Some advice, please.

[RobBase]

So im thinking about gettin a Compaq Presario SR5030NX ( i know prolly not ideal for gaming but that's why i'm asking!) here are some of its specs. Hard drive size 160GB Hard Drive Speed 7200RPM
Video memory 224MB, it says it has a PCI slot so i think i'll just shove my ATI X1100 in there untill i get money for a newer card. it has 1G of RAM but i think i should go ahead and get the 2G because i hear vista is a memory hog. Processor brand Intel?. Processor type Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading. Processor speed 3.20GHz. and a gateway 24" widescreen

So what do you think? is this ok for a somewhat budget computer?

 

[Link]

If your happy to whack a new GFX card in there, I assume your comfortable opening the case yourself. If so, I suggest building the whole shooting match yourself. You end up with the best possible combo for your budget in a system thats just right for what you want.

In terms of specs, you want a core 2 duo from intel. Which one depends on your budget, but they offer by far the best bang for buck at the moment. The amount of ram is a budget thing again, so look at what you can afford.

 

[Gunner]

RobBase, if you don't mind, please post your estimated budget for the computer and me and others will see if we can find you a better deal. But we'll have to know if you can build the PC yourself - I don't mean solder parts and reinvent electricity - but installing all the hardware yourself. If you can do that, you'll be able to save money and buy a better overall pc than whatever you had planned to buy from a brand name company.

 

[hool10]

So im thinking about gettin a Compaq

Just by reading that tells me your doing it wrong. I have 1 Compaq computer and those things suck just like eMachines (never touched one thank god). Just build your own budget pc. Ironically it will be cheaper, a feeling of accomplishment, can replace hardware, and you know how to fix it. It's easy to learn how to make your computer also because there are tons of guides on the 'net with pictures for each step. *In fact just google Compaq: http://www.google.com/search?q=comp...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

 

[RobBase]

some where in the area of $800 Since im buying the machine by myself

 

[Asus]

Make sure it has one 16x speed PCI-Express slot (not 2x or 4x but 16x) for a new graphics card.

Pentium 4 is a little dated and runs hot. It would work in a pinch but see if you could get an Athlon X2 (AMD) or preferably a Core 2 Duo (Intel). They are current CPUs and perform better. (ignore the P4's GHZ, it does not compare with the others)

1GB would work perfectly fine for XP. But Vista (especially the 64bit version) does take up a bit more memory so 2GB would make a lot of sense if you can afford it.

 

[Gunner]

Mobo - GA ds3 rev3 - $94.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128042

CPU - Core 2 Duo E4300 - $114.50

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115013

RAM - CORSAIR XMS2 2GB DDR2 800 - $119.00

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590

GFX - Use your current card?

HDD - Whatever 250GB - 70$

Case - Whatever 100$

PSU - Whatever 150$

Gives you an idea of what you can do. What else can you salvage from your current pc besides the gfx card?

 

[RobBase]

i have a emachines T5010 its really not that bad, but other then the card and the logitech key board and mouse and maybe the monitor nothing.

 

[giant384]

man i would never want to use that system with a 24" widescreen. such a waste.

 

[RobBase]

no i only have a 19 flat panel now lol my dad was going to give me a 24 widescreen if i got a new system lol and yes it prolly would be a huge waste