[Mechanicus]

Hello.

My cousin's computer recently went south (incredibly slow to do anything, no virii/spyware, just old I guess), and they are talking about getting a new one.
The thing is, they don't play games on it. At all. They will be using it to do homework, and browse the internet.
There is no point upgrading the one they have, because it is very slow, and it would cost more in parts than a new one.

The thing is, I have built computers before, and I am kind of on-the-pulse with high-end parts, but when it comes to the basics, I just don't know what is... slow enough to be worth it!

I have been looking at Dell, who has a basic system, with 1gb RAM, a 3500+ processor, 160gb HD, integrated graphics, and a 17" monitor, for £342. Do you think that is an okay deal? Do you know anyone better? A shop would also be good, because they need one ASAP!

Can someone please help me?

[alex]

Firstly, if you go Dell you'll be assured of a good monitor, and for the 'base' (no upgrades) system a competitive price.

But before responding fully can you advise if it comes with vista? if so i highly recommend 2gb ram even if they're not gaming.

Also, as it has an integrated gpu you'll lose some ram as the graphics chipset will steal some of it. (You may be able to reset this to the default 64mb in the bios, but as Dell are notorious for restricting access to certain items in a mobo's bios, you also may not).

Can i assume the cpu you quote is the AMD 3500? if so its fine for the usage you're quoting but even for just internet surfing and office stuff i would still recommend the Core2 duo E4300 or E6300. Not much more money, but a noticeable increase in performance comparably.

If you do go the 2gb route or the core2 route, don't buy from Dell. Unless you can get a base spec pc with the cpu/ram amount quoted as Dell charge a bloomin' fortune for upgrades.

If you want to go down the build route let us know.

[Mechanicus]

Well, we ran a further virus check today, and it brought up some new spyware/virii. I got rid of them, and added an extra 512mb RAM. Since then, it is running a lot more smoothly, and is sufficient for homework.

Thanks for the help.

[BlueEew]

Originally Posted by alex Firstly, if you go Dell you'll be assured of a good monitor, and for the 'base' (no upgrades) system a competitive price. But before responding fully can you advise if it comes with vista? if so i highly recommend 2gb ram even if they're not gaming. Also, as it has an integrated gpu you'll lose some ram as the graphics chipset will steal some of it. (You may be able to reset this to the default 64mb in the bios, but as Dell are notorious for restricting access to certain items in a mobo's bios, you also may not). Can i assume the cpu you quote is the AMD 3500? if so its fine for the usage you're quoting but even for just internet surfing and office stuff i would still recommend the Core2 duo E4300 or E6300. Not much more money, but a noticeable increase in performance comparably. If you do go the 2gb route or the core2 route, don't buy from Dell. Unless you can get a base spec pc with the cpu/ram amount quoted as Dell charge a bloomin' fortune for upgrades. If you want to go down the build route let us know.

I wouldn't suggest using Dell, they are only good for business and offices in my opinion. When ordering and creating your Dell computers they offer you others, and they add alot of money on.

If you are wanting to buy a computer use www.pcworld.co.uk, or create one using parts yourself.

[Dave Hybrid]

Definitely do not buy from PC World.

They are overpriced, 100's of other online places are better and £100's cheaper.

[BlueEew]

They only problem I think PC world as is that you have to pay for the year internet virus wall software with your purchase. I got my computer in the January time, so I probably got a discount.

[Dave Hybrid]

Originally Posted by BlueEew They only problem I think PC world as is that you have to pay for the year internet virus wall software with your purchase. I got my computer in the January time, so I probably got a discount.

You don't have to buy anti-virus with your purchase, it's just most people are duped into it.

[BlueEew]

I ended up buying the anti virus software, I need one anyway so I didn't mind.

[Wolfeymole]

Don't even think about buying a mouse mat from PC World.
PC World policy is not to give Operating System disks with the pc so when it goes pear shaped YOU can't repair or reformat etc.
You have to take it back to them to get it fixed.