Who knows a TON about computers? (Desktop Purchase)

Now that i think about it, I can build you an equivalent (for a small fee) from all the parts i have including a new in box 8800gt video card. I have an all black case too. I can take some pics if you are interested.

 

That is actually a pretty nice setup for the price. I would still recommend a separate video card due to the fact the Intel integrated graphics chipsets are the worst. I have had more problems with the workstation computers at work that I have installed separate video cards in all of the computers.

 

Wow. Great info guys and thanks for all the links. One thing I did mention earlier is that I'm going with windows 7 and not vista. If you have anymore links then that would be great Oh, it HAS to be a desktop.

How about this one??

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DDCWRA2&s=dhs

 

Thanks for the offer but I'm looking for something new I guess. Warranty is important too. Just for piece of mind.

 

Not a terrible system-It will most likely work for your needs. The weak points are the processor, graphics and RAM. I will always say this though-try to get the best you can so you won't be wanting to upgrade in two years because the computer is a slug. You don't have to spend a fortune but don't go so cheap you hogtie yourself by limitations.

I built a computer about six years ago and it is going strong. It's been relegated to kid duty upstairs but it is plenty fast for her needs. Plus, my wife does not like sharing my computer so she uses it as well.

I built a fairly stout unit for which the only upgrade I want to do is switch to an AMD quad core processor.

 

The OP has already stated that Windows 7 will be the OS. As far as Vista is concerned I have been using it for a little over a year without too much issue but I have it set to classic mode and have disabled all of the extra user controls security crap. So basically I'm running a 64 bit XP OS.

 

Honestly, that system is a rip-off. Way too expensive for what you are getting.

This system on NewEgg.com is a really great deal. Much, much faster than the computer you were looking at, but for less money.
Buy this...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113111
... and then purchase an upgrade to Windows 7 which is here...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

Honestly, Vista isn't as bad as everyone says. I use Vista(64-bit) and I have no issues with it. It was pretty disappointing when if first came out, but now it is fine since the updates.
I do extremely demanding 1080p video editing as well as 3D graphics work, basically the most demanding things you can do on a PC. Never had a crash with Vista. While I will move to Windows 7 eventually, I'm in no hurry.

Here are the specs on my pc...
Core i7 920 quad core processor(overclocked)
12gigabytes DDR3 RAM
500GB main hard drive
Two 1.5 terabyte hard drives in RAID config
GeForce 9800GTX+ video card
Blu-ray/DVD burner
Etc, etc, etc...

 

this is just me speaking but ive never had any luck with dell. they have always seemed to crash on me within a few years.... and i cant stand dealing with blaheus shnocka from India... Ive had my Acer for a little over a year now and love it. has not given me any issues at all.


again... just my input.

edit: vista isnt too bad either. The first thing i had to do was disable the annoying user account alerts. other than that, its decent. I also put microsoft office on here as well. no issues. all i do is internet, school papers, streaming, and downloading. games are not all that great on it. Its the Acer Extensa 7620. 17" laptop. im not sure if they make them anymore or not but when i was shopping for it acer had some pretty good deals... especially when kids are getting ready to start college.

 

Not to argue but an operating system is only as good as its user. I rock Vista Ultimate but i have a i7. If your are going budget pc go ahead and cut off the visual effects related with newer operating systems. That will save you some wait time.
I have bought several DELL's based off clevo architecture and has no problem with them at all. Dell is a decent brand but buying from their site without a coupon or something tends to be a little pricey. But, if warranty is more important than squeezing life (processor power, vid card, memory speeds) out of your desktop then go for it. I have experience with their Dell XPS phone line and I am happy to recommend that. But no experience with the regular service.

 

Alright guys. A buddy of mine builds comps and I just remembered tonight. I contacted him and he quoted me $350 shipped for this without the monitor. Thoughts??

BioStar G31E-M7 LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Dual Core Celeron E1500 @ 2.2Ghz Or E5300 (if available)
2 GB DDR2 800 RAM
Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 80GB Hard Drive
Rosewill Mini tower with 400W power supply
Logitech S150 speakers
Rosewill Keyboard & Mouse
Samsung 22x DVD +/- RW writer/reader
Windows 7 Home
Office 2007
Nero Burner program
Avira Anti-virus
Firefox
I-Tunes

 

Get e5300 or better. With that, i give it my APPROVED stamp.

I have a 8600gt new in box vid card for a pci 16x 2.0 slot if that mobo has one. CHEAP!

 

Yes, if you plan on running Windows 7. I think the E1500 will be a dog.

You can always boost memory, video card and a second HD at a later date if needed.

 

Thanks guys. He said for $50 more I could get 4GB RAM so I think I might go that route too.

 

seems overpriced to me. celeron, wtf?

and an 80 gb hd? welcome to 1999

 

I was thinking the same thing. Then again, it comes with Office 2007.... That alone could account for $100 or more of the cost. You can find it less if you look (and I got a link through work to buy it for $9.95 ), but I know a friend of a friend was looking at $120+ for the "cheap" Student/Teacher version everywhere she looked.

I use Open Office myself so I'd never pay that much for MS Office (the $10 I might, but not $100+). I'd rather put that money into better hardware.

 

The MB, processor, RAM and HD are a little under $200 if you price off of New Egg. Then you still have a case with a power supply, OS, keyboard and mouse, etc. There isn't alot of room for profit if any.

I tried building just a nice budget system on New Egg for a HTPC and using my system builder's OS disc and it was still difficult to get it under $500.

If he upgrades to the E5300 Celeron dual core it will be fine. The Celeron of old isn't the same as the Celeron of today-plus it's a dual core. It's a decent budget Intel processor. Personally if I was saving money I would go with an AMD processor but the Celeron will be fine.

The 80 gig HD will be okay for mostly just running the OS. I would at the very least get an external when possible. If I could afford it I would get another internal SATA HD for all the other stuff non OS related.

 

Ordered it today from him. Added and extra GB (3 total) along with the E5300 and a video card for $400 to my door. Should be just what I need and I honestly couldn't find a better deal especially with office and win 7. Won't have all that annoying bloatware either.

 

Sounds good.