shopping for a new computer

[roadweasel]

I know we got a lot of smart guys here so I want to get an opinion and suggestions from y'all. This http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4459466&sku=T71-5287 is in my price range.
What do you think? I don't spend a LOT of time gaming but I definitely want to run MWO.
I've shopped at tigerdirect for years and always got good deals. I'm thinking about a barebones kit too, as an option. I put this one together and it did ok. I'm open to suggestions, and what do you think about the one at the link?

[Ayce]

Not too shabby, RW. Should do the job for you. :top:
Personally, I'm not a fan of integrated anything, but there is at least a PCIe slot so you could put in a better vid card later, and a slot for a better sound card. :thrasher:

[roadweasel]

I was kind of wondering about that video/sound card thing. thanks, Ayce!

[roadweasel]

hmm Systemax has a "build it we ship it" option... I can order without an OS and use my windows xp and get a comparable system for lots less with the video card I want and avoid using Vista. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/configdetails.asp?Base=4165451

[Wraith]

The PSU in that is most likely garbage, so you'll have to add that into your costs.

Do you not like building your own? Don't want the hassle of it? It requires more shipping, waiting, work on your part, but in the end it usually works out better.

Regarding that systemax system:
- I'd at least bump the ram to 2gb
- go up to the 500gb (look at the price increase vs amount of space increase on those hard drive options)
- leave the integrated and buy a card yourself afterwards (4770 is < 100 and a fantastic performer; finding it can be tough right now -- i'd wait a couple weeks)
- don't get speakers, mouse, keyboard, etc from there; buy the ones you like and not the limited options given there for whatever prices they charge.
- Most important: throw the psu that comes with it in the trash and get a decent one. I can get you some links if you want.

Edit: BTW, I just passed up an X3 Phenom II 720 BE complete system for 275. I decided against wasting more money on toys, but if you want it I can either buy it for you (I ship, and you pay on receipt -- I trust you) or set you up with the means to get it. These are used systems, but in general, as long as you check out the seller (which I did for over a week since I was interested in buying it) they are more reliable than what you get in the store. I say more reliable because I've had more parts arrive DOA or die within a couple days when buying from places like newegg and tiger (but they always replace them), than I have from independent sellers.

You'd still have to get a video card for that, but for the money, you're getting a much better system. Let me know if you're interested and I'll post the specs for you.

[roadweasel]

Thanks for the input, I ordered what I wanted from tigerdirect from another system with a 500 watt psu, 3 gb ram, and kept it in my price range. Have had good luck with tigerdirect for the past 10 years. Hopefully this will work well for me too.

[cobra96]

i used a site called ibuypower.com and they are pretty good...u just build a computer to ur liking and they put it together and ship it to u...build a computer with an intel CPU and at least one PCIe slot for a decent video card and about 2-3GB of DDR2 RAM...and make sure to keep it cooled properly

[ROKKET]

this one looks handled :)

[cobra96]

i have good advice what can i say :D