picking a computer

[TomBombadil]

hey guys i would like to know if you guys could help me make a decent custom computer for around 600$ that includes an OS, and everything it will need as in if it needs a new power supply or not

 

[GBear]

I would look into building a computer yourself. It's much cheaper and you get exactly what you want.

 

[TomBombadil]

i would but idk like anything about computers :[

 

[torzak]

I would check Ibuypower.com you pick the specs you want and they build it for your. You can get comp with an AMD Anthlon II x2 250 4GB ram Nvidia 9800gt with Windows 7 premium for about $630.

 

[crazyrockets]

First, what are you planning to do with the computer?
Do you have any parts from old computers that you might use in the new one?
Do you have any copies of Windows or do you know anyone that can sell (cough cough, of course we can't tell you to do anything illegal) you a copy?
Do you have a monitor for the computer, or is that needed also?
What is the temperature in the room usually?
Do you mind a little computer noise, or would you prefer it to be quiet?
Do you know anyone who could help you put a computer together (It could easily save you a hundred dollars or more depending on the computer if you don't pay a company to build it for you)?

 

[JunK]

building a computer is easy - there are so many guides you can look up in how to connect each device, but its basically colour coded or even labelled
and ya it'll be hard to get a decent rig for 600 bucks if you need a monitor as well and that type of junk

 

[TomBombadil]

well i just need a decent cpu for around 600$, this excludes the monitor/keyboard/mouse

i will be using this computer for casual stuff like myspace/google/facebook/forums, and for gaming on games like CSS, TF2, gmod, l4d

i not looking for state of the art stuff, just stuff that'll get me by

i have plenty of friends that will help me put it together, i would prefer it to be quiet and the temperature is around 65-70 degrees, i will not be using any old parts from a computer

 

[iOprah]

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini?mco=MTAyNTQwMjg


Enough Said

 

[D.T.S.]

well i just need a decent cpu for around 600$, this excludes the monitor/keyboard/mouse

i will be using this computer for casual stuff like myspace/google/facebook/forums, and for gaming on games like CSS, TF2, gmod, l4d

i not looking for state of the art stuff, just stuff that'll get me by

i have plenty of friends that will help me put it together, i would prefer it to be quiet and the temperature is around 65-70 degrees, i will not be using any old parts from a computer

If you have plenty of friends that will help you put it together, and those games are really all you want to play, you should be able to come in well under $600.

I'm not the expert on picking the parts out that are compatible, but I just bought someone four gigs of ddr2 on newegg.com for under $80. Running those older games should be zero problem. I'm sure someone will get you picked out soon enough.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini?mco=MTAyNTQwMjg


Enough Said

Normally I'd agree for the casual user. His gaming preferences would probably rule a mini out. Yes, I know it's possible, but I'm not sure that TomBombadil really wants to go through the process.

It is always an option though, you're right.

 

[JunK]

do you want something small sized, like micro atx computer, or full size (ends up being pretty big
from what you said you'll do and junk you could get these types of parts

CPU
MOBO
CASE
RAM
PSU
GFX

these are just examples - but in total looking at $435.95 without tax, then a 20 MIR on PSU, as well as 2 parts having free shipping - be a great build for what you need, cheap - throw in whatever else like a cheap cd/dvd player (what, 30 bucks) and a harddrive (50 bucks) and an OS

 

[TomBombadil]

alright junk, i have no idea if this is of any concern, but one of my friends is a big stickler on whether stuff stuff will fit in a case, will all that fit in a case? how could i know if stuff will fit?

 

[TomBombadil]

alrighty so tell me if this is good, i branched off of your list junk


Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131595
GFX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130435
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...681&cm_re=athlon_ii_x2-_-19-103-681-_-Product
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148163
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148041
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811517004

 

[JunK]

thats good - if you're getting a full tower case then i'd get an ATX mobo instead of that micro ATX one - more options

 

[crazyrockets]

Junk's rig should be able to play TF2 and L4D, I had an equivalent rig that ran those no problem, and I think the other games would work great on it as well.

You will need a hard drive to store stuff on. I would recommend on like this Seagate HDD
You will also probably want a dvd drive.

For the Hard drive, I would recommend one from Seagate or Western Digital. Other manufacturers drives will probably work, but I have had the best luck with those two.
As for DVD drives, pretty much any major brand should do you fine. I would recommend a DVD burner just in case you want to save any information on DVDs (like backups or pictures) but just a regular DVD reader will work for most gaming machines.

For your operating system, if you can get a copy for cheap from someone, probably go with that. Otherwise I would recommend getting a copy of xp, if you can find it. XP is still the best windows OS for gaming as it does practically nothing for you besides run the game.
If you feel like it, Windows 7 also is pretty speedy (not as quick as XP, but much better than vista, and just about as shiny as vista is), although you will have to look out for bugs until they get most of them fixed with the first service pack. I have been running it for a couple months on several computers and haven't noticed too many issues though. With windows 7, get the home version or the professional if you think you will need the extra features. The basic has nothing worth spending the money on and the ultimate's additional features probably won't be worth the price.
In any case, if you are going to buy a operating system, buy an OEM copy. There is no sense to paying an extra $100 or more for a pretty box.

As with purchasing anything, make sure to read the reveiws to see what other people have seen from the device.