New computer time.

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Syphous

Syphous

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So I've been thinking about a new computer. My current one is pretty crappy.

2.4ghz dual core, 3 gb ram, 300gb HDD, Windows XP, overheats at the drop of the hat.

Now I am not the best person to talk to when it comes to computer specs, I used to pay attention but it all just got away from me. I'm more cave-man than scientist when it comes to computers now-a-days.

So I was looking at this. It's a Gateway and it used to be that Gateways were crap, but a friend of mine has convinced me that brands don't mean sh** now, except for the parts inside.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway...8341072045&skuId=2632043&st=gateway&cp=1&lp=2

What do you think? Do you think it's a worthy endeavor or should I keep shopping?

[EDIT] Apparently the poll broke. Bummer. [/EDIT]
 
Syphous

Syphous

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Also, keep in mind I am aware I will need a new video card to go along with this computer if I want to play any games worth playing. I'm hoping to keep the video card under 100 dollars, and a quick look around newegg.com has told me that I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M LOOKING AT. Good god! Any pointers there would be really appreciated.
 
Syphous

Syphous

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Replies not showing?

SORRY! Triple post. This forum is not working right for me tonight!!
 
TheDarklite

TheDarklite

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It certainly isn't a horrible PC. Over here in Australia, parts are pretty overpriced so it may be ruining my view, but it seems like an exceptionally well priced piece of hardware ;).

... Just a few things though. Firstly I notice it has no USB 3.0, that might not seem like a huge deal but it would mean the motherboard is a bit older.... Meaning you aren't quite as future-proofed.

I also can't see the PSU (power supply) on that website, but going by the price I think it would be pretty weak. You would want to upgrade it to a 550w - 650w if you want any real graphics power in there.

Now.. The card..... I personally use an ATI 5770 model video card. It holds up well today but is starting to slightly fall behind (no maxing The Witcher 2 for instance). It is still a good card in my opinion and I swear by it. I have a Sapphire Vapor-X edition, but http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490 should be okay. I am sorry if it is a little over-budget but my view on pricing is tainted by our mark-ups lol.

That's my two cents, but I am sure you will have much more useful posts shortly.
 
Syphous

Syphous

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TheDarklite said:
It certainly isn't a horrible PC. Over here in Australia, parts are pretty overpriced so it may be ruining my view, but it seems like an exceptionally well priced piece of hardware ;).

... Just a few things though. Firstly I notice it has no USB 3.0, that might not seem like a huge deal but it would mean the motherboard is a bit older.... Meaning you aren't quite as future-proofed.

I also can't see the PSU (power supply) on that website, but going by the price I think it would be pretty weak. You would want to upgrade it to a 550w - 650w if you want any real graphics power in there.

Now.. The card..... I personally use an ATI 5770 model video card. It holds up well today but is starting to slightly fall behind (no maxing The Witcher 2 for instance). It is still a good card in my opinion and I swear by it. I have a Sapphire Vapor-X edition, but http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490 should be okay. I am sorry if it is a little over-budget but my view on pricing is tainted by our mark-ups lol.

That's my two cents, but I am sure you will have much more useful posts shortly.
Click to expand...
Good point on the power supply, this is why I asked before, I never think of stuff like that. And the lack of USB 3.0 possibly showing the age of the motherboard is a good tip, never thought of that either. Thanks!

As for the card, it looks pretty good. It has CrossFire support, which means I could potentially double them up if the psu can handle it, right?
 
TheDarklite

TheDarklite

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Yes, crossfire is most certainly an option, but as you said you would need a decent PSU.

I am amazed no one else is commenting on your thread, normally people jump on these :S
 
KarlMonster

KarlMonster

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Yeah, I normally shut up on these threads because they get opinion-heavy.

Now, I personally run screaming from Dell, Gateway, and everyone else who integrates everything into the motherboard. These days on-board sound is pretty good, but there may only be 2-3 driver updates for it in your lifetime. That said, the only opinion that matters is the OP's.

I don't see anything wrong with that Gateway, 8 Gb RAM is unusual for that kind of offering, but that's probably a good price for it. Newegg has similar Gateways but they all seem to have 6 Gb.

Don't go musing about Crossfire, that Gateway has only the one PCI Express x16 slot.

You've noticed that there is an absolute crush of sub-$100 cards. Well, there's high-end, all-in-one, workstation fodder, and specialized cards for home theatre PC (the fanless ones that wont hum in the background of your movies) - and the economy has made people ignore all of them.

I'm going to suggest that you get the Gateway now, if that's what you want - but maybe hold of for a little while on the card. This can work to your advantage for two reasons. Holiday season sales, and the next product cycle.

Now if you see something you like, go ahead and buy it. There's always a sale coming sometime and when the next product cycle hits, all these cards will get marked down. Right now there's some tasty Sapphire and EVGA cards with manufacturers rebates that knock the price down to and below the $100 level (I mean the Sapphire 6770 and EVGA I-dont-know-what-nVidia-is-equivalent)

These cards must be for the last product cycle because I see one bundling a coupon for Stalker:Call of Pripyat. I thought CoP was more than a year old?
 
RobCoxxy

RobCoxxy

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If buying PC parts, I recommend consulting this (spolered for size):
 
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