computer guys - help me w/ new computer purchase

[id10t]

Current box is aging, and not gracefully. One of my drive controllers is dead (secondary thank goodness!), something is going on w/ booting (random freezes before X kicks in), and I think one of my CPUs is bad (I/O access errors on boot). FWIW, old box is a dual CPU AMD 1.2ghz w/ 1gb ram and a 256mb nvidia card - it rocked 9 years ago when I built it.

Anyway, new box time. Buy or build, don't care. Budget is $750 including a monitor (or 2 monitors). Prefer AMD, but Intel is OK. Can skip multiple physical processors but multi core and 64 bit required. 4-8gb ram. Prefer to use NVidia for video, and prefer to have a card as opposed to on board video.

My big issue is that I'm not up on current hardware.

So... what should I buy or build? Box will run Linux exclusively, but I will run Windows (XP or 7) in a virtual machine for a game or two.

Thanks!

[azasadny]

Get a Dell. You can't build one and purchase the OS (assuming it's Windows 7) cheaper than you can buy a new Dell.

[id10t]

Originally Posted by azasadny

Get a Dell. You can't build one and purchase the OS (assuming it's Windows 7) cheaper than you can buy a new Dell.

The Dells I've looked at are way over my budget for my requirements. I've found a few barebones kits at tigerdirect and newegg within my budget, but I'm not sure on the linux compatability of some of the stuff...

Of course, if you can point me to a Dell model/configuration, let me know - Dells run Linux very well in my experience.

[gr8fl4porsche]

Dell Outlet is where I typically buy my assembled units.

If you want anything remotely badazz your 750 budget with monitor is going to be pushed to the limit. Not really possible in my opinion unless many compromises are accepted.

For example, the new Intel i5 chip is $200-300 for the processor alone (depending on which model you choose).
A decent motherboard will be close to 2 bills.
A entry level 24" monitor will be about $ 250
Still need fans, drives, optical drives, video card, case, speakers, keyboard, mouse, etc.
Not to mention 8 gig ram will set you back about $200

Then if you want Win 7, well you get the point.

You CAN build your rig for $750 but it will be based on older components that are being closed out. Of course these components are just fine, just not anywhere near the latest and greatest.

The new Intel i chips, tons of ram, fantastic video card, super sweet motherboard running Win 7 coupled with dual 30" screens is what the kids are all using.

[id10t]

Don't need/want Win7 - run Linux. And, should I need Win7, I can get it thru work for $20...

Originally Posted by gr8fl4porsche

Dell Outlet is where I typically buy my assembled units.

If you want anything remotely badazz your 750 budget with monitor is going to be pushed to the limit. Not really possible in my opinion unless many compromises are accepted.

For example, the new Intel i5 chip is $200-300 for the processor alone (depending on which model you choose).
A decent motherboard will be close to 2 bills.
A entry level 24" monitor will be about $ 250
Still need fans, drives, optical drives, video card, case, speakers, keyboard, mouse, etc.
Not to mention 8 gig ram will set you back about $200

Then if you want Win 7, well you get the point.

You CAN build your rig for $750 but it will be based on older components that are being closed out. Of course these components are just fine, just not anywhere near the latest and greatest.

The new Intel i chips, tons of ram, fantastic video card, super sweet motherboard running Win 7 coupled with dual 30" screens is what the kids are all using.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by azasadny

Get a Dell. You can't build one and purchase the OS (assuming it's Windows 7) cheaper than you can buy a new Dell.

I have built my own computers for the last 20 years.

Last two were a Dell. Christmas is coming up and there will be sales going on that are well within your budget. Its easier and cheaper this way. My last one is coming up on being two years old and may buy a new one myself in two months.

[gr8fl4porsche]

When I build a box, I usually spend $7-900. That is just for ram, the board, processor, fans, case and video card.

[dad911]

Keep an eye on slickdeals.net

Now there is 20% off of dell outlet: Dell Outlet Home 20% off coupon first 10000 redemptions or expires 10/22 - SlickDeals.net Forums

[nota]

buy a gamers year or two old former bleeding edge rig
they up grade all the time and dump the older stuff cheap

I got a quad Q6600 intel chip on a intel M/B with 4 gigs of ram with W7u in a huge case
dvd/cd and a cheaper video card
from a guy building a i5 rig for $280

[nota]

I doNOT like dell or other major box builders
they use cheap M/B that really limit upgrades with few memory slots or other slots
small power supplys that must be replaced if you add a descent video card or extra drives

[masraum]

As someone already stated, a computer for $750 is no problem, but a computer and a monitor for that money is going to leave the comp wanting. I bought a decent Dell for $270 from the Dell outlet. It was a dual core cpu with 4 gigs of RAM and a 500 gig hd. Definitely check the dell outlet if your on that tight a budget. Oh, and if you need to buy a copy of windows, its going to be much more expensive just kidding.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by azasadny

Get a Dell. You can't build one and purchase the OS (assuming it's Windows 7) cheaper than you can buy a new Dell.

This you are not correct. I can build one from parts at New Egg for $500, including OS and monitor that blows away a Dell. A "High End" AMD machine can be done for $750.

[id10t]

I'm a fan of AMD, but have nothing against Intel.

Did some more poking around on newegg, specced out a system for right at 750 including shipping and a 23" widescreen monitor. Asus mobo, Intel i5 cpu, 8gb ram, Asus NVIDIA vid card w/ 512mb on it, DVD burner (current one is non-functional). Will be using keyboard, mouse, and SATA drive from current system.

No OS of course, but I've got several Linux install disks on my desk, and if I *had* to I could get Windows thru work for $20... not that I *want* to...


I may keep shopping, but a few of the deals I got (monitor is $50 off, etc) expire on 10/20 ...

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by id10t

Current box is aging, and not gracefully. One of my drive controllers is dead (secondary thank goodness!), something is going on w/ booting (random freezes before X kicks in), and I think one of my CPUs is bad (I/O access errors on boot). FWIW, old box is a dual CPU AMD 1.2ghz w/ 1gb ram and a 256mb nvidia card - it rocked 9 years ago when I built it.

Anyway, new box time. Buy or build, don't care. Budget is $750 including a monitor (or 2 monitors). Prefer AMD, but Intel is OK. Can skip multiple physical processors but multi core and 64 bit required. 4-8gb ram. Prefer to use NVidia for video, and prefer to have a card as opposed to on board video.

My big issue is that I'm not up on current hardware.

So... what should I buy or build? Box will run Linux exclusively, but I will run Windows (XP or 7) in a virtual machine for a game or two.

Thanks!

Here is your tutorial:

PassMark Software - CPU Benchmark Charts

They have benchmark data on CPUs, Video Cards and Hard-drives.

The Price vs Performance for the CPU is best on an AMD 3 core. But...from a total system point, for less than $200 more you can have the top of the line 6 Core 1090.

Here is a System with Win 7 Pro for $942 including Shipping and $30 in mail in rebates. It is fairly similar to the System I just put together except I used an ATI graphics card.

LG 22X DVD-RW
Asus 20" Monitor
GIGABYTE GA-890XA-UD3 AM3 AMD 790X SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD (Motherboard)
MSI N450GTS CYCLONE 1GD5/OC GeForce GTS 450 (Video)
Key Board
Mouse
AMD Phenom II X6 1055T 2.8 GHz processor (125 W)
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6402AAEX 640GB 7200 RPM
Nippon Labs Delux 3.5" Internal All In One Card Reader/Writer with USB2.0 & eSATA Ports Model ICR-BB
Pixxo CM-8318HB Black 0.4mm SGCC Steel MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case 400W Power Supply
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
$912
$29.43 shipping
$942.31 total
$30 in rebates (Video card and MB)

You can knock $100 off this system by going with this MB & ATI Radeon HD 4250 on board Video.
GIGABYTE GA-880GA-UD3H AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

If you have a monitor, keyboard & mouse to donate towards this, you can knock off another $150.

All at Newegg

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by id10t

I'm a fan of AMD, but have nothing against Intel.

Did some more poking around on newegg, specced out a system for right at 750 including shipping and a 23" widescreen monitor. Asus mobo, Intel i5 cpu, 8gb ram, Asus NVIDIA vid card w/ 512mb on it, DVD burner (current one is non-functional). Will be using keyboard, mouse, and SATA drive from current system.

No OS of course, but I've got several Linux install disks on my desk, and if I *had* to I could get Windows thru work for $20... not that I *want* to...


I may keep shopping, but a few of the deals I got (monitor is $50 off, etc) expire on 10/20 ...

Deleting Win 7 Pro will knock off $130. If I were you, I'd move up to the AMD Phenom II X6 1090, 3.2 GHz.

[bleucamaro]

just build a box from newegg parts. I get their emails and good stuff is on sale all the time. Plus the combo deals can save you a lot.

[id10t]

Went ahead and ordered.

Asus mobo, i5/3.2ghz cpu, 8gb ddr3 ram, nvidia pcie2 video card, 23" widescreen monitor. Will post a review when it is all built up.