buying computer

[R[s]T]

I wanna new computer for beter games. I dont know how to get oen so i need some advice cuz this one w/o the world of pirateing, would of be dead a long time ago ( i got a boot disk of pirateing, but lets ignore that)

I have to reformat like every other month.

darn radio shack.





ANyways.

i wanna get a good computer with good support. this is wut i know i want



-Graphics card
-pentium
-100+gigs
- smaller computer thing ( the box thing next to the tv)
-good mouse and keyboard ( i suppose i can get one at supermarket but recommdations are nice)
-good sounds
-alien ware??? is it like makes ur comp better or just cases? dunno
-fast comp (thats like ram thing right? if not)
-tell me wut ram thing is and wut i hsould get.
-samll monitor (right now mine is big and it has a mic in it)
-price about $2000. (thats how much mine cost and it only has 55 gigs damn radio shack
-anything else im missing or need to know
-i want a big computer but laptops are convient (incase i have to get it fix) but i dont travel a lot.


recommend sumthing.

my freind also said sumthing about custom computer where u build ur own, i dunno wuts that about, tell me. i dont care much on cases but i like one of those hi tech ones like in movies with lights. lol

[InsaneWallaby]

Since you don't know exactly the parts and all, I'll tell you. And since you don't seem to know all the hardware parts yet, I wouldn't suggest going barebones--buying the separate parts yourself and putting them together in a tower--, either, which is usually the cheaper but harder--and sometimes more dangerous, if you don't know what you're doing with the hardware--way of doing things when going with a new computer.

First off, determine what you would like for a computer--desktop, or laptop? For the most part, if you plan on keeping the computer around for a long time, adding RAM and new cards and new devices as your computer eventually becomes obsolete, and want to probably save 200 to 500 USD, I would definitely suggest a desktop computer. However, if you're going to be living somewhere with limited space (like a college dorm), plan on getting degrees in computer science-type stuff, or might be porting the computer around to a friend's house a lot for LAN gaming, I would suggest a laptop. I have a desktop computer--I like it more than laptops myself, because I was able to build it from barebones for about 200 USD cheaper, and I'm a poor college student living off of scholarships and loans right now. But, my decision to get a minor in computer science, which requires a laptop, ended up with me shooting myself in my foot later on.

Second, once you have decided that, here are the things you would want for a gaming machine:

RAM: A computer has a limited amount of slots on the motherboard for this, but RAM prices raise exponentially the higher you get in size. Generally, RAM comes as DDR or SDR--DDR being the better type. Also, the more RAM, the better the computer speed. RAM is used to make the computer much faster by allowing a volatile memory source for quickly storing information (like that huge landscape covered in lots of super-hungry RAM-eating trees in full detail).
Processor: Generally, the higher the number (IE 3.0 GHz) makes the difference. Some of the different processors made by different companies operate at slightly different speeds, though. This will be expensive and is a pain to upgrade, so I suggest buying one of the best you can get to make it last the longest.
Graphics Cards: These come with onboard RAM, as well. They also tend to hurt with the prices. Generally, unless you play the newest games out there (like, for instance, Doom 3 when it comes out), I find that 128 SDR RAM has worked rather fine. But, since you have 2000 USD laying around for a gaming computer, go with whatever serves your fancy. You might have to buy a separate graphics card, because a lot of computers just come with onboard graphics, which is sufficient to say the least, but definitely not the greatest. Generally, Radeon and Nvidia Geforce cards are what you should look at.
Hard drives come in a lot of shapes and sizes. I'm not the best at suggesting what you should get for hard drives, but hard drives up to 80 Gb are generally well-priced. After that, they start getting expensive. One of my friends has a 160 Gb hard drive that is external--to tell you the truth, I don't know why he would want one that large. External hard drives are generally more expensive than internal hard drives, but are nice for using on multiple computers.
I don't know what you're looking for with "the box next to the tv" or the "good sounds" stuff. Generally, I have found my sound to work fine with the onboard sound card and the drivers included in my computer. Mostly, you might want to look at a better speaker system. I'm not sure on the prices on those, though.
Keyboards and mice are rather simple. You can buy cordless or wired--although I like the wired because cordless items chew through your batteries and cost a lot more in the end. Really, there isn't a whole lot that is needed with the keyboard--if it can type, thats great. Some have extra buttons, like volume control and such, but thats easy to do with a dial on your stereo system. The mouse I would suggest would be at least optical with a scroll wheel--those are always nice for fast gaming.
Monitor: If you want a small monitor, go LCD (flat screen). However, you give up some size of the screen with this, and it costs a LOT more. Some of the 21" CRT (cathode-ray tube, big hulking monitor you probably have right now) monitors can sell for 200 USD or less, while the size equivilant of an LCD can be five times as much. If you go CRT, get a trinitron of some sort--it has a much better picture for the most part.
Network Card: I have an ethernet card. If you have a 56K modem, get a modem card with your computer. If you hook up to a LAN with a router or hub or to a cable modem or something, you will need an ethernet card. If you do both, you will need both cards. Of course, some motherboards come with onboard ethernet nowadays though, so make sure yours doesn't have it before you get a network card.
Other stuff: Generally, this includes the CD drive, 3 1/2 floppy, USB ports, and power source. For the CD drive, I do well with a CDRW, but I know you should get something such as a DVDRW if you wanted to watch DVDs and stuff. The higher the numbers, the faster it reads and writes.
The floppy is just generic. Some computers don't even have them anymore I believe. However, some of the boot stuff and drivers you get resides on a 3 1/2 floppy disk, and if you don't have a drive for that, then you're generally in trouble until you can get one.
USB ports are good if you plan on hooking the newer stuff like a USB mouse, printer, keyboard, and such into USB ports instead of the older versions most of my stuff uses. Also, they come in handy for the portable memory sticks, networks, and the stuff like game controllers nowadays.

Now, once you figure out what you want from that, you generally want to figure out what brand of computer you want--Dell, Soyo, Alienware, etc. From my viewpoint, alienware computers cost more than they should--but are good for gaming. Also, about what your friend said with customizing--on many websites for buying computers, you can choose from a list for each major part--hard drive size, amount of RAM present, and so on. They will preassemble it for you and will the ship it to you for that cost. This option might be your best bet, although can cost a bit more than hunting for deals on parts through other websites and then assembling it yourself. And lastly, since you're doing mostly gaming, go with the PC--Macs and Linux-based computers are more stable, but most games are generally made for PC.

Oh, and one final thing--the brand of your computer does not determine the amount of reformats, but I would have to say that your pirating probably has a major influence on your frequency. If you decide to do that, thats fine, but I would suggest getting some anti-virus software with a computer if you do. It will cut down on your reformats dramatically. And, if space is a problem, get a CDRW and buy some CDR discs for blowout prices. Burn your extra files onto those discs and store them somewhere, then delete the extra crud off of your computer. Or, delete old games you no longer play. By keeping the amount of extra stuff down on my computer, I have managed to be fine with merely 20 Gb of hard drive space--you can probably do it too.

Good look with your computer searching.

[R[s]T]

Whoa. nice. would be nicer if u summarized it. please?

[Raccoon]

RST, how old are you? You might grow out of gaming like I did.. which makes the new computer pointless.

[Sicloan]

go get a dell. You obviously have the intelligence of an 8 year old when it comes to computer parts.

[SweatyOgre]

Yea, you don't know anything, so just go to circuit city, and have an employee help you out.

[Nearby-Stalker]

just go to your nearest computer store/bestbuy (futureshop) or whave ever is near you, and tell them you want good graphics, lots of ram, and a CRT monitor. Tell them you want AMD processor, and for the graphics you want ATI

[Krovvy]

Wow guys, way to help him learn.

[SweatyOgre]

He didn't ask to learn.

[R[s]T]

Yeah i did.....

the employees will try to rip my money

[Forged]

Go get a dell, you obviously have the intelligence of an 8 year old

Fixed the mistake.

[InsaneWallaby]

Eh, I have a new computer--and I've been getting out of gaming quite a bit more nowadays. Don't have a whole lot of time to play them--plus, programming is sometimes more fun when I sit down and think about how much time I've wasted on computer games sometimes.
But, I do have to say that a new computer is not pointless. I have found it pretty dang useful when it comes to programming and 3-D editing. Older computers get annoying with their chunkiness when dealing with some compilers or graphics.
But, on the other hand, in my personal opinion, you should not be spending 2000 USD on a computer merely for gaming. If I had 2000 USD to blow, I'd make myself four computers for 500 USD and set up a bigger and better network. Or, buy that laptop I need to get, argh. But, it's your choice, and your money, so I'm not one to govern it. But if you're using credit, don't blame me for any debt you get later on when your computer is rusting away and outdated.

Second, in reply to the "8 year old" intelligence thing, everybody has their area. If you asked me some pretty tough math problems, then I could probably sit down and work them out--but, if you asked me all sorts of crud about organic chemistry, then I probably wouldn't have much idea where to start with answers because I haven't been taught it. I didn't learn about computer hardware from just sitting and doing nothing--I made my dad teach me how to build my own computers when I was nine. It's never too late to learn new stuff, and knowledge is only worthwhile when it is shared, not hidden away where it eventually dies away with the holder.

And, as for the summary of the stuff, I italicized the words you need for parts up above. If I was you and didn't know a ton about computers, you have two options:

1. Easy way, but more expensive: Go to a store or website and customize a computer there.

2. Hard way, but cheaper: Buy the cheapest crap possible and learn how to build a computer. Or, go searching online for "how to build your own computer" websites--the Internet is full of great knowledge databases. And, with all the crud on parts and abbreviations like CRT, APG, RAM, that you have no idea of what it means, then you could punch that in on Google and see what it is. Or, you could always pick up a hunk-o-junk computer from a dumpster like I did and figure it out by cracking it open. After that, you would have a general idea of how to build a computer, and could probably customize your own buy buying great deals off of websites at www.pricewatch.com, www.tigerdirect.com, or even eBay.

If you're interested in exactly how much money you can save on those websites, one time I bought some brand new RAM from a generic brand--does anybody really know or care who makes those readily pumped-out sticks in your computer anyways?--for 40 USD cheaper than at an office retail store. Their price was 70 USD; the place I got mine at online was selling them for 30 or so.

Are breaks like that worth it to you? Maybe. They are to me; I always find that making my money go the farthest by buying what the market no longer wants (in other words, some of the cheapest stuff) and by researching what I'm doing beforehand works best for me. That's why I have a four-computer network at home--granted, they all have 700 MHz processors except for my current new one (that I built for 500 USD when from an office store it would have cost 700 USD), but I ask you--is that not enough to play Starcraft, Warcraft 2, Age of Empires 1 and 2, multiple other "slightly outdated" games that are still really nice, and even Dungeon Siege? (In fact, DS ran quite smoothly on my network.)

In the end though, the choice is up to you. And sorry, this summary is pretty long too, it appears.

[R[s]T]

Nice alrighy. Well, ass racoon said, i might grow out of gaming.... so would it be better to get a new one or to just soup up my old one. I dunno if my mother board an handle soem thigns

[Sicloan]

I would learn to build my own machine if I were you. It will help you out in the long run with not being ripped off and stuff.

[R[s]T]

How do i start?

[l33t 0n3]

Originally Posted by Sicloan

go get a dell. You obviously have the intelligence of an 8 year old when it comes to computer parts.

Actually, if you find rebates of some sort, dells are cheap for how good they are. Minus the fact that they come stock with windows XP, minus the CD and serial code (ewww, no reformatting for j00) they're nice. They just tend to come with low ram, and they're hard to service yourself, if you get there laptops. To add ram, I had to disassemble the monitor on my friend's laptop... He got his for $1066 - 200$ rebate, and its a good 3.6ghz.

And why do you need 100gb? If you want to use it for gaming of any sort, 25gb is what you want. Less clutter, more processing for the game. Keep a second harddrive in it with 100gb storage for all your pr0n and dvd's =P

I would learn to build my own machine if I were you. It will help you out in the long run with not being ripped off and stuff.

I wouldn't do that without training of some sort, the time to read 1000 pages of books, or have a friend who knows how. It's not safe (If you don't use proper equipment and know how to demagnatize yourself before touching it, static electricity could become a freaking big jolt. Learned that the hard way, haha.) and not too bright. Countless times, i've had to fix the computers of 'googlesmart' people who think they know how to make a computer. Usually, the wires are all backwards and mismatched after they tried to add ram to their dell. funny. The comps would boot, on occasion, but the power supply would usually burn out (or explode. I had one that like dissolved 3/4 of a motherboard, and put a freaking hole in the case) and such. While not common, it happens. Besides, if you get a comp and don't do it right, you'll be very disappointed.

[R[s]T]

well okay. I'll get one cuztom

where do i get this custome made and wut parts should i get? I want it cheap. wi,lling to spend around 2k canadia $ on it. Do i buy the parts then get to to make it or do i buy it there?

Wut thigns should i get?


Edit

hers are come comps set i found (i only search media center computers, if thers is a better one tell me). tell me if they are any good!


$1,499.95
Features:
Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 520 (2.80GHz) with Hyper-Threading Technology
800MHz front-side bus
512MB (2 x 256MB) PC3200 DDR SDRAM, expandable to 4GB (4 DIMM 184-pin DDR slots, 2 available)
160GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive
Multimedia Drive: 8x DVD+R/+RW, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 12x DVD-ROM; 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW, 40x CD-ROM
48x CD-ROM drive
ATI RADEON X300 SE PCI-E graphics card with 128MB DDR video memory and TV out
Intel® High Definition audio with up to 7.1 surround sound capability
Personal Video Recorder (PVR) with instant replay and up to 120 hours of video programming and archiving.
Floppy drive NOT included
Front mounted Ports: 9-in-1 Media Card Reader - supports Smart Media, xD, MultiMedia Card (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), Compact Flash I/II (CF), IBM Micro Drive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro; 2 USB 2.0; 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394); Microphone/headphone; Composite video/audio inputs
Rear mounted Ports: 4 USB 2.0; 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394)
Microsoft Windows XP Media Centre Edition
Software Included: InterVideo WinDVD Creator; Sonic RecordNow; Microsoft Works 7.0; Microsoft Office 2003 TRIAL (60 day trial of Student & Teacher Edition); Microsoft Money 2004 and more!
Dimensions: 7.5"W x 15.5"H x 16.5"D
Included in the Box:
HP Media Centre m1070n Photosmart PC
HP Media Centre keyboard and optical mouse
Remote control with IR (infrared) receiver.






The HP Media Center m1080n Photosmart PC is the complete home PC system that delivers more entertainment choices and brings them together in one place with easy access from anywhere in the room. Featuring HP Image Zone Plus, HP Personal Media Drive bay, and HP Camera Dock Holder, this incredible desktop PC is ready to power your digital photography and entertainment experiences from your desktop or your couch.

Features: $2k
Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 540 (3.2GHz) with Hyper-Threading Technology
800MHz front-side bus
512MB (2 x 256MB) PC3200 DDR SDRAM, expandable to 4GB
250GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive
8x DVD+R/+RW multimedia drive with CD writer capabilities: 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 12x DVD-ROM, 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW, 40x CD-ROM
16x DVD-ROM drive
ATI RADEON X300 SE PCI-E graphics card with 128MB DDR video memory and TV out
Intel® High Definition Audio with up to 7.1 surround sound capability
Personal Video Recorder (PVR), with instant replay and up to 200 hours of video programming and archiving. Compatible with cable, digital cable, satellite TV and antenna. FM tuner (antenna included).
Integrated 10/100 Base-T ethernet network interface
v.92 ready data/fax modem
Floppy Drive NOT included
Front Mounted Ports: 9-in-1 media card reader - supports Smart Media, xD, MultiMedia Card (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), Compact Flash I/II, IBM Micro Drive, Memory Stick, and Memory Stick Pro; 2 USB 2.0; 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394); Microphone/Headphone; Composite video/audio inputs
Rear Mounted Ports: 4 USB 2.0; 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394)
HP Wireless Keyboard with extended range (up to 16 feet) and Wireless Optical Mouse included
Remote control with IR (infrared) receiver included
Altec Lansing 2121 2.1 three-piece speaker set included
Microsoft Windows XP Media Centre Edition
Software Included: HP Image Zone Plus; InterVideo WinDVD Creator; Microsoft Windows Movie Maker; Apple iTunes for Windows; Sonic RecordNow; RealPlayer; Wild Tangent Game Channel; Norton Antivirus 2004 (with 60 days complimentary live update); InterMute Web Protection Suite; Norton Personal Firewall 2003 (with 60 days complimentary live updates); Microsoft Works 7.0; MSN Encarta Plus; Microsoft Office 2003 TRIAL (60-day trial version of Student & Teacher Edition); Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0; Microsoft Money 2004; Quicken New User Edition 2004.




This full-featured Media Center PC is ready to deliver your digital photography and entertainment experiences right from your desk or sofa, with easy access from anywhere in the room. Includes an HP personal media drive bay and camera dock holder.
Features: $2.1k
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 550 with HT Technology (3.40GHz)
Operating System: Windows XP Media Center
Memory: 1GB DDR PC3200
Graphics Card: ATI® RADEON X300 SE PCI-E graphics card with 128MB DDR video memory and TV out
Hard Drive: 250GB 7200RPM Serial ATA
Primary Drive: Double Layer DVD±R/RW (8x DVD±R, 4x DVD±RW, DVD±RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 12x DVD-ROM, 40x CDR, 24x CDRW, 40x CD-ROM)
Secondary Drive: DVD-ROM (16x)
Memory Slots: 4 DIMM (two available)
Front-Access Ports: 9-in-1 memory card reader; 2 USB 2.0; 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394); 1 microphone/headphone
Communications: Integrated 10/100Base-T network interface; high speed 56K modem
Sound: Intel High Definition Audio with up to 7.1 surround sound capabilites; Altec Lansing® 2121 2.1 three-piece speaker system
Included Software: HP Image Zone Plus, InterVideo WinDVD Creator, Norton AntiVirus 2004 (60-day trial), Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition 2003 (60-day trial), Quicken 2004 New User Edition and more
Dimensions: 15.5"H x 7.5"W x 16.5"D
Included in the Box:
HP Media Center m1180n Photosmart PC
3-piece Altec-Lansing 2121 2.1 speaker system
HP wireless keyboard with extended range (up to 16 feet)
Wireless optical mouse
HP Media Center remote control with IR (infrared) receiver
Power cord
Phone cord





The HP Media Center m1090n Photosmart PC is the complete home PC system that delivers more entertainment choices and brings them together in one place with easy access from anywhere in the room. Featuring HP Image Zone Plus, HP Personal Media Drive bay, and HP Camera Dock Holder, this incredible desktop PC is ready to power your digital photography and entertainment experiences from your desktop or your couch.

Features: $3.2k
Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 560 (3.60GHz)with Hyper-Threading Technology, 800MHz front-side bus
1GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (2 x 512MB), expandable to 4GB (4 DIMM 184-pin DDR slots)
250GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive
Multimedia Drive: Double Layer 8x DVD+R/+RW drive with CD writer capabilities: 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 12x DVD-ROM; 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW, 40x CD-ROM
16x DVD-ROM drive (secondary drive)
ATI RADEON X600 Pro PCI-E graphics card with 256MB DDR video memory, TV out and DVI support
Floppy Drive NOT included
Integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, high-speed 56K modem
Intel® High Definition Audio with up to 7.1 surround sound capabilities
Personal Video Recorder (PVR) with instant replay and up to 200 hours video programming and archiving. Compatible with cable, digital cable, satellite TV, and antenna. FM tuner (antenna included)
Front Mounted Ports: 9-in-1 media card reader - supports Smart Media, xD, MultiMedia Card (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), Compact Flash I/II, IBM Micro Drive, Memory Stick, and Memory Stick Pro; 2 USB 2.0; 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394); Microphone/Headphone; Composite video/audio inputs
Rear Mounted Ports: 4 USB 2.0; 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394)
HP Wireless Keyboard with extended range (up to 16 feet) and Wireless Optical Mouse included
Remote control with IR (infrared) receiver included
Altec Lansing 2121 2.1 three-piece speaker set included
Microsoft Windows XP Media Centre Edition
Software Included: HP Image Zone Plus; InterVideo WinDVD Creator; Microsoft Windows Movie Maker; Apple iTunes for Windows; Sonic RecordNow; RealPlayer; Wild Tangent Game Channel; Norton Antivirus 2004 (with 60 days complimentary live update); InterMute Web Protection Suite; Norton Personal Firewall 2003 (with 60 days complimentary live updates); Microsoft Works 7.0; MSN Encarta Plus; Microsoft Office 2003 TRIAL (60-day trial version of Student & Teacher Edition); Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0; Microsoft Money 2004; Quicken New User Edition 2004.



edit

wuts best list in order please(most resonably price and good performance) raedon x300, x800, x700, x600, 9800.

[l33t 0n3]

Pentium... Meh, overpriced imo.

I'd suggest two harddrives, so that viruses and shiz go onto the second hd instead of the one with vital info and the os.

[R[s]T]

so which should i get? thats cdn btw.


Is the video card that comes with those comps good?

[TheHybrid]

Originally Posted by R[s]T

so which should i get? thats cdn btw.


Is the video card that comes with those comps good?

Not really.