Stuart Posted July 10, 2004 Posted July 10, 2004 Think I've kept the old 200Mhz machine going for as long as I can. Any hints on best place to buy a new tower from? Don't need monitor/keyboard etc., just the tower. Thinking a 2400 with 256 RAM and 80Gb - is this spec gonna have longevity for home use? (not a gamer). The PC Man has this spec for £230 + delivery, which seems a very good deal to me. Hints/tips from you techie whizz-kids out there much appreciated. TIA. Quote
adhawkins Posted July 10, 2004 Posted July 10, 2004 lol...you're having a larf aren't you? How computery are you? It's far cheaper to buy the components and build them yourself. The only 'tricky' bit is choosing components that are compatible. Andy Quote
Persil Posted July 10, 2004 Posted July 10, 2004 Try and get 512mb (or more) You dont mention what 2400 so i will assume its the AMD xp2400. If its the AMD the 2400 is the older style chip .. Better to get the XP2500 Barton . If you feel confident in building yer own then by all means build yer own . These cheaper low spec systems tend to have onboard everything and little room for upgrading . If you need any firther advice feel free to ask Regards Persil Quote
Major Stare Posted July 11, 2004 Posted July 11, 2004 I have just recently re-built my 6 year old system. Never done it before, just had a "play". I now have:- Saphire Radeon 9800Pro Graphics 80GB Hard Drive AMD Athlon XP 2600+ 512 DDR RAM 400W Power Pack Plus the ususal TFT monitor, speakers, DVD etc etc. Im currently trying to set the BIOS up....clocking speed or something Bought some of the equipment from a LOCAL SHOP and also HERE Quote
Blacknblue Posted July 11, 2004 Posted July 11, 2004 Try here for bits. I use them quite a bit and the prices are usually quite good. Quote
Stuart Posted July 11, 2004 Author Posted July 11, 2004 How computery are you? It's far cheaper to buy the components and build them yourself. The only 'tricky' bit is choosing components that are compatible. I did install a second hard drive in mine last year, and I rebuilt the pump on the washing machine from two old but slightly incompatible ones yesterday. Oh, and I built a Westfield Entirely happy to build it myself but I don't know exactly what I have to buy and best place to get it from. Is the list in the Major's post all I need? Is it all compatible? Does it all just fit straight in and how do I know what connects to where? Will it fit in my existing tower or do I need a new one? etc. etc. Give me something to do whilst I am waiting for the Westy repair to be finished. Further help much appreciated. Edited to ask what spec. I need for a home machine that won't be used for games? Quote
Tjay88 Posted July 11, 2004 Posted July 11, 2004 Take a look at Ebuyer. Usually take some beating on price. They have either the components you need or complete towers ready to go. Regards, Tony Quote
Mitchamidilly Posted July 11, 2004 Posted July 11, 2004 I agree with Tony. Also best go for good branded memory such as Crucial as the difference in price is marginal. Let me know what you want to use it for and I will help you put a spec together. For example I use mine for Mini DV capture and it is very hungry for hard disk space. I have 160gig (7,200 with 8mb cache) and again went for a good make (Seagate). Depending on what you already have I rekon you can upgrade to a good basic system for less than £300 assuming you use your old monitor. If not add a £100 for a good 19" monitor. I am staring at my old 15" and use 19" at work. I'm too tight to shell out the £100 as I do not use this for graphical work so it suffices. PM me if you want more info. Mitch Quote
timd Posted July 11, 2004 Posted July 11, 2004 Seconded (thirded?) the vote for ebuyer, although watch out cos they use Citylink to deliver who, IMO, are the worst carriers on the face of the earth. Ok if you're in when they deliver though! Quote
adhawkins Posted July 11, 2004 Posted July 11, 2004 Try here for bits. I use them quite a bit and the prices are usually quite good. Just a warning, while I personally have had no problems with Scan (not bought much if anything from them though), I have heard of numerous people have problems with after-sales service from them. Andy Quote
Stuart Posted July 11, 2004 Author Posted July 11, 2004 Let me know what you want to use it for All it's gonna be used for is broadband surfing, digital photo editing and storage, word processing/spreadheets, a simple low-powered graphics application for the boy's homework, some music downloading and storage. Want a CDRW but don't need DVD. So, no games, no graphics and no DVD - that's why I didn't think I needed a particularly high-spec machine. I understand the upgradeability issues, but all I have needed to do to this one in 7 years is install more storage space. So why do I pay £300 for higher spec to build myself when I can buy something ready built for £230 from a reputable outfit? Apologies if I sound like a complete numptie. Mitch - thanks for offer of PM help. Once I figure out which way I'm going may take you up on it. Quote
Blacknblue Posted July 11, 2004 Posted July 11, 2004 I have heard of numerous people have problems with after-sales service from them. I must admit somebody else told me that, I've only ever had to return one thing and they swapped it by return, so I can't comment any further on that. If it's true as an alternative I would also suggest Ebuyer as I've used them a lot too. Although I too have had delivery problems with them. Quote
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