Help me pick out a computer

jplatt87

jplatt87

New Member
Next month I will have $1500 (a few dollars more for tax) to buy a computer, monitor and multifunction printer. What should I buy? My wife and I need storage and software for digital pics. I want MS Office and Vista. I watch a lot of online videos from Netflix and South Park reruns. I also am beginning an MSCE online course with emphasis in security so I want it to be appropriate in that direction, too. Have at it! Help me pick out a good one.
 
If you looking to BUY it may be expensive, I suggest building as it is easy and you save money... $1000 should be enough for an good PC. I think an E6600 or so will fit your needs.
 
Oh my god yes, build your own! $1000 - $1200 will get you a really fast system. Add in a printer and monitor and you will be around $1500. The same system you can build that costs around $1000 will cost you over $2200 by Dell or any other builder.

You just need to do some research and ask questions.

Listing a build for you takes a lot of time, and I am not sure what your tastes are like. (black case, white case. Window or windowless. Pretty lights or not.) You get the drift.

Most everyone has their own likes and dislikes. I like Gigabyte boards, others will like Asus or EVGA, and they will argue till they are blue, don't really matter which one you pick, they are all good boards.

Asking questions will never hurt about what choices you make, just make sure you ask before you purchase.

Part of the fun for me is picking out the parts, If your going to get your MCSE then you should take some time to pick out your own. Learn as you build.
 
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Do you mind building your own? you can get a much better computer and high end parts if you build your own. $1500 can get you a very nice system and even a nice gaming computer for that matter, you would realy be getting ripped if you buy a prebuilt like Hp or Dell. You could start with somthing like a E6600, Gigabyte DS3 or 680i mobo, 8800gts, 2gb DDR2-800 ram, nice PSU, and a nice sized hdd. Newegg.com is the best site to order from IMO and they have the best deals. Let us know if you can build your own and we can help get a nice list of parts together.
 
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Thats a pretty nice build, i would try and go with a 8800GTS and a Corsair hx520w or OCZ PSU. You could get the E6600-6750 instead of the Q6600 to fit your budget. That case is nice unless you find something that appeals to you for around the same price...
 
I think that's a good build holdenssx. I have run into a few software incompatibilities with Vista 64 bit, so I would definitely consider 32 bit as an option if I was the OP.

Good call on the Office Student and Teacher edition, I was going to recommend that.

ThatGuy, I wouldn't be too quick to recommend the 8800GTS. It IS ~$200 more than the 8600GT. If the OP is a light occasional gamer, the 8600GT will suffice. In his list of needs, I didn't see him mention gaming once.

I do think you can get a better deal from one of the big chains on the 22" monitor. I've been seeing sub-$200 prices on 22" Acer monitors in the weekend circulars here in town.
 
Build a computer? Ok....I would love to do that, but I wouldn't know where to begin. Seriously, I can install my replacement parts and upgrades (NIC, memory, USB 2.0 card, etc.) but I don't know how much more is involved in building. I also am beginning IT training so building my own would be a resume builder in securing future jobs. My formal training is none at this point except MS Office operator classes and professional video editing. So, where do I begin?
 
If you have already done the upgrades you talked about, then you can build a system. Just follow the manual for the motherboard you buy and go from there. There is really nothing to it.

Only difficulty's I have ever run into are loading the operating system and getting the timings right on the ram. Other than that I have always had good luck. It's mostly parts planning. If you do your research and look at the parts to make sure they will go together, then no problems.

Just make sure that when you start building that you have a good place to build it at. Enough room not to be crowded and good lighting. Ground yourself and the system at all times and go slow. Do it right the first time and you will have less problems to figure out later.

Good luck!
 
Building my own computer is going to be great. I've been reading all the info. in these forums. I also found a lot of "how to" sites for building a 'puter. Does anyone recommend any in particular and want to warn me about others? About asking questions first...I wish I knew what the questions are. I want speed and components that are suited for storing a lot of pics and videos. I will work on my old computer for my kids and turning into a gaming machine after I build my own.
 
Definitly Get a 32 Bit Operating System.

I would never go 64 Bit as there is ALOT of troubles with programs, Drivers, ect.

Even if you get a 64 Bit Processor, still get the 32 Bit operating System.

I have had problem after problem with 64 bit's

Most programmers would rather Do 32 Bit Programs than 64's.
 
These guys helped me with mine, not a single problem after plugging everything in I was on the net surfing and playing games. I was sorta looking for problems:D but none. check my age, if I can do it anyone should be able to do it. Thanks Guys;)
 
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