Hey,
I'm looking at getting a new PC [I'm currently using a Celeron 400 with 128 MB ram and a 10GB hd] and of course want to maximize my dollar and get some good stuff.
I don't have the knowledge, tools, or patience to 'build my own' from parts, so that's probably not an option.
I'm looking primarily at Dell because my company gets a discount.
Here's what I've priced so far, this seems to be the 'best' while still being affordable, under their current deals.
intel P4 Processor 520 with HT Technology (2.80 GHz, 800 FSB)
XP Home Edition
512 MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400 MHz (2x256M)
15" Analog flat panel monitor
128 MB PCI Express ATI Radeon X300 SE video card
80 GB Hard Drive
Integrated Intel PRO 10/100 Ethernet
16X CD/DVD burner w/ double layer write capability
5.1 channel audio
Dell flat panel stereo speakers
1 Year warranty
ANd comes iwth a free $50 color printer
It came out to be 789 + tax, free shipping, and a 150 MIR, so net 639 excluding tax.
Is that a good configuration at a good price?
The main things that bumped up the price were:
upgrading the video card [from the 'integrated graphics' card]
upgrading the HD from 40 to 80 GB.
upgrading to CD/DVD burner added about 30 bucks from a CDRW/DVD combo drive.
and ten bucks for the speakers.
Are there any other good, 'customize-it-yourself' PC building websites? I visited Gateway, but my last Gateway totally died on me so I'm shying away from them, plus they were more expensive than Dell.
I have always heard that 'integrated video cards' suck--I've been out of PC gaming recently, but would like to dip my toe back into it, is that a good/decent video card upgrade? Would the integrated model, with the 512 MB ram, work as well?
Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated. I don't want to save a little money, and buy something for 500 bucks, that I'll be disappointed with three months down the road.
Would the above specs be considered 'entry level', 'midgrade', or what?
I'm looking at getting a new PC [I'm currently using a Celeron 400 with 128 MB ram and a 10GB hd] and of course want to maximize my dollar and get some good stuff.
I don't have the knowledge, tools, or patience to 'build my own' from parts, so that's probably not an option.
I'm looking primarily at Dell because my company gets a discount.
Here's what I've priced so far, this seems to be the 'best' while still being affordable, under their current deals.
intel P4 Processor 520 with HT Technology (2.80 GHz, 800 FSB)
XP Home Edition
512 MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400 MHz (2x256M)
15" Analog flat panel monitor
128 MB PCI Express ATI Radeon X300 SE video card
80 GB Hard Drive
Integrated Intel PRO 10/100 Ethernet
16X CD/DVD burner w/ double layer write capability
5.1 channel audio
Dell flat panel stereo speakers
1 Year warranty
ANd comes iwth a free $50 color printer
It came out to be 789 + tax, free shipping, and a 150 MIR, so net 639 excluding tax.
Is that a good configuration at a good price?
The main things that bumped up the price were:
upgrading the video card [from the 'integrated graphics' card]
upgrading the HD from 40 to 80 GB.
upgrading to CD/DVD burner added about 30 bucks from a CDRW/DVD combo drive.
and ten bucks for the speakers.
Are there any other good, 'customize-it-yourself' PC building websites? I visited Gateway, but my last Gateway totally died on me so I'm shying away from them, plus they were more expensive than Dell.
I have always heard that 'integrated video cards' suck--I've been out of PC gaming recently, but would like to dip my toe back into it, is that a good/decent video card upgrade? Would the integrated model, with the 512 MB ram, work as well?
Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated. I don't want to save a little money, and buy something for 500 bucks, that I'll be disappointed with three months down the road.
Would the above specs be considered 'entry level', 'midgrade', or what?