Computer Recommendation?

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

Okay, took the computer to the shop today. Things are looking bad. Guy said it sounds like it's fried, but he's still going to do some diagnostic work on it to find out for sure. However, my gut's telling me it's a goner too.

Therefore, I'm looking at a new computer just in case. My options are pretty much limited to BB or Dell (I have a BB card already, and Dell is offering good 0% financing for 12 months). I'm looking at a desktop, b/c what I want out of a notebook will hurt the wallet big time. I'd like to stay equal or below $1000 since all I need is a good cpu tower. No monitor, speakers, etc. I previously had a Pentium D 820 w/ 1g ram, 256 mb video, and other stuff. For what I paid for that I can definately get something better now. I'm just not sure of the processing unit. I never play games, unless it's emulated nes games. I mainly need something for video editing, photo editing, and CAD projects. I would like to be able to connect to my TV later in the future. I want something that has plenty of room to expand. I'd like DVI input. I had Media Center previously, but rarely used it, however if I find a good tower w/it already included I'll take it. Do you recommend a Dual processor, or AMD 64 processor? I'm told the AMD's are usually better for gaming (which I'll likely rarely do).

Cliff's Notes: Which do you suggest- AMD or Pentium? (office products, CAD, video editing, no gaming)

Edit: The reason I'm going w/BB or Dell is because I can't afford right now to buy up parts at once to build a computer. I can't wait either because school starts back next week. I need the financing option.

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[yne721 10+ year member]

i haven't had any problems with my Emachines computer...and aren't they owned by gateway?

i dont' know, i paid like 700 after rebate for mine, and my buddy who builds computers said the only thing he would upgrade was the video card. but he said if all i planned on using it for was d/ling and listening to music and surfing the web and using adobe this would be perfect.

 

[ndnbolla 10+ year member]

I would recommend building one on your own but since you are determined to buy pre-built, I recommend this one:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DE51F4&s=dhs

Even though you don't need a monitor, it comes with a 17" Flat Panel for free.

Intel Dual core is the way to go.

Also, go with 2 GB of ram since programs like CAD and such require alot of it. Whether you want to buy it with the configuration or add it on your own is up to you.

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

Dude, your getting a Dell //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crazy.gif.c13912c32de98515d3142759a824dae7.gif

 

[GrayMatter4tw 10+ year member]

 

[noob with an RS 10+ year member]

how can your computer be fried? if its a software issue such as viruses or f'ed up XP install you can format and everything should be fine although you will have lost your files. if it's fried, as in hard-ware, it should be a single component and you should be able to replace it... sounds like your computer place doesn't know what they're doing if they can't come to a conclusion and give u an idea of what's wrong with it.. and dell and BB is not cheaper, you'll get a better build for the price if u buy everything seperate off newegg.com.. if ur into graphic design and such i would probably recommend a dual-core pentium... although I myself, would rather go with a dual-core AMD since i have an athlon 64 myself and am a gamer.. and get a SLI video card SLI motherboard combo so u can double the vid power later on. a decent power supply, a gig or two of RAM and you're set.

 

[steveyblack 10+ year member]

ehh go for dell...if you read up on how to make computers , your set, build your own

 

[noob with an RS 10+ year member]

building a computer isnt that hard if you just follow instructions. the only intimidating part is you'll be scared to break the chips in half when installing them. they won't snap in half unless you're an idiot who doesn't know how to plug an object in.... although the heat sink takes some pushing power to get it on top of the processor..

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

Haha Yes...didnt that dude die?

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

Once aain.

The reason I'm going w/BB or Dell is because I can't afford right now to buy up parts at once to build a computer. I can't wait either because school starts back next week. I need the financing option.

 

[ndnbolla 10+ year member]

Haha Yes...didnt that dude die?

I thought he went to jail or rehab for coke or something.

 

[wilzyx 5,000+ posts]

gateway=worst products ever.

so many people i know have had their monitors just go out, mobo/video card issues, etc.

 

[lilwheezy7d5 10+ year member]

it would be cheaper to build your own computer unless you buy the cheapo dell. but for a little more you can have a great computer exprecially witht he current price drops in AMD processors like the AMD64 SD 3700+ witch is like 105 and is a great processor, its what i have in my current gaming rig.

go to newegg.com

 

[GrayMatter4tw 10+ year member]

it would be cheaper to build your own computer unless you buy the cheapo dell. but for a little more you can have a great computer exprecially witht he current price drops in AMD processors like the AMD64 SD 3700+ witch is like 105 and is a great processor, its what i have in my current gaming rig.
go to newegg.com

for the third time, he is going prebuilt for financing.

 

[cyantist 10+ year member]

If you can't determine which part of your current setup is 'fried', just finance the Dell and be done with it.. Building computers from scratch isn't for everyone, although it is pretty simple.. Some ppl are just more intimitated by technology than others I guess.. And I see that you need the financing option, so building your own isn't easily doable.. For what you're doing, it doesn't matter which CPU manufacturer you choose.. They will both get the job done.. Personally I prefer AMD, but it will make no difference in your case..

Honestly, you should just find out what's wrong with your current rig and get the bad component replaced.. You'd be better off to find a techie friend to come take a look at it rather than bringing it in to a place that sells computers as they will be more inclined to be dishonest about what's really wrong and recommend you buy something new from them.. They will know what's wrong with it, but whether or not they choose to be honest and tell you what's wrong is a different story.. Either way, I would get a second opinion if you don't feel comfortable with their findings on what's wrong.. Good luck..