Thinking about getting a budget computer

[AndyD47]

Hello,I need a little help and in my experience folks there is a wide arrary of people that play ddo so I figured I'd ask you folks.

I'm taking a bit of an enforced break due to computer related issues but the bright side is I get to shop around for a new computer.

I don't have that much of a budget (call its $350 ish,tops),and have been looking on newegg for reasonably priced ddo boxes.

So far,i've been impressed by the prices of eMachines,but I have no idea how they perform.

A little help please?Just suggestions or tips would be much appreciated,and an actual link to an inexpensive quality compputer would be awesome.

A decent processor,2 gig of ram,and a decent video card are all I need.


Thanks in advance.

[FishPyramid]

I can't give any advice on pre-built computers, but if you were to assemble your own(it's not that hard, really) then the following links could provide some help. Any mention of overclocking can easily be ignored.
Left page of http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/...8#/ad7aab78/14 (listed prices are in Australian $, so ignore)
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...lock,2739.html

[Exanimus]

mobo ~$50
dual core ~$44
quad core ~$83 (either works with the mobo)
1 tb hdd ~$60
2GB RAM ddr3 1333 corsair ~$25 (RAM prices can vary a lot month to month, best to grab when it's low)
550watt PSU ~$20 ($50 for a raidmax 630watt dual rails)
case $15~$20
dvd drive $16~$18
total $230 w dual core and 550watt psu
$299 w/quad core and 630watt
mobo has onboard graphics chip which is adequate but not ideal so...
ATI 512mb card w/80 stream processors add $40 (supports up to DX11)
building one is far cheaper since you can tailor it to what you want, what your budget is, and upgrade later. and it is easy

prices from newegg
edit: noticed i forgot to add that dual and quad core processors are AMD's

eMachines can be good...or utter junk, tend to come with cheap psu's and mobo's so it's the luck of the draw what quality you end up with.

[uhgungawa]

mobo ~$50
dual core ~$44
quad core ~$83 (either works with the mobo)
1 tb hdd ~$60
2GB RAM ddr3 1333 corsair ~$25 (RAM prices can vary a lot month to month, best to grab when it's low)
550watt PSU ~$20 ($50 for a raidmax 630watt dual rails)
case $15~$20
dvd drive $16~$18
total $230 w dual core and 550watt psu
$299 w/quad core and 630watt
mobo has onboard graphics chip which is adequate but not ideal so...
ATI 512mb card w/80 stream processors add $40 (supports up to DX11)
building one is far cheaper since you can tailor it to what you want, what your budget is, and upgrade later. and it is easy

prices from newegg
edit: noticed i forgot to add that dual and quad core processors are AMD's

Two points, 1st also look at tigerdirect.com they will have full set ups for you to brows through. 2nd if you don't have an operating system you'll have to add about $100 for that in there as well

[GreenGurgler]

mobo ~$50
dual core ~$44
quad core ~$83 (either works with the mobo)
1 tb hdd ~$60
2GB RAM ddr3 1333 corsair ~$25 (RAM prices can vary a lot month to month, best to grab when it's low)
550watt PSU ~$20 ($50 for a raidmax 630watt dual rails)
case $15~$20
dvd drive $16~$18
total $230 w dual core and 550watt psu
$299 w/quad core and 630watt
mobo has onboard graphics chip which is adequate but not ideal so...
ATI 512mb card w/80 stream processors add $40 (supports up to DX11)
building one is far cheaper since you can tailor it to what you want, what your budget is, and upgrade later. and it is easy

prices from newegg
edit: noticed i forgot to add that dual and quad core processors are AMD's

Don't forget the price of an OS unless you think you have another way around that
That can range from $90-$200.

Also, if you have a failing PC currently, perhaps you can save yourself a few bucks by reusing a few parts like the case, the optical drives, the mouse and keyboard, etc...? I wouldn't bother trying to reuse your mobo, cpu, ram, video and psu as those are all probably dated to the point of being more costly to replace than a new tech.

If you don't have the ability/desire to build your own, then a box is your way to go.
eMachines will be a capable bargain brand. It will reliably serve you a basic breakfast of Cheerios, just don't expect it to make you steak and eggs
It is a bargain brand so expectations should match your price.

[Exanimus]

i always forget about the OS price >.< alternative methods indeed >.>

[Freeman]

I haven't bought a pre-built computer in some time now, but I've found some great deals for others in the Dell Outlet store. Look for the "Scratch and Dent" ones though, not the used ones. I used one of those as the base of my media center computer a few years ago, got a great deal, and I didn't have any problems with it. No matter where you get the computer, you are probably better off buying any upgrades you want(Such as a better video card, more memory, etc) separately.