desktop, or laptop? (need help)

[m0de]

My desktop took a poop like a while ago. Im looking to either build a new desktop, or buy a laptop that is decent for around 400-500$ suggestions?

also i have not been up to date with the current hardware in a looooong time. i am able to build the desktop myself if thats what i end up buying. would anyone mind posting a build that could be ordered from newegg along with prices? i would greatly appreciate it!

edit: heres a list of parts i have laying around that work if i could use them to save money on the build..

-geforce 8800 GTS
-500g gig HD
-160 gig sata HD
-2gb corsiar ram
-420w thermaltake power supply
-liteon dvdrw
-mouse, keyboard and all the acc.
-22" acer lcd monitor

[Crashfan3]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

Define "decent" ...

By my definition, keep the 500gb hard drive, the ram, the dvd drive, mouse, keyboard, and monitor. That graphics card isn't totally obsolete yet and that PSU and 160gb HDD wouldn't be so bad for a low-end system, maybe give them to a younger sibling?

Let's start with your processor and motherboard. Quad-core is the way to go, and AMD is usually cheaper. Personally, I prefer Intel processors, but a lot of their prices are 50% higher or more for the same processing power. You're operating on a budget, so I don't see the point in spending that much cash on one part. Here's a 3.2Ghz Phenom X4 for $105. And here's a good deal on a motherboard to put it on.

The new graphics card you get depends on how much gaming you do. For the typical mid-range user, I recommend a GeForce 450/550 or a Radeon HD6770. Typically these cards cost just over $100, here's a couple I picked out for you: ASUS GeForce GTS450 PowerColor Radeon HD6770

The 500GB hard drive would make a nice data drive, but I recommend a small solid state drive for your programs. This 96GB Kingston is a good choice.

Throw in at least 2 more gigabytes of RAM, or 4 gigabytes if you can afford it. Make sure the new RAM matches the speed of the one you already have. I'm going to assume what you have is 800mhz. Pick your flavor: One 2GB stick Two 1GB sticks

To match your new graphics card, I recommend a power supply no smaller than 550w. You can get this one for $50.

Finally, you're going to need a case to put it all in. You can literally blow $250+ on a case with flashy LEDs and all kinds of crazy features. Again, I'm keeping it cheap but functional because of your budget. This case is $30 and should be all that you need.

Assuming you pick the cheaper parts where I listed more than one item, your total for this build comes to $524.90 (including shipping). I'm pretty sure I didn't leave anything out, but let me know if I did, and let me know if you have any questions.

[phe0nixblade]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

the hard drives/monitor and accessories of course would save you money lol

[Winrar]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

Are you looking for a gaming computer or just one to play ffr and other flash games plus surfing the web? Laptops make terrible gaming computers whereas desktops are much better. I'm sure if you look at tiger direct they have really good refurbished desktops/laptops for cheap. You can also go the extra mile and spend a bit more and just build a custom computer.

[m0de]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

-insert long post from above here-

thank you very much for taking the time to respond and provide links.

as for decent: i dont really play any games besides low end games such as FFR, counterstrike 1.6, and maybe WoW on low settings is fine. (although i dont play often). i dont need to run games at max quality nor do i plan on playing the newer high end graphic games.

i think im going to go with what you recommended as far as the processor, motherboard, and psu goes. i think its best if i just get those for now and see how it runs for me. i can always buy more ram, vid card and what not if im not happy with the build. i also have a case so no need for a new one.

once again thank you very much for your reply.

[Reincarnate]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

If you're not going to be gaming much and you like having portability, laptop

If you want to beast out, desktop

[m0de]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

i thought about that marcus.. but i have a derpy laptop im using now if i really need to take it anywhere. im leaning towards a desktop mainly because i can upgrade it if needed.

[fido123]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

Crashfan's build is pretty good. You could even cheap out on the CPU a little more but that's a pretty good price and if you want things to be snappy, I'd get it. Also make sure the RAM you currently have will work with the RAM you're buying. Not only do they have to be the same clock speeds, but they have to be the same type (DDR, DDR2, DDR3), and I think they also think you can't mix 1GB sticks and 2GB sticks or sticks with duel channel with tri-channel/no channel etc. Also if you want more than 4GB of RAM you need a 64-bit OS but honestly I'm running 2GB of RAM right now with a 1GB video card and I play games like MW2 and WoW at full settings and I ALMOST max out my RAM. RAM not being used doesn't make your computer go faster in any way shape or form. I suggest you upgrade your RAM another day cause 2GB will do you fine.

EDIT: http://lifehacker.com/5598716/what-a...t-types-of-ram
Yeah...I think it would be worth it just to buy the same modules.

[m0de]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

thanks fido! yeah im just going to use the RAM that i have sitting here. 2gb of corsair xms2 ddr2.

4-4-4-12 timing
800mhz

i have no clue how timing works.. is this ram decent? i mean the setup i had before this worked really really good. i had overclocked my c2d from 2.6 to 3.8ghz on stock cooling without upping my voltage any. the temps were super low too.

[fido123]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

That RAM's good and will suit your needs.

[Calcium Deposit]

Re: desktop, or laptop? (need help)

Looks like he already nearly has a computer with the parts he listed.

But here's a super-cheap build:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103903 $60 Dual core Athlon II CPU (Fan/heat sync included)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157202 $40 AMD compatible motherboard.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811233061 $22 Cheap-ass case

Grand total: $122 USD.

I think that's all you'll need.

If you're looking for a cheap laptop:
http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/LX.RJY02.004 $330

Not the most impressive model, but it's cheap and has decent battery life.