Seems to be lots of deals out their right now. However, I am kinda of ignorant when it comes to computer hardware. However, I do have friends that could help me build my own if needed to save money to make a better computer. What I need it for: -Playing resource eating games like Minecraft -Editing HD Movie files with hard core programs like Sony Vegas What I don't need: - DVD Burner (who uses those anymore?) - HD Space, I just do not need a lot of it. (Maybe a small SSD drive?) What I want to spend: -No more than like $350 (after tax) Examples of some of the deals out there right now: HP Pavilion Slimline s5710f @ Staples.com $330 (plus tax) - AMD Athlon II X2 260 Dual Core 3.2GHz, 3GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD HP Pavilion p6710t @ Hp.com $330 (plus tax) - Intel Celeron processor 450 2.2GHz, 3GB DDR3 SDRAM, 500GB HDD ..
Given your budget, building your own is out of the question unless you already have (or can cheaply obtain) a Windows license for the PC. An OEM copy of Win7 Home Premium is going to cost $100, so even a cheap build is going to be at least $400. But for about $450 you could build a MUCH nicer machine with an AMD quad core which would make a big difference in Vegas. The second HP you posted has a single core processor. DO NOT buy anything single core, you will regret it. You can customize it to add a dual-core for $20 more, or take a look at the HP p6700z, starts at $299 but with the dual core upgrade it's $329. Its got less memory, but down the road it'd be real easy for you to pick up a 2gb stick (they are about $20 now) and install it yourself. The slimline actually seems like a pretty good deal, especially if you like that form factor. It is definitely more limited in upgrade options (you can't ever add a video card to it like you could to the others, limited hard drive options too) but depending on your demands it may be a good option. No dual core system is ever going to edit HD video in Vegas very well. It'll work, but rendering anything is going to take a long time.
Thanks Flash!.. Great info there. I have a lot of research still to do, but I will stay way from any single core processor. ..
UPDATE: Just ordered a new computer. Ended up spending more than I originally thought. Got a Dell Inspiron 620 MT: Specs: Intel Core i3-2100 Processor (3mb Cache, 3.10GHz) 6GB DDR3 SDRAM at 1333Mhz- 2 DIMMs 1TB Serial ATA Hard Drive Got it for $490 (Before tax) Free Shipping and 0% for 12 Months. I think that is an ok deal? ..
Just saw that Circuit City has basically the exact same computer for $463 shipped Oh well... The Acer AM3970-U5022 Desktop PC. ..
The company that runs Tiger Direct bought out the CC website during their bankruptcy. PS: For $30, I'd have gone with the Dell over the Acer. I think you got a good deal. The i3 2100 is very capable.
Speaking of Tiger Direct, they just opened a store where the old Circuit City was by my house. The place looks like crap inside, but the prices are great. And I was very happy with my Dell deal. I have ordered Dells for as long as I can remember. Their client service and quick shipping has always worked out for me. After my order, it will be less than a week before I get it. Can't wait! ..
