New computer help

ianCA

ianCA

ianCA

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Joined
12 Oct 2009
Posts
15
Hi, Im looking at getting a new pc as my one is on its last legs. its an emachines 580 with 2.3ghz single processor and 256mb of ram. I know the basics about computers but i was hoping that you guys could help me purchase the best base unit for my budget £400

i dont need a monitor or speakers and i would like it to have windows 7 operating system or the ability to upgrade upon release date. is 64 bit a wiser choice?

is there much to be gained between a dual core and quad core processor?

i would be using it mainly for photo editing and web browsing and to play the occasional game. (not so worried about the game playing)

im not looking to build one myself, so just looking for a prebuilt system.

Thankyou for any reccomendations and help
 
Welcome to the forums.

You may find this thread/guide of some use -link - as it gives example builds for different budgets and then goes onto describe each component and their respective benefits.

EDIT:
ianCA said:
im *not* looking to build one myself, so just looking for a prebuilt system.
Click to expand...

Just noticed the above - here are 2 examples of what OcUk do in that price range:

AMD
INTEL

However, here is another - link - which is a very comprehensive guide on 'How to build your own computer'. If you decided to go down this route you would save money or get a better quality system for your £400 plus you would have a base unit tailored more to your needs.
 
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Hi thanks for the reply, i have never been good at building things so i will leave that to the people who can :D although i do appreciate that i would probably get more for my money if i were to build one myself.

i will check out the links you provided cheers :)
 
Is there much difference between amd and intel?

also is there much difference between a dual core and a quad core processor?
 
Yes there is a difference in the companies' products, but you'll find a lot of "bang for your buck" with both.. at the cheaper level, AMD has a history of excellent cost/performance solutions. Intel has more recently had some excellent responses though, so either way you'll be happy methinks ;)

Quad core/dual core is exactly what it says on the tin, 4 processor cores/2 cores respectively.. If you're using lots of multithreaded applications or if you'll be running many applications at one time, then you'll see a difference between the two..
 
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If you read the thread in the first link youll find answers to those questions and more ;)
Performance wise the 2 prebuilt machines above will be similar, however Id go for the AMD as it has the potential for better future upgradability
At this sort of budget you dont actually save a vast amount building yourself, but it is more rewarding, you get exactly what you want too, its also a lot easier than youd think, easier than lego :D
For gaming dual core is fine, if you do lots of encoding/rendering then a quad core would be beneficial
 
ianCA said:
Is there much difference between amd and intel?

also is there much difference between a dual core and a quad core processor?
Click to expand...

At that price range AMD is better than intel. The AMD X2 245 chip is a good bit faster than the intel E5300 chip. Both of these chips are dual core.

There is a sizeable difference between dual and quad core chips when running CPU intensive programs like Video/Photo editors and CAD, but when running games the difference is not large. Also, quad cores cost atleast £50 more and require more energy to run.
 
I would be using photoshop and photomatix to create hdr images extensively so quad core does seem like the best option.i wouldnt be doing much gaming as i have an xbox that takes care of that :D

is it worth purchasing vista or is best to wait until windows 7 is released?

thanks for everyones help so far
 
ianCA said:
Wouldnt it be cheaper to pre order Win 7? where could i preorder Win 7 for £60
Click to expand...

It is and you need to order Win 7 soon as its release date is imminent (22nd October) - after that date prices are predicted to go up.

ianCA said:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-180-OK&groupid=43&catid=1445&subcat=

is this system really as good as the reviews suggest? am i right in thinking that the only thing its missing is an Operating system?
Click to expand...

As you require a pre-built machine, the above pre-build would serve you well for your budget and requirements.
 
Pre order here, (£65.99, still a bargain).

System looks ok, and takes the hassle/fun out of building it yourself, plus i believe OCUK do a good job of the little things like cable management.

EDIT
Beaten to it, but deffo get windows 7 pre ordered now.
 
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ianCA said:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=1445&subcat=

is it possible to customise this build?
Click to expand...

I’m afraid your link is broken.

If you mean this build - link – then yes it’s possible but it will be dependent on OcUK's discretion.

You need to do a post in Pre-Sales Queries in the Customer Service Forum – another link – and ask if they could build you a machine with the AMD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720 Black Edition. (assuming that this is what you are considering.)

This chip upgrade would cost you ~£50 more, plus what ever OcUK feel they may need to charge you for changing the spec (they may do this bit for for gratis as it will just mean going to a different pallete.).

However my concern is that the MB (Gigabyte GA-M61PME-S2P nForce 430) will look rather weak compared to the rest of the spec – especially considering the clocking potential of the AMD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720

If you built it yourself you could have the AMD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720, a quality AM3 MB and DDR 3 memory, 4850 etc – all for ~£470 (assuming you would use same case, hdd, DVD-R, PSU.). This would give you more future proofing and an overall faster and more rounded machine.
 
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