Really need help choosing PC, please please!

[n00dles]

I'm hoping the pc will last 3ish yrs, will those specs hopefully see me through to then?

[staffsMike]

I suppose it depends on how demanding your graphical needs will become. Obviously the 9600GT would be better for the future.

[Cistron]

If you ask me, the quad-core is like shooting pidgeons with cannons for an office-PC with occasional gaming sessions. Why not go with an AMD X2 4850e and 780G chipset mainboard? The onboard-graphics should be enough for second life.

[Eddd]

If you ask me, the quad-core is like shooting pidgeons with cannons for an office-PC with occasional gaming sessions. Why not go with an AMD X2 4850e and 780G chipset mainboard? The onboard-graphics should be enough for second life.

because he said "I'm looking for a home office pc thats more than capable of playing a game, music, surfing etc at the same time as working." and he wants it to last 3+ years. The Q6600 is definitely the right choice.

[n00dles]

she

I'd rather it was definately capable rather than 'should be enough'

Its just a case of agreeing on the graphics card now you lovely people!

[n00dles]

oh gawd i have another question looming..... i notice its OEM edition of Vista...whats OEM???

[staffsMike]

Just means you can only install it on that computer.. ever (legally).

You can't upgrade parts like the motherboard, you can only replace in case of faliure.

[WoLFe]

I'm hoping the pc will last 3ish yrs, will those specs hopefully see me through to then?

Do you mean 3 years with no internal upgrading? If so, get that 9600GT. Easily one of the best power to value cards around, and it will be well supported for years to come.

OEM refers to this..

You will also find that OEM software usually doesn't come with a manual (or a box), if it's software you are experienced in using then having no manual won't be a problem, although most OEM software does still come with the built-in help system.

The price difference between OEM software and full retail software can be huge, so if having no box, no manual and no technical support is not a problem then it can be a bargain.

Basically it will not matter if a professional is putting this PC together for you, but it will be cheaper is all.

[n00dles]

thanks guys...yes, I'd like to get away with no upgrading for a while, my husbands paying for the machine so i've got to get the best spec i can for the money and make it last as long as I can! Well, just until he's calmed down about it!

OEM Vista premium it is then please!

[WoLFe]

Glad to help, good luck!

[n00dles]

I'll post back with final quote tomorrow...lets hope its not back to the drawing board!

[Cistron]

We had this discussion already, but even a dual core is definitely good for several years. By the time the majority of programmes will benefit from multiprocessors, you'd want a new computer anyway.

I hope I won't forget to dig out this thread in three years or so.

[n00dles]

Well I'm still waiting for him to call me back. I haven't managed to get hold of computer chap yet....hope this is not an indication of the ease of contact if i come across any problems at a later stage!!

So....while I'm waiting... Dual or Quad core? I'm guessing there could be a nice difference in the price also...

[vmong]

i have a setup similar to the second option, although its slightly more epxensive, i would take that because it will last more and more upgradable than the first. quadcore is next gen processors

[n00dles]

Aah just found out that its got a 450W PSU, not sure of make haha

and Asus motherboard is P5K/VM Intel G33 LGA775 which comes in at just under £70

He's open to suggestions as to any other similar priced MB if anyone can recommend another

[Cistron]

If you're using a discrete graphics card, there is no reason to use a chipset with onboard graphics, such as the G33.

To make the decision between dual and quad core: Do you use any software at all that actively benefits from more than two cores? Do you anticipate that you will have to do very CPU intensive calculations in your field of work?

From what I read between the lines, it doesn't appear as if you would. Otherwise, you'd probably build your own PC, as I cannot imagine that someone working in any business that is dependend on multi-core usage (at least for reasonable calculation times) would need advice on such things.

I'm not trying to offend anyone who recommended a quad-core, but boys will always be boys and boys want gadgets to play with (including me). However, what we want and what you need might not coincide.