Confused lady needs help with choosing components for new PC :-)

[ally5172]

Screen or case ?

I was actually referring to the case, as Cat had listed some smaller cases also a different motherboard.

CAT's post was refering to Screens, so from that I can infeer that it's Screens.

Ally, no, size is not important, but rather pixels per inch, or DPI. You want a screen with comfortable DPI that also has enough pixels to handle your day to day tasks. If you're finding than your current screen is to small for some things, you may need more screen area, but don't make the mistake of buying a similar sized moniter with the more pixels if you're already straining your eyes to read the smaller fonts on your current panel.

A really good panel can cost around £440 for 24", or £230 for 22", a half decent panel that you will be happy with most of the time is usually around half that. It depends on frequency of usage, and application to decide what moniter you want.

So to help with that, apart from office work, the occasion games, etc, do you do anything else on your computer, i.e. Photoshop, watching DVDs, etc? This will help us decide on a suitable moniter, which will hopefully be a reasonable price.

I don't really watch DVDs on it at present and neither does anyone else (don't think the current computer would be able to ) I can see everything on my screen quite well already, despite the fact it's small - I actually kind of prefer the size to the bigger ones.

[0iD]

The Neovo HW-22 22" panel from Scan is a good serviceable screen for not a lot of money & will suit your needs more than adequately. Failing all that, have you considered an HP/Compaq/Dell machine, & get everything all at once? The big builders can put together a good PC for a fair price these days.

[Phage]

This is why I posted the T220. a 22" monitor would a good step up, without being scary, and it's not outrageously expensive. Then my LG is good too, and they're cheaper again.

[nightkhaos]

I was actually referring to the case, as Cat had listed some smaller cases also a different motherboard.

So he had. Size is only important in that "can it fit everything in it?" kind of way. I have a full tower, but most people can get away with a Midi (medium sized) case. Some people perfer an ITX (MacMini style) case, others want HTPC cases (which lie flat, instead of stand upright)... a case is a personal thing... good for something that looks good, and we'll suggest components around the case. Generally, a bigger case means we can supply better components, but that is only a very rough rule of thumb.

I don't really watch DVDs on it at present and neither does anyone else (don't think the current computer would be able to ) I can see everything on my screen quite well already, despite the fact it's small - I actually kind of prefer the size to the bigger ones.

Then there is no real point upgrading your moniter, but do give it some consideration. Remember, the rest of your family will be using the computer, are they comfortable with the screenspace?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I was referring to the size of the case. The TJ08 is also made of aluminium so it will be easier to move around. The mini-P180 is heavier but since it is made of steel it should be better at deadening noise. The SG02 is small enough to put on a desk next to the monitor.

[Zak33]

you see.... it's started

When did I mention Maxtor?

[nightkhaos]

you see.... it's started

When did I mention Maxtor?

You didn't. Hence why I picked it, I thought it would add to to effectiveness of the joke, as proved by Phage snorting his coffee.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

you see.... it's started

When did I mention Maxtor?

Its what you didn't say!!

[ally5172]

So he had. Size is only important in that "can it fit everything in it?" kind of way. I have a full tower, but most people can get away with a Midi (medium sized) case. Some people perfer an ITX (MacMini style) case, others want HTPC cases (which lie flat, instead of stand upright)... a case is a personal thing... good for something that looks good, and we'll suggest components around the case. Generally, a bigger case means we can supply better components, but that is only a very rough rule of thumb.



Then there is no real point upgrading your moniter, but do give it some consideration. Remember, the rest of your family will be using the computer, are they comfortable with the screenspace?

Ah, I see. Well, I'm not too fussed about the case size Full or midi would probably be fine.

Only siblings & the boyfriend will be using it, mainly. They think the current screenspace is ok.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

You didn't. Hence why I picked it, I thought it would add to to effectiveness of the joke, as proved by Phage snorting his coffee.

[Pob255]

So what you're saying is... buy from Maxtor?

Khaos have you been talking to Blitzen? or are you just takeing over his role as Hexus cynic?


Back on topic,
ally5172, if that monitor is a wide screen then it will be 1440x900 resolution.
If it's 1280x1024 then it's non-wide screen
The Hanns-G HI221DP 22" that Cat linked in his post is a 22" wide screen 16:10 ratio
What means is that it's roughtly as tall as your current monitor (if your monitor is non-wide screen 17") but wider.

The new ati hd5770 would be very nice for a 22" monitor but may be a little overkill
Graphics is a very subjective thing, some people are happy to run a game reguardless of weather or not it's set on maximum settings and running faster than 60fps.
Some people cannot stand to play a game unless everthing is maxed out.

For your current monitor an Ati HD4850 would be more than enough, will still cope very nicely on a 22" screen and only cost around £80.
I mention it as an alternative, if you decide you don't want a new screen or even if you do but need to reduce the total.

[nightkhaos]

Khaos have you been talking to Blitzen? or are you just takeing over his role as Hexus cynic?

Call it personality emergance.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The HD4850 is a good alternative to an HD5770 if money is tight. However I could see an HD5770 lasting for a while at 1440x900 and is has the added advantage of having DX11 abilities too.

I was just suggesting something which IMHO would not need upgrading for while especially if you are not used to mucking around with you hardware!

[Phage]

Hi Ally,

I like my Antec 300 because it's plain black, has good ventilation and has the USB ports at the top. (and it's cheap !) Picture, with a 23" inch screen for reference.
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7498/dsc00269req.jpg

[Phage]

Oh, how I wish I still had my hair....
You must admit it's less complex than trying to smoke it.

[Pob255]

Maybe that was how you lost your hair