Purchasing a Computer, Neep Help Please! - GM Performance Tuning

2002GT · #1 (**permalink**) 01-15-2005, 10:12 PM

Thanks in advance...

I am looking at getting a new computer... But I don't know sh;t about them... I ONLY use the computer for surfing the net, AIM, music, and writing papers... I already have printer and an awesome sound unit...

So, basically... What do you suggest... I really would like a flat panel monitor, but it is not neccesary! I am not looking to spend more than $450 either... Since I don't use it for much!

I have had a Gateway for 5 years now and never once had a problem unlike my friends that own Dell's. The only problem is Gateway isn't offering anything with good prices... Thanks again

-Nick

Fbod383 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-15-2005, 10:24 PM

Well you get what you pay for...
Good stuff Pentium 4 minimum, 512K RAM 80G hard drive... thats my minimum.
You might be happy with a Celeron and 256 since you dont use it for a whole lot. Best Buy sells 'em for about $500 for a package deal.

2002GT · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-2005, 11:14 PM

where the fuck have you been?

jeremy96gase · #4 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 03:30 AM

If you've been using your Gateway for 5 years, then this computer will last you at least that long.

P4 or Celeron 2.4 or higher
512MB of ram or more
80GB hard drive or more
CD Burner/DVD drive

Stay away from eMachine, they use cheap parts and break more than most.

ricer-x · #5 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 03:44 PM

http://store.acsestore.com/coprpc64daam.html

not the best and the graphics card sucks, but that's what you get for ~$450

SL04P0PR · #6 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 03:46 PM

home grown! its not that hard! you get more and pay less!

and if you're looking to go cheap, fuck Intel processors. i've run AMD for the past ~5 years or so and i'm extremely pleased. in fact i PREFER them, in case you couldn't tell. get a AMD Sempron with a cheap mobo, 512 MB ram (you won't need any more than that considering what you do on the computer, in fact you could probably live with 256 or 364 MB), 80gig 7200rpm hard drive (make sure you get one with 8mb cache memory, the price difference is minimal and it makes a significant difference in just about everything you do on the computer), and whatever other drives or display adapters you want.

also, going home grown lets you choose the programs you want and not get loaded with bullshit software you don't want or use.

ricer-x · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 04:05 PM

damn straight! building your own is the way to go, i'm just wasn't sure if 2002gt wanted to go that route.

here's an idea on price, nick

AMD athlon XP 2500+ (barton core)
512mb dual-channel DDR (400mhz)
2x HD, one 6gb from my old PC, one 60gb
cd burner
ATI Radeon 9600pro 256mb DDR on 2 monitors

i built that over a year ago for ~$600 and it can still run the most system demanding games and programs.

BobGAGT · #8 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 05:18 PM

Fbod youre back?!?

jeremy96gase · #9 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 06:10 PM

SL04P0PR, if he's getting a new computer then he might as well get at least 512mb of ram.
That really should be the min anyone should get no-a-days

Even a 40GB hard drive should be enough though

Yes, building your own will be the most efficant way to do it.

2002GT, if you don't know how to build a computer (or don't want to) check out the local computer shops (not the big-ol chain stores), and see about getting something basic with the specs above with just Windows XP loaded on it.
Companies like HP-Compaq, Dell, gateway and all the other big guys they load all kinds of crap on the computer, much of which customers never use.

ndgofast · #10 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005, 07:55 PM

yeah. check your phone book for local shops some of the up and coming guys that work out of moms house have good deals and are looking to build a rep. wish i had known that when i bought my gateway. they tried to screw me on financing. told me no interest for 90days then i get a bill that the interest was so high that 85% of my payment was interest and it was all on a gateway credit card to boot. i never agreeded to a gateway card. i screwed em though. i didn't make one payment, i just transferred it all to my personal credit card and paid it off in 120 days. my wife and i figured up that i financed the whole thing for 27bucks where gateway would have made 224 dollars off just the interest. thank god i have a low rate card that will work with me.

2002GT · #11 (**permalink**) 01-17-2005, 01:28 AM

damn

i currently have 9.7GB, 126 MB :D it runs fast, but just looking for something different

Danmuzicman · #12 (**permalink**) 01-17-2005, 09:45 AM

all i have to say is buy this, http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...1.0.11.1.0.6.3 you will be so happy

Danmuzicman · #13 (**permalink**) 01-17-2005, 09:48 AM

but seriosuly if you dont want mac buy this. its a kick ass machine we never see em back, get this with some antivirus software and spysweeper and your good to go... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....2&type=product if i had to buy a pc id buy this one and nick i am mad you know i am the supervisor of computers and you never came to me.... your not my son anymore.

2002GT · #14 (**permalink**) 01-18-2005, 02:29 AM

^ can you get me a hook-up? ill pay all shipping costs and what not!!! pa pa please

jeremy96gase · #15 (**permalink**) 01-18-2005, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 2002GT
^ can you get me a hook-up? ill pay all shipping costs and what not!!! pa pa please

I bet a $1 there is no more than a $60 mark up on that machine :p

Dan could probly get it for cost, but then shipping is going to be quite a few $.
;)