Looking for advice to buy a budget computer

I am looking at getting a new computer I got my old one about 5 years ago.

Here is my current computer that I bought from Totally Awesome Computers in 2002 (they went out of business):

CasEdge Mid-Tower Case/300 Watt ATX Power Supply

ASUS A7N266-C Motherboard AGP4X/266 MHz bus

1900 PR AMD Athlon XP Processor

256 MB DDR SDRAM (PC2100 266 MHz) 1.5GB Max

40GB IBM 7200 RPM Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive (Originally, but I had to replace the hard drive because my old one went bad)

128MB GeForce 3 Titanium-200 Video Card

17" NEC FE700+ Digital PnP Monitor

I have to turn off my charter security suite software (anti-virus etc) because it slows my computer down too much. Also if I open to many web browsers it can slow down. Recently I started playing Dofus a tactical mmorpg. It runs in shockwave. I have been having some problems with slowdown in that. So I am considering getting a new computer. I would rather not build my own computer, and I would like to buy a more budget cheaper computer. I just checked out Dell's website for fun, but I am looking for advice about where to buy it and what to get. Also will I need to buy a new monitor? I will be using the new computer for online poker, Dofus, web browsing, and maybe have some options for playing newer computer games. Also something that will have a little longevity. Thanks for the advice.

(A little story: One day a guy from the cable company came over to hook up high speed internet. He asked me what type of computer I had. I asked him what he meant. He said like you know dell, gateway. I said it was a Totally Awesome Computer. He kind of looked at me with a dissaproving stare, and asked "what?". I said "It's a Totally Awesome Computer". Than he was like oooooooookaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy in kind ofa long way. And he wrote totally awesome computer on his clipboard.)

What sort of budget are we talking about here?RayvinAzn

Cheaper the better. If I can get away with a $350 computer and keep my monitor that would be superb. But I could spend upwards of $1000.

It would be my personal opinion that there would only be one single way to have anything truly useful for games on $350, and that would be a do it yourself upgrade. I don't believe you can find a "Name Branded" PC, such as the Dell or HP that your ISP's man expected you to name to him, that would be worth considering as a gaming platform (even a part-time, occasional gaming type of PC), for less than about $1000, USD.

Readymade, here's a good one as an example (same company is the owner of Newegg):

http://www.abs.com/app/m5v_compare.asp

It would be my personal opinion that there would only be one single way to have anything truly useful for games on $350, and that would be a do it yourself upgrade. I don't believe you can find a "Name Branded" PC, such as the Dell or HP that your ISP's man expected you to name to him, that would be worth considering as a gaming platform (even a part-time, occasional gaming type of PC), for less than about $1000, USD.

Readymade, here's a good one as an example (same company is the owner of Newegg):

http://www.abs.com/app/m5v_compare.asp

Kiwi_1

Very interesting link. Looks like great pcs for gamers to me.

What does everyone think about this setup that dell sells for $1000:

Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo Processor E4400 (2MB L2 Cache,2.0GHz,800FSB)

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3000

2GB4 Dual Channel5 DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs

250GB6 Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst CacheTM

19 inch SE198WFP Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor

24X CD-RW/ DVD Combo Drive

Is it good value, or is it overpriced? It seems like an easy route since it comes with a monitor (my current one will not last forever) and everything in one complete package. And it barely fits my price range.

If you are in the contiguous US, and can shop at Newegg plus its competition, you can acquire all of the parts in that Dell for about $600, maybe less. Certainly not $1000 worth at Newegg prices. By locating a local "White Box" company that won't overcharge by a lot (it's almost impossible for the small shops to come close to Newegg prices, you have to realize), you can order what you want, similar to the ABS company's lowest price model, assembled for you, as mentioned, for an added fee of $75 to $100 or so (I haven't seen a local in my area want only $50 for several years), perhaps about $950 total.

You would be very unhappy as a game player, with the terribly crappy Intel excuse for video in that Dell. If you named your $1,000 as an "outside" number, hoping that prices had dropped even more than they have done (since your last PC was new), and that maximum amount is actually a financial burden, you'll have no choice other than to study the photos and diagrams at some of the hundreds of Internet DIY sites that offer tutorials for the first time system builder.

AMD Sub $1000 Gaming Rig

Case - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower $79.99

Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-MA69G-S3H AM2 AMD 690G HDMI ATX $86.99

Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ Windsor 2.4GHz $89.99

Memory - OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 $92.99

Graphics - SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 2900PRO 512MB 512-bit GDDR3 $269.99

Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb OEM $79.99

Optical Drive - LITE-ON LH-20A1S DL-DVDRW 2MB Cache SATA $34.99

Floppy Drive - NEC Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive FD1231H-302 OEM $6.99

Power Supply - Mushkin 550150 ATX12V 650W Power Supply 115/230 V $129.99

Operating System - Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B OEM $89.99

OR

Operating System - Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium OEM $111.99

Total (Windows XP Home) - $961.90

Total (Vista Home Premium) - $983.90

You'd have a hard time finding one this good in a big box store... :P

Update COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: RC-690-KKN1-GP
Item #: N82E16811119137

Return Policy:Standard Return Policy

In Stock $79.99$79.99

Gigabyte p35 mobo

110

Antec Earthwatt 430

70

Update Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6750 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6750
Item #: N82E16819115029

Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock $194.99$194.99

Update Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA804 - Retail
Model #: BL2KIT12864AA804
Item #: N82E16820146565

Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate $109.99$109.99

Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3320620AS
Item #: N82E16822148140

Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock $79.99$79.99

Update SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM
Model #: SH-S203B
Item #: N82E16827151153

Return Policy:Standard Return Policy

In Stock $31.99

X1900GT 94.99

No need for a 2900 if your just playing online poker and a few other games.

Vista Home Premium 111.99

TOTAL ~900

Here is something a little cheaper too

Qty. Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price Update COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW Black/Silver Aluminum Bezel, SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: CAC-T05-WW
Item #: N82E16811119077

Return Policy:Standard Return Policy

In Stock $54.99 -$5.00 Instant $49.99

Update GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-M61P-S3
Item #: N82E16813128034

Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock $79.99 -$5.00 Instant $74.99

Update SAPPHIRE 100189 Radeon X1900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 CrossFire Supported Video Card - OEM
Model #: 100189
Item #: N82E16814102705

Return Policy:Standard Return Policy

In Stock $94.99$94.99

Update Antec earthwatts EA430 ATX12V v2.0 430W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: EA430
Item #: N82E16817371006

Return Policy:Standard Return Policy

In Stock $69.99$69.99

Update AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA5600CZBOX - Retail
Model #: ADA5600CZBOX
Item #: N82E16819103771

Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock $149.99$149.99

Update G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail
Model #: F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
Item #: N82E16820231098

Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy

In Stock $109.99 -$40.00 Instant $69.99

Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3160815AS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3160815AS
Item #: N82E16822148230

Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock $53.99$53.99

Update Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
Model #: 66I-00715
Item #: N82E16832116202

Return Policy:Software Return Policy

In Stock $111.99$111.99

Samsung SATA DVD

Total~ $700

Wow guys, thanks for putting so much thought into it. I think I will try to buy from newegg and have some assemble it for me.

Alright I have been browsing NewEgg and I put the following configuration together.

I'm a newbie to building pcs and there are a few questions in my mind:

1. Do I need to install a fan on my cpu anddoes it come with one?

2. I have Windows XP on that came with this computer. So it must be OEM. Will I need to buy windows again for my next computer?

3. Do I need a sound card?

4. Does this motherboard work with all the components?

5. How does installing RAM work - do you need exactly 2 sticks in there, no more, no less?

Here is what I have so far:

$70 Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail

$60 Memory -CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail

$65 Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250310AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

$75 Video Card- EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

$50 Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-M61SME-S2 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

$20 Computer Case - RAIDMAX xB ATX-528B Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$20 Power Supply - DYNAPOWER USA EP-50X.C563-BX ATX12V 500W Power Supply 115/230 V UL/cUL E222785, TUV and CB EN 60950 certified - Retail

$31 DVD Burner - LG Electronics Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 10X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write - OEM

$111 Windows Vista Home Premium if I can't use my Windows XP

I will use my current keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, and subwoofer for now.

Grand Total: $502

I would also like to know what you think of it. To tell you the truth I don't really what I am doing :)

Alright I have been browsing NewEgg and I put the following configuration together.

I'm a newbie to building pcs and there are a few questions in my mind:

1. Do I need to install a fan on my cpu anddoes it come with one?

2. I have Windows XP on that came with this computer. So it must be OEM. Will I need to buy windows again for my next computer?

3. Do I need a sound card?

4. Does this motherboard work with all the components?

5. How does installing RAM work - do you need exactly 2 sticks in there, no more, no less?

Here is what I have so far:

$70 Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail

$60 Memory -CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail

$65 Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250310AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

$75 Video Card- EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

$50 Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-M61SME-S2 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

$20 Computer Case - RAIDMAX xB ATX-528B Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$20 Power Supply - DYNAPOWER USA EP-50X.C563-BX ATX12V 500W Power Supply 115/230 V UL/cUL E222785, TUV and CB EN 60950 certified - Retail

$31 DVD Burner - LG Electronics Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 10X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write - OEM

$111 Windows Vista Home Premium if I can't use my Windows XP

I will use my current keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, and subwoofer for now.

Grand Total: $502

I would also like to know what you think of it. To tell you the truth I don't really what I am doing :)

MindsEye

1. Well, a fan on the heatsink, so yes? (you can just get a heatsink but not a fan) - it's in the same box as the CPU which is more than enough to cool the CPU and some overclocking.

2. Yes - that OEM copy is tied to your old computer, unless you can figure out a way to re-activate it on the new computer, which I don't think can be done.

3. Depends on how serious you are about the quality on the sound - there is a sound card inbuilt in all motherboards now (and has been for years) which is good enough for most people, but you can buy a seperate card, but since you are trying to get a computer as cheap as possible, you can forget about another sound card for now.

4. Yep, no problems.

5. You don't need exactly 2 sticks of RAM, you can 1, 2, 3, or 4 (depending on the number of slots on the motherboard) - RAM installation is probably the easiest task, all you do is put one RAM stick into one of the slots, push it in, and done.

Not a bad system, but that graphics card might hold you back, but I would change that power supply to an Antec one like the NeoHE or TP3 range.

Alright I have been browsing NewEgg and I put the following configuration together.

I'm a newbie to building pcs and there are a few questions in my mind:

1. Do I need to install a fan on my cpu anddoes it come with one? Yes and yes.

2. I have Windows XP on that came with this computer. So it must be OEM. Will I need to buy windows again for my next computer? Yes.

3. Do I need a sound card? They're nice to have, but the board has onboard sound...so no you won't need one.

4. Does this motherboard work with all the components? Yes.

5. How does installing RAM work - do you need exactly 2 sticks in there, no more, no less? No. People run 2 stick for dual channel RAM. Two (or four) identical sticks effectively doubling the throughput to and from the processor. But you could run 1, 3, or 4 sticks if you wanted.

Here is what I have so far:

$70 Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - RetailStill a good one.

$60 Memory -CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail :)

$65 Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250310AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEMGet the same one with 16MB of Cache. The price should be nearly the same.

$75 Video Card- EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - RetaiNot the best vid card. For $89.99 you could have an X1900GT from NewEgg.

$50 Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-M61SME-S2 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail 8)

$20 Computer Case - RAIDMAX xB ATX-528B Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - RetailThis one will do.

$20 Power Supply - DYNAPOWER USA EP-50X.C563-BX ATX12V 500W Power Supply 115/230 V UL/cUL E222785, TUV and CB EN 60950 certified - RetailNot good. You need a better PSU. :(

$31 DVD Burner - LG Electronics Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 10X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write - OEM :)

$111 Windows Vista Home Premium if I can't use my Windows XP. You could use either. XP performs better in games, but Vista has DX10. But, either way you'll have to buy a new OS disk. Personal preference is up to you.

I will use my current keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, and subwoofer for now.

Grand Total: $502

I would also like to know what you think of it. To tell you the truth I don't really what I am doing :) You did a pretty good job. When picking parts from NewEgg, always look at the user reviews. Read a dozen, or so to get an idea if the hardware has a particular problem.:)

MindsEye

Here is an updated list of my components.

I thought I would sleep on my decision before I bought it all, and I got busy for a few days. I guess they sold out of the radeon X1900 GT graphics card. Is there a similiar performing graphics card that is compatible with these compatible with these components at a similiar price that I could get?