Thinking About Building a New Computer

zeroslash

zeroslash

New Member
Hence the title, I'm thinking about building myself a new computer in the approaching future, but I want to know more about my current computer before I do so. My computer is rather old and is breaking down; under normal circumstances, I'd just replace the processor, but this computer is getting too old. The hard drive is becoming filled up, and I'll be needing something much more robust.

While I understand some of you are busy, I'd like to post my computer's specs so you can get a better understand just how bad it is. One user some time ago said the video card was "worst than the Nintendo DS's graphics," though I remember him being rather surly.

Anyway, I double as a music composer (Finale) and a computer programmer as well as a writer and Inkscape/Paint.NET user (I refrain from using "graphics designer" because I mainly just create macros). So I'll probably be needing a good sound card and a good processor.

I like to play some games, though they typically require the use of a certain type of program that imitates a particular array of older hardware, but that's probably not appropriate to discuss here.

I've read tutorials on how to build computers, but I don't know what hardware I'll be needing. I know I'd like a 64-bit system with at least a solid processor and good RAM, but as for the sound and video cards, I'm lost. I'm mainly a software person, not a hardware person, though I want that to change.

I'm not trying to ask for a hand-out, but if someone could just push me in the right direction I'll be very much obliged.

The following link lists my computer specs which was rendered using Speccy:
Specs

Thanks in advance!
 
Looks like you just need the case, its components, and an os. Yes?
How much can we spend?:D
And where can we spend it? (Where are you)
 
  1. I'm also thinking about getting other devices, such as new speakers, but I can figure that for myself. :)
  2. I'm willing to spend at most $500 for everything.
  3. And I don't think my location is that important, but I live in Georgia. I'm willing to order online.
 
So you're looking at a computer that doesn't play the latest current-generation games? You may not even need a dedicated video card. But your budget is very low for everything, win7 is $100 alone.
 
claptonman said:
So you're looking at a computer that doesn't play the latest current-generation games? You may not even need a dedicated video card. But your budget is very low for everything, win7 is $100 alone.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't mind it being able to play some 3D games and likely Rollercoaster Tycoon, but for the most part, no. I plan to focus more on music and music rendering. And the $500 goes only to the computer itself, not the new speakers and the like. I don't need a Pixar computer (but hey, to have one for less than $500, I'll take that).

Benny Boy said:
I asked because it's a global site. You wouldn't want to order it from Austrailia would ya? ;)
Click to expand...

Hey, I'm sure Australia has some good hardware. ;p
 
Like said, with Windows being 100 and the prices of hdd's latetly, a quality custom build is kindofa tall order for $500.

Don't know when approaching furure is but parts etailers have sales and promotions you can get with email sign up and the shopping holidays are here.

For custom, if you could use integrated graphics processing (at least for now), and ran across a couple deals, for your use you could do ok with $500.


zeroslash said:
Hey, I'm sure Australia has some good hardware. ;p
Click to expand...
They do! Its the free worldwide shipping that's hard to find :eek:
 
Benny Boy said:
Like said, with Windows being 100 and the prices of hdd's latetly, a quality custom build is kindofa tall order for $500.

Don't know when approaching furure is but parts etailers have sales and promotions you can get with email sign up and the shopping holidays are here.

For custom, if you could use integrated graphics processing (at least for now), and ran across a couple deals, for your use you could do ok with $500.


They do! Its the free worldwide shipping that's hard to find :eek:
Click to expand...

The reason why I think $500 isn't bad at all is because I saw a variety of computers for around that price, all of which had good specs. One computer in particular, a Lenovo brand PC, looked pretty amazing. I've heard some good things regarding Lenovo.

Then again, my computer is old, and even my former school's computers looked very nice, especially since they used duel-core processors.

I'm not entirely set on just a $500 price tag; I am willing to go higher, but not extensively. I don't need a high-end computer, just one that can run Finale Printmusic at most.
 
zeroslash said:
I'm not entirely set on just a $500 price tag.
I don't need a high-end computer, just one that can run Finale Printmusic at most.
Click to expand...

I thought that might be.

So we just need to know what specs are needed for that/those programs and go from there. Maybe someone that knows will say. Or I can help you find out tomorrow.
 
The system requirements are here, though I doubt they have been updated to match the program's actual requirements; they seem pretty standard. However, I discussed these issues with a tech support representative (who seemed to know a good amount of computer hardware knowledge), and she said my processor is "a little underpowered (RAM could be a little higher for a Vista computer, since Vista is going to take more than half your available RAM just to run the operating system)." However she said I have "a pretty decent sound card on this computer, I'd expect reasonable playback (as long as your ensembles don't get too large and your pieces too long)."

I'll be needing large ensembles.
 
A mobo, i3 or i5 (or w/e the AMD side is) 4g ddr3, maybe a PSU, and a soundcard depending on the mobo. Then recycle the rest from the old computer.
 
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