Build vs. Buy

[jjanders]

All,

I am looking to upgrade to a new computer, but am not sure if I should buy vs. build.

I am looking for a basic machine, no gaming, just something for e-mail/internet, etc... The only thing I will be doing a lot of on it is listening to music and watching movies and stuff.

I'd like to build, but part of the problem would be having to pay $250 for Vista Premium, which will probably make the price about the same as if I buy a cheap Dell, no? I really like their slim Inspiron, and it has some pretty decent deals going right now

If I did build, what would you recommend for CPU/mobo? I've been out of the loop ever since Conroe came aboard. Things I would like to achieve with a build would be a sleek/space saving case and as quiet as possible. I will be doing no overclocking. Budget would be $750ish.

CPU: I won't need a ton of processing power, not sure if I should go for value with AMD (something like 4200+ for $75) or go with a C2D (E4400, $130)

Mobo: No idea. Assume one with halfway decent integrated video would do for movies and stuff, correct? I'll probably add a sound card but if not something with decent 7.1 would be good too.

Memory: 2GB

Hard Drive:

Video: Integrated should be ok?

Sound: Is integrated sound ok if I'm really into music, or would you recommend a sound card? If so, what is best value?

Speakers: Have

Monitor: Have

PSU: Won't need too much probably, want something reliable and quiet

Case: No idea, looking for something fairly compact and sleek looking

 

[bamacre]

Vista Home Premium runs about $110 OEM...
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=604699

If your budget is 750, it can be a bit of a toss-up between building/buying. Maybe try Dell Outlet and save some money, upgrade where needed (sound card, ram).

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: jjanders
I am looking for a basic machine, no gaming, just something for e-mail/internet, etc... The only thing I will be doing a lot of on it is listening to music and watching movies and stuff.

I'd like to build, but part of the problem would be having to pay $250 for Vista Premium, which will probably make the price about the same as if I buy a cheap Dell, no? I really like their slim Inspiron, and it has some pretty decent deals going right now

In case you weren't aware of it, Dell will sell you a system with XP pre-installed, if you aren't willing to deal with all of Vista's problems & software compatibilities.

Video: Integrated should be ok?

Yeah, for what you say you'll be using the system for, it will do just fine.

Sound: Is integrated sound ok if I'm really into music, or would you recommend a sound card?

That all depends on what you're listening with. With headphones or PC speakers, you won't really be able to tell any difference between onboard and a sound card. If you're running the sound to a real stereo, though, you'll notice.

edit: And I'd recommend the cheapest E4400-based system that Dell sells. It will be too powerful, for now, but it will last you for years, as long as your uses don't change (much).