Looking to buy a new Deskotp PC system...

• 

  RandomNinja on 30/06/2009 - 09:27

  Check out Whirlpool to start, there can be a wealth of info there, but just bear in mind that not everyone knows what they're talking about ;)

  There's also a guide on various PC builds, you might find something that suits your needs there. Link below
  http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs

  As a guide to pricing, keep an eye out on Ozbargain for starters =) And also check out staticice.com.au. Places like MSY and Umart have very competitive prices everyday, but don't expect the service level to be great.

  Most places like MSY can also build your system and install the operating system for a fee (~$70 I think).

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  arthurbach4 on 30/06/2009 - 13:55

  Thanks for that RandomNinja (if that's your real name).

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  aldog on 30/06/2009 - 21:07

  Shop around - for example, you can currently get a 20 inch monitor for around $200 delivered from 9289.com.au with free delivery.

  Look at places also like staticice and shopbot for comparison prices on hardware. Definately keep an eye on ozbargain too, as you can really save some money here!

  Also, if you aren't in a big metropolitan place, it does pay to find sites that have free/cheap delivery, as it all adds up!

  Good luck with it :)

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  arthurbach4 on 30/06/2009 - 21:19

  Thanks guys.

  After some ferreting around I found myself in a newly opened MSY store around the corner from me and after I told the guy my budget ($850ish), he suggested the following setup:

  I would love your opinion (and any suggested swaps):

  • Intel E5200 2.5Ghz Dual Core $89
  • Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L $147
  • Super Talent (love the name) 4GB kit (2x20GB) DDR2 800 $65
  • Inno3D PCI-E 512MB 9400GT $53
  • Samsung 22" 2243BW WS $249
  • Logitech OEM 350 Internet Desktop USB K/B+Mouse $28
  • Aywun A1-977 Tower Case with PSU $39
  • Hitachi 3.5" 160GB HDD $56
  • Pioneer 217 DVD-RW $39
  • Labour $70

  Total – $835

  Some things I was thinking about:

  • I don't need a fancy, cordless keyboard OR mouse, so don't worry about that aspect (though, would the included mouse be optical?)
  • I like the look (literally) and price of the BenQ G2220HD ($204) and lack of HDMI is not an issue for me – what do you think about a swap here?
  • I was thinking about swapping the 160GB HDD ($56) for the Seagate 500GB (ST3500418 AS/7200.12) ($71) – any reason why I shouldn't/couldn't?
  • I am prepared to spend a bit more on the video card ($50ish more) and was wondering which of the MSY cards might fit the bill (in terms of gaming graphics performance, obviously). I get confused by all the different brand names and 512M vs 1GB etc.
  • Being a large noob I am going to guess that the current board will NOT accept the Team 4GB DDR3-1333 RAM ($92)?? (Be gentle).
  • I know that this is not a gaming rig (more of a word-processing, internet browsing budget rig) and I am fine with that - I would just like to give it all the graphical grunt I can within my budget – I would also like to keep the whole system black if possible:)

  Thanks heaps.

• 

  nada on 01/07/2009 - 10:12

  • I don't need a fancy, cordless keyboard OR mouse, so don't worry about that aspect (though, would the included mouse be optical?)

  Let's say all mice you could get from MSY are optical.

  • I like the look (literally) and price of the BenQ G2220HD ($204) and lack of HDMI is not an issue for me – what do you think about a swap here?

  Go with it.

  • I was thinking about swapping the 160GB HDD ($56) for the Seagate 500GB (ST3500418 AS/7200.12) ($71) – any reason why I shouldn't/couldn't?

  You SHOULD. 160G's ridiculous ATM.

  • I am prepared to spend a bit more on the video card ($50ish more) and was wondering which of the MSY cards might fit the bill (in terms of gaming graphics performance, obviously). I get confused by all the different brand names and 512M vs 1GB etc.

  Grab a 9600GT w/ 1G mem. You'll have some smooth experience w/ most games released so far w/o AA&AF.

  • Being a large noob I am going to guess that the current board will NOT accept the Team 4GB DDR3-1333 RAM ($92)?? (Be gentle).

  DDR3's for next-gen CPU/MBs (i.e. i7 Series). And 4G's a waste if you are planning to install 32bit OS i.e. WinXP (which is the best OS gaming wise) because, well, it dont support that much mem. In any case I'd say 2G's sufficient for your setup. BEWARE: MSY's known for problematic memory made in China. Buy from another vendor and BYO if you could.

  • 

    HueyData on 01/07/2009 - 22:17

    +1

    Grab a 9600GT w/ 1G mem. You’ll have some smooth experience w/ most games released so far w/o AA&AF.

    The GeForce 9600GT remains a very good choice for a value graphics card. However, I would be surprised if there is any evidence that its 256-bit interface produces any benefit when paired with 1GB of memory.

    Mid-range and low-end cards simply lack the capability to make use of large memory sizes, and what is true for the more powerful 8800GT/9800GT - "the card's default 512MB memory size is easily the best" (The Tech Report; also see [H] Enthusiast and FiringSquad for example) - is most likely even more applicable to the 9600GT.

    And 4G’s a waste if you are planning to install 32bit OS i.e. WinXP […]

    Also note that if you have 4GB of system memory in 32-bit Windows XP, the more video memory you have the less of the 4GB you will be able to use. See Ask Dan: What's with the 3Gb memory barrier?

    BEWARE: MSY’s known for problematic memory made in China. Buy from another vendor and BYO if you could.

    Are you claiming there is a problem with the brand name memory sold by MSY?

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  arthurbach4 on 01/07/2009 - 11:48

  Thanks - appreciate the feedback.

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  RandomNinja on 01/07/2009 - 16:47

  Hmmm, if your budget is flexible you could get away with a nicer build, for a tad more.

  If I was building it, this is what I would go with:

  CPU: E5200 $90
  Mobo: GA-EP45-UD3L $147
  RAM: 4GB 1066 Kingston $89 (quicker ram if you ever decide to dabble in overclocking, otherwise stick to 800Mhz RAM)
  GPU: Inno3D 512Mb 9800GT $128 (great for gaming, won't need 1Gb unless you run a 24" monitor or greater)
  Alt GPU: 1Gb 4670 Gigabyte $119 (ok for gaming, but brilliant if you ever decide to hook this up to a big ol LCD TV)
  HDD: 500Gb Seagate $71
  DVD: Pioneer 217 DVD-RW $39
  Case: Coolermaster 33X range $75 (personal bias, but some of the power supplies that come with no name cases are a bit dodge)
  Sub total: $639

  MON: 23” 5ms DVI Acer X233H HD $229 ($190 After $39 Acer cashback) Bigger monitor, cheaper price, but go with whatever you like.
  KBM: Logitech S520 $58 Wireless set, much nicer looking keyboard, mouse is Laser (more precision than optical)
  Sub total: $248 (after cashback)

  Parts total: $887
  Labour: $70

  Grand total: $957

  Comes out ~$100 more, but you do get a much better graphics card, bigger HDD, quicker RAM, slightly bigger monitor and sexier case and KBM.

  Bear in mind that this price does not include an operating system. In the interim, you can d/l Windows 7 RC and use that for free until ~March and buy the new OS then.

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  nada on 01/07/2009 - 16:55

  But you are suggesting a 24" MON :)

  Ed: Oops sorry I thought its 23"6…

  • 

    RandomNinja on 02/07/2009 - 08:33

    Heh, again given the price differences, on special you could pick up a 24" monitor for about the same price. I remember picking up my 24" Acer for $235 after cashback and that was a few months ago.