Getting a new computer... Help needed, Thanks!

[Uniquity]

Hello, I'm new to the forums... I'm in need of some help regarding a new computer for college this fall...

It would primarily be used for graphic design (photoshop), moderate gaming, etc...

My budget is about $1400 tops... But that needs to include a monitor... I have a CRT I could use, but would rather get an LCD...

I'd like to go with the Core 2 Duo E6600, 1-2gb ram, decent video card, etc...

Well, my question is whether I should build one or buy one (my friend could help me build it, if I would save money by building)... I was looking at the HP m7680y: http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto/computer_customize_components.do

It seems like a good deal in comparison with Dell and ibuypower, cyberpower, etc...

Is this not a good computer for the price with 2 gb ram, E6600 processor, 7600 video card, 19" LCD? Would it be cheaper to build one? Would a built one perform better if I spent the same on a built one as the HP?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-Uniquity

 

[Uniquity]

HP m7680y:
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E6600 (2.4GHz)
2GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024)
160GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s & NCQ Hard Drive
LightScribe 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
HP vs19d 19-inch LCD Flat Panel Monitor
Single NTSC TV tuner with PVR, FM tuner, remote
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS, TV-Out and 2 DVI

$ 1,489.99

That is the price of the HP with everything configured to the way I like... So could I build an equally performing system for a fair amount cheaper, or should I go with this HP?

 

[jackschmittusa]

If you need a friend to help you build, unless he is going away with you to college, it might be best to buy the HP. He will not be able to provide 24/7 tech support, and having one company provide the warranty for all of the parts may prove useful. If you are really not on top of the hardware angle, it can become really tough when a vid card company says it's the mb's fault, the mb co says it is the vid card's fault, etc. when you need to get a problem resolved, especially if you need a resolution in a hurry.

 

[Uniquity]

Well, he is my roommate for school... So that won't really be much of a problem...

Is the HP the best deal from a major company? Are HPs bad?

 

[cparker]

Uniquity:
There is no simple answer to your question. If you just want to be a "consumer", that is you have a computer that's presented to you and you just use it, without learning much about the hardware and operating system and such, well then get a pre-built such as that HP. If you are interested in learning about the various hardware components, what really matters as to speed, capacity, quality, etc. as it relates to what you think you will be using it for, well then building (or having your roomate built it for you) might be worthwhile. If you show around (see the hot deals forum, browse the vendors for specials, particularly Newegg and Outpost, you probably could put together a very nice system (including a 19 inch monitor) for quite a bit less than you think. (See the more recent "guides" for some sample combinations of components.) I've recently put together a few machines using specials, rebates, etc. and I can tell you that you can put together a very fast, satisfying machine for between 500-700 dollars. Add a 19 inch monitor (they go for 109 after rebate for the Hann-G to over 200 dollars for others). You will also find yourself with better quality components and much more control over on how you modify your system in the future. When you buy a comercial system people usually get too much, because they don't know just what they will use it for and the sales people will convince them that they need all sorts of extras that they may never use. So that adds a lot to the price. I'd just read the postings on the forums and also look at the guides. It will all get clarified. And good luck in college!

 

[Uniquity]

Thanks a lot for the help, cparker!