Having Trouble Deciding Which Desktop..

koviktir

koviktir

New Member
Alright, so here's there thing: my computer is such a useless piece of junk, that I've officially found the NEED for an improvement. For those who know their computers/stuff, I own a Sony Vaio PCV-581 with upgraded Power Supply and a Radeon 1650x Graphics Card. (Yes, I realize the stupidity in putting a 512mb Video Card into a computer that has a maximum allowable RAM of 512mb.. I just HAD to at least be able to run sooomething with the computer.)

Anyway, I'm not really looking to BUILD a computer, per se, but am looking into potential computers from the local Best Buy (Yes, I know, just bear with me), for reasons of having received a $200 Gift Card there as a birthday gift, and am torn between two computers.

Now, just because I'm sure this will already be a question, and so I'm up to suggestions, but my spending range is probably between $1000-$2000, which would be $200 from the gift card, and the rest on my credit card, paying 200-300 a month(including the $350 range I'll be spending on a 22-inch LCD).

Alright, so here's the specs of the two computers:

1. A Gateway (EVEN though I DESPISE gateway..) Gaming PC (kinda)
Gateway - Desktop with Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9300
Model Number: FX7026
SKU: 8772768
Price: $1099.99 USD

-Intel® Core™2 Quad processor Q9300 with 4 processing cores, 1333MHz frontside bus, 6MB L2 cache and 2.5GHz processor speed per core
-4GB PC2-5300 DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 8GB
-Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
-640GB Serial ATA II hard drive capacity (320GB x 2; 7200 rpm)
-NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT graphics with 512MB onboard memory; DirectX 10 support; S-video out and 2 DVI connections; high-definition audio (8-speaker support)
-Built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; high-speed V.92 modem
-Elite multimedia keyboard, USB optical wheel mouse and amplified USB stereo speakers
-Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition (64-bit) operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with Microsoft Money Essentials, CyberLink Power2Go, Gateway BigFix and more
---This computer is very powerful, and VERY fast, not to mention that it comes with an SLI-enabled motherboard if I were to want to add a SECOND 8800 GT..---

2. An HP Desktop that at the moment, is my second choice..
HP - Media Center TV Desktop with Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600
Model Number: M8430F
SKU: 8773473
Price: $949.99 USD

-Intel® Core™2 Quad processor Q6600 with 4 processing cores, 1066MHz frontside bus, 8MB L2 cache and 2.4GHz processor speed per core.
-4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM
-Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
-750GB Serial ATA hard drive capacity (7200 rpm)
-NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT graphics and 512MB dedicated video memory, with up to 1791MB total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista; TV-out, DVI and HDMI connections; high-definition audio (8-speaker support)
-High-definition TV tuner
-Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g); built-in 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; 56 Kbps modem
-Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition (Can't seem to find it it's 32-bit or 64-bit, so I assume 32) operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with HP Photosmart Essential, muvee autoProducer, CyberLink DVD Suite Deluxe and more
---Also, the computer has RCA sound inputs on the front of the tower, which I would use for music recording purposes (I'm a musician who also enjoys recording through his computer) so I have a soundboard next to my PC that I have to ghetto-rig output cables in order to run through my mic port, whereas with this one, it'd be as simple as a single Stereo RCA cable.---

Okay, now I'm sure that the completely more obvious choice is the Gateway, considering the 100-dollar difference is more than covered with the 8800 GT alone.. but the features of the two computers are very similar. Now, I'd be happy with the wireless in the HP, but it's not that important. My own computer is directly next to the wireless/broadband hub, and the rest of the house is run on Wireless, anyway, so it's not a big deal. ;)

Now, I probably plan to upgrade one or two things on the computers, either way: for example, with the Gateway, I will eventually shell out the cash to upgrade up to 8gb of RAM (which will make that computer FLY, I'm sure) and potentially replace either power supply with my current, assuming they're not as high of Wattages.. also, I would be buying a more useful card for the HP, to improve it.

I mean, the fact that the Gateway's Quad-Core is running a "9.3ghz" while the HP is running a "6.6ghz" is a HUGE difference.. but is it enough to completely exclude the thought of the HP? Hell, most people I know are completely happy with a Dual-Core running a "4.0ghz", and even the HP is 165% of that. The Gateway is WELL over double, which is very fast, but is speed that insane even necessary?

Also, I could use opinions on the computers themselves.. if someone who knows their stuff sees those both as complete junk, then I'm open to suggestions.

What are your opinions? (Sorry for the long read, by the way)
 
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koviktir said:
I mean, the fact that the Gateway's Quad-Core is running a "9.3ghz" while the HP is running a "6.6ghz" is a HUGE difference..
Click to expand...

may i ask how you calculated 9.3GHz and 6.6GHz? considering one is 2.5 and the other is 2.4...

the Gateway, has slower ram and 100GB less storage. but.
The 8800GT will EASILY outperform an 8500GT, you wouldnt really be able to expect to run new games well on the 8500.
although, it does come with a 64-bit OS? you will struggle to find programs to run on it.

the HP on the other hand allows for a bit of expansion, it comes with Faster RAM and comes with 100GB more storage on the HDD.
the 8500 would be ok to use, but you would prob be better off Upgrading it at some point.
 
I just built my dream system for about $2200 dollars, took some shopping around and comparing prices but I'm happy with it. I also live in Germany so the shipping costs killed me. With out the shipping and the $200 gift certificate, you should have no problem. This is what I have and I am extremely happy now :D Everything worked great when I put it together, no issues.

XION II Mid-Tower Case
ANTEC 650w NEO Power
Asus P5N-E nForce 650i SLI Chipset
Intel core 2 Quad Q9300
CoolerMaster Hyper TX2 CPU cooler with Arctic Silver 5
Evga 8800 GTX
CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 MHz
Sony 20x CD/DVD drive
Thermaltake 4 channel fan controller
Creative Labs SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 24-BIT PCI Sound Card()
Two 160 GB WD hard drives
Samsung 22" 2ms 8000:1 contrast screen
MERC Stealth keyboard
Logitech G7 mouse
Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 64 bit edition
 
It was actually cheaper to order the case, motherboard, proc, hard drives, OS and CPU cooler from BUYXG as a barebones system(because of shipping costs)
 
koviktir said:
I mean, the fact that the Gateway's Quad-Core is running a "9.3ghz" while the HP is running a "6.6ghz" is a HUGE difference.. but is it enough to completely exclude the thought of the HP? Hell, most people I know are completely happy with a Dual-Core running a "4.0ghz", and even the HP is 165% of that. The Gateway is WELL over double, which is very fast, but is speed that insane even necessary?
Click to expand...

Sorry but you don't multiply cores times speed to get actual speed. The gateway runs at 2.5 no matter what and the Hp runs at 2.4 no matter what. The whole purpose of more cores is so you can do more things at once.

I would probably go with the gateway since it has the 64bit OS, the HP only has the 32bit OS and you said you were gonna increase the ram to 8gb and you can only do that with a 64 bit OS, even though for most people 3-4 gb of memory is sufficient unless you plan on doing CAD or soemthing of that nature.
 
No, guys, I know that you don't multiply the cores. I'm just using the models as a guideline. It seems that both Intel and AMD like to include the "potential" in their CPU models, now. For example, AMD makes a 2.6 GHz X2 (Dual-Core) Processor that is a 5000+ series. (They give leeway for the fact that you can't utilize all of the cores at full potential) but seem to show the "equivalent" CPU power that the chip has to use. (Assuming you could manage to find 9.3 GHz of processes to be running on the Gateway, for example, that you could be utilizing that much between all of the cores..

At least, that's been my understanding of how it's being shown/rated, these days, as I've read it from several sources. (I could have misinterpreted, but heck, it made sense to me.)

Dropkickmurphys said:
the Gateway, has slower ram and 100GB less storage. but.
The 8800GT will EASILY outperform an 8500GT, you wouldnt really be able to expect to run new games well on the 8500.
although, it does come with a 64-bit OS? you will struggle to find programs to run on it.

the HP on the other hand allows for a bit of expansion, it comes with Faster RAM and comes with 100GB more storage on the HDD.
the 8500 would be ok to use, but you would prob be better off Upgrading it at some point.
Click to expand...

Well, to be honest, part of the idea of upgrading the RAM on the Gateway would have to include buying entirely new RAM, anyway, considering I guarantee that the Gateway has all four of its RAM slots filled with 1gb RAM. So, in order to upgrade to 8gb, I'd need to load up on four 2gb sticks, anyway, in which case I could just as easily upgrade them to higher speed sticks. Appreciate you bringing that up, though. ;)

As for the HD, I could always just add more if it came down to it.. I mean, hell, even 750g on the HP is a little low for me, considering there's loads of applications and games that I run on my computer, among having gigs of music and audio clips that I've recorded. Either way, eventually I'll get around to upgrading HDs too, maybe get a Raptor or Solid-State for the system files. ;)

Now, as for the 64-bit OS, honestly, I don't know too much about the differences when it comes down to it all. Either way, I'll hate being stuck with Vista (I'd shell out for 64-bit XP if not for Microsoft shoving Vista down our throats and taking XP off the shelves in the end of June), so I'll get to watch a quarter of my RAM get utilized just to run my computer, anyway.

As for the program compatibilities with 64-bit, what are the options? I mean, I know there's quite a bit of lacking for a majority of programs, but as long as those I need could work, options look good, right? I can only assume that I would be running this computer for a year or two before even considering a new one, so by then maybe 64-bit Vista will be Microsoft's focus? :confused:

Appreciate your feedback.
 
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Like someone else said, I would choose neither of them and use the gift card for the screen.

You could get way more value out of building your own system or even getting one off a custom build site like ibuypower.
 
You sound like you want a powerful computer....I would not buy the Gateway or the HP. It is a pain in the a$$ to upgrade a lot of name brand computers. Custom builds are the way to go. Above I posted some sites for you to look at...I recommend you go this route. I have a feeling in the end you will be much more pleased. A year down the road....with a custom build....you can upgrade much better. Two years down the road you want a new motherboard....buy one and slap it in. That is my recommendation for you...Think about it:confused:
 
Well, frankly, the option most of you have suggested has rolled around in my mind. Was my first choice, really, but for the sake of not actually feeling like building one by hand, I kinda wanted to stick with a prebuilt.

Granted, yes, a lot of those sites can be used to BUILD a custom computer, but in that situation, I'm waiting a few more weeks just to even get the stupid thing.

Also, another option I had been looking at was building a computer and buying a monitor (I get discounts on a LOT of computer brands through work, that I can use for Employee Purchases online, which is awesome) and then using the gift card for the most of this beast (linked through NewEgg because the Best Buy site has crappy specs/photos)

I dunno what your thoughts on that option would be, but I think it's not a bad option. Paying 400.00 for that might be high, but hey, it's pretty nice.. or I could just stick with buying the monitor, and potentially finding that one online for cheaper. Who knows..

Now, comes the next question. Which monitor available at BestBuy
would be the best option? Reviews on a site can't always be the most reliable compared to the input of those who actually know what they're talking about. (Which, for the record, I hope I at least am seen to know a decent amount about what I'm talking about, and not just babbling on). I like to think that I know my stuff enough to ask the right questions and be picky in the places that I should be picky in. :P

EDIT: This is interesting, though.. for some reason, in order for me to build the par-equivalent of the Gateway, including throwing in the same graphics card, I'd be paying quite a bit more money.. (considering I'd have to shell out another $150 on top of everything, just to have an OS) What's with that?
 
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first off all..

i have never and never will buy a new pre built computer... if this machine is for gaming i would go with amd... depending on the case.. ok lets pretend i spent $100 on the case. i could build a system ie. 3.2ghz, 4gb ddrII, 500gb hdd, a $500 vid card, dvd burner, good logitech mouse/keyboard, and benq 22" widescreen lcd.. for under $1,600 aussie dollars lol... most retailers would sell a sys with similar spect for double that..........
 
Honestly, that's my view on the situation. In the long run, I've never had a problem with buying a prebuilt and upgrading, just for the reasons of simplicity.

Let's say that I had two options: The Gateway and a Monitor, or a Custom Built Online..

Gateway is at a local store, and can be bought and taken home day of decision of purchase. I have already looked inside of the tower at the store, and am perfectly fine with what's inside of it. Granted, I'll probably be upgrading the 8800 GT to a PNY 8800 GTS and selling the original 8800 to a buddy of mine who's building a computer, and save him a few bucks. I'd have my monitor, new keyboard and mouse, and an entirely new computer fresh with operating system.

A Custom Built would take lots of decision as to what parts to take, as I can't be sure as to what parts I would want, nor what I would decide to buy in the original build vs upgrades, so would have even more indecision there.. and on top of it all, I'd be paying shipping, AND waiting several weeks in order to even get the computer, and having had to pay $150 for an operating system that should be factored into costs, anyway..

Sorry if it seems like all of my questions were somewhat redundant at this point, but ultimately, I'd rather pay the 1099.99 to get my computer the day of payment, then pay several hundred more, in order to even get a 5% better system. Which, by the way, I'm not looking to build the "ultimate gaming machine". I'm not looking for 200 FPS on Crisis.. which for the record, I think 200 FPS is dumb in general, considering the human eye can only even SEE at 72 FPS.. so :P

..but anyway, thanks a lot for your opinions, guys.. but I think I'm going to go with the Gateway, just for the sake of the fact that if I were to try to survive another several weeks with this junk of a Sony Vaio, I may in fact go insane..

:( No joke. Thanks a lot for your help, guys.
 
It actually takes newegg a maximum of 3 days to ship to you, and it takes about a day to build :).

Either way, it's your choice. To me building the computer is half the fun.

And as for the two computers mentioned in the first post, the first one will blow the 2nd one out of the water in terms of gaming. And trust me, you will not be playing Crysis at anywhere near 200fps, not even 40 probably .
 
I was in the same boat you are in about 3 weeks ago. I was totally set on buying a premade system from Best-Buy/Costo. However, this site really encouraged me to build my own. I have never built a computer in my life but it is rather simple. All it takes is a little patience and research and you can defiantly save some money and have fun along the way. My main motivation for building was the fun in building the system and the knowledge I will get from building.
 
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