Need help finding a good/cheap pre-built computer

[krackerbox]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and so if there is a thread like this that exists, I apologize.

Anyway, I'm looking to buy a pre-built computer and want to keep it around $600ish. What I really want is a computer w/a i5 or Phenom II x4 955 processor. Are there any recommendations for where to shop for a cheap/reliable computer? I checked out ibuypower, but I heard some bad reviews. I currently have a Dell, but not sure if that's the best route.

Most of the time, I will be using it for web browsing/word processing, but I do game and I do some video editing. I'm not too familiar w/the new technology that's out, and rarely have time to do serious research, so hopefully you guys can help me out.

Thanks guys!

 

[JonathanJace]

Hey krackerbox, a heads up, a mod is gonna say to complete the details to your profile, sig etc..
Where are you from? I'm currently building 2 htpcs and would be down to build another pc if you are local. That or I can direct you to the best stores in your area. Hit me up

 

[krackerbox]

Hey krackerbox, a heads up, a mod is gonna say to complete the details to your profile, sig etc..
Where are you from? I'm currently building 2 htpcs and would be down to build another pc if you are local. That or I can direct you to the best stores in your area. Hit me up

Hey, thanks for the offer. I live in the Chicagoland area. Not too close to a Fye's or Microcenter. I know those places have cheapt stuff.

 

[hoorah]

If you're not all that familiar with internal computer hardware, I would suggest picking something that has a decent power supply and an open PCI express slot as a bare minimum, and work back from there as far as the amount of power you can buy for $600. Reason being is that many cheap computers aren't all that well suited to upgrading the video card, which you will want for gaming.

I've seen some decent pre-built systems on Newegg, and newegg is always a safe bet.

 

[krackerbox]

If you're not all that familiar with internal computer hardware, I would suggest picking something that has a decent power supply and an open PCI express slot as a bare minimum, and work back from there as far as the amount of power you can buy for $600. Reason being is that many cheap computers aren't all that well suited to upgrading the video card, which you will want for gaming.

I've seen some decent pre-built systems on Newegg, and newegg is always a safe bet.

What do you think about ibuypower? I found one w/phenom II 4x 955, and I can upgrade the power supply to 700W to bring the total about $610. Here is the link: http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/Configurators.aspx?mid=281

Do you think that would work? I just don't have any experiences w/this company so I'm worried about getting something that breaks down within a year or two.

 

[krackerbox]

I found a computer w/the phenom II 4x 955 processor at ibuypower that can be upgraded to include a 700w power supply, making the total around $610. Here is the link: http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/Configurators.aspx?mid=281

Do you think this is worth it? I have no experience with ibuypower and I don't want to go w/a bad company and end up having a computer that breaks in two years. Have you dealt w/this company before? What do you think of the computer?

 

[krackerbox]

bump. Anyone have experience w/ibuypower? I found older reviews about the place, but nothing recent.

 

[ranmao]

I don't have any personal experience with them but i have heard of them and they do have a decent reseller rating.I like the fact that you can pick and choose name brand components. The system that you priced out though i would personally have some issues with. First is the fact that it's ddr2 ram. Even though there isn't anything wrong with ddr2 you might as well go with ddr3. The other problem is the video card. A geforce 210 is very basic and your on board video might be just as good(it would make a whole lot more sense using an ati card for hybrid crossfire). So I'm not sure that the system would fit your needs. Also remember that the $610 is without an OS.

 

[Decembermouse]

I could likewise help you build one; I live in western Michigan.

ibuypower has been around for years and used to be (I think still is) one of the cheaper 'boutique' type computer shops. They charge more than Dell/HP/Gatway/Acer, but their computers are prettier.

You would be well off getting a computer that has a motherboard with options. Meaning not a prefabbed one. This would allow you to get a Phenom 925 and overclock it easily to 3.4GHz (965 levels) for a lower price, plus more power options, memory settings, etc. ibuypower would most likely put a good motherboard in, but you will pay more for one of those.

The new 890GX motherboards have very nice integrated graphics. Or, go with a 785G and an inexpensive discrete card. A Radeon 5770 is available on Newegg for $134.

 

[krackerbox]

My one worry about building a computer myself is that I've never done it before. While I'm not totally computer illiterate, I don't have great knowledge of how to piece together a pc myself. I don't want to end up getting parts that end up being really difficult to set up.

But if you feel confident that it's not as a large of a task as I'm anticipating, I'm up for doing it.

One thought I had was to not spend much at all for a video card with the idea that I'll upgrade a year or two later.