Is this good enough?

Getting a New Computer Soon

Published on April 14, 2008 By Xiandi In Personal Computing

I need some advice. I know next to nothing about computer specs, but I'm planning on getting a new computer soon. I realize that it will probably have Vista on it so it will need lots of RAM, but thats about all I know.

My son was looking up different computers and comparing prices, etc. This is one of the options he came up with.

------------

Hp s3400z Computer

Windows Vista Home Premium w/Service Pack 1
2.3 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ dual-core processor
3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM
256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400-HD, DVI, VGA adapter, HDMI video card
No Modem (not sure if important info)
320 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive
LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/- R/RW SuperMulti drive
15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, headphone port
Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/front audio ports sound card

price includes free shipping

$539.99

---------------

Do you think this is a good deal? Is it going to be good enough for what I want to do? Would you change anything on it?

I have specs on a more expensive computer too but was wondering if this one would *do it* for me. Most of the time I use it for skinning and web surfing, but I would like to be able to play games and watch movies on it too (not something I can do with my current computer).

Comments (Page 4)

Bebi Bulma

on Apr 15, 2008

64bit is a can of worms you don't need to open,

There are problems with 64bit? I am sick of problems with my computer. I'm getting a new one because this one is old and has lots of problems. I don't want problems!

All editions of Windows Vista 64-bit provide increased memory support beyond the standard 4 gigabytes available with 32-bit editions.

Increased memory support? What does that mean?

64bit is meant for people who do heavy-duty graphics editing, video rendering, extreme gaming, etc. The casual user has no need for 64bit. It also has compatibility problems with some programs (including some Stardock ones). 32bit is the way to go.

More RAM = better performance. You should be fine with 2GB, works fine for me.

kona0197

on Apr 15, 2008

Leo you just don't get it. I said I could build a system for less. I can build one for even less than I showed you here.

Would you like proof?

Xiandi

on Apr 15, 2008

Thank you, Bebi. I like answers in language I can understand.

kona0197

on Apr 15, 2008

Xiandi I could put a system together from Newegg fro around $350 shipped. If you are interested I could post the parts and then write up how to assemble them if you like.

Gideon MacLeish

on Apr 15, 2008

No comment...

lol.

I build my own, personally.

For a "big box" computer, it's not a bad deal though. I recently put together a computer with the following:

AMD 4400+ processor
1GB RAM (running XP, I'll upgrade the RAM when I get a chance)
DVD burner with Lightscribe
2-SATA 160GB Hard drives
450Watt PSU
Onboard video, sound, and Nic

Total cost? $300 (it was built on a budget). Considering that you have more RAM, as much hard drive space, and a video card, as well as the O/S included (my O/S didn't cost me...and no it ain't pirated...lol!), I'd say it's a fair deal. Just thought I'd list my budget machine pricing for a benchmark.

Xiandi

on Apr 15, 2008

I am looking for something that I can use without being totally outrageous in price. I want a good computer that will do what I want, no less and no more. I put the computer specs up there to use as a starting point and was told by someone that it was a pretty good system. I wanted to see what needed to be improved, if anything, or see if there was something I did not need in it. I AM willing to spend a little more to get what I need, but I'm still not sure WHAT I need yet.

If I can get a computer that does what I need for $350, I'm interested. If I need something more than that, I'm willing to pay for it. This thread is more about what I need, rather than what I'm willing to spend.

kona0197

on Apr 15, 2008

I'll post up my finding for you shortly.

Bebi Bulma

on Apr 16, 2008

Kona, I know you mean well and I totally agree that home built is better than prebuilt, but in Xiandi's case I think she would be better off with just a prebuilt machine that comes with support and a warranty. That in the end will make it more beneficial for someone with limited knowledge (although, it's pretty easy to get support on here too). That would be my recommendation, but ultimately she'll make the decision.

kona0197

on Apr 16, 2008

I know Bebi. I'm gonna go ahead and post this just in case:

OK keep in mind this is a system that CAN be upgraded to a dual core processor. As it is built here it will run Vista with zero problems. The only downside to this setup is the fact that the maximum amount of memory you can put in this system is 2 GB. I use 2 GB myself and have no issues.

Motherboard & Processor Combo: BIOSTAR AM2VCOMB34S motherboard & AMD Sempron 3400+ processor - WWW Link

Memory: CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) - WWW Link

Hard Drive: Seagate 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive - WWW Link

DVD Burner: LITE-ON Black 20X SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - WWW Link

Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100198L Radeon X1650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 AGP 4X/8X Video Card - WWW Link

Case: ATRIX CSCI-L8029-C34 Black/ Silver SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 480W Power Supply - WWW Link

Grand total is under 300 bucks. Probably around 350 shipped.

If you really want Vista trust Pricewatch...

Windows Vista Home Premium - WWW Link
Windows XP Home - WWW Link

Jafo

on Apr 16, 2008

I totally agree that home built is better than prebuilt, but in Xiandi's case I think she would be better off with just a prebuilt machine that comes with support and a warranty. That in the end will make it more beneficial for someone with limited knowledge

Listen to Bebi.

Better to walk if you cannot [yet] run...

Xiandi

on Apr 16, 2008

Thank you, Kona. I'l look into those.

Listen to Bebi.
Better to walk if you cannot [yet] run...

I'm listening. I'm also exploring options. I have plenty of time to make this decision. It's not something I will jump into without thinking about it (I have been known to do that on occasion).

Bebi, you said 64 bit is not compatible with some Stardock products. Do you know which ones? You also said that a 2 gigs is enough for you. I'm assuming you have Vista, what is the most intensive thing you do on it?

Bebi Bulma

on Apr 16, 2008

Bebi, you said 64 bit is not compatible with some Stardock products. Do you know which ones? You also said that a 2 gigs is enough for you. I'm assuming you have Vista, what is the most intensive thing you do on it?

With the Stardock products, they first make sure they work on 32bit and release those, and then get the 64bit compatibility. I believe right now the IconPackager 4 beta isn't 64bit compatible, I'm not sure about the others since I don't have to worry about it (32bit on both machines).

The most intensive thing I do on either of my machines (XP/Vista) is Photoshop, and it's a resource hog by itself. I'm mainly on my XP machine though because this has the 24" widescreen monitor (easier to work on) and the Vista is only a 15.4" laptop (tiny compared to being spoiled with this monitor).

starkers

on Apr 17, 2008

You can;t get the full 4gb of use out of your RAM unless you go 64-bit since 32-bit can only address 3gb.

Vista 32 bit can access 4gb of RAM.... can be done through BCDEdit, see article. WWW Link

Phoon

on Apr 17, 2008

Vista 32 bit can access 4gb of RAM.... can be done through BCDEdit, see article

never had much luck doing that. Had Zero luck with XP by making the necessary entries in the boot.ini either.

starkers

on Apr 17, 2008

never had much luck doing that.

Worked for me OK, and all I did was follow the article's instructions and the screen prompts.

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