Home computer help

[Hot94Z28]

I am looking at getting a desktop computer. I want to spend around $500 can go a little more but needs to have WiFi and will like to get as much of a computer at that price as I can. This will be used for the kids and just basic computer needs. Dont plan on doing any gaming on it just need a home computer for school stuff for the kids and a little surfing the net. But for around $500 would like to get as much computer as I can help me out guys.

[sick70malibu]

Here are my choices for a prebuilt system in your price range:

1: This on is a Gateway model, it come with Windows 7 Home Premium, 4GB of RAM, and a 2.70GHZ Pentium G630 Dual Core processor. The cost is $419.99 with free shipping. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113219

2: This one is an Asus, Windows 7 Home Premium, 6GB RAM, and an AMD A8-3820 2.5oGHZ Quad core processor. $429.99 with Free shipping. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220163
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220163)

Hope this helps

[Hot94Z28]

Thank you I heard try to stay with intel stuff but also heard at mid level stuff AMD is just fine?

[sick70malibu]

If I had my choice I would stay with Intel. I am not an Intel Fanboy by any means but if you want a quality chip that will run at much better clocks as well as out perform the AMD while using less power and producing less heat that is the way to go. Of course that rally wont matter as much unless you are overclocking or playing some of the more intensive games on Ultra. The Intel setup I posted is just a lower ended Pentium chip but it is still based on Socket 1155 which is a very very good platform. If you had some more money in the budget I could recommend some other setups that would have much more powerful components but you said you are just looking for something that the family can use so I picked accordingly. The AMD setup by no means is a slouch with the Quad core plus the 6gb of ram you will get excellent performance for the basic needs.

My personal computer is something I built a while ago it is an Asus P5Q Pro Turbo motherboard, Intel E8400 dual core, 4gb of ram and I have it watercooled and overclocked, and it is running Windows 7 Ultimate. I use it mostly for gaming and schoolwork. I also use it for Dreamweaver and Google Sketchup. So far I haven't found anything to slow it down ;) keep in mind that my hardware was the top of the line about 4-5 years ago, and it still runs like a champ.

I was actually considering updating it to either a new i5 or a comparable AMD Bulldozer setup. But during my research I have found with a mild overclock the 4-Core i5 will outperform the 8-Core Bulldozer and use less power and produce less heat. Which in turn keeps electricity cost down and keeps performance up. So all in all its purely personal preference.

TL;DR AMD is good but I think Intel still is a little better.

Sent from my now unrooted but updated DROID 2(stupid updates)

[sick70malibu]

After a bit more looking I acutally noticed that the two I posted earlier dont have a wireless card built in to them... so here is my updated list.


Gateway: This one has a Phenom II processor which is a 6-Core 2.9GHZ chip with 6gb RAM and built in wireless. and is 449.99 with free shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113175 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113175)

Acer: This one is an FX-4100 Quad core processor with 6GB of ram, and built in wireless. and is 449.99 with free shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103380

Both of the setups above are AMD rigs. I think this is because AMD still has the lower end of the price point on Intel and more manufacturers are trying to keep cost down. Now if your budget was $800+ that is where you will start seeing more and more of the Intel stuff come into play.

[Hot94Z28]

Thank you for your help I think AMD stuff will be fine for what I am looking for.


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[sick70malibu]

Happy to help :D When I'm not playing with cars I play with computers lol.

Sent from my now unrooted but updated DROID 2(stupid updates)

[harner]

Would you be willing to put together the parts? Or just looking for a prebuilt tower? My recommendation would be to find any tower worth buying, with reasonable specs, and just pick up a ~$20-40 USB external wireless card.

I am not a big fan of AMD, but a few years ago I put together a Phenom II X4 setup with 8GB RAM and 2x 750GB drives (RAID) with a cheap graphics card and that thing still runs great and plays most games on their highest setting. I think the AMD rigs that sick70malibu would work fine for you.

[Hot94Z28]

Does it matter if a monitor has a HDMI port like a HD TV to get the full picture? Seen that acer had a HDMI port didn't know if I should get a monitor with one?

[Hot94Z28]

I am thinking a pre built set up. Would not mine playing games on it but I have an Xbox and a PS3 I play on.

[sick70malibu]

If the monitor has an HDMI port you can use a HDMI cable for it. My monitor is a 32" Samsung LCD TV that I have running through an DVI to HDMI cable.

Sent from my now unrooted but updated DROID 2(stupid updates)

[harner]

You will see better quality through an HDMI cable, but that does not mean you need one.

[sick70malibu]

You will see better quality through an HDMI cable, but that does not mean you need one.

This.

Thanks harner I forgot to mention that

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[Hot94Z28]

I ordered Asus and a 23in HD monitor an some HDMI cables from monoprice should all be here by the end of the week that's for your help. I got a lot more computer than what best buy could do I have not been very impressed with best buy lately.


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[harner]

I worked at Best Buy when I was in college, almost a DECADE ago (man, I'm 27 but that makes me feel OLD lol). Most of their prices have a ridiculous mark up. That's the difference between retail and wholesale. Some of the manufacturers they sell, like Gateway and some laptops, actually lost money. So, they always pushed warranty sales and geek squad stuff. I actually applied for Geek Squad, before they were called that. I ended up selling computers. After 9 months of retail and a black friday under my belt, screwing around with my raises/pay rates, I decided to give them my notice. While there, I got some awesome discounts on stuff though.

Definitely an interesting company to work for. They are out to make money just like everyone else.

[harner]

How much was the 23" monitor? I recently bought a 27" Planar for $210 shipped and absolutely love it. I've been waiting for it to go on sale again, and when it did I didn't hesitate.

First time I ever played a game where I have to rotate my head to see what's going on haha!

[sick70malibu]

How much was the 23" monitor? I recently bought a 27" Planar for $210 shipped and absolutely love it. I've been waiting for it to go on sale again, and when it did I didn't hesitate.

First time I ever played a game where I have to rotate my head to see what's going on haha!

That's how my 32" is I love it!!!!

Sent from my now unrooted but updated DROID 2(stupid updates)

[Hot94Z28]

It was $159.00 with built in speakers.

[Hot94Z28]

how do I get a full screen with that monitor through HDMI?

[Hot94Z28]

found it this display is nice

[sick70malibu]

Good lol. What did you change?

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[Hot94Z28]

I dont even remember what I end up doing.