So I need a new computer

Thing I'm using now is a 5 year old Acer Aspire 5024 WLMi. 512ram, 80gig hd, 128ram vid card, you know the type.

I'm gonna use it as back-up, or w/e from now on to give it some more rest, so I'm looking for a desktop now.
I've been having close to no problems with this acer apart from the fact it crashed once. Was within warranty, though and I got it back all new, has worked perfectly since then. Except.. slow (what do you expect with 512Mb DDR Ram).

So anyway Acer is still an option, but I'm willing to hear what all you guys might advise.

Looking for a desktop with at least:
600Gig HD (I'm not that much of a downloader)
6Gig DDR3 Ram
2.7Ghz Processor
512Ram (prefer 1gig) Graph card
Possibility to wireless internet (this has been hard to find).

I am in Europe, though, but most desktops should be available here as well. Any suggestion is welcome, I'm not on a set budget, but I'm kindof a cheapskate.
Oh, no MAC please, or Dell (idk but I don't like Dell for some reason).

I don't know where you can build a non name-brand computer in Europe, but heres something from using my local computer shop system builder.

ASUS PCE-N13 PCI-EXPRESS WIRELESS ADAPTER 300MBPS 802.11 B/G/N $29.00 $29.00
Corsair TX CMPSU-650TX ATX12V & EPS12V Power Supply $114.00 $114.00
LG GH24NS50 SATA 24X DVD-RW BLACK INTERNAL w/NERO OEM $23.99 $23.99
Sapphire HD5850 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI - HDMI - Display Port PCI-E Video Card $314.00 $314.00
WESTERN DIGITAL 750GB 3.5" SATA II 32MB 7200RPM DUAL PROCESSOR $75.50 $75.50
G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Tripple Channel CL9 - for Core i7 $178.00 $178.00
GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 SKT.1366 INTL X58 3 CHANNEL DDR3 4 DIMM SATA3, USB3, RAID, ATX, SATA3 $298.99 $298.99
Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX MID-TWR BLACK W/O WINDOW $114.00 $114.00
Intel Core i7 Quad I7-930 2.8GHz LGA1366 8MB 4.80GT/S - Retail Box $298.99 $298.99

Subtotal:
$1,446.47 Canadian Dollars

Price increases/decreases depends on what other parts you want/don't want. Do you need a Solid State Hard Drive?

This is the one I just bought for myself since my lappy died: http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/...86&CatId=6

1 TB HD
8 GB DDR3 RAM
2.66GHz Processor
1 GB Graphics Card

It's less than a thousand dollars (before taxes) and really great specs for a "budget" gaming PC. The only thing that it's missing from your list is wireless networking, but you could always buy a little USB wireless adapter to do that.

Does 8G or 6G DDR3 Ram make that huge of a difference? I'm not really a heavy (in terms of perfrmance for computer) gamer, most games I play are pretty old, but just run crap nontheless since my laptop is a relic.
TKWizard I appreciate your help a lot, but I only get half of what you're saying. I know a little about computers, but only a little. XD
I know selfbuild can get you a better one cheaper, but I don't know enough about computers to do that. Even then 1.4k canadian dollars (even though I'm not too sure about exchange rate to euros) sounds rather expensive. I guess I'll set a budget at around 600 euros max.
Any other options?


I was looking around and found this.

Acer Aspire X3900 + 23" TFT-scherm - Acer Aspire

Intel® Core™ i3 530 Processor 2,93 GHzProcessor

6144 MB DDR3 Ram

1000 GBHarddisk

DVD-RW Double LayerDVD-Rewriter

23" breedbeeldschermBeeldscherm (bigscreen TFT) (costs about 180 euros)

1024 MB nVidia GeForce GT320Videokaart

onboardGeluidskaart (soundcard)

jaKaartlezer (cardreader)

jaFireWire

GigaBitNetwerkkaart

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bits (NL/UK)Besturingssysteem

Multimedia toestenbord & optische muisToetsenbord & muis

That's 750 euros (since the monitor is included which I also I need I wouldn't say half bad) and I'd only have to buy Speakers and a Wireless option (usb or card from what I get?) I'll keep looking, though.

6 and 8 doesn't really make a difference, heck if you're not that heavy, 4 is more than enough.

If you're planning to play the the latest games however, I suggest getting at least an i5, because i3 isn't that great (i3 will make your comp obsolete by the second year).

The monitor you're getting doesn't sound good, but then again, what you have available is what you have available. I suggest Samsung though, although some Dell monitors are quite good if not better than Samsung (Dell Monitors != Dell Computers in quality by the way).

Since your budget is around 600-750 Euros thats only like $770-$964 CAD. I guess I can revise it.. Are you a fanboy of Intel by the way? I'll stick to Intel as best as I can if you are, or else I'd go with a computer running on that new six core from AMD (1/5th the price of Intel's six core proc the i7 980X and destroys everything below that)

This is what I would probably get if I was buying a new desktop today:
I went with the custom build method before, but wouldn't bother again. Don't need leading edge stuff or anywhere near it.
It looks like Gateway is available in Europe, though maybe not the same packages/models.

Gateway DX4831-07 $949.99 (Canadian)
Intel CoreT i5-750 Processor2 2.66GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.2GHz (8MB Intelr Smart Cache)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
8192MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1333MHz Memory
1TB SATA hard drive (Green Product - variable RPM)
ATI RadeonT HD 5750 Graphics Card with 1GB Dedicated Video Memory
16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
(NO monitor)

This is what I would probably get if I was buying a new desktop today:
I went with the custom build method before, but wouldn't bother again. Don't need leading edge stuff or anywhere near it.
It looks like Gateway is available in Europe, though maybe not the same packages/models.

Gateway DX4831-07 $949.99 (Canadian)
Intel CoreT i5-750 Processor2 2.66GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.2GHz (8MB Intelr Smart Cache)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
8192MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1333MHz Memory
1TB SATA hard drive (Green Product - variable RPM)
ATI RadeonT HD 5750 Graphics Card with 1GB Dedicated Video Memory
16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
(NO monitor)

Not bad, but consumer computers tend to use low end Motherboards and Power supplies.

Heres my revision with a monitor.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit en - License and media $108.99 $108.99 OS

D-Link Wireless N 150 USB Adapter DWA-125 - Network adapter - USB - 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n (draft 2.0) $46.00 $46.00 USB Wireless adapter

AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Six Core 2.8GHz L3 - 6MB Cache L2 - 3MB Cache AM3 125W $219.00 $219.00 CPU

LG GH24LS50 SATA 24X DVD-RW LIGHTSCRIBE BLACK INTERNAL w/NERO OEM $25.50 $25.50 DVD Burner

GIGABYTE GA770TA-UD3 SK.AM3 AMD770 ATX $98.00 Motherboard

SYNCMASTER 2343BWX 23"W BLK 2048X1152 20000:1(D/C) 5MS DUAL-INPUTS SWIVEL-STAND 16:9 $198.99 $198.99 Very good monitor

XFX HD5770 1GB DDR5 RTL 128B PCIE DDVI-I HDMI DP RETAIL $175.00 Video card

Corsair VX Series 550 Watt Power Supply $98.00 $98.00 Power Supply

WD 1TB WD1001FALS 3.5" SATA II 32MB BLACK 7200RPM $98.50 Hard Drive

Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX MID-TWR BLACK W/O WINDOW $89.00 Decent case

G.SKILL DDR3 PC 1333 (PC3 10666) CL8 4GB kit $122.99 RAM

Subtotal:
$1,279.97

Missinglink, even though you don't need leading edge stuff, you still have the quality of using quality products instead of using low quality shyt. Also that system automatically sucks because its using a GREEN drive as the main drive. Those are mainly for STORAGE purposes.

Heres a comparison.


GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3 INTEL P55 USB3, 3X USB POWER, 4D. DDR3 AUDIO, SATA, RAID, ATX $129.00 $129.00
Antec THREEHUNDRED Small Versatile Case Black finish $59.99 $59.99
Corsair VX Series 550 Watt Power Supply $98.00 $98.00
LG GH24NS50 SATA 24X DVD-RW BLACK INTERNAL w/NERO OEM $23.99 $23.99
Sapphire HD 5750 1GB GDDR5 HDMI+2xDVI+DP PCIe $139.99 $139.99
WD 1TB WD1001FALS 3.5" SATA II 32MB BLACK 7200RPM $98.50 $98.50
G.SKILL DDR3 PC 1333 (PC3 10666) CL8 4GB kit $122.99 $245.98
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64b en - License and media - 1 PC - OEM - DVD - 64-bit - English $108.99 $108.99
Intel Core i5 i5-750 / 2.66 GHz - LGA1156 Socket - L3 8 MB - Box $208.99 $208.99

Your revision is still over 1000 euros
Is the one I found bad? (I'm also a little doubtful about the screen since it doesn't even list brand by the looks of it).


EDIT: ... it's an acer screen (duh *facepalm*)
EDIT2: So I'd need to look for a cheap i5 with 4~6gig DDR3 Ram huh.. I'll keep looking

PACKARD BELL
IXTREME I6629Processor type: Intel Core I5, Processor snelheid: 2.66 GHz, Werkgeheugen: 4 GB, Capaciteit harde schijf: 1000 GB, Aantal geïnstalleerde harde schrijven: 1, Besturingssysteem: Windows 7 Home Premium, Grafische kaart: Nvidia GEF GT220

How's that? It's only 4gig DD3 SDRAM, but it's an i5 with 1TB and a 1gig vid card. Costs 689.99 Euros, which is a little high for me since I don't have a screen yet, though.

Type: TFT-LCD
Beeldverhouding: 16:9
Schermafmetingen: 51.1 cm (20.1 ")
Horizontale frequentie: 30 - 83 kHz
Verticale frequentie: Onbekend
Beeldschermgrootte diagonaal: 22,1 Inch
Beeldschermgrootte horizontaal: Onbekend
Beeldschermgrootte verticaal: Onbekend
Beeldschermresolutie: 1600 x 900 Pixels
Reactietijd: 5 ms
Helderheid: 250 cd/m²
Aantal kleuren: 16.7 M
Afstand gaatjesmasker: 0,277 x 0,277 mm
Luidspreker: nee
Signaalingang: VGA (analoog)
Aantal USB 2.0-aansluitingen: 0
Monitor sync inputsignaal: Aparte synchronisatie Synchronisatie op groen
Contrastverhouding: 1000:1
Mac-compatible: ja
VESA-standaard: 100 x 100 mm
Kijkhoek horizontaal: 176 °
Kijkhoek verticaal: 170 °
Geïntegreerde tv-tuner: niet
On Screen Display (OSD)-talen: Engels Frans Duits Spaans Italiaans Russisch Vereenvoudigd Chinees Portugees Turks
Geïntegreerde webcam: niet
Stroomverbruik (indien uit): 0.5 W
Kleur: Zwart

This Screen looks ok. 129.99 euros

idk if 550watts might be a little on the low side...especially for that AMD rig.

Your revision is still over 1000 euros
Is the one I found bad? (I'm also a little doubtful about the screen since it doesn't even list brand by the looks of it).

Acer has their own monitors. That's probably the brand.

idk if 550watts might be a little on the low side...especially for that AMD rig.



Acer has their own monitors. That's probably the brand.

Orly? All I see are people putting 550w and ATI 5770 with the 1055T.

Then again, I just read up that the 1055T is not that great for gaming..

So, Zotten if you don't care about the quality of the products, you can stick with the Acer.

I think a Core 2 Dual would do just fine. With a 5570 and 4gigs of ram. It'll last him a while considering what he's got now.

I think a Core 2 Dual would do just fine. With a 5570 and 4gigs of ram. It'll last him a while considering what he's got now.

Howmuch would that cost, cud u send some links so I could see?

I think a Core 2 Dual would do just fine. With a 5570 and 4gigs of ram. It'll last him a while considering what he's got now.

Core 2 Duo is not really future proof. I rather get an i3.. 5570 or 5770 should be enough.

LG GH24NS50 SATA 24X DVD-RW BLACK INTERNAL w/NERO OEM $23.99 DVD Burner

Antec EarthWatts 650 - Power supply ( internal ) - ATX12V 2.2 - AC 100-240 V - 650 Watt - active PFC - United States $88.99 Power Supply

XFX HD5770 1GB DDR5 RTL 128B PCIE DDVI-I HDMI DP RETAIL $175.00 Video Card

WD 1TB WD1001FALS 3.5" SATA II 32MB BLACK 7200RPM $98.50 Hard Drive

G.SKILL DDR3 PC 1333 (PC3 10666) CL8 4GB kit $122.99 RAM

Antec THREEHUNDRED Small Versatile Case Black finish $59.99 Case

GIGABYTE MB GA-H57M-USB3 INTEL I7 I5 I3 H57 PCIE2 DDR3 USB3 MICROATX RETAIL $127.00 Motherboard

Intel CORE I3 540 3.06GHZ 2C 4M S1156 HT $149.99 CPU

No Monitor

No OS

Subtotal:
$846.45

TKWizard, any prebuilt you can recommend?

Btw I've been looking at this one now:

Processor type: Intel Core2 Quad Q8300
Processor snelheid: 2.50 Ghz
Werkgeheugen: 4 GB
Capaciteit harde schijf: 1000 GB
Aantal geïnstalleerde harde schrijven: 1
Besturingssysteem: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bits
Grafische kaart: ATI Radeon HD 4650
Geluidskaart: Onboard
Aantal USB 2.0-aansluitingen: 6
Optische drive: DVD-Brander met Lightscribe
RAM-type: DDR3
Processor model: Core 2 Quad Q8300
Geheugen grafische kaart: 1 GB
Overige aansl.: 2 audiopoorten voor, 3 analoge audiopoorten achter

It's 599 euros which leaves me a nice something for a monitor (around 150 euros gets me a good monitor, right?)

I think I'mma buy that first one I saw (here's link: https://dynabyte.nl/artikel/7122747c465/...cer_Aspire). I know it's i3, but is that really that bad? Btw is the graph card good for games ya think? I play nothing that was released after 2005 atm, I might get GTA 4 or something, though.

This is what I would probably get if I was buying a new desktop today:
I went with the custom build method before, but wouldn't bother again. Don't need leading edge stuff or anywhere near it.
It looks like Gateway is available in Europe, though maybe not the same packages/models.

Gateway DX4831-07 $949.99 (Canadian)
Intel CoreT i5-750 Processor2 2.66GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.2GHz (8MB Intelr Smart Cache)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
8192MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1333MHz Memory
1TB SATA hard drive (Green Product - variable RPM)
ATI RadeonT HD 5750 Graphics Card with 1GB Dedicated Video Memory
16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
(NO monitor)

This is the computer I linked earlier. >__>

Also for what it's worth, it actually comes with the Radeon 5770 and not the 5750 as listed. Better card for less money yay!

This is the computer I linked earlier. >__>

Also for what it's worth, it actually comes with the Radeon 5770 and not the 5750 as listed. Better card for less money yay!

No screen on it, though, right?

No, it didn't come with a monitor. Couldn't you use the one you have now though?

I'm not gonna use my laptop.. the thing is near death as it is.

Anyway my friend advised a Core 2 Quad Q8200 or higher and then getting a good graphs card for it, he says it's pretty cheap and can last me a while and works fine. Any suggestions there?

You don't want to/can't build a computer?
On that note, is there any electronics chain in Europe comparable to Fry's/Microcenter? <<< Those stores always have CPU+Mobo deals. For example, Fry's past/current deals: http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1800959

Anyway my friend advised a Core 2 Quad Q8200 or higher and then getting a good graphs card for it, he says it's pretty cheap and can last me a while and works fine. Any suggestions there?

I'm not sure if it's possible to buy C2Q 8xxx series anymore. So if you want to buy a quad-core CPU, you'll need to pay ~$180(USD) for one from Intel. Problem with that is that AMD dominates in value when price is below ~$200 -- unless you want a fast dual-core below $200 (where i3 and some of the dual core Pentium E6xxx can be had for a good price).

Anyway, for general price guidelines for CPUs, http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best...,2599.html is a good resource to start with.

Other thoughts (even though prices in Europe might be different):[INDENT][INDENT]Hard drive: I'd pay at most $70 for 1 TB. So that's about 14.29 GB per dollar. The good SSDs are around $3-4 per GB or 0.333-0.25 GB per dollar. (So if you want a SSD, get a small one as boot/applications drive and configure Windows/Linux to use cheap the storage for everything else.)

RAM: These used to be cheap... Anyway, shoot for < $80 for 4 GB DDR2/DDR3 RAM.

Does 8G or 6G DDR3 Ram make that huge of a difference?

It does if you want to do heavy virtualization (e.g., VMWare, VirtualBox, etc.) -- heavy as in run 3+ OS'es at once. Or if you do professional quality photo/video editing.

DVD/CD burner: These go for around $20-25.

Graphics card: I recommend that you buy the card that gives you the performance you need at the quality+resolution that you want. I think these things go obsolete in 2-3 years -- in which time, you can just buy a new graphics card with the money that you would have otherwise spent on a more expensive card. (So if you spent $200 now or $100 now + $100 in a couple years, the future card should have similar/comparable performance but with more features. Or $300 vs $150+$150, and so on).

And here's Tom's Hardware Price Guideline (you might be able to buy stuff for cheaper with mail-in rebates though): http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/grap...,2621.html

Power supply: Use http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psuca...orlite.jsp to calculate a good estimate of wattage you need. Additionally, your graphics card should specify a minimum current from the 12V rail. NOTE: This is (generally) MORE IMPORTANT than total wattage. So buy a power supply that meets/exceeds that requirement. (Also, 80PLUS certified is preferable. )
[/INDENT][/INDENT]