Time for a new computer? Please help!!

[[LG]Cataclysm]

I have a HP Pavilion 364n. It can handle 1GB RAM max, and I am wondering if it is worth it to upgrade to a computer that can handle mor RAM. I am also thinking of building one, as it is cheaper, but can I really build a good computer for $4-600? Thanks.

[Rayzn]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

You will want a comp that can handle more ram. Games will require atleast 1gig soon to run fairly well.

[glasseye]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

Time for a new computer? Please help!!

yes. yes it is.

[Shroom420]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

I'm not sure about $4-$600 as i'm from the U.K and we get somewhat ripped off.
But you will definately need harbor more RAM in around 16 months when Windows Vista is released. Not only can it support extreme amounts of ram (i think its 32 gig?) also if i remember rightly you will need over 1 gig to simply run Vista with all the bells and whistles.

Also remember that some games now benefit from 2 gig.
1 Gig is soon to become the new 512mb and not long until 2 gig will be the 1 gig of old, if you catch my drift.


(note: all info in this post may not be true, it is likely near the true but my memory is not the greatest. feel free to correct me.)

[CS-Evolution]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

You'll be able to build a mediocre computer for $4-600... A good computer, probably more like $900-1000. Go on www.newegg.com and price out some stuff. If you can sacrafice parts from your old comp (HDD, case, PSU), definately do it.

Also, to save money, avoid buying 64-bit CPU's- you really will probably never need them in the life-span of your computer. The 64-bit OS doesn't support most drivers right now, and it will be a good couple of years before large quantities of games and software are available for the OS.

[imported_TheDragon]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

well - I never recommend gateway
BUT on tigerdirect.com
they have refurbished computers
for $400-$600
and they are GREAT values
I bought 2 and will get 2 more
just have to buy a good 3d graphics card
(est $300 more)
plus I bought a 3 yr warranty for almost nothing
let me know if you need more help evaluating
ps
these are about 50% off retail
ie great value for the money
pps
no . . . I do not work for them
and this is the first time in over 25 years I did not built my own system (haved made more than 50 for me and friends)
could not touch the price perfomance

[ConscriptVirus]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

my brother got a motherboard with a p4 processor at 3.0GHz and a case for about 200-250 dollars and it comes with intergrated 5.1 sound and a 256mb video card (but the video card sux so i would get a new one) so with the extra 150 bucks or so i would get a geforce 6600 which is cheap and decent for bf2 (the computer is also tiny.)

[IH8MACS]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

Here's one i think would be good:
http://www.cyberpowersystem.com/cust...64pcie.asp?v=d
the only thing i'd change is the vid card, ram and cpu.
it comes w/ speakers by default, but u can change that, just like everything else on it.
prob end up bout $600-$700

[lil_jimmy_norton]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

Also, to save money, avoid buying 64-bit CPU's- you really will probably never need them in the life-span of your computer. The 64-bit OS doesn't support most drivers right now, and it will be a good couple of years before large quantities of games and software are available for the OS.

Umm no.... What do you suggest getting then a sempron? AMD 64s are great in 32 bit mode....

[dark-eye]

Re: Time for a new computer? Please help!!

For $600 bucks youll get: (mind i live in holland and germany isnt fa,r plus their VERY cheap)
AMD Athlon FX55 3000+
1 gig of corsair value RAM
80 GB maxtor diamnd plus 9 HD
ASUS A8N- SLI deluxe
470 Watt Enermax PSU (tha bomb)
Leadtek/ASUS Geforce 6600GT
Artec gaming case
Nec 3540 +/- dvd burner
floppy drive

mind its in germany sooo....