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Gutsy GHEB Guard I need your help
Topic Started: Dec 13 2009, 01:07:51 AM (330 Views)
Dazz
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くだばれ! インベーダー 野郎!
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as you may or may not know I had plans to build my own computer recently

but that was stupid because i forgot something very important

i am very dumb

so i'm just gonna spend the extra money and buy a prepackaged one

but i would like a really nice gaming quality computer

so this is where the ghebbernauts come in

because i am very dumb i don't really know what i'm looking for so what brands would you reccomend

i know that alienware computers are pretty much designed around gaming so i thought about maybe one of those but i don't know what the fuck

in return you can have your way with me as much as you want msgheb(
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Zigludo
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うおっ、眩しい!

Alienware is extremely expensive. The cases and stuff are cool, but you can get some other brand for much cheaper.
I'm gringe and I don't give a chainsaw
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Jeff
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"Batman-" "Bat-Turian." "Whatever."

Computer retailers are basically just companies that assemble computers and sell those, so the assembler won't really impact the quality of the parts in any way. However, some general tips:

*Read the options carefully. Hardware manufacturers often make many models with very similar, but not quite the same, names and specs - for example, many video cards will have the same arbitrary number, but vary in terms of memory or other specs - and you'll be lucky to find out much about this from the equally arbitrary subtitles (GS, GT, GTX, GX, etc) pieces of hardware get. For like $6 more, I was able to get a 1024 MB version of the Radeon HD 4650 instead of 256/512 MB, which, as I understand, means it can handle higher Anti-aliasing levels and is actually a significantly better card.

*While higher numbers typically mean better performance, it's difficult for people who don't have a degree in Computer Engineering to understand exactly how much these numbers mean - which is where http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/ comes in. They do some good testing, explain their results in fairly simple terms, and provide handy charts to decide if that extra $40 is worth it.

*Since you're getting a computer assembled for you, you don't have to worry (as much) about things like the PSU and motherboard or assembly. So, focus mostly on getting all the inputs you need (basically a lot of USB ports and whatever display solution you use) and the three main things for gaming: the CPU, RAM, and video card.

*Tom's Hardware also provides handy guides for picking the best CPU/video card for your budget, and pre-made computers don't typically give a whole lot choice for RAM, so just keep in mind that 3 GB is basically standard for a new gaming machine, 4 GB should future proof you for 10-16 months, 6 GB for 18-24 months, and 8 GB for 3-4 years. I'd recommend 4 GB.

*Operating System: If you go for anything above ~3.2 GB of RAM, you'll need the 64-bit version. Most assemblers will never even let you make the mistake of getting the 32-bit version. Basically, a 64-bit OS is able to perform just as well as a 32-bit one, running any program that isn't some sort of ancient legacy software or similarly archaic - and 64-bit Windows 7 can still run some of that stuff anyway (I speak from experience). RAM levels won't require 128-bit operating systems until RAM in exabyte territory is common (i.e. probably decades from now, considering that the entirety of human writings would probably not top even 0.1 exabytes).

*Don't spend all your cash on just the computer. You'll probably also want a new display, keyboard, and mouse. You should stick with a wired mouse/keyboard, they're just simpler. You should avoid buying the display from the computer assembler - newegg.com usually has better prices, and certainly has better selection. Newegg provides good tools to find the display you want, in addition to customer reviews and awards.
Edited by Jeff, Dec 13 2009, 04:20:20 AM.
btw you're all banned
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Breadmaster Tubba
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Just pick your parts from a store that assemblies them for you.
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Jeff
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"Batman-" "Bat-Turian." "Whatever."

Tubba Blubba
Dec 13 2009, 05:54:58 AM
Just pick your parts from a store that assemblies them for you.
That is impossible.
btw you're all banned
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Breadmaster Tubba
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Jeff
Dec 13 2009, 08:30:45 AM
Tubba Blubba
Dec 13 2009, 05:54:58 AM
Just pick your parts from a store that assemblies them for you.
That is impossible.
You don't have those stores in Yankland? I got my comp that way.
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Zigludo
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うおっ、眩しい!

Well, for my computer I had a computer nerd friend pick out a bunch of parts then had a computer maintenance shop put it together. It worked out for me.
I'm gringe and I don't give a chainsaw
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Jeff
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"Batman-" "Bat-Turian." "Whatever."

Tubba Blubba
Dec 13 2009, 08:44:11 AM
Jeff
Dec 13 2009, 08:30:45 AM
Tubba Blubba
Dec 13 2009, 05:54:58 AM
Just pick your parts from a store that assemblies them for you.
That is impossible.
You don't have those stores in Yankland? I got my comp that way.
No, assemblies isn't a verb in Yankland.

I don't know of any chain stores that offer computer assembly services, although most local computer shops seem to offer it. You'll have to look around for one of these, Addar.
btw you're all banned
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Dazz
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くだばれ! インベーダー 野郎!
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Okay, I've tentatively decided on the Alienware Aurora model for a couple of reasons:

1. It's expensive, but not ungodly expensive
2. After carefully exploring all the options and stuff, they seem more or less top of the line in most ways
3. Normally I wouldn't be swayed by aesthetics but damn that's a cool looking machine

I'm still a little unsure, I haven't really heard good things about Dell in general, especially their customer service. I don't usually have much trouble with my computers, but...

Thoughts, Gheb?
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Breadmaster Tubba
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Well, what cost did you end up at? That'll give us a good idea.
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Dazz
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くだばれ! インベーダー 野郎!
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1500. Given my funds from graduation, the fact that I gave up my potential birthday gifts for a computer months ago and the fact that Christmas is in 8 days, I could probably spend even more (though I wouldn't want to).
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Dazz
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くだばれ! インベーダー 野郎!
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Okay, I've pretty much narrowed down my choices to two models:

Alienware Aurora: $1499

What's Included

* Alienware Aurora Desktop with Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
* Power cord
* Alienware multimedia keyboard, Alienware optical mouse
* Software: Alienware Command Center and more
* Owner's manual

Includes:

# Intel® Core™ i7-920 processor
Features an 8MB cache and 2.66GHz processor speed.
# Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Increases processor speed at peak times for power when you need it most.
# 9GB DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 24GB.
# Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
# 1TB Serial ATA II hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
# NVIDIA GeForce GTX260 graphics
Features 1792MB of dedicated video memory for lush images. High-definition 7.1-channel audio support.
# See the benefits of an NVIDIA graphics processor in your desktop.
# 19-in-1 digital media reader
Supports Secure Digital, miniSD, microSD, Secure Digital High Capacity, MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Plus, RD MultiMediaCard Plus, MultiMediaCard Micro and Memory Stick formats.
# Also supports Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Micro, Compact Flash I, Compact Flash II, Smart Media, xD-Picture Card and Micro Drive formats.
# 3 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces and 8 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity.
# Built-in 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN
For quick and easy wired Web connection.
# Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
# Software package included
With Alienware Command Center and more.

HP Pavilion Elite Desktop: $1129

What's Included

* HP Pavilion Elite Desktop with Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
* Power cord
* HP USB keyboard, HP USB optical mouse
* Software: HP MediaSmart Suite; CyberLink DVD Suite Deluxe; Microsoft Works 9 and more
* Owner's manual

Product Features

* From our expanded online assortment; not available in all Best Buy stores
* Intel® Core™ i7-860 processor
Features 1MB L2 and 8MB shared L3 cache with QPI technology and 2.8GHz processor speed.
* Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Increases processor speed at peak times for power when you need it most.
* 8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 16GB.
* Blu-ray Disc player with multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Record up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media; support DVD-RAM; also support LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible media.
* 1TB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
For fast read/write times. HP Personal Media Drive bay for connecting an additional hard drive (not included). HP Easy Backup button allows you to quickly back up your files.
* ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics
With 1GB dedicated video memory and Microsoft DirectX 10.1 support. HDMI and DVI interfaces for connecting HD components. High-definition audio configurable for up to 8 speakers to add immersive sound to the system.
* 15-in-1 digital media reader
Supports SmartMedia, xD-Picture Card, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, miniSD, CompactFlash I/II, Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo.
* Also supports Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC), MultiMediaCard Mobile and MultiMediaCard Plus.
* 1 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 9 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity.
* Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n)
Wirelessly connects to the Internet.
* Built-in 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet LAN
For quick and easy wired Web connection.
* Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable operating platform to launch games, programs and applications.
* Software package included
With HP MediaSmart Suite, CyberLink DVD Suite Deluxe, Microsoft Works 9 and more. 60-day trial of Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 also included.

I'm leaning towards the Aurora because overall it seems more powerful, but I'm not quite sure if I want to spend the extra 300 on it yet. Also, generally, I've had more luck with HP than Dell, but that just might be personal experience.
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Breadmaster Tubba
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The Aurora is significantly more powerful. That said, I'm not a fan of NVidia cards.
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Dazz
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くだばれ! インベーダー 野郎!
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I AM MAKING THINKING NOISES.

I've been mucking about on the Dell website and customizing the options for the Aurora, and it's a bit more expensive than I anticipated. The main problem comes with the video card. The lowest option they have is the NVidia GTS 240, which is included with the basic package. The next one up is the Radeon HD 5870. The price increase is $250, so I'm... hesitant, shall we say, but I'd really rather go for it. What would you folks recommend?

The rest of the options I'm going default on except for the memory, I'm going 6 gigs instead of 3. There is something that kind of intrigues me, though, but I'm not sure if it's just chicanery: the Killer Xeno Pro is touted to reduce lag and increase framerate while online. That's all well and good but it's a hundred bucks extra. Anybody know anything about that?
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Jeff
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"Batman-" "Bat-Turian." "Whatever."

DazzlingAddar
Dec 21 2009, 10:36:22 PM
I AM MAKING THINKING NOISES.

I've been mucking about on the Dell website and customizing the options for the Aurora, and it's a bit more expensive than I anticipated. The main problem comes with the video card. The lowest option they have is the NVidia GTS 240, which is included with the basic package. The next one up is the Radeon HD 5870. The price increase is $250, so I'm... hesitant, shall we say, but I'd really rather go for it. What would you folks recommend?

The rest of the options I'm going default on except for the memory, I'm going 6 gigs instead of 3. There is something that kind of intrigues me, though, but I'm not sure if it's just chicanery: the Killer Xeno Pro is touted to reduce lag and increase framerate while online. That's all well and good but it's a hundred bucks extra. Anybody know anything about that?
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/killer-xeno-pro,2341.html

Summary of article: Don't bother with the card.
Edited by Jeff, Dec 22 2009, 06:32:54 PM.
btw you're all banned
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