Need quick suggestions on new computer

[MagicMan17]

Hey guys,

This is my situation in a nutshell. I've had a computer for a while (4 years) with minimal upgrades except to the memory and HD. I still have a 64 MB video card and have run into some problems with apps.

I am not much of a gamer (play the occasional Civilization 4 or the like) but do some photo and video editing as well as a lot of cd/dvd burning. And obviously web browsing/downloading/etc. Basically, I just want a fast computer that can multi-task and is very adaptable and is also fully media center capable.

I was looking at Dell Outlet and saw some decent systems. Just wanted to know the type of processor that would fit my needs (AMD X2 or Core 2 Duo?) and the version of that processor that would be the best bang for the buck. Also, I am planning on getting Vista Home Premium along with 2 GB of memory, DVD burner, and either a 250 or 320 GB HD. Good? What should I expect to pay all said?

Does it matter if I go with an XPS or Dimension model? Also, do XPS or Dimension have the necessary bays to implement a RAID1 setup?

Just need suggestions and something to get me going on the right track. And I recently started an investment banking position so I have to work a lot, so I don't have the time/patience to build my own system, etc.

Thanks!

 

[stevf]

How much do you want to spend? My suggestion if you want dell is dimension as xps is more of a gaming machine. I suggest you get a core2duo of whatever speed you wish to pay for. Look for a ati x1600 or nvidia 7600 class video card for your needs. A lot of the lower price dells come with integrated video, x1300, or 7300 class video and those really dont work very well with any gaming. Not sure if dimensions will have that level of video card so you might have to look at the xps's. My other suggestion is to not scrimp on the display. But without knowing your budget it is harder to make any suggestions

 

[MagicMan17]

Thanks for the reply stevf.


Main this is adaptability...a decently priced setup that will play games well (not one of those people that needs to be at the top of the video card/graphics market) but will also be a good media center and overall decent rig.

I guess a number (from what I've seen in minimal browsing) would be somewhere under $1100. It's not so much of a strict budgeting issue for me, more of just wanting a good, fast computer that will last a few years, is somewhat upgradeable (bigger HD/RAID setup) etc, and will work for the things I need. If it is not cutting-edge, that is ok, (obviously I've seen the Core 2 Extreme rigs that run for $5000...whoa!) just need it to do everything pretty well.

 

[stevf]

systems with core2duo e6300, 2gb ram, and a nvidia 7600 or better vid card look to be a little over 1100 from dell - those would be the their xps systems and would be a good all around system. Why do you think you need raid? not trying to tell you dont, but raid is not for backup.

the core2duo is really the chip to get and an ati x1600 or nvidia 7600 class video card is good for light to medium gaming and not really all that expensive and would provide you with all the power you need for several years

 

[MagicMan17]

Wouldn't RAID be good in case one drive failed? I might be wrong but isn't RAID0 for performance and RAID1 for data security?

 

[stevf]

raid is used for up-time. do you need to have 24 hour access to your data? A proper backup plan/schedule is what you use for data security. Unless you have specific home needs, raid isnt really necessary, unless you just like to have it. And if you do need raid, you really need a hardware controller and several drives and this will cost several thousand or more to do right. If you run a small home business, raid 1 with a proper backup plan can be useful, but the backup plan is more important

 

[AVP]

If you go to home business and pick out the highest price e520 you can get a e6300, 2gigs of ram, x1300pro, 250gb hd, dvd burner, no monitor ( do you need one?), and vista home premium for $810 with free coupons which can be found on the web.

 

[MagicMan17]

Thanks for all the help so far.

As for a monitor, I have a 19" UltraSharp Dell so I think I'm ok for now.

What do you guys think about 7300 series of Nvidia for video card?

 

[yh125d]

a 7300 will play games better than your current card, but it will still be lacking. I'd get the cheapest vid card possible, and buy a 7600GT, they're at newegg for $90

 

[mike420]

Didn't bother reading all the posts. I appologize for redundacy (banker talk!!). Definetaley want to go Core2Duo and if you play civ4 and the such I suggest not skimping on the card either. You don't want to waiste money on crap. An Nvidia7600gt or mabey 7900gs or from ATI a 1900 are all good cards for not much money.

 

[MagicMan17]

Ok, thanks for all the advice.

I found and bought a E520 yesterday w/ the following specs:

E6300
2GB DDR2 Memory
250 GB SATA II HD
ATI X1300 Pro video card
DVD ROM and DVD/RW

Got it for $700 + tax

Decent deal?