Buying a new computer

[muxec]

I usually check prices on the Web-site and than go to the warehouse and ask questions offline

[Zopperoni]

Originally posted by Slaughtermeyer
I'm also thinking about buying a new computer. Does anyone know the difference between DDR and DDR2 memory?

Maybe this will help you: http://www.overclockercafe.com/Articles/DDR_vs_DDR2/

Personally, I mostly advise against using DDR2, but that's an advice based on the price of DDR2. High-end DDR2 costs way more than high-end DDR without the return in performance.

The reason I prefer building my own computer is because I can choose my own parts. This Walmart computer looks like a good deal, but there's no telling what quality components you're getting. Beware of the this-thing-will-break-down-one-day-after-the-warranty-expires-curse.

[Slaughtermeyer]

Thanks for your help. I found a bunch of user reviews for the HP M7060N here.
I'm not worried about the non-stellar graphics card, the kind of games I like are not particularly graphics-intensive. I do like playing Paradox games online, which due to bad Paradox internet coding crash quite frequently online. I don't want the computer crashing more than necessary which is why the following comment is making me nervous:

"But, it is fast...and has only frozen up on me 8 times in 3 weeks."

Maybe the reviewer was being sarcastic and trying to say that the computer freezes more than one should expect from a good computer?

[Zopperoni]

It's an HP, frozen is its default configuration.

[Slaughtermeyer]

Zopperoni, come to think of it my uncle has an HP and he complains quite a bit about his computer freezing.

[alva]

It's quite simple actualy, don't buy:

Compaq
Hp
Dell


Good DDR1 is better than DDR2, it's debatable for high-end (Intel*) machines.

* AMD based computers don't support DDR2 as of yet, though they will somewhere in 2006.

[Urban Ranger]

They cut corners somewhere to make a buck but you don't know where. So unless the warranty is important to you (ususally is in the case of corporations) it's not a good idea to buy brand name.

[cal_01]

By the way, I totally suggest that you get another fan besides the one included with the AMD processor. From my experience, they don't perform very well.

And why are you buying a case with a 500W PS? From what you're running, the most you would ever need is around 300-350W.

[alva]

Hmm, I'd say at least 400W, (new)graphics need alot of power nowadays.

[Zopperoni]

You can calculate your power needs: http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/

[Nostromo]

nm

[Slaughtermeyer]

Originally posted by alva
It's quite simple actualy, don't buy:

Compaq
Hp
Dell

Maybe I'll get a Sony VAIO® Desktop PC (VGC-RB44G), for specs click here.

[Dinner]

Originally posted by alva
It's quite simple actualy, don't buy:

Compaq
Hp
Dell


Good DDR1 is better than DDR2, it's debatable for high-end (Intel*) machines.

* AMD based computers don't support DDR2 as of yet, though they will somewhere in 2006.

I've never had any trouble with my Dell and the people at Dell have been great even spending 20 minutes of free tech support they didn't have to helping me insall a wireless LAN which Windows didn't want to recognize. My free tech support was way expired but they did it anyway.

The fact is Dell not only gives you a great computer at a great price but its nice to know if I have any problems or questions they're there. I used to build my own systems but the truth is you don't save very much and you end up having to buy the software which OEMs bundle for free. I know that if you really hunt you can get the parts slightly cheaper and have a slightly more powerful computer but it isn't worth it to me. I know I can get 95% of that and spend 10% of the time so why stress over the last 5%?

[Dinner]

The problem with HP is they don't build their own computers any more and they sub it out to various Taiwanese and Chinese companies which change parts and configurations all the time. That means the same model could have several different parts inside depending upon which day it was made and that leads to possible driver conflicts. That makes the system hang.

I've bought one HP laptop a few years back and I avoid the brand now. They just aren't what they used to be; it used to be you bought HP and it was rock solid but now it's just cheap junk with the HP name slapped on it.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Slaughtermeyer
Maybe I'll get a Sony VAIO® Desktop PC (VGC-RB44G), for specs click here.

Don't.