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General discussion

looking to purchase custom built pc ... need help

Aug 4, 2005 1:15AM PDT

Ok here's the deal. I am looking to buy a new PC that i will be able to use for a while without needing to upgrade. I don't know enough about computers to determine with any confidence what kind of set up I should be looking for.
Iiwould like to have a computer that is a decent gaming pc (can run Half-Life 2, Doom 3 decently), can handle digital video editing, and use as a dvr, any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Discussion is locked

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looking to purchase custom built pc ... need help
Aug 4, 2005 1:46AM PDT

To start, the only info missing was much $$$$$$$$$ do you want to spend.
An AMD64 Dual core will handel anything, but cost more $$$ than a singel core.
There are alot of people here that will help you spend you money.
Do you want to build it yourself or get it pre-built? John

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re: price
Aug 4, 2005 2:23AM PDT

Sorry I forgot about that pesky little thing called cash. I was hoping to get the computer, no monitor, speakers or other peripherals for aroung $1200-1500, is this realistic or should I be looking at a much higher figure?
Also I was told it is better to get a separate TV tuner and graphics card, would you guys agree with this?
Thnaks for your time

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re: price
Aug 4, 2005 2:26AM PDT

Sorry I forgot about that pesky little thing called cash. I was hoping to get the computer, no monitor, speakers or other peripherals for aroung $1200-1500, is this realistic or should I be looking at a much higher figure? It will have to be pre-built, seeing as I have problems putting together Lego i thinks it's the way to go.
Also I was told it is better to get a separate TV tuner and graphics card, would you guys agree with this?
Thnaks for your time

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With that budget
Aug 4, 2005 5:50AM PDT

I would suggest either the Gateway model 840GM or the HP model m7170.

HP Model m7170n with Pent D 830, 3.0GHz dual-core processor with EM64T at Circuity City for $1149.99, and Best Buy $1199.99 (computers alone w/o LCD monitor or Printer).

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=126672&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&BV_UseBVCookie=No

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=3KUV5BOWO3RNVKC4D3JFAFQ?skuId=7247507&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01172&id=1115365770583

Gateway Model 840GM with Pent D 830, 3.0GHz dural-core processor with EM64T at Best Buy.
On sale this week for $1229.97 with 17" LCD monitor and Photo Printer. With computer only.. regular$1049.99.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7261429&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01172&id=1117176782087

Some differences in the two:

The HP m7170n has a ATI Radeon X300se PCI-e video card already installed.
Has a built in TV Tuner with PVR (Personal video recorder with FM and FM antenna included).
Not enough expansion slots for PCI...

The Gateway 840GM has Integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics that should work better than any other integrated graphics, but there is also a PCI-Express x15 slot to upgrade.
Has the ATI Theater 550 Pro TV Tuner with FM/
Uses the BTX case which provides good cooling.
Has more available Expansion Bays and available Expansion Slots including PCIe x1, & PCIe x16.

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(NT) (NT) look at those 2 ^^^
Aug 4, 2005 6:40AM PDT