OT: computers

Hunkpapa · #1 April 1st, 2003, 09:27 PM

I am looking to upgrade and purchase a new coputer and am wondering what computers you prefer…price vs realiablity

I currently have a Compaq and it freezes up every so often ans changes my desktop setting which is a real pain in the ***.

What brands do you think are good and what processors do you think are good? Any that you wopuld never buy again?

Thank you.

Ruatha · #2 April 1st, 2003, 09:55 PM

If I had a choice I'd never go for a brand computer, pick the components yourself and slot them in.
If I had to choose a brand I'd propably go with Dell that usually has good prestanda for the bucks, altough they are a bit noisy.
Stay clear of Compaq (If you can find any) and HP who usually have their own solutions to things, solutions that aren't always so good. Also they sometimes tend to be sparse with upgrade space, few free slots and custom crammed cabinets.

IBM used to make good PC's, but I don't know if they still do though.

As to processors you can't really go wrong. Choose anyone that is reasonably fast, it doesn't matter if it's AMD or Intel. Both are good. (Oh, don't let this become a Intel/AMD war, I'm so boooored with them).

Can't say much about Apples computers as I rarely use them.

Or why not buy a Sprint Plus?
Where to buy a Sprint Plus

[ April 01, 2003, 20:17: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

Iron Giant · #3 April 1st, 2003, 10:13 PM

my .02

Best solution (if you can handle it) =
Build it yourself

Second best solution =
I prefer to find a local "whitebox" company that builds PC's and gives a decent warranty. That way you have a local place to go if something goes wrong, they will customize it for you for gaming and most "whitebox" computers can easily be upgraded. In the Boston, MA USA area, I like www.pcsforeveryone.com. This is probably the best solution IF you have a decent idea of what you want and why, OR if you trust them (find out how long they have been in business. A legitimate business will have references available on request, but might not have a list of "gamer" references)

Third best solution =
See if someone here bought a Dell, Compaq, etc for gaming and is happy with it. Buy that one.

Fourth best solution (first best solution if you have wads of cash) =
www.alienware.com

HercMighty · #4 April 1st, 2003, 10:21 PM

I bought a Inspiron 8200 from Dell. That is there desktop replacement for gaming. I will not buy anything other than a notebook designed for this purpose. I have been happy with Dell and they offered the best price for this type of unit. I had a wireless network card put in it and signed up for DSL and I love it. I can be anywhere in the house, be hooked up to the internet and it performs like a desktop.

My 2 cents.

Fyron · #5 April 1st, 2003, 10:23 PM

Quote:

As to processors you can't really go wrong. Choose anyone that is reasonably fast, it doesn't matter if it's AMD or Intel. Both are good. (Oh, don't let this become a Intel/AMD war, I'm so boooored with them).

You most certainly can go wrong with processors. If you custom-build a PC, you need to make sure to get enough airflow from fans to cool off the CPU you get. AMDs need a lot more, as they tend to have overheating problems.

Quote:

and it performs like a desktop.

A low-end desktop, sure.

[ April 01, 2003, 20:24: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

Ruatha · #6 April 1st, 2003, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:

quote:
As to processors you can't really go wrong. Choose anyone that is reasonably fast, it doesn't matter if it's AMD or Intel. Both are good. (Oh, don't let this become a Intel/AMD war, I'm so boooored with them).

You most certainly can go wrong with processors. If you custom-build a PC, you need to make sure to get enough airflow from fans to cool off the CPU you get. AMDs need a lot more, as they tend to have overheating problems.

That is not the issue we are talking about, that is a cooling issue that you need to adapt to the individual processor.
An intel processor has different fan mounts than an AMD.
What we are talking about is prestanda. Ofcourse you have to adapt the cooling to the heat, that is obvious. There are millions of AMD processors running perfectly!

Fyron, I really think that sometimes.. (Won't start that thread again...)

[ April 01, 2003, 20:36: Message edited by: Ruatha ]