Best Desktop For The Price

EMO-TOCROSS · 07-13-2004, 12:05 AM

I've sold my laptop today (Dont ask why), and am in need of a desktop computer. What's left in my wallet is about 800$. I've been through dozens of sites like www.internetishop.com and www.ibuypower.com and like www.emachines.com and always Find negetive's and positives about what I see. I just cant make up my mind!!
So Im gonna leave it up to the experts, which is where you guys come in. I need help picking out the right desktop for me thats not overpriced, so I'm gonna tell you what Im gonna use the computer for, what i need, and what I dont need.

What It will be used for:
-Huge programs for music, web editing, web designing, gaming, accounting, making movies, burning cd's, and lots of internet activity.

What I (think) I need:

I NEED A BUILT IN WIRELESS CARD IN ORDER TO ACCESS THE INTERNET, IF NOT POSSIBLE THAN I GUESS AT LEAST A ETHERNET ADAPTER.

A couple USB Conecctores, and all those other connectors.

Windows XP Home Edition

A 60-80GB HARddrive (7200rpm)

1gb of ram ( I'm always running like a dozen things at once)

CD-RW 50X or something thats fast cuz im constitly burning/copying CD's.

A DVD PLAYER/READER To play dvd's and all that stuff.

A decent Video card, Probbly a Radean 9200 128mb ( i really dont know about graphics cards, I just need something to get me through those occasional counterstrike wars

) So If you think theres a good 64mb card or something that would be fine.

I do need a moniter (size, at least 15in), So I do need to shave off some money for one. ( If everything I need will be too expensive to afford a moniter too, than I can wait to buy or borrow a moniter as long as i get a good computer, i just need the computer now..)

Um Intel Pentium 4 is what I've heard is the best and reliable, Im not sure tho you tell me your thoughts on that.

And Im not sure on anything else, I can get myself a keyboard/mouse/speakers, but if it came with some that'd be great.

I do think I need a good sound card (because music is a huge priority on this computer), tho i dont know about sound cards

Things I dont think i need:

DvD BUrner, not needed.

Killer graphics card is not needed

Mouse and keyboard and or speakers

Anyways, hopefully some of you nice people will take some time with your knowledge and recomend a desktop computer for me that kinda fits my description of what im looking for.

**Praetor** · 07-13-2004, 03:07 AM

Quote:

What's left in my wallet is about 800$.

For that kinda money I've spec'd out a fairly decent system: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/93097 and should be able to serve as a basic platform to modify from

... of course, since you need a monitor, that will take a huge dent out of available funds -- some things will have to degrade/go.

In general, since you're running a tight budget, dont get stuck on any given company -- especailly intel -- they've never been budget friendly

Sypher04 · 07-13-2004, 03:54 PM

I recommend that you also check out...
www.tigerdirect.ca

They have great prices on most custom and pre-configured system.

You should always try the privately owned computer shops too, they are normally open to a bit of haggling.

Good Luck

**Praetor** · 07-13-2004, 04:14 PM

I used to be a big fan of TigerDirect until i saw some of their recent "budget" systems. All i can say is, sure you'll get a decent system and odds are you will be quite satisfied with it however realize that those budget systems are quite overcharged (argueably more so than their "mainstream" systems)

It doesnt seem overcharged and you can say, "Praetor your spec gives less stuff" but also consider that (a) I spec'd out high quality, tried-and-true brandnames and furthermore (b) I actually spec'd the brand behind my choice (as well as explaining why i chose what i chose) -- the tiger direct systems will often quote the features from the board rather than the actual board -- and their's a damn good reason for that. I've made "short work" of one their specs here: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/3/84660

Hope that helps

Sypher04 · 07-13-2004, 07:10 PM

Yes, i have noticed the same types of things with other companies. Unfortuantely, it's becoming very common for companies to omit information or brand names to make their product look better.

A couple companies to beware of: (for system sales)
- MDG Computers
-Very little for brand names, all OEM software included, look good offers,
expense upgrades, poor warranty.
- Dell Computers
-Many systems are fully-integrated and and those which aren't still offer
little upgradability, and they are expensive. Although Dell has good
warranties, they are Return-To-Depot in Texas, because they have no
Canadian Stores.

**Praetor** · 07-13-2004, 07:30 PM

Quote:

MDG Computers

Yeah... I emailed them (i'm from Waterloo, a little ways from yourself) and found out that their email addy is defunct. . Gonna yell at them. ARGH! Stupid MDG

Quote:

Dell Computers

They are improveing and I must admit they have gotten their act together in the last couple years really begun to be a decent player

EMO-TOCROSS · 07-14-2004, 12:22 AM

What do you guys think of www.internetishop.com or www.ibuypower.com ?? I was looking at this other company called www.emachines.com and looked at their top of the line desktop. What do you guys think of those three companies?

**Praetor** · 07-14-2004, 12:24 AM

1. Never interacted with them

2. I know a bunch of poeple who buy stuff from there.... ugly ass case but thats usually the only (significant) complaint i have

3. They used to be a crappy brand but they've gotten their act together

EMO-TOCROSS · 07-14-2004, 12:29 AM

Which of the three links were you talking about?

**Praetor** · 07-14-2004, 12:29 AM

The first one the second one and then the third one.

07-13-2004, 12:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
EMO-TOCROSS Silver Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Age: 19 Posts: 204	Custom Built Desktop Computer I've sold my laptop today (Dont ask why), and am in need of a desktop computer. What's left in my wallet is about 800$. I've been through dozens of sites like www.internetishop.com and www.ibuypower.com and like www.emachines.com and always Find negetive's and positives about what I see. I just cant make up my mind!! So Im gonna leave it up to the experts, which is where you guys come in. I need help picking out the right desktop for me thats not overpriced, so I'm gonna tell you what Im gonna use the computer for, what i need, and what I dont need. What It will be used for: -Huge programs for music, web editing, web designing, gaming, accounting, making movies, burning cd's, and lots of internet activity. What I (think) I need: I NEED A BUILT IN WIRELESS CARD IN ORDER TO ACCESS THE INTERNET, IF NOT POSSIBLE THAN I GUESS AT LEAST A ETHERNET ADAPTER. A couple USB Conecctores, and all those other connectors. Windows XP Home Edition A 60-80GB HARddrive (7200rpm) 1gb of ram ( I'm always running like a dozen things at once) CD-RW 50X or something thats fast cuz im constitly burning/copying CD's. A DVD PLAYER/READER To play dvd's and all that stuff. A decent Video card, Probbly a Radean 9200 128mb ( i really dont know about graphics cards, I just need something to get me through those occasional counterstrike wars ) So If you think theres a good 64mb card or something that would be fine. I do need a moniter (size, at least 15in), So I do need to shave off some money for one. ( If everything I need will be too expensive to afford a moniter too, than I can wait to buy or borrow a moniter as long as i get a good computer, i just need the computer now..) Um Intel Pentium 4 is what I've heard is the best and reliable, Im not sure tho you tell me your thoughts on that. And Im not sure on anything else, I can get myself a keyboard/mouse/speakers, but if it came with some that'd be great. I do think I need a good sound card (because music is a huge priority on this computer), tho i dont know about sound cards Things I dont think i need: DvD BUrner, not needed. Killer graphics card is not needed Mouse and keyboard and or speakers Anyways, hopefully some of you nice people will take some time with your knowledge and recomend a desktop computer for me that kinda fits my description of what im looking for. Last edited by EMO-TOCROSS; 07-13-2004 at 12:23 AM.

07-13-2004, 03:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sypher04 Bronze Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Whitby, Ontario Age: 22 Posts: 53	I recommend that you also check out... www.tigerdirect.ca They have great prices on most custom and pre-configured system. You should always try the privately owned computer shops too, they are normally open to a bit of haggling. Good Luck __________________ :eek:Sypher04 ___________________________________________ Intel Pentium 4 Extreme HT Processor @ 3.4GHz 1024MB Kingston PC5400 DDR2 RAM (675MHz) 120GB SATA HDD (8MB, 10000RPM) Diamond Viper Radeon 9600XT 256MB Video Card SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS Audio Card

07-13-2004, 04:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Praetor Administrator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canada Age: 24 Posts: 19,943	I used to be a big fan of TigerDirect until i saw some of their recent "budget" systems. All i can say is, sure you'll get a decent system and odds are you will be quite satisfied with it however realize that those budget systems are quite overcharged (argueably more so than their "mainstream" systems) It doesnt seem overcharged and you can say, "Praetor your spec gives less stuff" but also consider that (a) I spec'd out high quality, tried-and-true brandnames and furthermore (b) I actually spec'd the brand behind my choice (as well as explaining why i chose what i chose) -- the tiger direct systems will often quote the features from the board rather than the actual board -- and their's a damn good reason for that. I've made "short work" of one their specs here: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/3/84660 Hope that helps __________________ ASUS P5K Premium WiFi-AP, Q6600@3.7 / ASUS P5ND, E6400@3.8 4GB OCz Platinum XTC 8500 / 4GB CorsairXMS2 6400 5x500GB Seagate 7200.10 / 2x500 Seagate 7200.10 OCz 8800GTX 768MB @ 630/800 / 2x Galaxy 8800GT SLI

07-13-2004, 07:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sypher04 Bronze Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Whitby, Ontario Age: 22 Posts: 53	Yes, i have noticed the same types of things with other companies. Unfortuantely, it's becoming very common for companies to omit information or brand names to make their product look better. A couple companies to beware of: (for system sales) - MDG Computers -Very little for brand names, all OEM software included, look good offers, expense upgrades, poor warranty. - Dell Computers -Many systems are fully-integrated and and those which aren't still offer little upgradability, and they are expensive. Although Dell has good warranties, they are Return-To-Depot in Texas, because they have no Canadian Stores. __________________ :eek:Sypher04 ___________________________________________ Intel Pentium 4 Extreme HT Processor @ 3.4GHz 1024MB Kingston PC5400 DDR2 RAM (675MHz) 120GB SATA HDD (8MB, 10000RPM) Diamond Viper Radeon 9600XT 256MB Video Card SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS Audio Card

07-14-2004, 12:24 AM	#8 (permalink)
Praetor Administrator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canada Age: 24 Posts: 19,943	1. Never interacted with them 2. I know a bunch of poeple who buy stuff from there.... ugly ass case but thats usually the only (significant) complaint i have 3. They used to be a crappy brand but they've gotten their act together __________________ ASUS P5K Premium WiFi-AP, Q6600@3.7 / ASUS P5ND, E6400@3.8 4GB OCz Platinum XTC 8500 / 4GB CorsairXMS2 6400 5x500GB Seagate 7200.10 / 2x500 Seagate 7200.10 OCz 8800GTX 768MB @ 630/800 / 2x Galaxy 8800GT SLI

07-14-2004, 12:22 AM	#7 (permalink)
EMO-TOCROSS Silver Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Age: 19 Posts: 204	What do you guys think of www.internetishop.com or www.ibuypower.com ?? I was looking at this other company called www.emachines.com and looked at their top of the line desktop. What do you guys think of those three companies?

07-14-2004, 12:29 AM	#9 (permalink)
EMO-TOCROSS Silver Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Age: 19 Posts: 204	Which of the three links were you talking about?

07-14-2004, 12:29 AM	#10 (permalink)
Praetor Administrator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canada Age: 24 Posts: 19,943	The first one the second one and then the third one. __________________ ASUS P5K Premium WiFi-AP, Q6600@3.7 / ASUS P5ND, E6400@3.8 4GB OCz Platinum XTC 8500 / 4GB CorsairXMS2 6400 5x500GB Seagate 7200.10 / 2x500 Seagate 7200.10 OCz 8800GTX 768MB @ 630/800 / 2x Galaxy 8800GT SLI

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