.
That said, there's nothing quite like building one yourself, as you can choose exactly what goes into it according to your needs, and you'll also have the joy of seeing it boot for the first time - bliss!
As a 'for-instance', this rig is one of the last of the 'fast' Athlons with a 333MHz FSB; an XP2700 (2167 MHz) drives through 1536Mb of PC2700, feeding data to two 160 Gb SATA drives and two 80Gb ATA133 drives in RAID 0.
Audigy sound, plus a Radeon 9600 and a Pinnacle TV card brings up the rear in terms of goodies, plus several utility cards that I wouldn't be without.
All this cost roughly £330 to put together, so you can 'do it yourself' at a reasonable price and have the satisfaction of knowing the thing inside-out.
I hope this has helped rather than confused the issue!
JB.

**JohnnyBee** · #10 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 02:13 PM

Oh ar, and whilst I'm on, I wouldn't worry too much about doing anything with Vista just yet, nor would I get too excited about 64-bit hardware either.
I'm still running W2K Pro, (which is every bit as good as XP without the bloat) and never had a problem with it yet, so I reckon that by using either 2K or XP you'll have a few years of relative peace before Gatesy's mob start to turn the thumbscrews.
From a hardware point of view, it really isn't worth the extra outlay for 64- bit gear right at the moment, mainly because drivers and software for 64-bit are still miles behind.
Besides that, most people wouldn't be able to discern the difference between 32 and 64-bit systems anyway, unless you constantly monitor your rig's performance with a micro-stopwatch!
JB.