New Desktop

[Writers Coin]

So I need to replace my desktop, which is over 9 years old and can't do a whole lot.

I'm going to use it for basic internet stuff like email, web use, some photoshop stuff, etc. But I also want to play the occasional game on it, like Fallout 3 and such.

I found a pretty good deal on Dell for the following machine and I was curious what you all thought in terms of getting the basics done and letting me game a little bit too.

Intel® Core? 2 Quad processor Q8200 (4MB L2, 2.33GHz, 1333FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-Bit
4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 4DIMMs 4GB84
Dell S1909WX 19 inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor
Integrated Intel® GMA X4500HD Graphics
500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache?
Integrated 16-in-1 Media Card Reader
Mouse Mouse included with Keyboard purchase
Network Card Integrated 10/1000 Ethernet
Optical Drive 16X DVD+/-RW Drive 16DVDRW [313-6915][420-8152][420-9164]
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio IS [313-7114]

I will then buy a GeForce 9800 GT video card for around $110.

That will bring the system up to a grand total of: $792 shipped w/ taxes.

I figure that's pretty good bang for my buch with a monitor included. I have my stereo that I'll hook it up to for the audio.

Good deal or not so good? I was thinking of building my own system but I'm passing on that option.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

There was a 6gb Core i7 dell xps studio for ~ $950 with a 23 inch monitor not too long ago. Although now they've redesigned them so they're a little more expensive. If you built it, it would most likely be cheaper.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Wait, nevermind I found it. Dell XPS Studio

 

[Writers Coin]

I just noticed that the video card shows it requires a power wattage over and above what dell studios churn out. Is this gonna be a problem?

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Yeah, you'll have to buy another PSU.

 

[Writers Coin]

I went back to the configuration for this machine (at dell.com) and changed the video card to the GeForce 9800 GT. Granted, they charge me 150 for the card, but I'm assuming that they've done something to the power to make it work? What gives?

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

I'm only seeing ati cards.

 

[Writers Coin]

Dell's site is a nightmare: you have to click on desktops, then the middle option under Studio (Studio Desktop), then the second from left to right and then config from there.

 

[Schmide]

That system doesn't have a major power profile

Q8200 processor = 70w
G45M chipset = 30w (less when graphics is not used)
4gb ram = 5w
HD = 7w
DVD, Fans, ect = 25w

Total = 137w

Adding an 80w card is certainly doable. You're looking at about 180w on the 12v or 15a. Doing a for search the PSU someone commented the 350w PSU has 2 rails and allows up to 30a on it.