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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 19:59:41

Title: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 19:59:41
Was going to send this as a PM to an elder member or two of the forum to get their idea of whats what, but decided to open it up to general discussion instead.

I currently have a couple of quid going spare that I am happy to spend on a new computer.  I would then consign my current machine to the back room as a music/video repository cum server store to the home network that my family use but, the question is, what do I replace it with?

I know that chipset is important but I do not do the 'gaming' thing to any extent these days (might change now though!!) but do enjoy good quality video when available.

Any idea's or links as to whats best and whats worst out there?   :-?

Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 26 August 2008, 20:14:13
My question is : do you want a complete ready system or one composed of good quality parts from different vendors ?

My preference is always the second.. :-/
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Dazzler on 26 August 2008, 20:14:58
Are you talking PC or a laptop????
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 26 August 2008, 20:15:12
Quote
My question is : do you want a complete ready system or one composed of good quality parts from different vendors ?

My preference is always the second.. :-/

B.Y.O.   :y
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 20:19:59
Looking for a desktop rather than a laptop, to be honest.  I like the bigger screens and being able to be some distance from the screen , I feel, is better on my eysight.

I have done the self assembly route a number of times over the years, starting with a 386 then upwards....  To be honest, I now prefer the 'open the box and plug it in' method, knowing there is a warranty if the bits have a wee fustercluck at some stage.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: stuart30 on 26 August 2008, 20:22:46
Mate of mine regualarly has laptops and computers that fall out of the back of shops....good prices too. :y ;D

Well can only talk about experience and im sure not everyone's cuppa but ive found my Dell 1720 does all i need....3 gig ram (4 gig max) core duo with 250 gig hard drive and just £600.

Really cant fault it....depending on what its needed for id say there a bargain.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 26 August 2008, 20:25:26
So much to choose from, if you want better video quality but dont do any gaming then look for some thing with reasonable graphics and with extra memory if you opt for Vista.

On the Video side consider output to TV, as I have seen laptops mentioned with HDMI, you may never use it, but if it's there then it's an option.   :y
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 20:46:05
Have heard quite a few good things about Dell, solid and reliable.  Anyone to the contrary?
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 20:46:53
H21 - for general purpose email/web/letter writing I would go for

Core2 Duo 2.0G or better
965 chipset or better
2G RAM
300G HDD or better
The X3100 built into most 965 chipsets is good enough for most non gaming apps, but ensure you have a PCIe x16 slot on the board for future upgrade.


For video editing, consider quad core, more disk space (ideally multiple disks), and more RAM. Not worth putting more than 3.5G RAM in 32bit Windows, but if you go 64bit, be aware of driver issues.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 26 August 2008, 20:50:14
Quote
Have heard quite a few good things about Dell, solid and reliable.  Anyone to the contrary?

have had a few.

Have all been Optiplex models,  tried the entry level ones but for the same processor speed found they were inferior.

As you say a balanced box of bits with some thought behind it, but Optiplex V enntry level (Dimention I thik they were) the Motherboard was far superior and the Bios made for far better throughput.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 26 August 2008, 20:51:33
In fact I have an Optiplex GX240 P4 1.6 running 24 hours a day never had issue with it.  :y
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Chopsdad on 26 August 2008, 20:53:00
Quote
Have heard quite a few good things about Dell, solid and reliable.  Anyone to the contrary?

I've got a Dell Inspiron 530 - bit slow but does enough for my needs (OOF and Ebay) :y
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 20:54:54
Quote
Have heard quite a few good things about Dell, solid and reliable.  Anyone to the contrary?
I've had a lot of Dell kit, as has my brother who has a couple of retail outlets, and a rather complex IT setup (designed by me on back of a fag packet).

Its good kit, as long as you find one that exactly matches your needs - as soon as you start adding options, they get dear.

http://www.dmxdimension.co.uk is a good jump point if looking for Dells.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 26 August 2008, 20:55:42
Lets start with power supply

Cooler master extreme 500 W..

Chasis:

A well ventilated big one without PSU and have enough bays for disks:

like this one(coolermaster, thermaltake etc)

http://www.mavibilgisayar.com/ud/4759

CPU:
Core 2 duo E 8400 6 MB cache FSB 1333 mhz 3.0 Ghz

Mobo:
Asus striker II or Asus Maximus or Gigabyte GA45T -Extreme

Disk

Samsung 7200 RPM SATAII with  any capacity

or

if more speed is concern Western Digital raptor 10 K RPM (used , no problems but not big difference to fast 7200 RPMs)

Graphics

Nvidia 8500 or more

Monitor

22 to 24 inch LCD depending on budget

but in job where I use dual screens I prefer and OLD 19 CRT as no #1

and LCD as #2 as I can dimm its contrasts much better than LCDs :-/

in home where I use Samsung 22 LCD makes my eyes tired :(


ps : as my preference..I dont like everything ready..and here with a very small fee they can prepare the system for you under guarantee..
and test it for 24 hours
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 20:56:15
Quote
Quote
Have heard quite a few good things about Dell, solid and reliable.  Anyone to the contrary?

have had a few.

Have all been Optiplex models,  tried the entry level ones but for the same processor speed found they were inferior.

As you say a balanced box of bits with some thought behind it, but Optiplex V enntry level (Dimention I thik they were) the Motherboard was far superior and the Bios made for far better throughput.
Optiplex are design for corporates, as such tend to be slower/older tech for same money. Corporates have different needs, mainly around model stability, rather than latest and greatest.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 20:57:26
Quote
Lets start with power supply

Cooler master extreme 500 W..

Chasis:

A well ventilated big one without PSU and have enough bays for disks:

like this one(coolermaster, thermaltake etc)

http://www.mavibilgisayar.com/ud/4759

CPU:
Core 2 duo E 8400 6 MB cache FSB 1333 mhz 3.0 Ghz

Mobo:
Asus striker II or Asus Maximus or Gigabyte GA45T -Extreme

Disk

Samsung 7200 RPM SATAII with  any capacity

or

if more speed is concern Western Digital raptor 10 K RPM (used , no problems but not big difference to fast 7200 RPMs)

Graphics

Nvidia 8500 or more

Monitor

22 to 24 inch LCD depending on budget

but in job where I use dual screens I prefer and OLD 19 CRT as no #1

and LCD as #2 as I can dimm its contrasts much better than LCDs :-/

in home where I use Samsung 22 LCD makes my eyes tired :(

Thats overkill for Hotel21's usage I think...
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 20:58:23
Just a thought, Hotel21, but won't you find a laptop useful?
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Pete Elite on 26 August 2008, 20:59:42
 I bought a Mesh computer about 3 1/2 years ago now and to be honest i've not had a bit of trouble with it :).

  The build quality in my opinion is 100% as is the reliability and are easy to upgrade.

    Pete :y.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 26 August 2008, 21:01:14
Quote
Quote
Quote
Have heard quite a few good things about Dell, solid and reliable.  Anyone to the contrary?

have had a few.

Have all been Optiplex models,  tried the entry level ones but for the same processor speed found they were inferior.

As you say a balanced box of bits with some thought behind it, but Optiplex V enntry level (Dimention I thik they were) the Motherboard was far superior and the Bios made for far better throughput.
Optiplex are design for corporates, as such tend to be slower/older tech for same money. Corporates have different needs, mainly around model stability, rather than latest and greatest.

At the time the Optiplex made thier other models look like they were going backwards.  Either way.  They offer plenty of options
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 21:01:24
Quote
Just a thought, Hotel21, but won't you find a laptop useful?



Yes, probably, but to be honest, whenever a laptop is being used it would plain and simply be for mobile broadband web browsing (OOF!) when at the tin tent, nothing more.  perhaps some retro gaming, reliving the old days, so to speak, but no hard pressure stuff.....
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 26 August 2008, 21:02:50
Quote
Quote
Lets start with power supply

Cooler master extreme 500 W..

Chasis:

A well ventilated big one without PSU and have enough bays for disks:

like this one(coolermaster, thermaltake etc)

http://www.mavibilgisayar.com/ud/4759

CPU:
Core 2 duo E 8400 6 MB cache FSB 1333 mhz 3.0 Ghz

Mobo:
Asus striker II or Asus Maximus or Gigabyte GA45T -Extreme

Disk

Samsung 7200 RPM SATAII with  any capacity

or

if more speed is concern Western Digital raptor 10 K RPM (used , no problems but not big difference to fast 7200 RPMs)

Graphics

Nvidia 8500 or more

Monitor

22 to 24 inch LCD depending on budget

but in job where I use dual screens I prefer and OLD 19 CRT as no #1

and LCD as #2 as I can dimm its contrasts much better than LCDs :-/

in home where I use Samsung 22 LCD makes my eyes tired :(

Thats overkill for Hotel21's usage I think...

 ;D :y
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 26 August 2008, 21:03:45
Quote
Quote
Quote
Lets start with power supply

Cooler master extreme 500 W..

Chasis:

A well ventilated big one without PSU and have enough bays for disks:

like this one(coolermaster, thermaltake etc)

http://www.mavibilgisayar.com/ud/4759

CPU:
Core 2 duo E 8400 6 MB cache FSB 1333 mhz 3.0 Ghz

Mobo:
Asus striker II or Asus Maximus or Gigabyte GA45T -Extreme

Disk

Samsung 7200 RPM SATAII with  any capacity

or

if more speed is concern Western Digital raptor 10 K RPM (used , no problems but not big difference to fast 7200 RPMs)

Graphics

Nvidia 8500 or more

Monitor

22 to 24 inch LCD depending on budget

but in job where I use dual screens I prefer and OLD 19 CRT as no #1

and LCD as #2 as I can dimm its contrasts much better than LCDs :-/

in home where I use Samsung 22 LCD makes my eyes tired :(

Thats overkill for Hotel21's usage I think...

 ;D :y

I certainly think the PSU and Motherboard is.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 21:03:46
Quote
I bought a Mesh computer about 3 1/2 years ago now and to be honest i've not had a bit of trouble with it :).

  The build quality in my opinion is 100% as is the reliability and are easy to upgrade.

    Pete :y.
Pretty certain they are still tits up.  They go tits up so often, and restart, I've lost a grip of their status.

Never impressed with them - they go for the big spec numbers, but aren't very good at getting the best from them, ultimately ending up with a bunch of bits thrown together.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 21:04:51
Quote
Just a thought, Hotel21, but won't you find a laptop useful?

I have an aged old lappy that can/will be rebuilt with W98 as it also has a serial port etc - just no friggin' staying power, despite a new battery...  Seems like the batt charger circuits are FUBAR..
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: theolodian on 26 August 2008, 21:06:55
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 21:07:12
Quote
Quote
Just a thought, Hotel21, but won't you find a laptop useful?

I have an aged old lappy that can/will be rebuilt with W98 as it also has a serial port etc - just no friggin' staying power, despite a new battery...  Seems like the batt charger circuits are FUBAR..
The will do for that particular task, ideal if it can run XP ok.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 21:08:33
Quote
Quote
Quote
Just a thought, Hotel21, but won't you find a laptop useful?

I have an aged old lappy that can/will be rebuilt with W98 as it also has a serial port etc - just no friggin' staying power, despite a new battery...  Seems like the batt charger circuits are FUBAR..
The will do for that particular task, ideal if it can run XP ok.
Got valid (and legal!!) XP set up at the moment, just needs the mains lead plugged in to keep it working.....
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 26 August 2008, 21:08:40
I think everybody deserves a good PC ::)

and even that configuration compared to lappies you buy doubled power (means workstation not a PC)  for the same price..
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 21:09:19
Quote
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.
The savings for not taking the LCD are small, so often worth having the panel.  I have found their panels to be fairly reliable, but not the best picture quality - but still perfectly acceptable, unless doing photoshop work...
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 21:11:08
Quote
Quote
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.
The savings for not taking the LCD are small, so often worth having the panel.  I have found their panels to be fairly reliable, but not the best picture quality - but still perfectly acceptable, unless doing photoshop work...

Currently sitting in front of an LG Flatron L1917S which does all that i need it to do.  refresh rate is not brilliant but, as said, the days of playing Quake until the wee sma' oors are now long gone....   ;D  
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: theolodian on 26 August 2008, 21:11:50
Quote
Quote
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.
The savings for not taking the LCD are small, so often worth having the panel.  I have found their panels to be fairly reliable, but not the best picture quality - but still perfectly acceptable, unless doing photoshop work...
True, I wouldn't rule out using their LCD's at all.  Not bad for the package price.  However, I would comparison shop first.  I got a sweet 24" Samsung with HDMI for 2/3rds the cost of Dell at the time.  Depends on what Dell's prices are that week.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 21:13:22
Quote
Quote
Quote
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.
The savings for not taking the LCD are small, so often worth having the panel.  I have found their panels to be fairly reliable, but not the best picture quality - but still perfectly acceptable, unless doing photoshop work...
True, I wouldn't rule out using their LCD's at all.  Not bad for the package price.  However, I would comparison shop first.  I got a sweet 24" Samsung with HDMI for 2/3rds the cost of Dell at the time.  Depends on what Dell's prices are that week.
Yeah, at full price they aren't good value, but the package price with a base unit is normally favourable
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 26 August 2008, 21:15:09
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.
The savings for not taking the LCD are small, so often worth having the panel.  I have found their panels to be fairly reliable, but not the best picture quality - but still perfectly acceptable, unless doing photoshop work...
True, I wouldn't rule out using their LCD's at all.  Not bad for the package price.  However, I would comparison shop first.  I got a sweet 24" Samsung with HDMI for 2/3rds the cost of Dell at the time.  Depends on what Dell's prices are that week.
Yeah, at full price they aren't good value, but the package price with a base unit is normally favourable

They used to advertise a lot on TV with thier offers, but now they sell through resellers so I havent seen any of thier prices for a while.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 21:18:12
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.
The savings for not taking the LCD are small, so often worth having the panel.  I have found their panels to be fairly reliable, but not the best picture quality - but still perfectly acceptable, unless doing photoshop work...
True, I wouldn't rule out using their LCD's at all.  Not bad for the package price.  However, I would comparison shop first.  I got a sweet 24" Samsung with HDMI for 2/3rds the cost of Dell at the time.  Depends on what Dell's prices are that week.
Yeah, at full price they aren't good value, but the package price with a base unit is normally favourable

They used to advertise a lot on TV with thier offers, but now they sell through resellers so I havent seen any of thier prices for a while.
As said, http://www.dmxdimension.co.uk is a good starting point, as it summarises their best offers...
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 21:36:45
So what about the Dell XPS One then?
http://www.dmxdimension.com/dell-uk/xps-one-deals-coupons-evalue-codes/
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 21:41:46
Quote
So what about the Dell XPS One then?
http://www.dmxdimension.com/dell-uk/xps-one-deals-coupons-evalue-codes/
lot of cash for what they are.  XPS were Dell's gaming brand (although XPS will be no more soon).

Check out some of the Vostro desktops ;)
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 21:58:05
Quote
Quote
So what about the Dell XPS One then?
http://www.dmxdimension.com/dell-uk/xps-one-deals-coupons-evalue-codes/
lot of cash for what they are.  XPS were Dell's gaming brand (although XPS will be no more soon).

Check out some of the Vostro desktops ;)

Good call...  The upper end 410LT looks fine.  What about the XP/Pro thing?  Stick with XP or what?
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 22:09:50
Quote
Quote
Quote
So what about the Dell XPS One then?
http://www.dmxdimension.com/dell-uk/xps-one-deals-coupons-evalue-codes/
lot of cash for what they are.  XPS were Dell's gaming brand (although XPS will be no more soon).

Check out some of the Vostro desktops ;)

Good call...  The upper end 410LT looks fine.  What about the XP/Pro thing?  Stick with XP or what?
Like it or not, Vista is coming.  Personally I'd go vista, xp too old now...
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: hotel21 on 26 August 2008, 22:15:58
Thanks for that....

As to the options, what do you think as to 'if I can, I will'....
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 26 August 2008, 22:26:46
Quote
Thanks for that....

As to the options, what do you think as to 'if I can, I will'....
With Dell, if you start picking options, the price gets dear. Try to find one that matches your needs.  Perhaps the only one I'd add is a card reader.

Dell traditionally change offers every Thursday, unless you are in a hurry, worth waiting and checking for 2 or 3 weeks to get a feel for good and bad offers...
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Martin_1962 on 26 August 2008, 23:10:17
Quote
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.

Home http://www.ebuyer.com/product/114048
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: stuart30 on 26 August 2008, 23:20:16
Quote
H21 - for general purpose email/web/letter writing I would go for

Core2 Duo 2.0G or better
965 chipset or better
2G RAM
300G HDD or better
The X3100 built into most 965 chipsets is good enough for most non gaming apps, but ensure you have a PCIe x16 slot on the board for future upgrade.


For video editing, consider quad core, more disk space (ideally multiple disks), and more RAM. Not worth putting more than 3.5G RAM in 32bit Windows, but if you go 64bit, be aware of driver issues.

Isnt quad core a bit OTT....im sure its nice too have but is it really necessary. :-/

Thats a question as opposed a statement..... :)
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 27 August 2008, 08:50:06
Quote
Quote
H21 - for general purpose email/web/letter writing I would go for

Core2 Duo 2.0G or better
965 chipset or better
2G RAM
300G HDD or better
The X3100 built into most 965 chipsets is good enough for most non gaming apps, but ensure you have a PCIe x16 slot on the board for future upgrade.


For video editing, consider quad core, more disk space (ideally multiple disks), and more RAM. Not worth putting more than 3.5G RAM in 32bit Windows, but if you go 64bit, be aware of driver issues.

Isnt quad core a bit OTT....im sure its nice too have but is it really necessary. :-/

Thats a question as opposed a statement..... :)
I spec'd Core2 Duo for day to day. Core2 Quad is OTT for day to day work, you're right.  Hence I said go Quad for video editing (or any other CPU intensive work).

Saying that, retail prices between, for example 2.4G Coer2 Duo and 2.4G Core2 Quad is only around £40.  Downside of the Quad is uses 50% more juice than Duo when running at full chat.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 27 August 2008, 09:06:38
Quote
Quote
I'd go with TB's spec, although you'll only get Vista now so you can go higher on the RAM.  Stay with 32-bit Vista.

Dell desktops are OK.  Not perfect on reliability, but they come fix it at your place the next day which is good enough in my book.  I would consider other LCD suppliers though.

Home http://www.ebuyer.com/product/114048
I wouldn't be buying XP licences now, esp not for current generation machines.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: stuart30 on 27 August 2008, 18:40:29
Quote
Quote
Quote
H21 - for general purpose email/web/letter writing I would go for

Core2 Duo 2.0G or better
965 chipset or better
2G RAM
300G HDD or better
The X3100 built into most 965 chipsets is good enough for most non gaming apps, but ensure you have a PCIe x16 slot on the board for future upgrade.


For video editing, consider quad core, more disk space (ideally multiple disks), and more RAM. Not worth putting more than 3.5G RAM in 32bit Windows, but if you go 64bit, be aware of driver issues.

Isnt quad core a bit OTT....im sure its nice too have but is it really necessary. :-/

Thats a question as opposed a statement..... :)
I spec'd Core2 Duo for day to day. Core2 Quad is OTT for day to day work, you're right.  Hence I said go Quad for video editing (or any other CPU intensive work).

Saying that, retail prices between, for example 2.4G Coer2 Duo and 2.4G Core2 Quad is only around £40.  Downside of the Quad is uses 50% more juice than Duo when running at full chat.

Actually i was referring too the quad for video editing...however i was thinking thinking more of ripping dvd"s ect so i no doubt was thinking along different lines too what you meant.... :-[

Amazed theres not that much difference price  on dual and quad.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 27 August 2008, 19:00:35
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Quote
Quote
Quote
H21 - for general purpose email/web/letter writing I would go for

Core2 Duo 2.0G or better
965 chipset or better
2G RAM
300G HDD or better
The X3100 built into most 965 chipsets is good enough for most non gaming apps, but ensure you have a PCIe x16 slot on the board for future upgrade.


For video editing, consider quad core, more disk space (ideally multiple disks), and more RAM. Not worth putting more than 3.5G RAM in 32bit Windows, but if you go 64bit, be aware of driver issues.

Isnt quad core a bit OTT....im sure its nice too have but is it really necessary. :-/

Thats a question as opposed a statement..... :)
I spec'd Core2 Duo for day to day. Core2 Quad is OTT for day to day work, you're right.  Hence I said go Quad for video editing (or any other CPU intensive work).

Saying that, retail prices between, for example 2.4G Coer2 Duo and 2.4G Core2 Quad is only around £40.  Downside of the Quad is uses 50% more juice than Duo when running at full chat.

Actually i was referring too the quad for video editing...however i was thinking thinking more of ripping dvd"s ect so i no doubt was thinking along different lines too what you meant.... :-[

Amazed theres not that much difference price  on dual and quad.
Creating/editing/encoding home vids.  Surely, unless you are in to pirating DVDs, you won't be doing much ripping anyway, not that that is particularly cpu demanding anyway, and hasn't been since the transcoders came along 5 or 6 years ago.
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: stuart30 on 27 August 2008, 20:16:03
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Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
H21 - for general purpose email/web/letter writing I would go for

Core2 Duo 2.0G or better
965 chipset or better
2G RAM
300G HDD or better
The X3100 built into most 965 chipsets is good enough for most non gaming apps, but ensure you have a PCIe x16 slot on the board for future upgrade.


For video editing, consider quad core, more disk space (ideally multiple disks), and more RAM. Not worth putting more than 3.5G RAM in 32bit Windows, but if you go 64bit, be aware of driver issues.

Isnt quad core a bit OTT....im sure its nice too have but is it really necessary. :-/

Thats a question as opposed a statement..... :)
I spec'd Core2 Duo for day to day. Core2 Quad is OTT for day to day work, you're right.  Hence I said go Quad for video editing (or any other CPU intensive work).

Saying that, retail prices between, for example 2.4G Coer2 Duo and 2.4G Core2 Quad is only around £40.  Downside of the Quad is uses 50% more juice than Duo when running at full chat.

Actually i was referring too the quad for video editing...however i was thinking thinking more of ripping dvd"s ect so i no doubt was thinking along different lines too what you meant.... :-[

Amazed theres not that much difference price  on dual and quad.
Creating/editing/encoding home vids.  Surely, unless you are in to pirating DVDs, you won't be doing much ripping anyway, not that that is particularly cpu demanding anyway, and hasn't been since the transcoders came along 5 or 6 years ago.

Thats what i meant...i assumed you was talking about something different.

Rip a lot of dvd"s....after all its legal to back up a genuine copy isnt it. :y
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: TheBoy on 27 August 2008, 20:21:41
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Rip a lot of dvd"s....after all its legal to back up a genuine copy isnt it. :y
But hardly necessary. You have to really abuse discs to ruin them, and most studios are happy to replace knackered discs.

And, no, not entirely sure it is legal to have a backup copy  :-/
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: stuart30 on 27 August 2008, 20:29:27
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Quote
Rip a lot of dvd"s....after all its legal to back up a genuine copy isnt it. :y
But hardly necessary. You have to really abuse discs to ruin them, and most studios are happy to replace knackered discs.

And, no, not entirely sure it is legal to have a backup copy  :-/

Well wont say too much here but some people sell back up"s via there own website for £3 a disk...each too there own i guess. :y
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Ken T on 27 August 2008, 20:38:56
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Quote
Rip a lot of dvd"s....after all its legal to back up a genuine copy isnt it. :y
But hardly necessary. You have to really abuse discs to ruin them, and most studios are happy to replace knackered discs.

And, no, not entirely sure it is legal to have a backup copy  :-/


Hmm, I've got a copy of Triangle that is starting to jump and misbehave, bought from new, and I am fairly careful with discs.

Re the computer, here's one that should give you good graphics and be fairly quick, even if you are running Vista  :-X :-X :-X

http://gizmodo.com/394128/fastra-desktop-supercomputer-built-with-4-nvidia-9800-gx2-graphics-cards

Need a fair bit of power tho,  :y

Ken
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Martin_1962 on 27 August 2008, 20:59:00
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Quote
Rip a lot of dvd"s....after all its legal to back up a genuine copy isnt it. :y
But hardly necessary. You have to really abuse discs to ruin them, and most studios are happy to replace knackered discs.

And, no, not entirely sure it is legal to have a backup copy  :-/

Or to get past all the locked crap!
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Martin_1962 on 27 August 2008, 21:00:32
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Quote
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H21 - for general purpose email/web/letter writing I would go for

Core2 Duo 2.0G or better
965 chipset or better
2G RAM
300G HDD or better
The X3100 built into most 965 chipsets is good enough for most non gaming apps, but ensure you have a PCIe x16 slot on the board for future upgrade.


For video editing, consider quad core, more disk space (ideally multiple disks), and more RAM. Not worth putting more than 3.5G RAM in 32bit Windows, but if you go 64bit, be aware of driver issues.

Isnt quad core a bit OTT....im sure its nice too have but is it really necessary. :-/

Thats a question as opposed a statement..... :)
I spec'd Core2 Duo for day to day. Core2 Quad is OTT for day to day work, you're right.  Hence I said go Quad for video editing (or any other CPU intensive work).

Saying that, retail prices between, for example 2.4G Coer2 Duo and 2.4G Core2 Quad is only around £40.  Downside of the Quad is uses 50% more juice than Duo when running at full chat.

Actually i was referring too the quad for video editing...however i was thinking thinking more of ripping dvd"s ect so i no doubt was thinking along different lines too what you meant.... :-[

Amazed theres not that much difference price  on dual and quad.
Creating/editing/encoding home vids.  Surely, unless you are in to pirating DVDs, you won't be doing much ripping anyway, not that that is particularly cpu demanding anyway, and hasn't been since the transcoders came along 5 or 6 years ago.


When a large project has a two at the front in time remaining - you want more power. 2 pass VBR at highest quality TMPGENCXP can take over a day :( on my P4 2.4
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Ken T on 27 August 2008, 21:18:59
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Quote
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H21 - for general purpose email/web/letter writing I would go for

Core2 Duo 2.0G or better
965 chipset or better
2G RAM
300G HDD or better
The X3100 built into most 965 chipsets is good enough for most non gaming apps, but ensure you have a PCIe x16 slot on the board for future upgrade.


For video editing, consider quad core, more disk space (ideally multiple disks), and more RAM. Not worth putting more than 3.5G RAM in 32bit Windows, but if you go 64bit, be aware of driver issues.

Isnt quad core a bit OTT....im sure its nice too have but is it really necessary. :-/

Thats a question as opposed a statement..... :)
I spec'd Core2 Duo for day to day. Core2 Quad is OTT for day to day work, you're right.  Hence I said go Quad for video editing (or any other CPU intensive work).

Saying that, retail prices between, for example 2.4G Coer2 Duo and 2.4G Core2 Quad is only around £40.  Downside of the Quad is uses 50% more juice than Duo when running at full chat.

Actually i was referring too the quad for video editing...however i was thinking thinking more of ripping dvd"s ect so i no doubt was thinking along different lines too what you meant.... :-[

Amazed theres not that much difference price  on dual and quad.
Creating/editing/encoding home vids.  Surely, unless you are in to pirating DVDs, you won't be doing much ripping anyway, not that that is particularly cpu demanding anyway, and hasn't been since the transcoders came along 5 or 6 years ago.


When a large project has a two at the front in time remaining - you want more power. 2 pass VBR at highest quality TMPGENCXP can take over a day :( on my P4 2.4


Perhaps using some of the new multi processor GPU's might help,
http://www.dvhardware.net/article27553.html  

unfortunately probably costly just now, but in the january sales......

Ken
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: Omegatoy on 27 August 2008, 21:53:44
Umm wish i understood some of this thread :o
Title: Re: New computer Q
Post by: smoothomega on 27 August 2008, 22:30:23
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Umm wish i understood some of this thread :o

Right with you on that one Omegatoy  :-/