Need A New Computer NOW!

LandsEnd

New Member
I wan't to spend no more then 450.00 dollars. (I only need the computer tower piece.) My current computer is 8.5
(512 mb ram) years old a real piece of crap with todays standards. Looking to order this week. Only thing I might ever install is an upgraded average graphics card for LIGHT gaming.

Was looking at these 2 computers below. Give me your choices, (Be specific to model #.) & give me your thoughts on my choices.

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AX1301-U...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269829522&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AX1301-U...3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269829522&sr=8-3
 
^ Two of those will be well over budget after shipping.

The dual core one should be ok. I looked up the specs. It's got an Asus-built motherboard(good), and supports all Core 2 Quad models in case you want to upgrade. It's also got a free PCI-e x16 slot, supports 4x2GB (8GB) of RAM, and thankfully is a mATX design. (upside-down, but still mATX)

What that means, basically, is that you can upgrade it into a MUCH more powerful system...even a proper gaming machine. You'll need a PSU upgrade before adding a graphics card, though...250W won't cut it. Either way, this could extend its useful life quite a bit.

Do keep in mind that it only has a PCIe x16 slot, not PCIe 2.0 x16. That's equivalent to a PCIe 2.0 x8. I think the best you could get in there is a 5770 without bottlenecking it too bad. Maybe a 5830.

edit: here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...lc=zh-hans&cc=us&product=4081965&lang=zh-hans

http://ark.intel.com/chipset.aspx?familyID=29000
 
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I noticed your picking refurbished models. Is this safe to do, and the warrantys seem to be 3 months instead of the normal 1 year.
That would be great if I can get a better computer that is refurbished. I thought it might be too risky.
My computer needs to have windows 7 installed, so that knocks off some of your choices.
We'll from what you told me so far I'm looking at these 2 selections. Give me more feedback on this please.

http://tinyurl.com/yk8pcg9

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4501855&CatId=3670
 
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it is $490.00 total in the shopping cart with free shipping. A bit over but it seems like a good computer for the money.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113125

Pros:
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300(2.5GHz)
4GB DDR3 1333
(1/1) PCI-E x16
(1/1) PCI-E x1

Cons:
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD (should be fine for normal use but no games)
PCI-E x16 (not 2.0 or 2.1, for the same reasons that Drenlin mentioned)
Must have a low profile video card

This would work for the video card later on
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102874
 
I want a computer that I can throw a graphics card in with no pcu upgrading involved. Would that be the Gateway SX2800-07 mentioned above with his suggested graphics card? Would it be to risky if I could get this refurbished if possible? If not then its pricey for me.
 
The gateway could work, but keep in mind that's a small form factor machine. You'll have to get a low-power, low profile GPU to go in there. The 4550 he posted is about as good as you'll get without upgrading the PSU, and you can't swap the PSU on that...it's not a standard ATX design.
 
I want a computer that I can throw a graphics card in with no pcu upgrading involved. Would that be the Gateway SX2800-07 mentioned above with his suggested graphics card? Would it be to risky if I could get this refurbished if possible? If not then its pricey for me.

if you get lucky with a refurbished model. Sure then go for it.

I have had good experiences with refurbished models and Newegg seems to be good at keeping their customers happy

One last thing, you can only get a low profile graphics card to work with this system.
 
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