[Compu]

Hello,

I just saved up enough money to buy a new computer finally after hobbling along with this PC which is now probably 6 years old...

I've looked around and started using a site to pick parts (will probably have to get it build from somewhere else though so prices may vary...). Although for some part I'm shooting in the dark when it comes to which processor / graphics card is decent enough these days. I gravitate towards Intel and Nvidia so its just the model numbers etc. I'm not sure of. I was wondering if people could advise me as to whether the following builds would be good enough or over kill (or underkill)?

My current PC is a Pentium 4 2.40 Ghz, 1gb RAM, Nvidia GeForce FX 5200, 186 GB HD

What it will be used for: I work as an Illustrator and Multimedia / Web Designer on this PC. I do a bit of gaming but not much and most the games are not newer titles. And of course all the other usual PC/net/watching video/listening to audio stuff people do, but I assume if it can handle my work stuff and some minor gaming it'll do most other stuff.

Also I don't know if I should bother with any of that "Quiet this" and "Quiet that". I'm sick of hearing my PC after all these years but I guess it is a bit of a clunker now so the noise pollution is higher...

This first build is what I think may be suitable:
http://crossrealms.net/temp/pc%20parts/pcparts2.jpg

And this is a bit more expensive and with the latest processor (i7) instead of core duo:
http://crossrealms.net/temp/pc%20parts/pcparts.jpg

Obviously I would like to save money where I can and maybe the first is closer to more what I would like to spend... but as I will probably keep the PC for yet another 5 years I would like to future-proof a little too.

Anything I should remove, downgrade or add? Any help is greatly appreciated! I'm very behind the times...!

[Carbon]

You cannot "future-proof". Banish the thought. The way to "futureproof" is to get the best value for your money now and then to get the best value for your money in however many years you need to upgrade in. Same thing with the i7. There is no reason to buy it given your usage pattern.

With that said, the build you have there is alright but certainly mediocre. Since I'm not sure how expensive these things are in the UK, and since you're buying a monitor too, it's difficult for me to give you any sort of ballpark build. I can therefore give you a bunch of suggestions but unless I know where you're ordering from and how much everything is it's very difficult for me to give you a complete recommendation. If you can give me a store where you're ordering from (and I assume the price shown in that first build is about what you want to pay), that would help.

- Drop the E8400 for a X3 720, which has the same or better performance as well as an extra core. Also make sure to drop the motherboard (obviously) for one that fits the X3 720, like the GA-MA770-UD3.

- Since your line of work would likely benefit from it, get a larger monitor, preferably 1920x1080/1920x1200. More screen real estate is a big deal.

- 1GB of memory on a budget video card is essentially useless. Even if you play older games, it's best to get the better price/perf video card for your res.

If you buy a 1920x1080/1200 monitor like I suggested, the best price/performance is the Radeon 4890, but you could do a 4870 and not get too much of a decrease (depending on how much budget difference there is between the two). If you end up with 1440x900 the choice is easier: get a Radeon 4850. The 9600GT is based on a chopped-down two year old G92 design and isn't nearly as good for likely the same price.

- You'll need a PSU if you don't order off that site. The Corsair 400CX, 450VX, or the PC Power and Cooling Silencer 500W should be adequate for any video card recommended. The Earthwatts there is also fine but may be more expensive for roughly the same thing.

You may want to read over this too.

[ryannathans]

ok, definitely drop the 1gb RAM and go for a 2 or 3gb considering your job. go for a 500GB+ Hard drive if you can :)

[Razer]

Dont bother upgrading that P4, go with Carbons advice, get a new system.

Dual/triple/quad will do you fine as long as it's quite new. Carbons X3 720 is speedy, reliable and new. Great.

If you dont do that much gaming and the games are old, that 9600GT will do "acceptably" depending upon the game.. Look into the 4770 or 4850 though, much better. 1Gb video RAM might be useful if you're playing games at full resolution but older games might not need it.

Those DVD drives aren't needed. If you can pull them out of your old PC and use them, saves a few quid.