Hi everyone,
I have become rather disillusioned of late with the whole 'is it worth upgrading, how much should I spend, etc.' argument.
So, I thought I'd list my current specs, give 2 budgets a low one and a mid budget, and see what you guys recommend!!
I do play the occasional game, the latest of which I have played is GTA Vice City which runs OK ish but sometimes is a little stuttered I think at the limit of the machines potential.
Please no budget busting solutions, I'd love to have a supercomputer, but I need to keep a handle on the amount I can spend.
This is my current system:
Socket A AMD 1.2GHz processor
Epox 8k7A+ mobo
512Mb DDR Ram (can't remember clock speed but its not the fastest)
NVidia GeForce3 Graphics card
Oldish pioneer DVD reader
New NEC ND3520 DVD-writer
120GB Western Digital 7200rpm, 8mb cache HD (quite new)
40GB IBM HD (old)
Koolermaster case (quite new and nice and shiney)
I am also happy with peripheries, including reasonably new 17" IIyama Prolite (E435 I think) TFT monitor. Also have external broadband modem.
What do I want the computer to do?
1) Well for one zip about effortlessly with all Windows applications, and things like music encoding/compressing and have as quick as possible loading up time and usability in Windows (I am running Windows XP Pro)
2) I'd like to play the 'latest' games that are out now, and perhaps be a couple of years future proof for games. I don't need to go cutting edge but would like some upgradability (not too soon!). For example not sure about AGP or PCI-express and don't think its worth spending any money on a Socket A system? But I'm open to advice....!
3) Quiet!! Don't mind spending a portion of the budget to have quiet PSU, CPU and Case fans.
4) Not overclocked. I want something low maintenance (ish!) and reliable (don't we all).
Budget: I'd like to consider a 'budget' option, say ~£200-250 or less and a 'medium' option, say £400-450.
All opinions welcome including best sources, suppliers and whether I should consider 'bundles' or 'barebones' (whatever that is).
Many thanks in advance,
Chris
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