Need Help with choosing a new computer

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wyosue

New Member
Right now I have a generic computer that was built in 2002 in Ohio and things added in 2005 in Wyoming. I needed a new video card and I had one added but it did not work and the guy tried to put my old one back in and it messed up my computer. Every time I turn it on I get a New Hardware message that says there is a problem. The Multimedia Audio Controller has a yellow? by it.
This computer has Windows XP Pro, AMD Duron 1.19GHz (started out with AMD Athlon 1 GHz), 512 MB RAM, video card 16MB, Sony DVD RW DRU-810A (added 2006), Display Adapter--NVIDIA Vanta/VAnta LT, Network adapter SiS 900-Based PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter.

I am trying to run Better Homes and Garden Designer Suite 6.0 and when I try to do the 3D view I get error messages. I do have a Dell Inspiron 9300 laptop that I purchased in January and it runs the program okay. I did have my Desktop and laptop networked and it seemed to work okay until I had the video card changed.

My Laptop is
Inspiron 9300, Pentium M 760 (2GHz/533MHz FSB)
17" wide screen
2GB, DDR2, 533MHz 2 Dimm, for Inspiron 9300
ATI Mobility Radeon X300 64MB HyperMemory Video Card
100GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
8X DVD+/-RW Drive
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless

I have read that some on the forum do not like Dell computers. I live in a remote area and do not have choices but there is a guy about 35 miles away that is authorized to build Dell computers. He called me yesterday and told me he could get an OptiPlex GX 620, 3.4gig, dual core, 1 gig ram, 19" monitor, 160gig hard drive, DVD (don't know what kind), no sound card or video card which would not do for me. The price he quoted was $1500.

I want as much as I can get in my Desktop so I won't have to worry about it for a very long time. With the information, can someone tell me what to look at? I do not like HP's and do not have any computer places without driving 135 miles one way or 200 miles the opposite way.

I would appreciate any information you can provide.

Thanks,
Sue in Wyoming
 
For $1,500 you could put a gpod screamer together in no time at all if you were familiar with putting a case together. You would simply have everything shipped direct to you. It sounds like some "bozo" worked on the case there and never removed the old drivers as well as making sure things were running properly.

So you got the Sony DRU 810A. How is that working out for you? I had just installed a DRU 530 when that model came out. I can point you right at a popular online vendor for some good prices on hardwares. Everyone around here is already too familiar with newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Home/Computer.asp
 
PC eye--thank you for your reply--It would not be good for me to try to put a computer together--I am lucky I know what I am doing with the programs I use. At first the Sony DRU 810 did not work properly but it was because someone neglected to install it properly--now it is working okay.

Thanks,
Sue in Wyoming
 
First off Sue if you are going to pay that kind of cash for a computer dont let some bozo on the side build it call dell direct and order it, more then likely it will be cheaper, and faster getting it. Also every major manufacturer here in the US will build and ship to you for much cheaper then that. I just built one for 1000 and it blows that away he quoted you!
 
Ask him what dual core chip it is as well as all the other parts (brand AND models if you can) and then quote it online. If you don't feel comfortable building your own or using BUILDING COMPUTERS 101 then I'd say keep looking for different computers, or pay the 1500$ for the one he wants to build. (For an end user that doesn't know how to build their own computer 1500 isn't a bad price to pay so long as it's quality parts). Or do what was mentioned and call dell directly, be warned though you'll pay a heafty price for shipping most likely.
 
I could have pointed at some Sony Vaio models for a look there. But the price tags on newegg were far too much for the Intel cpued models. Hang onto the DRU810 drive however. I've used Sony models and seen good results with them during the last several years. Got a good working drive hang on to it is a good rule to follow.

Too bad you didn't know of someone else who could put a system together for you. We can point you to some good hardwares. You would just need someone smart to put them together and even for a better total price!
 
Thanks to everyone for your comments--I wish I had someone close to build one. If I go to Dell online or call them, how do I know what to ask for and what is good. Do I ask for AMD or Intel? This guy that builds Dell--was recommended by another person and he says he puts better things in his computers--not some of the junk that you don't need.

Thanks,
Sue in Wyoming
 
I tend to shy away from Dell altogether while being an AMD fan for a good number of years now. The place with the absolute "best" but for more expensive for desktops is called SUN Microsystems. But I don't you plan to be running any engineering programs soon. For custom laptops mwave.com can make up special builds there.

Some AMD powered Custom builds for just under $1,500 can be looked over at http://www.digitalstormonline.com/twisterproamd0.asp You will note that the first two are the ones to look at plus having Asus Socket AM2 boards.
 
Thanks to everyone for your comments--I wish I had someone close to build one. If I go to Dell online or call them, how do I know what to ask for and what is good. Do I ask for AMD or Intel? This guy that builds Dell--was recommended by another person and he says he puts better things in his computers--not some of the junk that you don't need.

Thanks,
Sue in Wyoming
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Like I mentioned, go to him and ask him what parts he puts in (or get a list from him and just post it here and I can spec it out and see if you're overplaying).
 
I have another quote on a computer and I scanned it and put it in photobucket.com but I don't know if it will show up in this message so if I do it wrong I am sorry. I have marked some of the things I thought I would need to upgrade--not sure about the memory. Thanks, Sue
 

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wyosue said:
PC Eye--I have taken a look at http://www.digitalstormonline.com/twisterproamd0.asp and the only thing I see that I don't like is the Asus motherboard. This desktop had 2 Asus motherboards go bad. I hope you will look at what I posted above and tell me what you think about both. Thanks, Sue in Wyoming
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I'm sorry about the Asus boards that quit on you. Recently a someone asked me to look over a new custom build that wouldn't even start. Two boards in a row were sent back to be replaced by another Asus model. That was rare to see two bad Asus boards as well as two in a row. They are generally one of the top brands to go with. But? Any brand can have problems at times.

Newegg has some far better prices when they have anything in stock. You can also look over MSI and Gigabyte model boards. Those brands keep their features and specifications up there for the most part. Right now newegg has only two brands to even bother to look over. The students got their systems for school and newegg is low on stock. The HP and complete system would be the better models to look over. For some HP AMD powered models,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2002280010+1141819216&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=10

For several lower cost makes and models, http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2002280010+1308920936&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=10
 
PC eye What did you mean by this? You can also look over MSI and Gigabyte model boards. Those brands keep their features and specifications up there for the most part.

I really don't like HP or Acer either. The warranty on the first link (digitalstormonline)you gave me looks better than newegg--also I have read some bad reviews about newegg. I need some place that I can call if I have computer problems. What do you think?

Thanks,
Sue in Wyoming
 
When buying a complete system you have rather limited options where you go by what is included as opposed to deciding just what you want to see in it. With more people turning to building their own the companies like HP, Dell, Gateway, and others had to start offering a few more options. When looking through the details and specifications when planning for the originally planned 2007 build Something besides Asus was given a good lookover.

So what makes and models reviewed at the time were the closest to what Asus offered? was the question answered with those two brands. DFI, Abit, and others lacked much as if they were too far behind. The references to newegg are mainly either having lower prices or for showing the details. Mwave will put their own brand laptops together according to what you request. They also accept money orders not just charge cards and have a good rep for accepting returns.

For local service where you can simply make a quick call you would have to locate a good place you could drive or ship your system to for repair or upgrades. Brands like HP, Dell, Gateway(please not eMachines) have service centers spread around. Since you got burned by someone before you would need to definitely find some other pc shop at least with a HP or Dell sticker on the window as an authorized service rep. You will pay more for ordering upgrades and replacement parts through them. Sony is another option while usually seeing a higher price. Here's the links for mwave and TigerDirect for the desktops they carry.
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/DEPTSYSTEM-DESK.hmx?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlcNEW.asp?CatId=6
 
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