I want/need a new PC

[Trainfish]

Mine is around 10 years old now and slowing down. In my experience once they start slowing down it means that programs have advanced a bit too much for the PC. It has the max amount of RAM and a decent sized HDD but it's definitely getting tired.

I've had a quick look on the PC World website, don't worry I won't buy from there, and they seem a decent price these days. I don't need a monitor, keyboard, printer or mouse etc, just the box with the gubbins in it. However, my knowledge of what happens inside them only goes back around 10 years now and I haven't a clue about processors and motherboards. A lot can probably be worked out by the price, ie you get what you pay for but if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

All I need is a PC with a decent bit of RAM, 4gb minimum I reckon, a decent HDD of 1tb I guess and a good processor. I'm not a gamer so I don't need the latest graphics card either. THIS ONE looks like it will do what I want it to do but I'm sure someone on here knows a lot more than I do about them. Is the processor any good? Can I get similar elsewhere for better money etc etc?

[Bikeracer]

The last time I bought a computer before the Mac that I use now I went to my local computer shop in town and got one that he builds. It also meant I supported a local business and there was someone on hand if I had a problem.

At the time it was still possible to install XP but with the latest hardware nowadays I think you might be forced to install Windows 7 or 8 which is probably an additional purchase.
On the other hand you wouldn't have all the additional bloatware that is installed and very often hard to get rid of on most ready to buy PCs.

Or you could buy a Mac for a more pleasant computing experience.

Allan

[MikeDunn]

I've had a quick look on the PC World website, don't worry I won't buy from there, and they seem a decent price these days.

And GF is gonna release 50+ steam locos that have never been done in any scale too 

All I need is a PC with a decent bit of RAM, 4gb minimum I reckon, a decent HDD of 1tb I guess and a good processor.

Check out the mobo bundle deals from Novatech www.novatech.com - I got my current one from them.  They range from £94 through to £480 for Intel (I never use AMD, Intel have always had a better CPU out when I've upgraded).  Pick up an SSD (64GB or 128GB, depending on budget) for your C: drive, and a good SATA for your apps & data (I split these, so I have 3 drives - OS, apps and data).  You should be able to hook up any existing disk (even just temporarily) to get your data across, but you may need an adapter.

The more cores, the better; ditto hyperthreading (NEVER touch Celeron !!!  They're lobotomised  ).  At least 4GB RAM (if you can, get it upgraded to 2x4GB - don't use 2GB chips), and use a 64-bit OS.  If the next system up from what you like is not much more - make sure you are getting a benefit & stretch for it.  I'd avoid Win8 unless you've tried it & like it 

The one you showed - just remember, it's almost a full system so at that price many compromises have been made to let PC World make a big profit ...  You seem happy building your own, so pick up a fitted mobo bundle (that way, you don't have to mess around with thermal paste etc for the CPU, and it's been stress-tested by the seller) and all you need do is pop it into your case & connect the cables.

Mike

[Malc]

Hi John, just echoing Mike's comments. I buy the bits from either Dabs http://www.dabs.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_content=ZB00&utm_campaign=brand%20bidding. Or my local computer fairs. Just remember that 10 years agp PCs used mini din plugs for keyboards and mouse. Nowadays they use USB connections, so you may need new ones. Also monitors have improved over the years and DVI is about now and gives good results.

Malc

[Fratton]

I have to second the novatech route, they manufacture alot of their stock from their shop/factory in portsmouth despite having two more branches they are still to me just my local computer supplier, they have great customer support and their prices are pretty smart too,

I've built my last 3 pc's from their components, 2 of which are still running i only buy to upgrade, one of the options i use is to buy a bare bones bundle (Motherboard, processor, Ram, Case, PSU) all assembled then you add your old hard drives CD drives and memory card reader if you have one, then add which ever operating system you wish,

[Chinahand]

The problem I have found with off-the-shelf machines is that they have built-in obsolescence as they tend to have non-standard components which can't be upgraded. This applies particularly to HP, Compaq and Dell machines.

In my opinion the best and most economical way of buying a new machine is to build it yourself or, if you can't build it yourself, get a PC techy to build it for you to your specification.

The PC I have is made up from various component parts that I specified and put together myself. It's not that difficult. It is all installed in a Gigabyte case and has a Gigabyte motherboard, an Intel Quad Core processer, an Nvidea G force video card, 4 No. Samsung Internal hard discs ( 3 x 298 Gb + 1 No. 1 Tb) 2 No. LG DVD read/write disc players and 4 Gb of memory. Total cost was less than £400. The same spec'd off-the-shelf machine would have cost twice that amount.

[justintime]

I've had a quick look on the PC World website, don't worry I won't buy from there, and they seem a decent price these days.

And GF is gonna release 50+ steam locos that have never been done in any scale too 

All I need is a PC with a decent bit of RAM, 4gb minimum I reckon, a decent HDD of 1tb I guess and a good processor.

Check out the mobo bundle deals from Novatech www.novatech.com - I got my current one from them.  They range from £94 through to £480 for Intel (I never use AMD, Intel have always had a better CPU out when I've upgraded).  Pick up an SSD (64GB or 128GB, depending on budget) for your C: drive, and a good SATA for your apps & data (I split these, so I have 3 drives - OS, apps and data).  You should be able to hook up any existing disk (even just temporarily) to get your data across, but you may need an adapter.

The more cores, the better; ditto hyperthreading (NEVER touch Celeron !!!  They're lobotomised  ).  At least 4GB RAM (if you can, get it upgraded to 2x4GB - don't use 2GB chips), and use a 64-bit OS.  If the next system up from what you like is not much more - make sure you are getting a benefit & stretch for it.  I'd avoid Win8 unless you've tried it & like it 

The one you showed - just remember, it's almost a full system so at that price many compromises have been made to let PC World make a big profit ...  You seem happy building your own, so pick up a fitted mobo bundle (that way, you don't have to mess around with thermal paste etc for the CPU, and it's been stress-tested by the seller) and all you need do is pop it into your case & connect the cables.

Mike

These folks are good too: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/  I get all my bits from them.

[EtchedPixels]

I would move now if you plan to. That way you can avoid Windows 8. Its also going to be increasingly hard to get old OS drivers for the newest home oriented devices.

[tim-pelican]

Or you could buy a Mac for a more pleasant computing experience.

This.  If you're not a gamer, there should be nothing stopping you joining us on the Light Side 

[MJKERR]

Mine is around 10 years old now and slowing down. In my experience once they start slowing down it means that programs have advanced a bit too much for the PC

The usual cause is the continual updates applies to the OS and running programs
You can prove this by reformatting the original computer

However, newer programs typically demand more RAM
If your current PC can be expanded with more RAM, then do so
As an older PC this should become cheaper
I have taken my 8 year old PC from the 2GB RAM it was supplied with to 16GB RAM

The next upgrade can be the processor, again check what the motherboard will support
Sadly I bought mine with the highest specification processor it will support

The final upgrade is the graphics card
Many cheaper motherboards use integrated graphics cards and so share the memory
Personally, I would never purchase such a PC
Therefore installing a separate high specification graphics card may also resolve this issue

[westie7]

I had one built for me years ago by a local guy who had a small shop, As has been said supporting these guys is a good idea to make sure they are still there when you need support. I used to think I was clever enough and knew how to fix anything, but there is always that bit of specialised knowledge that these small business guys have.

It was upgraded many time before the guy went bust then I built my next two from parts from DABS. Computer Shopper I think has the necessary reviews of component parts, e.g. mainboard, processor, graphics card etc.

Now that I have my own business Im using a Mac desktop, expensive initial outlay but it hasnt needed to be upgraded for 3 years, theres no antivirus slowing it down and it doesnt take that long to figure out the change from Windows

Rgds

[MikeDunn]

Or you could buy a Mac for a more pleasant computing experience.

This.  If you're not a gamer, there should be nothing stopping you joining us on the Light Side 

Ah - so he can replace all his software for free, yes ?

[westie7]

[/quote]
Ah - so he can replace all his software for free, yes ?
[/quote]

Depending on the age of the software, might have to replace some anyway, Wife has a Lenovo netbook with Win7 and backward compatibility is a headache, lots of non mainstream XP software which should work just doesn't

Digital Signing = MS Money grabbing

[Rabs]

If you don't fancy building your own I had very good service from these guys before:

http://www.cougar-extreme.co.uk/

Although that was 6 years ago, so no idea if their customer service is still up to scratch.  At the time they were very helpful and helped me to select appropriate (read: not just the most expensive) components for my needs.  It worked out very competitively priced, even compared to a DIY build of the same parts bought elsewhere.

[Joe 90]

If you are in to building your own PCs the ebuyer.com is a good site with competitive prices for components. Have had lots of bits from them. Good service.
http://www.ebuyer.com/

Also Amazon have components too at reasonable prices.

Regards