Need some advice on new PC

bookworm_020 · 11-25-08, 05:07 PM

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting a new computer, and I have seen a good one for around $800AUD. IT doesn't inclued a screen, but I can pick up one later.

Here are the specs

- Intel Core 2 Quad processor Q6600: 2.40 GHz, 8 MB L2 CACHE, 1066 MHz FSB
- NVIDIA Geforce 8600 GS: 256 MB DDR2 SDRAM, DirectX 10 and HDCP support
- 500GB hard drive
- 2048 MB DDR2 SDRAM with 667 MHz at 64 Bit, Dual Channel Memory
- Multiformat DVD/CD burner
- Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11n draft
- Network controller Ethernet LAN 10/100 Mbit/s on board
- 8 Channel High Definition Audio

Comes with Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1

I can upgrade it later on when I have the money. My current computer can't be upgraded any further and is getting long in the tooth (I've had it for over three years and it was a second had computer to begin with, so it's around 7 years old)

Does this seem like a good deal?

Reece · 11-25-08, 09:46 PM

Well if your going to stick with Vista (I still use XP Pro) you will have to upgrade the memory to 4gb, I don't know much about the Intel board or the nVidia (I use AMD & ATI), but I would certainly check up on how good the video card is, if it doesn't suit your needs this would be the time to pay a bit more for the one you want. Over all it sounds like good value to me.

bookworm_020 · 11-26-08, 12:03 AM

THe memory can be upgrade as well as the video card when I have the funds. I might put off the purchase untill after the new year, so I can buy my wife a good christmas present instead!

Wolfehunter · 11-26-08, 12:33 AM

Your problem bookworm is your OS is 32bit version. You won't be using your systems full performance. 32bit system can't go over 3gigs of ram should you choose more ram. 64bit system can.

Other than that your system rocks.

Reece · 11-26-08, 12:39 AM

Just bear in mind bookworm_020 that with this recession the A$ is expected to fall to 47c against the US$ next year, the $800 will be more like $1000, but then your wife is worth more, gotta get your priorities right!

bookworm_020 · 11-26-08, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfehunter

Your problem bookworm is your OS is 32bit version. You won't be using your systems full performance. 32bit system can't go over 3gigs of ram should you choose more ram. 64bit system can.

Other than that your system rocks.

It's a 64 bit OS so it shouldn't be a problem. Even if it was a 32 bit, I would hang on till Windows 7 makes an appearance. It sounds like it will be what vista should have been from day one!

A system with the spec I listed went for $530AUD on Ebay yesterday! I was tempted (I did put a bid on it, but got done at the last moment!), but I want to get my wife something nice of christmas and she has said I can get a new computer around the mddle of the year.

I'll be in a new job by then, which pays better, so I can afford to spash out!

Quote:

Just bear in mind bookworm_020 that with this recession the A$ is expected to fall to 47c against the US$ next year, the $800 will be more like $1000, but then your wife is worth more, gotta get your priorities right!

True, but my wife is more deserving of an upgrade (perfume, gold necklace) than the computer!

AVGWarhawk · 11-27-08, 09:23 AM

Check out Tigerdirect.com I shop there for all my computer needs and have been looking at gaming computers that are at a good price. I suspect I will wait until after Christmas for the good sales. Also, look over the bare bone kits. Lots of bang for the buck. You can still get XP for the OS and wait on Windows 7. As far as Vista, I have not really heard many headaches about it to be honest. It is a RAM eater though.

panzer 49th · 12-03-08, 02:18 PM

Also, don't forget about newegg.com. It's a good website and i get all my PC related stuff from there (including the one I'm going to build in a few weeks).

Hylander_1314 · 12-03-08, 03:36 PM

Actually, you can tame the vista resource appetite a bit by going here:

http://www.blackviper.com/ and follow the directions for slimming vista'a hunger to a more manageable level.

After tweaking vista, it's down to about half that to 1 gig. It's just a matter of turning off a bunch of junk the Bill Gates and company set to run automatically, that they thought you should have running, and some of things that were running were applications that I have never used, even the carry-over apps from previous versions of windows. So by turning a bunch of crap off, I noew have a good running rig that loads quick, and doesn't have as many if any issues like it did before.

Wolfehunter · 12-04-08, 01:15 PM

Thanks Hylander for the site.

11-25-08, 05:07 PM	#1
bookworm_020 Navy Seal Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sinking ships off the Australian coast Posts: 5,966 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Need some advice on new PC Hi, I'm thinking of getting a new computer, and I have seen a good one for around $800AUD. IT doesn't inclued a screen, but I can pick up one later. Here are the specs - Intel Core 2 Quad processor Q6600: 2.40 GHz, 8 MB L2 CACHE, 1066 MHz FSB - NVIDIA Geforce 8600 GS: 256 MB DDR2 SDRAM, DirectX 10 and HDCP support - 500GB hard drive - 2048 MB DDR2 SDRAM with 667 MHz at 64 Bit, Dual Channel Memory - Multiformat DVD/CD burner - Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11n draft - Network controller Ethernet LAN 10/100 Mbit/s on board - 8 Channel High Definition Audio Comes with Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 I can upgrade it later on when I have the money. My current computer can't be upgraded any further and is getting long in the tooth (I've had it for over three years and it was a second had computer to begin with, so it's around 7 years old) Does this seem like a good deal? __________________ "There is always one person in any organization who knows whats going on, That person must be fired"

11-25-08, 09:46 PM	#2
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 32,792 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	Well if your going to stick with Vista (I still use XP Pro) you will have to upgrade the memory to 4gb, I don't know much about the Intel board or the nVidia (I use AMD & ATI), but I would certainly check up on how good the video card is, if it doesn't suit your needs this would be the time to pay a bit more for the one you want. Over all it sounds like good value to me. __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!*

11-26-08, 12:03 AM	#3
bookworm_020 Navy Seal Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sinking ships off the Australian coast Posts: 5,966 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	THe memory can be upgrade as well as the video card when I have the funds. I might put off the purchase untill after the new year, so I can buy my wife a good christmas present instead! __________________ "There is always one person in any organization who knows whats going on, That person must be fired"

11-26-08, 12:33 AM	#4
Wolfehunter Crusty Capt. Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,752 Downloads: 40 Uploads: 25	Your problem bookworm is your OS is 32bit version. You won't be using your systems full performance. 32bit system can't go over 3gigs of ram should you choose more ram. 64bit system can. Other than that your system rocks. __________________

11-26-08, 12:39 AM	#5
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 32,792 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	Just bear in mind bookworm_020 that with this recession the A$ is expected to fall to 47c against the US$ next year, the $800 will be more like $1000, but then your wife is worth more, gotta get your priorities right! __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!* Last edited by Reece; 11-26-08 at 12:40 AM.

11-27-08, 09:23 AM	#7
AVGWarhawk Lucky Jack Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a 1954 Buick. Posts: 27,343 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	Check out Tigerdirect.com I shop there for all my computer needs and have been looking at gaming computers that are at a good price. I suspect I will wait until after Christmas for the good sales. Also, look over the bare bone kits. Lots of bang for the buck. You can still get XP for the OS and wait on Windows 7. As far as Vista, I have not really heard many headaches about it to be honest. It is a RAM eater though. __________________ “You're painfully alive in a drugged and dying culture.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

12-03-08, 02:18 PM	#8
panzer 49th Weps Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 361 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Also, don't forget about newegg.com. It's a good website and i get all my PC related stuff from there (including the one I'm going to build in a few weeks). __________________

12-03-08, 03:36 PM	#9
Hylander_1314 Sea Lord Join Date: May 2006 Location: 5 Miles Inland West Of Lake Huron Posts: 1,936 Downloads: 139 Uploads: 0	Actually, you can tame the vista resource appetite a bit by going here: http://www.blackviper.com/ and follow the directions for slimming vista'a hunger to a more manageable level. After tweaking vista, it's down to about half that to 1 gig. It's just a matter of turning off a bunch of junk the Bill Gates and company set to run automatically, that they thought you should have running, and some of things that were running were applications that I have never used, even the carry-over apps from previous versions of windows. So by turning a bunch of crap off, I noew have a good running rig that loads quick, and doesn't have as many if any issues like it did before. __________________ A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law. -John Marshall Chief Justice of the Supreme Court ---------------------

12-04-08, 01:15 PM	#10
Wolfehunter Crusty Capt. Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,752 Downloads: 40 Uploads: 25	Thanks Hylander for the site. __________________