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01/05/2005 09:00:09 AM · #1 |
I'm in the market for a new computer, I'm somewhat techno-savvy but tnot nearly enough. I want to spend about $1500-2000 for the cpu.
and I need advice on everything, monitor preference, AMDâ„¢ ATHLONâ„¢64 3500+ or pentium 4 3.2? which video card? what vendor?
please give me your opinions- or send me to a recent thread.
Thanks.
Paul |
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01/05/2005 09:12:52 AM · #2 |
| what do you want to do with it? I would definitely advise you to go for AMD unless doing a lot of media encoding. But really it entirely depends on how much stuff you want to do with it. |
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01/05/2005 09:19:04 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by zarniwoop:
what do you want to do with it? |
Ditto. I had a friend who was heavily into photography explain that he was getting an HP mostly because of their excellent support every time the PC crashed or got a virus. When I pointed out the absurdity of what he was saying, he bought a Mac. No problems since. |
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01/05/2005 09:33:45 AM · #4 |
Ditto on the AMD...Do not get a mobo with integrated video or sound they suck up resources, share memory and is some cases heat the cpu more than you would expect. Toss a nVidia 6800 for graphics and Creative Audigy 2 (even the OEMs are good) for sound.
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01/05/2005 09:35:08 AM · #5 |
I used to recommend Dell, and I still buy from them.
It really depends on what you want and what you use it for. I use a dual processor machine with dual screens and I typically spend just under $3000 for a machine. But I just bought a new software testing Dell for $650 shipped, which is 3GHz, 80G 7200 RPM drive (but not SATA). And it works very nicely. I can't say, for most tasks, it would be significantly slower than my dual. For the money, it was a bargain (threw in a multifunction printer/scanner for $20--how could I resist).
If you depend on your machine for your livelihood and want something reliable, you might want to go through their small business division, and get a Precision Workstation rather than a dimension. It used to be that you got much better support that way, and it used to be that you got better components too.
That being said, I think my 1-year old Dell Precision Workstation 650 is not up to the same quality levels as my 3-4 year old Dell Precision Workstation 330.
Message edited by author 2005-01-05 09:36:15. |
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01/05/2005 09:47:48 AM · #6 |
Falcon Northwest,
Talon 6.2 is $1895.00 these guys have been around for quite some time, their boxes are same guts as alienware but aren't as pretty (could be), cost a bit less.
Talon 6.2
Sorry to the Dell users out there, but they just don't make em like they used to, they are crap, failure rate a work is higher than when we had Gateway 2K and/or HP computers installed. I am Dell Certified (repairer) and trying like hell to get them out of my workplace.
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01/05/2005 09:49:23 AM · #7 |
Wow, $1500-2000 for the CPU? You can buy a 3.4 GHz Intel Pentium 4 CPU for $309.00 at egghead.com. I think you mean $1500-2000 for a complete system, perhaps without a monitor, right?
Anyway, I've put together several complete systems from parts that I bought at egghead. I'm very satisfied with the company. B&H for cameras, and Egghead for PCs.
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01/05/2005 09:56:19 AM · #8 |
I can't recomend a vendor as i build them myself.
Get a 19" CRT. LCD screens are ot good for editing photos unless you go high end.
unless you are gaming, high end ($400) video card is not necessary, but i agree that sepearte cards are better than all-in-one mobos, but not for the same reason as the earlier poster - i think they are impossible to upgrade and very mid-level to low end in performance.
I went AMD a few years back and have no probs - less money that Intel for similar performance, so you can spend the savings elswhere (camera stuff?)
Apple is 2.8% of the computers on the net. Linux is 3.2% The other 94% are Windows based PCs. you can buy an apple, but around here they are used in the grade schools only - HS and colleges use PCs. Adjust your user level accordingly is my opinion.
More important, If you have software now (like PS 7 for a PC) then changing platforms makes NO economic sense. Get XP Pro (NOT home) and you'll be fine.
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01/05/2005 11:49:57 AM · #9 |
| At the moment if you just buy mid range components all the way through you'll end up with a computer that is more than fast enough for any normal task including photo editing and gaming. There's no need for the peak of technology and try not to go for the cheapest stuff because you'll end up upgrading it way too soon. |
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01/05/2005 12:01:28 PM · #10 |
I'd suggest buying the components and building your own machine.
That way, you can get exactly what you want. If you don't want to physically assemble all the components yourself, there are places that will assemble and test your system for you.
I suggest Motherboard Express. They have base systems that can be modified or you can start with the chip you want and go from there. You can also call them and they will help you select components to meet your needs. I have been very pleased with all of the systems I have purchased from them.
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01/05/2005 12:08:17 PM · #11 |
I used to build my own computers (for years), but now, even with ordering from egghead, tigerdirect and this great little place in san diego I can't think of the name of... I can't compete with the price of a good Dell. So, I got a Dell. Their service is great (at least for me it has been since I know about computers & that always makes the techs happy).
If you know how to build computers and can get some good prices on parts, go for it! //www.pricewatch.com has a great way to shop for computers and parts.
But if you want something easy, fast and reliable (service-wise), just get a Dell.
HP / Compaq is known for crashing... do NOT get one of those. Gateway is pretty much out of business for selling computers, and they suck anyhow. Sony Vaio makes a great laptop, but their PC is just too Sony.
If you order a Dell, tell them you do NOT want integration and that you want a PC for photography with a really good monitor and video card! Get as much RAM as you can afford and a fast processor. AMD or Pentium is fine. I think both are up to par, just Pentium costs a little more for the name. Make sure you get a really good fan because you don't want to burn out.
Good luck!!!
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01/05/2005 12:26:01 PM · #12 |
lets try list down the stuff that he needs
processor : intel HT or AMD 64 (s939)
Ram : 512mb-2gb
HSF : if he want to OC
VGA : nvidia 6600gt gaming or ati 9500 for non gamer
Sound card : creative A2 ZS or prodigy 7.1
Casing : get one with good airflow
Optical drive : DVD burner and DVD rom/CD burner combo
built in card reader
monitor : LCD if ur not into gaming
mouse : logitech mx510
Message edited by author 2005-01-05 12:28:12.
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01/05/2005 12:28:19 PM · #13 |
the intels have nothing on amds 64 so go w/ them.
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01/05/2005 01:00:52 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by zerocusa:
lets try list down the stuff that he needs
processor : intel HT or AMD 64 (s939)
Ram : 512mb-2gb
HSF : if he want to OC
VGA : nvidia 6600gt gaming or ati 9500 for non gamer
Sound card : creative A2 ZS or prodigy 7.1
Casing : get one with good airflow
Optical drive : DVD burner and DVD rom/CD burner combo
built in card reader
monitor : LCD if ur not into gaming
mouse : logitech mx510 |
Too much processor
LCD is NOT good for photo editing
7.1 sound? Nice, but won't help edit any photos, or help with spreadsheets or the net - a luxury
Prolly too much video there as well - get as much RAM on teh vid card as you can afford. You can get a decent vid card for under $200
Microsoft still makes the best mouse
Built in card reader - perhaps he has one now (i do...i'd not pay for a second one)
How about a HD or OS? XP Pro, A 7200 RPM hard drive, and likely you'll get bigger than you need anyway, but 120Gb or larger is plenty. System ram - got for 1Gb. Do not go top of the line in processor speeds - do the math - a processer 10% faster should NOT cost more than 10% more...top of the line (speed wise) costs more and is top of the line for only a month anyway.
If you want something fun and usefull, get a Wacom tablet - they have one with a mouse and all - get that.
You don't need AMD 64. The operating system to take advantage of the extra power has not been released yet - still 12-14 months away.
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01/05/2005 01:20:53 PM · #15 |
AMD Processor Athlon64 3800+ or better
(Windows XP 64bit edition will ship in 2005)
Motherboard with sata
ATI Graphics Gard
Samsung 0r Lacie Monitor
As much ram and Hard Drive that you can afford (get 2 drives one for programs and one for your data)
A dvd recorder for backup.
and a good card reader.
Message edited by author 2005-01-05 13:24:20. |
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01/05/2005 01:29:14 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
You don't need AMD 64. The operating system to take advantage of the extra power has not been released yet - still 12-14 months away. |
Oh, but so not true:
[13:26] [kussi:/usr/home/yura] uname -rpsn
FreeBSD kussi.31337.net 5.3-BETA7 amd64
Seriously, though, you are right as far as a computer for an average home user goes. I also agree with most of your assessments, except i hate MS mice, too heavy and overpriced.
Also, i would get two smaller hard drives for the price of a large one instead of DVD for backup. Just store two sets of data on two drives, with or without RAID 0.
And also, if a person needs help choosing a computer, they would be a lot better off buying a packaged deal at dell or something, rather than assembling stuff from components.
Message edited by author 2005-01-05 16:36:18. |
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01/05/2005 04:13:38 PM · #17 |
Thanks for all the help and opinions.
I have confirmed a bunch of my thoughts, but I am more confused than ever. |
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01/05/2005 06:26:08 PM · #18 |
| Check out Tiger Direct. You can get one of their Systemax systems with the AMD 64 that really rocks, and is well within your price range. I am typing this on one right now. |
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01/05/2005 10:51:35 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Apple is 2.8% of the computers on the net. Linux is 3.2% The other 94% are Windows based PCs. you can buy an apple, but around here they are used in the grade schools only - HS and colleges use PCs. Adjust your user level accordingly is my opinion.
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Most universities use Macs for thier science and graphics departments. There is a reason for that. |
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01/05/2005 11:13:51 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by nsbca7:
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Apple is 2.8% of the computers on the net. Linux is 3.2% The other 94% are Windows based PCs. you can buy an apple, but around here they are used in the grade schools only - HS and colleges use PCs. Adjust your user level accordingly is my opinion.
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Most universities use Macs for thier science and graphics departments. There is a reason for that. |
Apple subsidies no doubt. marketing - get the item into the hads of hte users at any cost when ehty are young and starting out and they will stay with it and upgrade along the way.
Canon digital rebel....one example
Deeeeeeeply discounted Chevy Cavaliers in another
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01/05/2005 11:17:42 PM · #21 |
buy a mac
around here most people buy toyota's and fords, but 2% buy jaguars,
hmm I can afford a jaguar, but nah, most people drive fords |
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01/05/2005 11:24:06 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by ellamay:
buy a mac
around here most people buy toyota's and fords, but 2% buy jaguars,
hmm I can afford a jaguar, but nah, most people drive fords |
Ford owns Jaguar, notice how the newer Jag looks like a Taurus??
check for yourself
Ford.com
Oh and Microsoft, owns part of MAC (Apple), very intresting
sorry I could not resist that one
James |
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01/05/2005 11:27:17 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
LCD is NOT good for photo editing
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The LCD I have is better for photo editing that any CRT I have ever owned. That statement may have true a couple of years ago, but the top of the line LCDs are now far superior to the top of the line graphics CRTs.
As far as computers, nothing, and I mean nothing can out perform the PowerMac. I have several high-power computers, including an AMD 2800 Athlon and an AMD 3400 64bit system. I also have two Pentium computers.
My PowerMac is the only one of these that never crashes when working with large digital files.
The AMD 3400 worked well sometimes, but crashed on a daily basis when working on print files over 180Mb. All of the others had occasional trouble even downloading from my 11Mp camera. The Mac is the only one I use for processing and printing.
The Mac does not connect to the internet, so I am talking to you on my AMD 3400. The other computers have other uses. If I had to get rid of all but one, I would keep the Mac. I would have to.
Before I got the Mac, if I was downloading from a camera, I was downloading from a camera. If I was printing, I was printing. I would just set up the print and walk away util it was finished. If I tried to do any thing else during the print the computer most often locked up in the middle of the print job. Sometimes it did that without even touching the computer.
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01/05/2005 11:27:33 PM · #24 |
With the Mac I can print a 240Mb file to my Epson 7600 while burning a 3gig DVD with six 62Mb files open in photoshop and I-tunes is playing my music files without skipping. No PC can do that.
Make up your mind, but try out a G5 PowerMac first. If you just can't find your way to the switch, the AMD 64bit is far more stable than any of the other PC platforms. Good luck. |
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