Hey guys, i'm a total newb at this stuff so don't make fun 
I'm looking for a new desktop PC and hope you guys can help me pick it, since you're more knowledgeable than i am
I have a good friend who's in desperate need of a computer, so i am giving her mine, and am going to get myself a brand new one.
At present i have an HP Pavilion a6130n PC. I am running Windows Vista which i am finally used to after about 2 years of use. I don't want to have to re-learn anything, i just want an upgrade.
Here are some specs (as if i know what any of it means)
Processor
* Type AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ / 2.6 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes
* Installed Qty 1.0
* Max processors supported 1.0
Cache Memory
* Type L2 cache
* Installed Size 1.0 MB
* Cache Per Processor 1 MB ( 2 x 512 KB )
Mainboard
* Chipset type NVIDIA GeForce 6150 / nForce 430
* Data bus speed 1000.0 MHz
RAM
* Installed Size 3.0 GB / 4.0 GB (max)
* Technology DDR2 SDRAM
* Memory specification compliance PC2-5300
* RAM form factor DIMM 240-pin
* RAM configuration features 2 x 512 MB + 2 x 1 GB
Storage Controller
* Type 1.0 x Serial ATA - Integrated
Storage Controller (2nd)
* Type 1 x IDE - Integrated
Storage
* Floppy drive type None
* Hard Drive 1.0 x 400.0 GB - Standard - Serial ATA-300 - 7200.0 rpm
* Hard Drive (2nd) None
Operating System / Software
* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista , Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
* Software Adobe Reader 7.0 , RealPlayer , Microsoft Works 8.0 , Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition (Trial) , Muvee autoProducer , HP Photosmart Essential , Norton Internet Security 2007 (60 days subscription)
From what i can gather, the two specs that make it fast are the 3GB memory and 7200 prm values. It's totally stock as well, i didn't upgrade the ram or anything...
This computer has been fine for what i use the computer for, but sometimes there's a little hesitation after clicking on icons waiting for things to come up. And also while online between pages.
I don't do games, or watch videos on it. I mainly use the internet (cox cable) for google, ebay, facebook, forum use etc) and programs like Word, Excel and a few programs such as Sharepoint Designer and BlueJ (for this computer class i have to take for school). I'm pretty simple lol.
I do however have a lot of music files saved, LOTS... That's basically filling the majority of my memory.
I'm fine with the PC (no desire to learn Mac) and the HP is fine, although i am not necessarily loyal. I have Norton as my anti-virus and i love it. I've never once had a problem with virus' or anything.
So what would you suggest i get for a new desktop? I want something that will be faster than what i've got now. When i click on an icon, i want it open. I don't want to look at that hourglass for a few seconds. I want lightning.
And i don't want to "make my own" computer or anything- i want to buy it, plug it into the wall, and be done lol. I'm looking for an out-of-the-box computer, not something i have to buy parts for separately.
And i only need the tower, i have the monitor and mouse and everything else. I don't want to have to buy any "wireless" keyboards or a new mouse, i want it to be compatible with what i've got now. And most importantly, my price limit is about $500 new, but i'd like to get a deal somewhere... Thanks for any input!
Chris
I'm looking for a new desktop PC and hope you guys can help me pick it, since you're more knowledgeable than i am
I have a good friend who's in desperate need of a computer, so i am giving her mine, and am going to get myself a brand new one.
At present i have an HP Pavilion a6130n PC. I am running Windows Vista which i am finally used to after about 2 years of use. I don't want to have to re-learn anything, i just want an upgrade.
Here are some specs (as if i know what any of it means)
Processor
* Type AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ / 2.6 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes
* Installed Qty 1.0
* Max processors supported 1.0
Cache Memory
* Type L2 cache
* Installed Size 1.0 MB
* Cache Per Processor 1 MB ( 2 x 512 KB )
Mainboard
* Chipset type NVIDIA GeForce 6150 / nForce 430
* Data bus speed 1000.0 MHz
RAM
* Installed Size 3.0 GB / 4.0 GB (max)
* Technology DDR2 SDRAM
* Memory specification compliance PC2-5300
* RAM form factor DIMM 240-pin
* RAM configuration features 2 x 512 MB + 2 x 1 GB
Storage Controller
* Type 1.0 x Serial ATA - Integrated
Storage Controller (2nd)
* Type 1 x IDE - Integrated
Storage
* Floppy drive type None
* Hard Drive 1.0 x 400.0 GB - Standard - Serial ATA-300 - 7200.0 rpm
* Hard Drive (2nd) None
Operating System / Software
* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista , Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
* Software Adobe Reader 7.0 , RealPlayer , Microsoft Works 8.0 , Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition (Trial) , Muvee autoProducer , HP Photosmart Essential , Norton Internet Security 2007 (60 days subscription)
From what i can gather, the two specs that make it fast are the 3GB memory and 7200 prm values. It's totally stock as well, i didn't upgrade the ram or anything...
This computer has been fine for what i use the computer for, but sometimes there's a little hesitation after clicking on icons waiting for things to come up. And also while online between pages.
I don't do games, or watch videos on it. I mainly use the internet (cox cable) for google, ebay, facebook, forum use etc) and programs like Word, Excel and a few programs such as Sharepoint Designer and BlueJ (for this computer class i have to take for school). I'm pretty simple lol.
I do however have a lot of music files saved, LOTS... That's basically filling the majority of my memory.
I'm fine with the PC (no desire to learn Mac) and the HP is fine, although i am not necessarily loyal. I have Norton as my anti-virus and i love it. I've never once had a problem with virus' or anything.
So what would you suggest i get for a new desktop? I want something that will be faster than what i've got now. When i click on an icon, i want it open. I don't want to look at that hourglass for a few seconds. I want lightning.
And i don't want to "make my own" computer or anything- i want to buy it, plug it into the wall, and be done lol. I'm looking for an out-of-the-box computer, not something i have to buy parts for separately.
And i only need the tower, i have the monitor and mouse and everything else. I don't want to have to buy any "wireless" keyboards or a new mouse, i want it to be compatible with what i've got now. And most importantly, my price limit is about $500 new, but i'd like to get a deal somewhere... Thanks for any input!
Chris