Sacrinyellow5
New Member
I'm thinking about purchasing or buying a new computer, but I'm not completely sure on what route to take. I'm not apposed to building a computer nor would I mind buying a pre-built.
Here are my three options I'm debating about. I'm really looking for something to do multi-tasking work and some light gaming. I work as a graphic designer and would also like to do some light video and music editing on top of my design work. I will also be downsizing from having 3 computers to 1. I am not apposed to spending a decent amount on a computer, so it is not outdated in a few years. Expanding on it and upgrading is not out of the question either. I'm really looking for a good work computer, which also can support future games and programs and not be obsolete in a few years
Pre-Built 1
-------------------
Dell XPS-410
Core 2 Duo Processor E6600 (2.4Ghz 1066 FSB)
XP Professional with free Windows Business Vista Upgrade
2 GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 667 Mhz
250 GB HD (7,200)
DVD-R/CD-R Combo (Dual-Layer)
256 Mb GeForce 7900 GS
Intergraded Soundblaster Audigy (HD Software Edition)
USB Key Board & Mouse
Microsoft Office Basic
----------------------
Around $1700
-- I don't think the price is terrible on this, but it also includes a 1 year warranty and some other useful aps, which might take up money in a custom build.
-- I'll be using a DVD-R, 250 GB HD, and 19 LCD monitor, which I already own to complete the System
-- I can also put this on a payment plan and possibly get a work discount.
Custom Build 1
-------------------
Case -- (Still Deciding - $150 Budget)
PS -- ATX 12V StarTech 450 Watt PS -- May not need it Case has PS
Mobo--Gigabyte Technology GA-965P-S3 ATX Socket 775 Motherboard, for Intel Core 2 Duo / Pentium 4 / Pentium D Processors
Processor -- Intel Viiv Technology Core 2 Duo E6400, 2.13 GHz, 1066 MHz
OS -- XP Professional
Memory -- 2 x Kingston HyperX 1GB PC2-5400
Main OS HD -- Western Digital Raptor 74GB Hard Drive (10,000rpm)
Video Card (Still looking any suggestions would be great -- 200-250 budget)
Sound Card (30-50) still deciding
----------------------
$1650 or so (Some parts will have rebates)
These are all parts, which I can find at my local computer store or order through them.
I'm not big into ordering online and waiting, so I figured I would find parts locally.
-- I'll be using a DVD-R, 250 GB HD, and 19 LCD monitor, which I already own to complete the comp.
--No payment plan here, just charge the majority of it and using the money I receive from selling my other comps.
-- Any performance or price saving suggestions would be great!
Pre-Built System 2
-------------------
Mac Pro Tower "Going back to the Dark Side"
Two 2.0 Ghz Dual Core Intel Xeon Processors
2 GB DDR2 @ 667Mhz Ram
160 Gb (7,200 rpm)
ATI Radeon X1900 XT 512 MB
One 16x Superdrive
No Display
Mac OS X
Apply Care Protection Plan 3 Years
-------------------
2,918.00
-- I like this option a lot, because of the payment plan and a possible student discount.
--Expandability of up to 3 Extar HD's and an extra Optical Drive
-- I can also use Boot-Camp to load an XP Partition to run for games and other Microsoft based applications.
I will be selling my 3 other computer and using some of my work bonus to pay for any of these choices. This will cut the prices down drastically as well.
I guess I want to know who would pick what and for what reasons. I want a great comp and something, which won't be outdated for a while. So let me know what's overkilled and what's not up to spec on these rigs.
I'm leaning towards the custom built rig, but I would really like the Mac Pro, it seems ideal for upgrading and expansion over a long period of time.
Here are my three options I'm debating about. I'm really looking for something to do multi-tasking work and some light gaming. I work as a graphic designer and would also like to do some light video and music editing on top of my design work. I will also be downsizing from having 3 computers to 1. I am not apposed to spending a decent amount on a computer, so it is not outdated in a few years. Expanding on it and upgrading is not out of the question either. I'm really looking for a good work computer, which also can support future games and programs and not be obsolete in a few years
Pre-Built 1
-------------------
Dell XPS-410
Core 2 Duo Processor E6600 (2.4Ghz 1066 FSB)
XP Professional with free Windows Business Vista Upgrade
2 GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 667 Mhz
250 GB HD (7,200)
DVD-R/CD-R Combo (Dual-Layer)
256 Mb GeForce 7900 GS
Intergraded Soundblaster Audigy (HD Software Edition)
USB Key Board & Mouse
Microsoft Office Basic
----------------------
Around $1700
-- I don't think the price is terrible on this, but it also includes a 1 year warranty and some other useful aps, which might take up money in a custom build.
-- I'll be using a DVD-R, 250 GB HD, and 19 LCD monitor, which I already own to complete the System
-- I can also put this on a payment plan and possibly get a work discount.
Custom Build 1
-------------------
Case -- (Still Deciding - $150 Budget)
PS -- ATX 12V StarTech 450 Watt PS -- May not need it Case has PS
Mobo--Gigabyte Technology GA-965P-S3 ATX Socket 775 Motherboard, for Intel Core 2 Duo / Pentium 4 / Pentium D Processors
Processor -- Intel Viiv Technology Core 2 Duo E6400, 2.13 GHz, 1066 MHz
OS -- XP Professional
Memory -- 2 x Kingston HyperX 1GB PC2-5400
Main OS HD -- Western Digital Raptor 74GB Hard Drive (10,000rpm)
Video Card (Still looking any suggestions would be great -- 200-250 budget)
Sound Card (30-50) still deciding
----------------------
$1650 or so (Some parts will have rebates)
These are all parts, which I can find at my local computer store or order through them.
I'm not big into ordering online and waiting, so I figured I would find parts locally.
-- I'll be using a DVD-R, 250 GB HD, and 19 LCD monitor, which I already own to complete the comp.
--No payment plan here, just charge the majority of it and using the money I receive from selling my other comps.
-- Any performance or price saving suggestions would be great!
Pre-Built System 2
-------------------
Mac Pro Tower "Going back to the Dark Side"
Two 2.0 Ghz Dual Core Intel Xeon Processors
2 GB DDR2 @ 667Mhz Ram
160 Gb (7,200 rpm)
ATI Radeon X1900 XT 512 MB
One 16x Superdrive
No Display
Mac OS X
Apply Care Protection Plan 3 Years
-------------------
2,918.00
-- I like this option a lot, because of the payment plan and a possible student discount.
--Expandability of up to 3 Extar HD's and an extra Optical Drive
-- I can also use Boot-Camp to load an XP Partition to run for games and other Microsoft based applications.
I will be selling my 3 other computer and using some of my work bonus to pay for any of these choices. This will cut the prices down drastically as well.
I guess I want to know who would pick what and for what reasons. I want a great comp and something, which won't be outdated for a while. So let me know what's overkilled and what's not up to spec on these rigs.
I'm leaning towards the custom built rig, but I would really like the Mac Pro, it seems ideal for upgrading and expansion over a long period of time.
