Looking to purchase new computer, suggestions?

[jumperstop]

So I called HP technical support yesterday and they all but confirmed my suspicions about my laptop, my harddrive was fried. The screen refuses to turn on, the charger is very touchy and barely even allows power the to computer, and lights come on but computer never boots up. I figured this happened due to the large amount of heat build up from using it sitting on my lap on the bed, basically melting my harddrive. Anyways, the lady said it would be $330 for me to send it in and get it completely repaired. At that point that's about half the price of a new computer and I don't want to invest in a two and half year old computer if I can spend a couple hundred more and get a brand new one.

Here is what I was thinking about doing. I was planning on staying away from the notebook this time around because I'm no longer in school and don't need to be carrying it around campus or even around the house, and because both notebooks I have had have overheating problems (both HP, although I believe this is a common laptop problem). So basically here's what I want in my computer. I want to purchase just the tower and hook it up to my 42 inch flat screen in the room. I could then have a wireless keyboard and mouse and use it that way. I mainly use the computer for surfing interwebs, playing games like Wow (not terribly graphic intensive), and watching/downloading movies and music. I would like the resolution on my big tv will appear normal and have pleanty of memory, speed, and graphics for all the things I would like to do. Also a leveno computer I was looking at looked good, but then one of the reviews said that it's memory was not expandable. I would like the option to upgrade stuff if it's not satisfactory. I think that about covers it, so any suggestions would be helpful. Looking to spend about 400-500ish.

Also, anyone think I might be able to recover my files from laptop if the harddrive is fried?

[Midtowner]

If you're able to read instructions and know your way around a computer, I'd recommend building one. You get a lot more bang for your buck, particularly on the high end.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

take a look at tigerdirect/circuit city online or newegg...also take a look at

http://stores.ebay.com/MICRO-ONE-COMPUTERS..I've bought some things off of them

[jumperstop]

If you're able to read instructions and know your way around a computer, I'd recommend building one. You get a lot more bang for your buck, particularly on the high end.

I've thought about going this route, because I'm no dumbass and my friend helped my other friend build his computer a year or so back. Any suggestions on where to start with that? My friend got his stuff off newegg.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

any of those sites will have some barebone kits...Usually in the description, they will say what that particular system is good for..

[jumperstop]

take a look at tigerdirect/circuit city online or newegg...also take a look at

http://stores.ebay.com/MICRO-ONE-COMPUTERS..I've bought some things off of them

I just don't know where to start on that site. What's quad core, dual core, six core; Difference in AMD and INTEL systems?

[olevetonahill]

I bot a HP lap top a coupla months ago, Never thot Id like one But this one is Great , The heat Prob Ive solved (I think ) By puttin 2 Plastic lids under the back to raise it up off the desk. Seems to work fine

[C&CDean]

****ing geeks. Build a computer. Yeah right.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

I just don't know where to start on that site. What's quad core, dual core, six core; Difference in AMD and INTEL systems?

that has to do with processors..probably for the money you want to spend and what you want to do... AMD and a quad core would be just fine..probably even a dual core

[jumperstop]

I bot a HP lap top a coupla months ago, Never thot Id like one But this one is Great , The heat Prob Ive solved (I think ) By puttin 2 Plastic lids under the back to raise it up off the desk. Seems to work fine

Exactly what I had to start doing with my hp notebook. A little too late though...What dumb *** company would put the cooling fan on the bottom of the laptop instead of on the side?

[jumperstop]

that has to do with processors..probably for the money you want to spend and what you want to do... AMD and a quad core would be just fine..probably even a dual core

Thanks

[olevetonahill]

Exactly what I had to start doing with my hp notebook. A little too late though...What dumb *** company would put the cooling fan on the bottom of the laptop instead of on the side?

Hell if I know Im like Dean I think Yall are ****in Geeks talking Building a computer:eek:

[yermom]

i'm a geek, and i don't even build mine. i usually buy a refurb from somewhere.

i really hate it when my friends/family have some other friend of theirs help them build a computer, or build one for them because somehow they call me when it breaks.

[C&CDean]

I use an HP laptop that is about 5-years old. I don't own it, but I use it. It is powered up almost 24/7. I've never had a single issue with it. I guess I'm not geeking it up enough to overheat it.

[olevetonahill]

I use an HP laptop that is about 5-years old. I don't own it, but I use it. It is powered up almost 24/7. I've never had a single issue with it. I guess I'm not geeking it up enough to overheat it.

Well you prolly aint been revin the engine and Poppin the clutch either

[stoops the eternal pimp]

im building a desktop now... hexacore processor, 16gig ram, etc, etc.....

[OU_Sooners75]

STEP....build me one and bill me! :)

[Midtowner]

I just don't know where to start on that site. What's quad core, dual core, six core; Difference in AMD and INTEL systems?

tomshardwarereview does a pretty good job breaking things down. What are you going to use the computer for?

[jumperstop]

tomshardwarereview does a pretty good job breaking things down. What are you going to use the computer for?

I mainly use the computer for surfing interwebs, playing games like Wow (not terribly graphic intensive), and watching/downloading movies and music. I would like the resolution on my big tv will appear normal and have pleanty of memory, speed, and graphics for all the things I would like to do.

[olevetonahill]

Hell I just visit the 2 message boards , Oh and Pron , Lots of Pron

[jumperstop]

Hell I just visit the 2 message boards , Oh and Pron , Lots of Pron

That too :P

[oudavid1]

Just do a little research and pay out the ***.

With computers, you get what you pay for.

[jumperstop]

Just do a little research and pay out the ***.

With computers, you get what you pay for.

I don't think I can pay out the ***. Will 500ish be good enough to do all the things I want to do?

[oudavid1]

I don't think I can pay out the ***. Will 500ish be good enough to do all the things I want to do?

a girl i know just got a 400$ laptop from HP. Floor model. All stock basic stuff.

It will do all basic things and be a little creative.

I saved up a lot and paid more for my computer than most people pay for there mortgage. That being said, there is a very low number of laptops or desktops that can do what mine can. But im also a HUGE nerd.

500 will get you a honda accord.

Mine is a
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1308/582018569_87e7783d12.jpg

[jumperstop]

a girl i know just got a 400$ laptop from HP. Floor model. All stock basic stuff.

It will do all basic things and be a little creative.

I saved up a lot and paid more for my computer than most people pay for there mortgage. That being said, there is a very low number of laptops or desktops that can do what mine can. But im also a HUGE nerd.

500 will get you a honda accord.

Mine is a
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1308/582018569_87e7783d12.jpg


Don't want a laptop or an HP. My last hp media center laptop with blueray player and 9000 something geoforce graphics card was around 900-1000 with tax, can't remember. And for the money you can get a lot more computer in a desktop. I'll be saving a lot on the moniter as well since I plan on using my tv.

[C&CDean]

Look at David going all :texan: on us.

No, your computer is not as expensive as anybody on this boards' mortgage, and no, it is not more expensive than a Ferrari. I'm really not sure you even need a computer since alls you do is twat.

[jumperstop]

So I think I'm probably not going to build my own because after looking around and reading it's not really that much more cost effcient to build your own. The only benifit I read to doing that is that you upgrade your stuff a little better. But most decent computers are only a little cheaper, then you have to pay about 200 for Windows 7. On top of that what about tools to put it together? If I was to buy through a manufacturer, for you computer guys which ones are the best. I don't need heavy gaming cause that's why I have an xbox, just simple games like Wow or Sims for the gf.

[Midtowner]

As far as computer brands, my office (which I make the buying decisions for) is all Dell. They tend to be as reliable as anyone else (the guts are all made by essentially the same folks). The difference is that Dell computers are extremely quiet. I appreciate my computers not sounding like Jet Engine turbines, which is a con to building your own, since unless you are very careful, and know what you're doing, that's about what your computer will sound like.

[jumperstop]

As far as computer brands, my office (which I make the buying decisions for) is all Dell. They tend to be as reliable as anyone else (the guts are all made by essentially the same folks). The difference is that Dell computers are extremely quiet. I appreciate my computers not sounding like Jet Engine turbines, which is a con to building your own, since unless you are very careful, and know what you're doing, that's about what your computer will sound like.

I've heard good things about leveno, know anything about them?

[Midtowner]

I've heard good things about leveno, know anything about them?

You mean Lenova? I believe they were spun off from IBM.

Not sure. Last time I looked at Thinkpads was during law school. I still ended up with a Dell.

If you meant Leveno and not Lenova, you should probably stay away.

[jumperstop]

You mean Lenova? I believe they were spun off from IBM.

Not sure. Last time I looked at Thinkpads was during law school. I still ended up with a Dell.

If you meant Leveno and not Lenova, you should probably stay away.

I meant Leveno, not Levena. I can't find anything about Levena on google. Thanks for the info though. Leveno is the one who makes the Thinkpads.

[yermom]

Look at David going all :texan: on us.

No, your computer is not as expensive as anybody on this boards' mortgage, and no, it is not more expensive than a Ferrari. I'm really not sure you even need a computer since alls you do is twat.

http://www.krassycandoit.com/blah/img/ferrari-laptop.jpg

i'm assuming he meant mortgage payment...


i don't agree with him either though. you don't always get what you pay for. if you don't need to run a bunch of VMs or edit/compress a bunch of HD video, you don't really need more than 2 cores most likely

as for the OP...

other than the WoW/gaming bit, i'd be looking at a dual Atom based HTPC with HDMI out to hook up to the TV. of course with the ION it might run WoW, i don't know

you could almost get one of those and a netbook inside your budget

[silverwheels]

Just do a little research and pay out the ***.

With computers, you get what you pay for.

No, you don't. Did your source tell you that?

[49r]

Get a Mac Mini. It's got HDMI out so you can hook it to your TV. $699.

[/mac fanboy post]

[jumperstop]

Get a Mac Mini. It's got HDMI out so you can hook it to your TV. $699.

[/mac fanboy post]

A little expensive, but I've heard macs are real good. Could it handle all the stuff I want to use it for?

[jumperstop]

And I haven't used a mac since we got the big colored all in ones back in elementary school. Hard to learn for a windows person?

[GKeeper316]

****ing geeks. Build a computer. Yeah right.

if you can build a model airplane, you can assemble a computer. it isnt hard.

go to newegg.com

for 300 bucks you can build a tower system that dell would charge you more than twice as much for.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164094
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817170016
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.613760
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148413
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106276
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127515
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104203

there ya go. thats everything you need for a solid system.

[yermom]

And I haven't used a mac since we got the big colored all in ones back in elementary school. Hard to learn for a windows person?

well, you can install Windows on it if you really wanted to...

if you are mainly using it for media stuff and browsing you should be able to do that pretty easily out of the box

i'm not really a fan of the Mini though. it still seems too expensive (this from a borderline Mac fanboy)

[GKeeper316]

PC>mac

[jumperstop]

if you can build a model airplane, you can assemble a computer. it isnt hard.

go to newegg.com

for 300 bucks you can build a tower system that dell would charge you more than twice as much for.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164094
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817170016
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.613760
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148413
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106276
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127515
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104203

there ya go. thats everything you need for a solid system.

What about an OS? Wouldn't that add like 200?

[yermom]

*snicker*

[GKeeper316]

you can copy your OS from an existing system you already own

[oudavid1]

Look at David going all :texan: on us.

No, your computer is not as expensive as anybody on this boards' mortgage, and no, it is not more expensive than a Ferrari. I'm really not sure you even need a computer since alls you do is twat.

my laptop was 2100$

[MR2-Sooner86]

Just do a little research and pay out the ***.

With computers, you get what you pay for.

You're seriously an idiot if you think that.

Exhibit A: Alienware
Exhibit B: Macintosh

My friend just built himself a tower for around $1500. I don't know the exact specs but I know he has no problem running Crysis with full settings. He would be paying nearly triple that if he went to a company like DELL.


PC>mac

Hardware? Yes.
Software? No.

The bad things about MAC is that little MAC Tax they add to everything. You're paying for the logo and design, just like Alienware.

I came from Windows XP and you'd have to drag me back kicking and screaming with a gun to my head before I'd ever use it again. Why? Windows sucks sh*t through a straw.

If I were in the market right now I'd build my own, hack it to run OS X with a Bootcamp hard-drive partition running Windows 7. I'd then have the best of all worlds. That's me though.

[jumperstop]

you can copy your OS from an existing system you already own

My existing system is caput.

[C&CDean]

my laptop was 2100$

Ooooooh. You meant a single mortgage payment? $2,100? Hell, that's a single tractor payment.

Some day when you move out of the folks' house, you are in for a very rude awakening. You're a nice kid and all, but you'd be better served to spend your money on groceries than a POS computer.

[GKeeper316]

My existing system is caput.

when you get all the other components together, try taking the hard drive out of your laptop and plugging it into your new system... you never know, the drive might be fine and you've just got a bad motherboard or ram...

[49r]

A little expensive, but I've heard macs are real good. Could it handle all the stuff I want to use it for?

From what you've listed in the OP, yes. For serious hardcore gaming it would be underpowered, but then again if you want to play games, get a Playstation.

Macs are super easy to learn, only some slight differences from Windows you'd need to pick up, and are flexible to get about as uber-nerdy as you want (running your favorite Unix apps in X Windows, etc) Their customer support is hands down the best, very much worth the higher price you pay in the first place, IMO.

They also last much longer than the average PC, my 4.5 year old laptop runs pretty much like new even though I've upgraded the OS about 3 times, and when you're done with your computer (Mac or PC), Apple will buy it back from you, no kidding:

http://www.apple.com/recycling/computer/

They'll pay me $350 for my laptop right now. Pretty good for holding it's value.

I'm not saying the Mac Mini is absolutely right for everyone, but it's definitely worth considering.

[jumperstop]

From what you've listed in the OP, yes. For serious hardcore gaming it would be underpowered, but then again if you want to play games, get a Playstation.

Macs are super easy to learn, only some slight differences from Windows you'd need to pick up, and are flexible to get about as uber-nerdy as you want (running your favorite Unix apps in X Windows, etc) Their customer support is hands down the best, very much worth the higher price you pay in the first place, IMO.

They also last much longer than the average PC, my 4.5 year old laptop runs pretty much like new even though I've upgraded the OS about 3 times, and when you're done with your computer (Mac or PC), Apple will buy it back from you, no kidding:

http://www.apple.com/recycling/computer/

They'll pay me $350 for my laptop right now. Pretty good for holding it's value.

I'm not saying the Mac Mini is absolutely right for everyone, but it's definitely worth considering.

Yeah I have an xbox for my graphics intense shooters. Doesn't take much for games like wow. That is a plus that you can sell it back, because I don't think I could get a penny for my pos laptop. Probably still 2 to 3 hundred over my budget though.

[yermom]

From what you've listed in the OP, yes. For serious hardcore gaming it would be underpowered, but then again if you want to play games, get a Playstation.

Macs are super easy to learn, only some slight differences from Windows you'd need to pick up, and are flexible to get about as uber-nerdy as you want (running your favorite Unix apps in X Windows, etc) Their customer support is hands down the best, very much worth the higher price you pay in the first place, IMO.

They also last much longer than the average PC, my 4.5 year old laptop runs pretty much like new even though I've upgraded the OS about 3 times, and when you're done with your computer (Mac or PC), Apple will buy it back from you, no kidding:

http://www.apple.com/recycling/computer/

They'll pay me $350 for my laptop right now. Pretty good for holding it's value.

I'm not saying the Mac Mini is absolutely right for everyone, but it's definitely worth considering.

what is your laptop?

[oudavid1]

You're seriously an idiot if you think that.

Exhibit A: Alienware
Exhibit B: Macintosh

My friend just built himself a tower for around $1500. I don't know the exact specs but I know he has no problem running Crysis with full settings. He would be paying nearly triple that if he went to a company like DELL.



Hardware? Yes.
Software? No.

The bad things about MAC is that little MAC Tax they add to everything. You're paying for the logo and design, just like Alienware.

I came from Windows XP and you'd have to drag me back kicking and screaming with a gun to my head before I'd ever use it again. Why? Windows sucks sh*t through a straw.

If I were in the market right now I'd build my own, hack it to run OS X with a Bootcamp hard-drive partition running Windows 7. I'd then have the best of all worlds. That's me though.

My computer is a custom built HP. It took a month to build after i payed for it.


Ooooooh. You meant a single mortgage payment? $2,100? Hell, that's a single tractor payment.

Some day when you move out of the folks' house, you are in for a very rude awakening. You're a nice kid and all, but you'd be better served to spend your money on groceries than a POS computer.

Yeah, i should have been more specific.
And I paid for it (ok 80%)

I have a job now and I like working for my money. (unlike my spoiled brother)

[GKeeper316]

My computer is a custom built HP.



thats where you ****ed up. HP sucks. build your own. better and lots cheaper.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

2100 for an HP laptop? No way I would ever invest that much in anything from HP...

[Jacie]

No matter what you get or spend, the wifey says if you are going to use it for gaming make sure it has a kick-butt video card and that you probably won't get that in your PC if you are only spending $500 . . .

[jumperstop]

when you get all the other components together, try taking the hard drive out of your laptop and plugging it into your new system... you never know, the drive might be fine and you've just got a bad motherboard or ram...

I could probably figure getting it out of the laptop, how would I go about getting it on another computer?

[jumperstop]

2100 for an HP laptop? No way I would ever invest that much in anything from HP...

yeah after my two last hp laptops failed, I'm not going with them based strictly on principle.

[jumperstop]

No matter what you get or spend, the wifey says if you are going to use it for gaming make sure it has a kick-butt video card and that you probably won't get that in your PC if you are only spending $500 . . .

I plan on playing wow and other less graphic intense games. I have an xbox for games like CoD or oblivion.

[yermom]

I could probably figure getting it out of the laptop, how would I go about getting it on another computer?

unless it's really old, it's probably a SATA drive and you can just plug it in via another SATA cable

[jumperstop]

unless it's really old, it's probably a SATA drive and you can just plug it in via another SATA cable

I'll google a tutorial. The hp dv series laptop is apparently one the worst designed laptops, and I've seen some things on getting the hard drive out online so I'm sure there is something that can help me with that too.

[oudavid1]

thats where you ****ed up. HP sucks. build your own. better and lots cheaper.

so far so good


2100 for an HP laptop? No way I would ever invest that much in anything from HP...

i invested in a warranty too


No matter what you get or spend, the wifey says if you are going to use it for gaming make sure it has a kick-butt video card and that you probably won't get that in your PC if you are only spending $500 . . .

Wifey is smart woman.

[Ike]

So I called HP technical support yesterday and they all but confirmed my suspicions about my laptop, my harddrive was fried. The screen refuses to turn on, the charger is very touchy and barely even allows power the to computer, and lights come on but computer never boots up. I figured this happened due to the large amount of heat build up from using it sitting on my lap on the bed, basically melting my harddrive

First of all, what you describe does not sound like a fried hard drive. It sounds more like a fried motherboard. This happened to one of my toshibas a few years ago.

You can test that theory for less than $20 and maybe a half-hours work. Go buy a laptop-harddrive-sized hard drive enclosure (I got mine for $8 a couple of years ago). This allows you to use a USB cable to connect the harddrive to another computer (after you have taken the drive out of the laptop, which may or may not be difficult). Do that. See if the other computer can a) see it, b) read it and/or c) write to it. At the very least, it's an inexpensive way to see if you can salvage the data.

The toshiba I had that exhibited the exact same symptoms is toast now. But that hard disk I pulled from it still works, and I still use it from time to time. You may still indeed have a fried hard drive, but based on the limited info above, I am not yet convinced that is the case.

[HBick]

Hell I just visit the 2 message boards , Oh and Pron , Lots of Pron

i hope it's sexy pr0nz

[49r]

what is your laptop?

Late 2006 MacBook Pro, 2.3Ghz C2D, 2GB RAM, 120GB HDD

I could pry get more for it on ebay I know, but not too much more and selling it back to Apple seems very convenient.

[yermom]

if it's in good shape PEEM me when that time comes :D

[jumperstop]

First of all, what you describe does not sound like a fried hard drive. It sounds more like a fried motherboard. This happened to one of my toshibas a few years ago.

You can test that theory for less than $20 and maybe a half-hours work. Go buy a laptop-harddrive-sized hard drive enclosure (I got mine for $8 a couple of years ago). This allows you to use a USB cable to connect the harddrive to another computer (after you have taken the drive out of the laptop, which may or may not be difficult). Do that. See if the other computer can a) see it, b) read it and/or c) write to it. At the very least, it's an inexpensive way to see if you can salvage the data.

The toshiba I had that exhibited the exact same symptoms is toast now. But that hard disk I pulled from it still works, and I still use it from time to time. You may still indeed have a fried hard drive, but based on the limited info above, I am not yet convinced that is the case.

You're probably right, I was probably just wrong. So since it's the motherboard, I will be able to salvage my stuff more than if it was the hard drive? I don't know if it's still a good idea to invest the 330 into a dying computer. Especially since other people with the same model say it crashed in just a few months after sending to hp for repair.

[Ike]

You're probably right, I was probably just wrong. So since it's the motherboard, I will be able to salvage my stuff more than if it was the hard drive? I don't know if it's still a good idea to invest the 330 into a dying computer. Especially since other people with the same model say it crashed in just a few months after sending to hp for repair.

I have nothing to offer to the rebuild/buy-new argument. That really depends more on your personal situation. (If you need something now, and can spare the cash, buy new...if you can wait a bit and are on a tight budget, fixing it may be the best option....but it also may not last) But, what I would suggest is that regardless of what you decide to do, you test the HD yourself. If it's working, back that sucker up before you send it in, because in almost every case where you send a computer in (and especially if their first diagnosis is a failed HD), they are probably going to either put in a new HD, or at the very least wipe the one you have. So if there are things on there you want, get them off before sending the machine anywhere....if you are able to that is....like I said earlier, the part is cheap, and it doesn't take long to put the HD into it....depending on how complicated it is to remove the HD from the laptop.

You could probably take your time on that if you decide to buy new. But even then, you'll probably find that you would like to have some things that you had previously had stored on your laptop. In those cases it's nice to be able to cheaply get them off.

Like I said earlier...You may still have a fried HD. But you may not. If you don't, at the very least you can salvage the data on it.

[jumperstop]

Like I said earlier...You may still have a fried HD. But you may not. If you don't, at the very least you can salvage the data on it.

Really at this point that's all I want. That computer could be used as a heater to heat a poor African house. Don't think I have the expertise to fix it myself, so I'll invest that into a new one. Fortunately or unfortunately, this computer was a replacement one for one I had stolen when my house was broken into. That had a lot more stuff I cared about, pictures and such. So not a lot of important stuff on it.

[jumperstop]

So another question real quick if any of yall are still looking at this thread. Since I want to hook it up to my HDTV, are there any specific things I need to make sure in purchasing it? I know it should have an HDMI out, but if it has that does it mean the graphics card can handle it being connected to my tv?

[Partial Qualifier]

So another question real quick if any of yall are still looking at this thread. Since I want to hook it up to my HDTV, are there any specific things I need to make sure in purchasing it? I know it should have an HDMI out, but if it has that does it mean the graphics card can handle it being connected to my tv?

yeah and as long as it has DVI out or DisplayPort out, you can buy an adapter for six bucks which converts it to HDMI

[jumperstop]

yeah and as long as it has DVI out or DisplayPort out, you can buy an adapter for six bucks which converts it to HDMI

Will quality be as good? My laptop had HDMI out I just don't if there are many in my price range with those.

[49r]

HDMI's nice if you want to play Blu-Ray, or watch downloaded HD content from, say, iTunes, otherwise DVI or DisplayPort'll do.

[jumperstop]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Desktop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+6GB+Memory+/+1TB+Hard+Drive/1696246.p?id=1218281189659&skuId=1696246

So I was looking at this computer. Has good RAM and Hard Drive, good for media, HDMI out, and will probably be good for everything I want. My only concern is that I won't be able to play games like WoW or Sims. I googled Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD and WoW and it seems that a lot of people are saying that its not near good enough to run it well. It seems to have enough RAM and Memory to run it well, but I just don't know the difference between each Intel or AMD to make a confident decision. Are the people on these forums I found googling just being computer/WoW snobs or do Intel processors really suck that bad? This was one of the few computers in my price range that wasn't HP. I could go with a similar Dell for $50 dollars more. Anyways, you guys are probably sick of seeing this thread bumped every few hours, but I would greatly appreciate the advice as I don't want to buy a computer and it not play the one game I want to play.

[MR2-Sooner86]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Desktop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+6GB+Memory+/+1TB+Hard+Drive/1696246.p?id=1218281189659&skuId=1696246

So I was looking at this computer. Has good RAM and Hard Drive, good for media, HDMI out, and will probably be good for everything I want. My only concern is that I won't be able to play games like WoW or Sims. I googled Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD and WoW and it seems that a lot of people are saying that its not near good enough to run it well. It seems to have enough RAM and Memory to run it well, but I just don't know the difference between each Intel or AMD to make a confident decision. Are the people on these forums I found googling just being computer/WoW snobs or do Intel processors really suck that bad? This was one of the few computers in my price range that wasn't HP. I could go with a similar Dell for $50 dollars more. Anyways, you guys are probably sick of seeing this thread bumped every few hours, but I would greatly appreciate the advice as I don't want to buy a computer and it not play the one game I want to play.

You'll be able to play WoW on it. WoW will play on pretty much any computer sold today. I don't know of that graphics card but I don't see why it couldn't run a game released over five years ago. I do know Nvidea and Intel have some sort of a deal going on and Nvidea pretty much makes the best graphics cards there are. Well, unless you're talking to an ATI fanboy ;)

[jumperstop]

You'll be able to play WoW on it. WoW will play on pretty much any computer sold today. I don't know of that graphics card but I don't see why it couldn't run a game released over five years ago. I do know Nvidea and Intel have some sort of a deal going on and Nvidea pretty much makes the best graphics cards there are. Well, unless you're talking to an ATI fanboy ;)

See that's what I thought, I want to run with pretty much server lag only. Back when I first started playing in 05 my friends were always like "how do you play like that?" it was so damn laggy. Everything I've read says it's real fast so I guess that's a plus, I guess I just wanted someone other than the best buy guy telling me it can run WoW. I just never know if they are telling me the truth or trying to make a sell.

[MR2-Sooner86]

See that's what I thought, I want to run with pretty much server lag only. Back when I first started playing in 05 my friends were always like "how do you play like that?" it was so damn laggy. Everything I've read says it's real fast so I guess that's a plus, I guess I just wanted someone other than the best buy guy telling me it can run WoW. I just never know if they are telling me the truth or trying to make a sell.

My MAC has a 2.4 duel-core with 4GB or RAM and it runs fine. I also have a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M. I've never had a problem with WoW and if I ever do it's my internet, not the computer. Now, running Starcraft 2 on full settings will start to lag it up. I can run it on medium fairly well.

[jumperstop]

My MAC has a 2.4 duel-core with 4GB or RAM and it runs fine. I also have a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M. I've never had a problem with WoW and if I ever do it's my internet, not the computer. Now, running Starcraft 2 on full settings will start to lag it up. I can run it on medium fairly well.

This is what my dead laptop has I think, it seemed to do well. I think that's part of the reason my laptop died was it had a great integrated graphics card, but not the proper power source or fan to keep up with all of that.

[yermom]

i REALLY try to avoid integrated Intel video cards

[jumperstop]

i REALLY try to avoid integrated Intel video cards

Couldn't it be upgraded later with another video card if I'm not satisfied or does the fact that it sucks so bad make it un-upgradable?

[yermom]

i forgot we weren't talking about laptops anymore :D

but that depends on if it has a(ny) PCIe slots for expansion, and the size of the case. some budget computers haven't come with those slots in the past. it seems pretty common now though.

[jumperstop]

i forgot we weren't talking about laptops anymore :D

but that depends on if it has a(ny) PCIe slots for expansion, and the size of the case. some budget computers haven't come with those slots in the past. it seems pretty common now though.

So yes then, it does have a slot from what I know, but I don't know about the size of the case. It's kinda a small one. I don't see why they would make a slot if you couldn't even fit the card in.

[soonerboomer93]

you can copy your OS from an existing system you already own

Generally you can't. An OEM licensed OS can only be on the original computer. A full retail version can be installed on any computer.

That's for windows, or at least was. You're also supposed to get a new license if your system undergo's major changes.

[yermom]

So yes then, it does have a slot from what I know, but I don't know about the size of the case. It's kinda a small one. I don't see why they would make a slot if you couldn't even fit the card in.

if it's one of those slimline cases you have to get a card that fits, but even some normal sized cases can't fit some of the monstrous cards out there

[yermom]

Generally you can't. An OEM licensed OS can only be on the original computer. A full retail version can be installed on any computer.

That's for windows, or at least was. You're also supposed to get a new license if your system undergo's major changes.

reason #134746 i hate Windows :D

[49r]

So yes then, it does have a slot from what I know, but I don't know about the size of the case. It's kinda a small one. I don't see why they would make a slot if you couldn't even fit the card in.

According to Gateway, it does have two (I assume full height) PCIe expansion ports:

http://www.gateway.com/product_spec.php?product_recid=529668795

So you should be good to go.

[yermom]

i guess i missed most of that post. eww. gateway.

don't mind me though, i hate everything.

[jumperstop]

i guess i missed most of that post. eww. gateway.

don't mind me though, i hate everything.

I was so close to deciding and you made me reconsider. It takes me five min to decide between which peanut butter I should buy...I'll probably go with this one though, sick of looking and just want to get it.

[jumperstop]

According to Gateway, it does have two (I assume full height) PCIe expansion ports:

http://www.gateway.com/product_spec.php?product_recid=529668795

So you should be good to go.

Thanks man!

[yermom]

well, if you don't like HP, you really won't like Gateway, unless things have radically changed

for desktops, other than drivers, HP seems to be my favorite. i still like Dell as well. i like Lenovo for laptops, but their desktops are junk

[jumperstop]

well, if you don't like HP, you really won't like Gateway, unless things have radically changed

for desktops, other than drivers, HP seems to be my favorite. i still like Dell as well. i like Lenovo for laptops, but their desktops are junk

I liked hp, just both mine over heated. Granted they were laptops, I just don't know if their desktops are much different.

[yermom]

desktops are designed to be on like all the time, as opposed to laptops that aren't really, but people use them like desktops anymore

[OrlandoSooner]

Computer question here. My home machine (6 years old) gave up the ghost this week which is nice b/c I've been wanting a new one anyway. I'm looking for a machine that I can use as a HTPC. I'd love to be able to stream content from my desktop to my 360 and HDTV. I'm not a huge gamer. Probably will only play the Civilization series on it. It will primarily be used for internet surfing and media hosting (video and music)

Any comments on this machine (http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-p6710f-Desktop-PC/product_918389_HC2?cmArea=SEARCH)?

I know that I will need to install a TV tuner on it. Does it have good enough specs where I can download/burn content to the HD and stream to a 360?

Is it missing anything that is a "must have"?

How hard is it to install a TV tuner? Anything specifically that I will need to look for?

[yermom]

i've had good luck with HP desktops and that CPU would probably do anything you needed, really

plenty of slots for video stuff, it looks like. that's a trend that i'm glad to see lately. for a while the bargain machines not having anything better than PCI slots was really a hindrance

[87sooner]

my last 5 pc's have all been sonys...
all have been very good.
my only complaint is a couple of them are really loud....
my newest one is an all in one....the fan seems to run on high alot which gets kind of annoying..
i have an older one that is liquid cooled.....best computer i've ever owned..

[hawaii 5-0]

Sometimes I wish I was more of a nerd.


Alas......




5-0



Trump/ Sully 2012