I need some suggestions from the pro's!

Hello. I was looking into buying a new desktop computer. If possible, i need something fast, lots of storage space, and a nice look to it . The only problem is, is that I don't have alot of $$$$. So I can't get exactlly what I want . But would I be able to get a really good one for a couple hundred???

I would be using it for varies things. Such as, creating websites, programs, djing over the net, and maybe a couple more things that I can't think of. So if you can help me out on some great places with great computer for alwsome prices, then please post below lol. Thankz.

 

Are u a gamer (i noticed the lol) cuz that would change what uou would need

 

Let's get specific:

How much money do you have to work with?
What do you need? Just the box itself or is a new monitor needed?
What do you have now?
Do you intend to build it yourself or buy a pre-built system?

As far as places (assuming you're in the US by the flag you're using), I've used Newegg and ZipZoomFly multiple times, and have spent over $1,000 at both places.

 

No, am not to much of a gamer. I do play games but not to the extreme lol.

How much do i have to work with, I'll say like under $1000. Yes I would just need the HDD. I can get a monitor, keyboard, and mouse when needed. Atm, I have a crappy emachines. ITs slow and i hate it lol. As much as I would like to build my own, one - i dont have very much experience nor time, two - that may cost a lil bit more money lol. So I intend on buying a pre-built system.

What would I be using it for?
Well I do alot of work on my computer. And store alot of files, music, and programs. I be on the computer at nights at a time lol. So I would need something fast, very good storage space, abd probally a fast processor.

Need anything else??

 

herbjr, you are clearly mistaken. Buying a prebuilt system is more expensive than building your own pc. I have no experience with building a pc either, but I recently just ordered all my parts, so I can build it myself. If you are under a $1000, I would say build your own PC because you will be able to get more bang for your buck, in my opinion.

Other guys will suggest some builds for you, just listen to them. They know what they are talking about on this board.

 

Emachines are not crap, as far as i´m aware they only have 2 faults

• 
  underpowered PSU´s
  crap power switches (from mobo to front panel)

replace them and away you go,

maybe a format may help

which OS do yo have herbjr?

EDIT: i have an Emachine, cheap & very very good after new PSU & power switch

 

I dont know what OS i have lol.

 

When you turn on your computer, what do you see?
Here is an example of WinXP professional

Click for image http://jpg355.w.interia.pl/startup_winxp.jpg

Do you see win98, me, 2000 or xp?
Home or Professional Edition?

 

Just curious, how the hell can you create websites and dj over the internet, but have no idea what OS you have installed?

 

OS = Operating System, probably XP as Karan suggested, can you get to a DOS prompt ?

if so go to DOS prompt and type ¨ver¨ and that will tell you your OS

 

Some people excel in website areas, others in the working of a computer, just because someone knows how to build and code websites doesn't mean they're going to be an all-round computer enthusiast.

Now herbjr, how's it going?

If you can:
a) Be Patient,
b) Follow instructions,
c) Be extra cautious as it'll be your first time (cautious when building anyway),
d) Use a screwdriver.

There's nothing to stop you building your own computer.

$1000, let's see...
CPU - AMD 64 3500+ Socket 939 - $110.99
Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro-SLI Socket 939 - $96.99
RAM - CORSAIR XMS PC3200 (1GB - 2 x 512MB) - $102.00
Video Card - GIGABYTE Geforce 6600GT 128MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Silent Pipe II - $110.99
HDD - SAMSUNG 300GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s - $94.99
Optical - BenQ Black Dual Layer DVD +/- RW - $28.99
Sound Card - Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Value 7.1 Channels - $64.00
Case - Thermaltake SOPRANO Black Steel/Plastic ATX Mid Tower - $79.99
PSU - ENERMAX EG495AX-VEW 485W Power Supply - $102.99
OS - Windows XP Home with SP2 OEM - $87.99

Total - $879.92 (Plus shipping and any applicable taxes).

That's be an alright system for under $1000. Maybe up the CPU to a 3700+ if possible as well.

Hope that helps a bit!
:good:

 

Come on Matt, don't kid yourself, if you "excel" in website areas, or "excel" in the working of a computer then you would know what OS you have. Knowing what OS you have has nothing to do with being an "all-round computer enthusiast". I wasn't trying to put him down, just asking an honest question, and looking back I could have worded it a little better. I am by no means a master of computers either, but if i was an automechanic and i was working on an engine, im pretty sure i would know what kind of car houses the engine I am working on.

Anyways, I don't want distract from the original subject matter. Herbjr, i would still highly recommend building your own pc because you will get more for your money.

 

lol I thought i knew wat OS was, just wasn't sure. It is windows xp Home edition.

Rock, I know what you mean. Its just that I don't pay attention to many things. I a, a visual learner so I learn what I need to know to do wat i need to do. I wanted to make websites so i learn to 'use' a computer lol. I think you get me.

Matt, thanks man. I'll go looking on newegg.com and round up a few good peices of hard ware. If I need help decied the best things, i will sure come on here. I think am gonna start with a nice looking case and then start on the parts lol.

donkey, this is my stepmoms computer actually but I am the only one that really uses it lmao. But I told her when I get a new computer, i'll fix this one, help her out by making it go faster lmao. I may be back on here getting info on parts for this too lol.

 

I understand where you're coming from, something the sheer common place appearence of and object, in this case the splash screen with the widows logo and version appears so often you just sort of forget about it and grow oblivious of it happens.

Anyway I'm not saying building a computer is difficult but what sort of knowledge do you have in this field? I'm sure you'd be entirely capabale but it's not the kind of thing to jump into without a lot of prior reading and browing. Make sure you know how every component is installed and exactly what you want in you're rig.

For instance you're not a gamer, so even a 6600GT might not be necessary. So a simple integrated solution like a 6100 or Xpress 200 chipset should probably do you fine. Put that extra money towards things you feel you could really use and enjoy. Like say a faster harddrive or a larger monitor. Make sure you have enough money to get everything you feel you would like (realistically speaking) for your computer. Cutting corners now can lead to a lot of regret and an overall underwhelming experience.

If you decide you want to buy a PC after all I could see trying iBUYPOWER: Custom Build Gaming Computers Desktop PCs, Notebooks though it's more gaming focused there's a lot of custimizing you can do to maximize what you want out of it.

 

Yeah I know what cha mean. Before I was going to get started, I was gonna come on here lol. Get a few ppl that know about it to help me out. So they can tell me how to do it and as am doing it, i'll be learning. Because I would be fully foucsed so i wont um mess anything up lol. But thanks.

Matt, if i just buy those parts that u posted, I should have a pretty need computer there huh??? lol. I like the case, i wanted to get the one with the neons but that costed around 100 and something lol. So i'll stick with that one. Thanks.

 

Yeah that'd be a nice computer, but maybe as Exfoliate suggested, go for a lower specced (cheaper) video card and spend the remaining money on a 3700+ and an extra 1GB of RAM, that'd be a good option I think.

 

Ok, i will. What about a cooling system. Is that in there??

 

Well that CPU is a retail CPU meaning it's packaged in a box with a HSF (Heat Sink and Fan) Unless you plan on overclocking or want a quieter PC then that'll do nicely.

The Video Card I linked to uses a silent cooling system, no fans, just large heatsinks, I'd maybe throw in a couple of case fans as having decent air movement in the case is essential to all-round good cooling.

The general idea with cooling is:

Take cool air from the front/bottom of the case and expell it at the top/back of the case. (as hot air rises).
You'll be able to get some nice quiet fans for very little money I'm sure.

Like Exfoliate said, that video card may be a bit much if you only play games here and there, perhaps something cheaper and less powerful may suit you as it'd leave more money for a better CPU and/or RAM.

 

Lol ok.

I think i would get some quiter fans because i dont like that annoying sound they make. I dont wanna hear no sound lol. But yea.

You think you can help me pic out the right things? Once I get all the parts i need sorted, i think am gonna try to get the money to get started. When that will be, idk lol.

 

Yeah sure, that's what we're here for, we're here to help as much as possible.