i too am computer shopping, and i too need help...

[LastKnight]

because im an idiot...

i do a fair bit of gaming, at least i did when my computer was new enough to handle the games...

im entering college this fall so i need a new one anyway, and the school is pretty much giving the finger to anyone who dosent use XP pro... so i guess im stuck with windows...

anyway... as far as budget goes, i wanna stay as close to 1200 as possible, cause thats what parents are pitching in, but im willing to go as high as 1500ish... thats what the price is on the system im lookin at right now.

im leanin toward a dell dimension 8300... ive already got a set of speakers, and my own monitor so that cuts back on the price a bit...

anyone got any suggestions for a decent gaming machine for around 1200-1500? i also have to justify this to my parents... so there has to be some student-ish stuff on it lol.

thanks in advance.


-LK

[DS1]

1. our school has a special deal with Dell to knock a coupla hundred

bucks off purcashes, laptops or desktops.

You should ask if your school has a similar program.

[Systematic Chaos]

2. Since you like gaming here's what I'd do:

Go out and buy yourself the latest edition of either PC Gamer or Computer Gaming World, and check out both the ads from system builders and the reviews of hardware in the tech sections. Many of the high-end system makers also offer entry-level systems that are reasonably priced and will do enough to get you by game-wise. Go with AMD if possible, as you can usually get more bang for your buck that way. For instance, the NForce-based motherboards often have a sound chip onboard that works VERY well and it will save you considerably as opposed to buying either a VIA chipset computer or a Pentium 4, which will require a SoundBlaster card to have decent sound.

An AMD XP 3000+ (or better) system with lots of memory and storage space should fit very nicely into your budget, since you already have a monitor and speakers.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

3. Build your own!! Build your own!!

I put together a hot gaming machine for about $800. Like you, I already had monitor and speakers, so all I had to buy was the case and the innards. Look on the web for tips on building your own PC, there's plenty of good info out there.

[pauliedangerously]

4. Don't buy any of that name brand crap

Look in the yellow pages and find an independent computer dealer. You should be able to get a slammin' box for under a grand; they'll build it for you and even load the OS. Just use your old monitor.

[Deja Q]

5. 1.5 years ago I built this for $750:

Athlon 2100+ CPU (o/c to 2700+ effortlessly)
SB Audigy sound
Nvidia 4600 video
3com NIC
Abit F7 mobo
1GB RAM (CAS2, Crucial)
200GB HD
CD-ROM Drive

Today, for the same price, you can get the same h/w but with a faster CPU that can be overclocked greater (2700+ @ 3200+) and a Nividia 5900fx (I use BFG's overclocked model and it's lovely) and a CD-RW drive (or spend a tad more and get a DVD+/-RW drive.)

[amber dog democrat]

6. I know this is not helping, but I still use Macs

and nothing else.. unless my job forces me to use a wondows box at work.

[Nomad559]

7. Dell Dimension 8300

Over a year ago, I paid $629.57 (Including tax) for my Dell Dimension 8300.

Subtotal $769.00
Tax: $60.57
Total $829.57
$200.00 Rebate

Total $629.57

Dimension 8300 Pentium 4 at 2.8GHz with HT Technology
256MB DDR at 400MHZ
Dell Quiet Key Keyboard
128MB DDR NVidia GeForce FX 5200 graphics card
80GB 7200 RPM Ultra ATA Hard Drive
3.5in Floppy Drive
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition,Service Pack 1,English
Dell 2-button Scroll Mouse
Intel Pro 100M Integrated PCI NIC Card
48X Max Variable CD-ROM Drive
Integrated Audio - SoundMax 6 Speaker sound card

And lot's of software.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I have about one thousand dollars Invested Into It now.
I added more memory, Harddrive, TV Card, and some other stuff.

My system today ...

Dell Dimension 8300 - Win XP Pro SP 1 - P4 HT Technology 2.8 GHZ with 800MHz system bus - 1.25 MB Crucial PC2700 Non-ECC DDR - (Master Harddrive) Western Digital Caviar 80GB 7200 8MB Buffer - (Slave Harddrive) Western Digital Caviar 200GB 7200 8MB Buffer - Logitech Cordless Mx Duo - Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000 - Plextor 8X DVD-RW +RW DVD Recorder - LiteOn 16x/48x DVD-ROM/CD-ROM - 128MB NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 - Winfast Deluxe TV2000XP TV/FM Multimedia Card - SoundMax 6 Speaker sound card - Logitech Z-640 6 Speaker Surround Sound System - 20' Hitachi Monitor 800X600 @ 120hz - Surfboard 4200 Cable Modem - NetGear 4-port Router