best computer to look into?

[NPavao1991]

Hey, I'm just getting into computers and I'm looking to replace my current computer. I just need a tower and I'm looking to spend between $500-$700. Any suggestions for best performance at that cost? My current computer is a HP notebook, and it's out of date with a cracked screen, so really anything would be an upgrade.

 

[drescherjm]

Here on these forums we generally build desktop machines for ourselves. Although you mention laptop which I wouldn't recommend building in that case. What exactly are you looking for?

 

[drescherjm]

Also if you are looking for build advice answer the questions in the sticky on the top of this sub forum. Please put the answers in this thread.

 

[PTNL]

Hey, I'm just getting into computers and I'm looking to replace my current computer.

In addition to drescherjm's post, please clarify whether you want to assemble/build it yourself or just want assistance in selecting a pre-assembled product (ie: Dell).

 

[NPavao1991]

I saw something on one of the threads that suggested looking at a pre-built computer if your budget is under $1000, so I was leaning towards pre-built. Can I realistically build a good computer for $700?

 

[NPavao1991]

I want a desk top since that seems to be the better option for performance. I have never actually built a computer from scratch but would love to try. I've taken quite a few apart and put them back together, so if I can build one I'd love to.

 

[PTNL]

I've taken quite a few apart and put them back together, so if I can build one I'd love to.

Can I realistically build a good computer for $700?

Yes, but it's unknown whether such as computer is adequate for your needs. Please follow drescherjm's instructions:

Also if you are looking for build advice answer the questions in the sticky on the top of this sub forum. Please put the answers in this thread.

 

[NPavao1991]

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Mainly web browsing. Mild gaming. Streaming Movies.

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
$700 After tax and shipping

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
I live in the US, Selmer TN

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
I need Motherboard, CPU, RAM, Case, CD/DVD drive, HDD, PSU, CPU fan (does this come with the CPU?), cooling system.

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Not re-using anything.

6) Will you be overclocking?
no

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
My monitor will be 32". I'll be using a TV screen, not totally sure of the resolution.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
6 mo. to a year

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
Firewire, USB 2.0, onboard video as main GPU, onboard sound card. I think that's all I really need.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
I don't. I want to purchase either 7 home premium x64 or 8. I don't know anything about 8 though.

 

[PTNL]

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
6 mo. to a year

Things change within such a large timeframe; come back when you're 2 weeks away from wanting to buy.

 

[Dangman]

As PTNL said, you're planning the build too early. Our parts recommendations can change in as little as a week let alone six to a year from a now. If you want to build an up-to-date PC, I'd start planning no earlier than a month (preferable 1-3 weeks) in advance of you actually buying the parts for the PC.

With that said, what exactly do you mean by "mild gaming"?

 

[J Macker]

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
My monitor will be 32". I'll be using a TV screen, not totally sure of the resolution.

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a 32" LCD with a 1080p resolution, so I'd bet that 720p would be typical.

Coupled with your "mild gaming", then you might just be perfectly happy with an integrated GPU, though I still cry a little inside when I think of such things...

Maybe I just haven't given the integrated GPU's a fair chance at a low resolution. They probably work fine at 720p.

 

[Dan_D]

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a 32" LCD with a 1080p resolution, so I'd bet that 720p would be typical.

Coupled with your "mild gaming", then you might just be perfectly happy with an integrated GPU, though I still cry a little inside when I think of such things...

Maybe I just haven't given the integrated GPU's a fair chance at a low resolution. They probably work fine at 720p.

The Trinity APU's are pretty decent at that resolution.