Hardware: New Rig, Custom or Brand?

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      CommentAuthorDesmond1990
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2008 edited
     

    Well, time has come to get a new computer. The one I'm on at the moment is 2 1/2 years old, built myself (first one) and is struggling for what I demand now. The specs are:

    AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0Ghz
    1024Mb GeIL Value Memory (not sure of speeds, possible PC3200)
    nVidia GeForce 7950 GT (BFG)
    120Gb SATA Seagate Barracuda HD
    Asus A8N-E m/b
    AOpen DVDRW
    Some form of Floppy drive :P

    Can anyone put a reasonable price on that, since it's 2 years old (ish). Just so I know what price would be alright and not ripping off, or seriously under priced.

    I'm starting university in Sept/Oct doing a Computer Science degree, so, not sure whether to get a Mac, Windows or Linux Laptop (obv. Linux could be run on an ext. HD on a windows laptop) for such a course, and what would be best to get as a desktop with it.

    I do a lot of design using Adobe Photoshop CS3 and programming (basic PASCAL and Delphi stuffs at the moment, possibly starting with PICK?). I need a graphics card that can have Bloom and AA enabled for gaming at the same time (I've heard that some nVidia struggle with that). Memory wise I was thinking between 2-4Gb, and about 500Gb HD. Oh, and I also need a 19-22" screen :P. I have no idea whether to go for a pre-built branded one such as a Dell, Alienware, Mac etc. (some say it's more expensive, but they do offer things in bundles like screens, speakers etc.). Speakers & Sound isn't incredibly important, so a cheapish sound card would do. My pricing range is between £500 and a real ceiling of £750, but I'd like to keep costs to a minimum due to the fact I need a laptop too in a few months.

    If anyone could suggest a combination of parts, pre-built systems, sites, any particular reason not to get a laptop, student offers etc. I'd be really greatful!

    Jon

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      CommentAuthorLolly
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2008
     

    I don't know about the way you like to work, but I've found that in three years at University I've never been in a situation where I absolutely needed a laptop. I have one because I needed a new computer and will be taking it to Australia later this year, but managed fine with a desktop before.

    If you're getting a desktop I'd definitely build it yourself. For just over £700 on Overclockers UK (you can definitely get stuff cheaper if you look around, try ebuyer!) I put together the following (in no particular order):

    Maxtor 500GB HDD
    Windows XP Pro
    Samsung SATA DVDRW drive
    ATi Radeon 3870XT
    Asus VW202S 20" monitor
    Antec NSK4480B case
    Core 2 Duo E8200
    Abit IP35-E motherboard
    2GB OCZ DDR2 PC6400

    Note that XP and Vista 32bit can't address more than 3GB RAM so any more than that is a waste.

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    Would it be worth getting XP 64bit? Or even *shudder* getting Vista 64bit?

    I mean, if I can get a laptop, that can really handle itself and being used near on 8-10 hours a day or more, playing games, designing art, programming then I'm cool with it. I just don't have the know-how of laptops of whether it would be feasible. Also I don't like chunkey monkey laptops!

    Last time I used ebuyer they were a lot more expensive than OCUK, but I will always crosscheck between OCUK, eBuyer and microdirect.

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      CommentAuthorLolly
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2008
     

    XP and Vista 64 bit currently have abysmal driver support - in short, it's not worth it.

    You won't get a laptop that is less than £750 that can do games and Photoshop satisfactorily (nor be a massive beast). My Alienware m9750 could handle it but it's both a 6kg beast and cost over £1700...

    It's always worth checking the prices of each individual component with ebuyer as they are often cheaper for most things but might be massively more expensive for just one component; work it out (including shipping costs) and it may be best to have a separate order for different bits from each.

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      CommentAuthorBill
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2008
     

    I would have to agree with Lolly, you always get more for your $ when you build it yourself. Your able to customize it to the work load. To make it even more fun you get to put it all together.

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      CommentAuthorSpode
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2008
     

    Both my machines are Netburst still :O

    I might have to give them an upgrade, but frankly they are doing the job. If I wait long enough, something will come my way :)

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    Right, gonna have a look at some parts across OCUK/eBuyer. Does anyone have a good price for my current rig?

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      CommentAuthorSpode
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2008
     

    Base unit, about £175.

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    And a 17" monitor thrown in too? (Something like an 8ms time)

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Copyright Andrew Miller (Spode), 2008