Need some help deciding on a new computer...

[Allspice]

I'm looking for a new computer and to be honest...I could use some help. I haven't bought a gaming computer before and don't know which to pick. I don't want a computer that is going to be completely out of date in a year or two.

Anyways, these are the two I'm thinking about, but if you have any other recommendations let me know. I'm leaning toward the second one atm. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Acer AM3910-U4012 [http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/PT.SDX02.086]

and

HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 [http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02863023&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=5097984]

 

[BreakfastMan]

Just from the options that you put forward, the HP pavilion looks like it will be the more powerful one. The processor is better (quad-core is always better than dual-core IMO), and there is much more to upgrade. Won't run stuff like Metro 2033 on high, but you still should be able to play pretty much everything out on about medium or so.

 

[Allspice]

Thanks. I think I will go with the HP.

 

[drakythe]

Of those two, the HP is definitely the better choice. Though HPs are sometimes touchy in general. How tech savvy are you, because I have a few suggestions on where else you might look before comitting, some are easy, some take an afternoon to figure out your options.

 

[Annoying Turd]

build your own pc. going bespoke allows you to specify what hardware you want in a gaming pc to optimize performance.

 

[Allspice]

Of those two, the HP is definitely the better choice. Though HPs are sometimes touchy in general. How tech savvy are you, because I have a few suggestions on where else you might look before comitting, some are easy, some take an afternoon to figure out your options.

I haven't had any experience with building a computer from scratch, but I could probably figure it out if given some instruction. I'm open to any suggestions you have.

 

[sir.rutthed]

If you have a computer competent friend, I highly suggest you build your own. You could build an equivalent or superior machine to either of those for 1/3 the price. That's what I did and I haven't even upgraded anything in years and my machine still performs beautifully. But if you must buy one, go with the HP. The processor on the Acer is crap.

 

[Annoying Turd]

I haven't had any experience with building a computer from scratch, but I could probably figure it out if given some instruction. I'm open to any suggestions you have.

Here's a helpful link containing a buying guide that corresponds to various budgets.

www.tinyurl.com/falconguide

I would go for the 'good' system as it can tackle all games well, including crysis, at a relatively low budget.

 

[Allspice]

I haven't had any experience with building a computer from scratch, but I could probably figure it out if given some instruction. I'm open to any suggestions you have.

Here's a helpful link containing a buying guide that corresponds to various budgets.

www.tinyurl.com/falconguide

I would go for the 'good' system as it can tackle all games well, including crysis, at a relatively low budget.

Thanks for the link, I'll take a look at it.

 

[drakythe]

I haven't had any experience with building a computer from scratch, but I could probably figure it out if given some instruction. I'm open to any suggestions you have.

Oy, sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. My day(s) got really busy, big event at my church this week I'm helping with, plus work, other things, and sleep. Anyway, I definitely recommend checking this website out http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/LAN_Warrior_II_-_AMD That is a fairly decent machine for only $760, and it has gobs of customization options (for instance you could increase the RAM) or just go with it as it is. ibuypower specializes in customizing for you, comes with a 3 year warranty, and that particular model as been the editor's choice at a couple of different websites. They do have other models, both cheaper and more expensive. What I love most is that you can customize the hell out of the rig and they'll tell you if something isn't compatible, so you just have to have a basic knowledge of what your doing (or some google-fu skills) and you've got yourself a custom rig you can take a bit of pride in without a huge risk of jacking it up yourself.

EDIT: One note about the ibuypower rigs. They all seem to want to dump liquid cooling on you, which is completely unnecessary and makes self maintenance a pain. Unselect that option.

 

[Allspice]

^ Very nice, I will definitely take a look at that site. Thanks.