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View Full Version : Bad Predicament Over New PC



xgamer117
01-23-2006, 01:13
Hi. I am having a tough deciding what I should do right now. Just a week ago, the computer I built 2.5 years ago died on me. I have tried all week to revive it, but to no avail. (I am pretty good with hardware so I just think my processor died on me from doing too much work these past years).

That computer had PC2700 1 gb ram, two dvd+-rw drives, 160 gb hdd, amd athlon xp 2400 socket a, and a nvidia fx5200. This computer started really chugging before it died. I tried formatting the hard drive, putting a new hard drive in, taking out all but 1 ram chip, taking out the sound card, taking out both dvd drives, but nothing made it want to work. I have given up on it.

Now, I have been looking at new HP computers. The media center 2005, COMPOSITE input, and tv tuner really interests me in these. I could plug my future PS3 directly into the computer to play on my nice LCD screen. The model of this HP is m7330n. It has AMD 64 x2 4200+, 1 gig of PC333 ram, 1 dvd burner and 1 reader, 250 gb hdd, and integrated graphics. I am in 10th grade right now so I want something that will last at least 3 years, since I can take it to college with me and not have to buy a separate TV. I mainly want it for productivity, watching movies, listening to music, and really for playing games. I know, the integrated graphics is not going to cut it. That's why I made sure it has an open PCI-e slot. I can buy a new graphics card in the autumn when I finish paying off my computer (I can only spend up to $900).

However, I have just looked around and found out that AMD is going to release its new socket AM2 and ATI is going to release a RD580 chipset. The thing is, I don't know if I should wait for the new socket or go with the above pc. I know that socket 939 is in its later stages so it is very stable and reliable right now. When AM2 comes out, it will probably have some bugs in it and will be really expensive. But, it will have DDR2 support and will have a better memory controller, as will be more future-proof.

So my question is, should I get the m7330n now, or should I wait for the socket AM2 boards. Remember, I want this computer to last at least 3 years and be future-proof. I also do not want to spend more than $900.

I would appreciate any input, and sorry for the long post. :oops:

Edit: Oh, I forgot to add, my dad has a laptop that runs fine that I could use for school work until I get my computer. This laptop could last at least another year, but it won't be mine and I can't add any programs, change settings, etc.

Varsh
01-23-2006, 01:32
I'd recommend a Dual Core A64 4500+ s939, that'll last a long time CPU wise, then if you get yourself a two 7800GTX 512's in SLi mode then you're sorted for graphics for at least a couple years too, only thing remains is a couple gigs of Dual Channel RAM. ;)

For the time being grab yourself an ASUS motherboard, they're top of the range by leaps and bounds at the moment.

Just one thing though, don't go for ATi, nVIDIA have been making so many advancements lately that ATi haven't had a chance to keep up!

xgamer117
01-23-2006, 01:50
So, I guess you recommend making my own computer? The problem with that is that I really like the idea of recording TV onto my computer with media center 2005. Also, when is Vista supposed to come out? Will it have media center like features? If so, I might wait for that to come before buying a new computer.

Varsh
01-23-2006, 02:11
As far as I know Vista won't be out till late 2006 at the earliest (it could come earlier though I'm not sure), but if you're wanting to record to the computer then you can get some exellent software instead of using Media Centre (Ahead is fantastic for this as well as Avid, Adobe, and even ChrisTV takes any signal and creates recordings. What specifically are you trying to do?

And yeah, making your own machine will guarnatee that the parts you get will be decent, I'm not saying that DELL isn't becaue they're very good computers, but usually your own custom built PC will turn out exactly how you would want it. :)

A quick question though, what are you going to use as an input source to the computer? I use my TV Card and my Graphics card depending on what I'm doing (I have a Hauppauge WinTV NOVA-T card and an FX7800 GT).

Saaya Irie
01-23-2006, 02:25
Omg, so many computer technical talking. So ashamed to be a noob at computers... :cry:

xgamer117
01-23-2006, 02:26
Well, I was going to stick with the onboard video until I save up money for the new G71 chips will come out. And I have chosen the HP m7330n, if I want to buy a computer right now. I really don't want to think about making my own PC because the same parts as that HP will cost me about the same. Plus, it has two composite inputs, so I could plug my VCR into one and my Xbox in the other. Specifically, this computer will be my family's DVR for the two years that I am to remain at home, and then when I go to college, will be my TV.

NationStater
01-23-2006, 04:03
It is a very good choice for you.

Alot of people bash companies like Dell and HP, but imo, they're really good computers.

Most people I k now who own HPs dont have any problems.

MavSkipper
01-23-2006, 09:56
you might want to check this Motherboard out
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2524&p=1

so far it's best value and future-proof so to say
you can use you old AGP card on it then upgrade to PCIe if you want to.... it's a s939 but it'll also support the new AMD M2 socket once it's released/out

SessDMC
01-24-2006, 02:40
Hold on to your wallets, AMD are bringing out a new socket called M2, coupled with DDR2 it gives you blazing fast performance, and if thats not what your looking for then wait untill its released as there will be a drop in price for the current 939 pin socket based processors / mobo's

curryking1
10-30-2008, 19:31
Anyone else getting the feeling that SingStar is being milked to no end? With Vol. 2 recently released in North America, Europe is preparing to receive their third installment into the franchise next month. Of course, fans of this party sensation don't seem to mind the consistently released volumes as the game continues to sell like water in the desert. The track list for the upcoming Vol. 3 has been revealed and features great artists like Aerosmith, Barry Manilow and Paul McCartney. For those interested in the entire package, we've included the list below.

- Aerosmith - Cryin’
- Amy McDonald - This Is The Life
- Barry Manilow - Copacabana
- Coldplay - Viva La Vida
- David Bowie - Space Oddity
- Deep Blue Something - Breakfast At Tiffany’s
- Dizzee Rascal feat. Calvin Harris & Chrome - Dance Wiv Me
- Fall Out Boy - This Ain’t A Scene… It’s An Arms Race
- Feargal Sharkey - A Good Heart
- Fergie - Big Girls Don’t Cry
- Gwen Stefani feat. Akon - The Sweet Escape
- Happy Mondays - Kinky Afro
- Heaven 17 - Temptation
- k.d. lang - Constant Craving
- Kate Bush - Babooshka
- Leo Sayer - You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
- Lionel Ritchie - All Night Long (All Night)
- Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
- Paul McCartney And Stevie Wonder - Ebony And Ivory
- Queen - Killer Queen
- Sara Bareilles - Love Song
- Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
- Take That - Could It Be Magic
- Texas - Say What You Want
- The Communards - Never Can Say Goodbye
- The Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let Me Go
- Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson - The Way I Are
- Timbaland feat. OneRepublic - Apologize
- Transvision Vamp - Baby I Don’t Care
- Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma

Source (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=273707)

BustenRhymes7790
10-30-2008, 21:25
E+L

Good, one or two edits