Should I upgrade, buy new OEM or build?

[ArenaNinja]

Ok. I had a little budget of $2,000 saved up for a new rig sometime this year. After my younger brother used my cell phone and I ended up with a $600ish cell phone bill (direct long distance calls to Brazil, if you were wondering how to get yourself there ), I used up most of the money to pay some stuff.

Case in point. I have a eMachines T6414, which was old technology 2 years ago (when my elder brother bought the computer). If I upgrade, I'll spend around $400 in upgrades (which is actually more than the computer cost 2 years ago). I would upgrade RAM to 2 Gigs ($120ish) [currently 512MB]. Vid Card to ATI RADEON X550 256MB DDR PCI Express ($55ish) [I have integraded graphics]. Possibly the processor to an AMD FX (vs currently AMD Sempron 3200+) ($150ish). And possibly a PSU to handle all these upgrades ($40ish). Either a Barracuda or a Samsung TK would be around $150 for HD upgrade. This would bring the total to around $600.

However, upgrading this machine would only expand its lifetime by around 12 months. The technology is outdated (DDR, PCI). The only upgrade I could reuse would be the HDD. So 12 months later, I would still be buying a new computer. (Pre-built or otherwise).

My other option is to buy an OEM computer. Maybe a Dell from their XPS line (higher quality parts, though many people complain about their mobos). Or (suggestions go here)?

My last choice is to build a new computer. Of course, this brings exciting possibilities, but it's scary for a first timer (of course, I have to rid myself of fear eventually). The good thing about this is that I can get myself to a $2,000ish budget pretty quick (2 months or so), so I could buy the parts on Black Friday, but the budget won't be there if i upgrade my current comp.

The purpose for my computer would be a Multimedia station. HD-viewing, picture manipulation (I have a Cannon Rebel XT which I'll start tinkering with soon xD), games (I play AoE III, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, Fable: The Lost Chapters, but currently I turn them down to lower settings. There's a few games I cannot even start on their lowest settings with my hardware ).

So, someone have good advice for me, yes?

 

[dclive]

Simply get a Dell 9200 with quad 6600 - $609 with 2GB, 80GB, nVidia 8300GS. Add an 8800GTS/320 for $250 to make it a gaming dream machine, or live with the 8300GS (should be similar performancewise to that ATI 550...) and you're golden! Add $100 for a 500GB HDD if you like. Fully legal, includes Vista already... all set!

Plus you get a 1 year warranty, someone to go to with any issues, etc.... Q6600 for $609 and a great case is nothing to sneeze at...

 

[ArenaNinja]

Sounds sweet, but isn't the 9200 from their SMB section (Meaning my choices are Vista Home Basic or Business or Ultimate)? Also, I've heard their Vista comes 32-bit flavor. I'd like to get their 64-bit flavor. I understand the lack of support for it, but with new computer should come upgradeability (thank you spider-man :laugh

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: ArenaNinja
Sounds sweet, but isn't the 9200 from their SMB section (Meaning my choices are Vista Home Basic or Business or Ultimate)? Also, I've heard their Vista comes 32-bit flavor. I'd like to get their 64-bit flavor. I understand the lack of support for it, but with new computer should come upgradeability (thank you spider-man :laugh

Google a bit and you should see more links on how to get it with other OSs - various people called into Dell to get other OSs or get a discount on the upgrade.

I too question why you'd want 64 bit if you don't intend to run over 3.3GB of RAM on it, but if you want it, call up Dell and see what they can do - I suspect they can surprise you.

Worst case you can always just go to Microsoft and do their upgrade online to jump from one version to a higher version.

 

[ArenaNinja]

Again, upgradeability. Supreme Commander has pushed the 2GB barrier (though supposedly there's a patch for it). This would be my computer for the coming 3-6 years, so I'd be getting 2GB to start, then go up to 4.

Also, I'd like to twinker with OC'ing somewhere down the line (say a year or two later), don't OEM's have something about their BIOSes that don't allow it?

 

[dclive]

Yep; with the Dell OC'ing is limited or not available; if you want a machine to play with to adjust memory timings and otherwise hack around with, a Dell probably isn't your best choice. Then again, if you want a rock-solid system that will work when you press the 'on' button, has a good company to support you, and won't give you BSOD and other issues (check these forums ... systembuilders have no end of hardware issues), the Dell is a great choice. And when it comes time (say, 2-3 years from now), just sell it (for $350 - lose $250 for using it for 2-3 years - that's a great deal) and get the next great deal from Dell.

I don't see the point in putting lots of $ into computer hardware when the difference in performance between X and X + $500 is so tiny. Can you quantify exactly what it is you're looking for, and also share *why* you would keep a single PC for 3-6 years!? Why in the world would you do that?

 

[ArenaNinja]

Well I think I'd be fine if I keep upgrading the computer for 4-6 years. I wouldn't be going for top-of-the line equipment, more like 2nd best stuff (example: I'd get 8800 GTS only once 9800 GTS has come out, and I wouldn't replace stuff unless there's things that come out that I can't run).

Trust me, I too believe Dell is a great choice But I don't see discounts on their mid-range stuff (XPS 410 and such), and their choices are limited (processor-wise). The Dimension 9200 is a great choice, but the OS is limited to Basic or Business. Since I'm looking for Multimedia, I would need Home Premium. Sure, I could upgrade, but then there's the 64-bit issue.

I'll take you up on reading horror stories on BSODs though. I've actually searched it and now will start reading them

 

[dclive]

The Q6600 processor, IMHO, is the CPU to get at the moment. Fast, plus there's four cores. That's what I suggest settling on .... at just $50 more than a dual 6600, it's a no-brainer.

RE: OS Limited - as I said, you can call Dell and typically they'll upgrade you to H.P. with a few extra $. I've even read of people getting it as a concession so they don't return the Dell (ie for free), which is unethical, but nonetheless, Dell's doing it.

In 1-3 years I can't imagine most people hitting the 64 bit issue. Rather than looking into the future, look at what's happening now- nobody's running 64 bit outside of a few techie forums. Support for 32 bit isn't going anywhere. Nonetheless, Microsoft makes it trivial to upgrade to 64 bit if the mood strikes you, without a reformat, so again, there should be no concern there.

 

[bruceb]

I tend to agree .. Dell is a good choice, value wise for the money you will spend.
However, I would add a second 500GB hard drive to use as a backup for your
Acronis or Norton Ghost Image. I would suggest you do not get Norton Internet Security
Suite as it is said to have issues. Just get a good Antivirus yourself and if needed, a good
free or paid firewall. And of course Antispyware program

As to the OS, if you are really set on Vista then I would suggest you spring for the Ultimate Edition.
A bit more expensive, but it has every possible feature .. Or if you want something tried, true &
stable with plenty of support XP PRO in either 32 Bit or 64 Bit version ... there are more drivers
for the 32 bit, but even for the 64 Bit version, there are more than for Vista, at present.