Computer Question

[Mao]

Hello Polytubbies,

So I'm in the market for a new desktop computer. My friend offered to sell me his for $550 (without a monitor or keyboard/mouse included, although I have a keyboard/mouse, but I'd have to buy a new monitor), and it's used:

> -AMD Athlon64 3000+ 1.8 GHz 64-bit Processor
> -MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum Motherboard
> -nVIDIA nForce3 Ultra Chipset
> -2GB Dual-Channel DDR PC3200, running at 400 MHz (using latency timings of
> 2.5-3-2-5)
> -XFX nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT AGP with 128 MB VRAM
> -Maxtor 6Y160P0 160 GB IDE ATA133 Hard Drive
> -NEC ND-3500AG DL-DVD+/-RW Burner
> -Realtek ALC850 AC'97 8-channel Audio Codec
> -2x Gigabit Ethernet (Realtek 8110S & nVIDIA nForce NICs)
> -1x Rear IEEE1394a Firewire Port (with internal headers for 2 more)
> -8x USB 2.0 Ports (2 front, 6 rear)

Is this a good deal?

I could also buy a new Dell Dimension 5150 Desktop for $549 with the following specs:
Intel Pentium D Processor 2.66GHz, 2x1MB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB
512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM
80GB harddrive
16X DVD-ROM
19' flat panel monitor
Options to add:
1GB Shared DDR2 SDRAM +$50

The one my friend wants to sell me has a comparable DVD drive as well, if not better.

I don't really care much about the software, as I can acquire that myself no matter what. Speaking strictly about the hardware, which is a better deal? My main concern is that with my friend's computer I'd have to buy another monitor, which would be about $150 or so. Which should I take, assuming I just want the best offer?

[LordShiva]

Looks like a decent deal. You could replace the processor for pretty cheap, too.

But please don't call us "Polytubbies."

[SlowwHand]

Processor is fine on the Dell. Dual core would be nice though. Buy the memory.

[Mao]

Originally posted by LordShiva
Looks like a decent deal. You could replace the processor for pretty cheap, too.

But please don't call us "Polytubbies."

heh, has that run out of style? I've not been around for so long again =/

So my friend's deal is decent? Or the Dell deal is decent?

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by Mao
heh, has that run out of style? I've not been around for so long again =/

So my friend's deal is decent? Or the Dell deal is decent?

Sorry, I meant your friend's.

[MMC]

Your friend's deal is pretty good, although I'd upgrade the graphics card if you want to use it a lot for games and media.

Oh and two things to steer clear of at all times, in order are:
1. Dell
2. Pentium

[alva]

The first one is a bit too expensive if you ask me and don't buy Dell.

[MMC]

Originally posted by alva
The first one is a bit too expensive if you ask me and don't buy Dell.

How is that expensive?

$550 = £291.50

The memory and processor alone would be worth nearly that much new... If you're lucky, you could get the motherboard as well and keep it under £300.

EDIT: Ok, I missed the fact that it was only a 3000. But still, it's a good deal.

EDIT2: I hadn't noticed that the prices on a lot of that stuff has dropped recently, so try and haggle your mate down to around $400 for a good deal

[Mao]

Hmmm...I see... is there a place where I can see the prices of these things? I kinda wanna know how much money he's making off of me. I don't mind a bit... but nothing ridiculous.

[Urban Ranger]

Do NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT get the MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum mobo.

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by Mao
Hmmm...I see... is there a place where I can see the prices of these things? I kinda wanna know how much money he's making off of me. I don't mind a bit... but nothing ridiculous.

https://www.newegg.com

[SpencerH]

https://www.pricewatch.com

I didnt look through all the parts from your friends PC. Proabably if you added them all up seperately they'd be more than $550 to buy new.

I'm not a fan of the MSI motherboard (I now have one to replace my surge-destroyed Dell MB and it is a bit 'funky'. It's definitely not a good choice IMO.

The video card is OK but a little dated if you're buying a new PC.

Throw in the price of the monitor and you're steppin up in price considerably.

Until my recent power surge (which isnt their fault obviously) I've only had one problem with my Dell (hard drive crash) and it was quickly rectified so I have no complaints. The biggest problem was the limited choice for replacement motherboards due to the Dells form factor.

I'd look at pricewatch for the barebones machines (if you dont need a OS) or the PC's (if you do) to see the range in prices when you build a PC that suits your needs. I'd also look on ebay (not to buy - just to get an idea of what older PC's are available at what price)

[RGBVideo]

19' monitor is very nice, it holds a fair value as long as it works

I don't think you really need the memory unless you're a hardcore user - how many games in the next 3 years are going to require 2 gigs?

the memory is nice, but you need the monitor

[Urban Ranger]

I don't think that LCD monitor is exactly high quality.

[Blaupanzer]

You need at least a gig just to play Civ IV, so get the Dell with the upgrade. The big IF here is what videocard are you getting with that choice? If no videocard, then the Dell is not such a good deal. In any case, I strongly suspect your friend paid quite a bit more when he bought the one he is now selling you, and he is just trying to get some back as he upgrades. He is probably willing to negotiate on the price, or at least he should be.