Posted by Todd Caudle on February 16, 2011 at 4:07 PM
So, I'm right in the midst of my calendar projects and my motherboard has fried. Luckily the hard drive is a-ok. But I need a new computer asap. Any suggestions on a computer (tower only) with minimum 4 gigs ram? Any thoughts on the Pentium vs. AMD choice? I'd like to spend $600 or less. Anything you can throw my way that'll help this purchase?
I've been dreading this day, but my computer was so old, and totally maxed out with 1 gig of ram, which is pure insanity when working on all the large files I do.
Thanks in advance everybody!
Posted by Jim Casteel on February 16, 2011 at 4:40 PM
Do you want to build a computer or buy one pre-built? give me a ping, I'll send you what I have for information and prices.
Posted by Paul Martin on February 16, 2011 at 4:55 PM
D'oh! That stinks! On the other hand, at least you can upgrade now I would take a look at Micro Center, they usually have some good deals -- and you don't have to deal with the employees at Best Buy. As far as Intel vs AMD, CNET did a test of identical computers w/ each processor here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10442_7-6389077-1.html
Personally, I haven't used a PC in more than 4 years-- so anything w/ current tech would be better than the last PC I used (I've been on a Mac since then).
Posted by Don Grall on February 16, 2011 at 5:08 PM
CompuXParts at Galley and Academy (s.e. corner) will build a computer for you. They charge 75.00 for the build and loading the software. You choose what you want in it.
I just had them build me one in December. It takes about 2 weeks for normal service but they will expedite the build for an extra ~50.00.
I got an Intel i7-930gHz processor, 850 watt PS, 24GB RAM (yeah, that's right 24GB---it screams), with a 160GB SSD hard drive as the C: drive and a WD Black Caviar 500GB internal drive. The MB supports 2 USB 3.0 external drives as well as 8 2.0 USB drives and 1 eSATA drive. This build cost way more than your 600.00 budget, however you choose the parts.
They could just install a new MB in your old machine, you choose the MB and the processor, might think about an Intel i5 processor. You might be able to get by with less than $600 for this option.
If you looking to build one yourself, let me know. I just built one and can give you some specs and pricing with the hardware I decided to go with. My budget was $500 and I'm extremely happy.
You can always upgrade your current system part by part to stay within your budget.
Posted by Joe Rogers on February 16, 2011 at 5:30 PM
Todd....the same thing happened to me last month.....I had promised myself if it ever happened I would have it built locally, however, that was going to take awhile and I needed it THEN due to work load. Dealt with Dell Small Business which is much better than the Consumer division.....got a geat machine for about $800 and got it quickly....Delll Small Business will let you work out terms....I was happy.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Morris McClung on February 16, 2011 at 6:09 PM
I saw on the digital imaging forum that Jim Erhardt has bought a Puget Systems. Others made reference to how good they are. I had never heard about them before, but was intrigued.
Posted by Jack Garrett on February 16, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Todd, I work for Microcenter here in Denver...I might be able to get you a good price on a very good machine...email me!
Posted by Jody Grigg on February 16, 2011 at 6:36 PM
Guess what Todd, my 2 friendly huskies on valentines day totally destroyed my laptop which is just over one year old and now out of warranty. I guess you can blame me for you bad mojo!
Todd - I strongly suggest you take up Jack Garrett on his offer of assistance. He made me a similar offer once and I say a silent "thank you" to him every time I turn on my computer.
Posted by Todd Caudle on February 16, 2011 at 8:28 PM
Thanks everybody! This is the info I needed, and the quality of responses I've grown to expect from all you guys. I'm in such dire straits that I've got my crt monitor currently hooked up to my laptop, since the crt is profiled best for what I need my stuff to look like on the printed page. I just need to get used to looking to the side at it while I type away on the laptop keyboard.
Jack, you can expect to hear from me in the next week or so. You guys are so freakin' AWESOME!
Posted by Todd Caudle on February 16, 2011 at 8:32 PM
And FYI, I went to CompuXParts, Don, and they seem like great guys. For all they'd have to replace to get things working again (motherboard, processor, power supply, and on and on), it's time daddy got a new machine. Trust me, when I do I'll have questions about Windows 7 and hardware (scanners, printers) and software compatibility issues.
Posted by Rick Dunn on February 16, 2011 at 8:42 PM
This is very close to the system I got as a "temp" system when my Dell XPS motherboard died. A year later, it works so well that I doubt I'll upgrade soon. 4GB ram, plenty of power, storage, speed, etc. $479.
Discussion
16 repliesI've been dreading this day, but my computer was so old, and totally maxed out with 1 gig of ram, which is pure insanity when working on all the large files I do.
Thanks in advance everybody!
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10442_7-6389077-1.html
Personally, I haven't used a PC in more than 4 years-- so anything w/ current tech would be better than the last PC I used (I've been on a Mac since then).
I just had them build me one in December. It takes about 2 weeks for normal service but they will expedite the build for an extra ~50.00.
I got an Intel i7-930gHz processor, 850 watt PS, 24GB RAM (yeah, that's right 24GB---it screams), with a 160GB SSD hard drive as the C: drive and a WD Black Caviar 500GB internal drive. The MB supports 2 USB 3.0 external drives as well as 8 2.0 USB drives and 1 eSATA drive. This build cost way more than your 600.00 budget, however you choose the parts.
They could just install a new MB in your old machine, you choose the MB and the processor, might think about an Intel i5 processor. You might be able to get by with less than $600 for this option.
If you looking to build one yourself, let me know. I just built one and can give you some specs and pricing with the hardware I decided to go with. My budget was $500 and I'm extremely happy.
You can always upgrade your current system part by part to stay within your budget.
Joe Rogers
Jack, you can expect to hear from me in the next week or so. You guys are so freakin' AWESOME!
http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-Slimline-s5730f-Desktop-PC/product_917603?cmArea=SELECTOR.
(I was tempted to just post the URL without making it a link since I know how much you love that