Yo, clocker...

[Skiz]

Whatcha think about this desktop?

It looks like a solid deal to me, but then again what do I know? :unsure:

http://austin.craigslist.org/sys/1224939605.html

[clocker]

Not bad, not bad at all.

The "fresh install" of Office and XP are worth precisely nothing unless he's including the COA along with them.

The hardware looks fine.

[Skiz]

Yeah, not at all worried about Office. Open office would do me just as well.

I'd put Windows 7 on it right away if I snatch it up.

I'm at the end of my rope with this XPS 700 I have. I've sat and watched one of my 7900GTXs sit without ever being used. I can't change any of the boot order, clock speeds, etc... The BIOS is pretty much locked up and uneditable. Looking around, it looks like I could probably get rid of this Dell for no less than $600. I've seen them listed for as much as $1K but I'm not sure if they're actually selling at that price.

I've been poking around at snatching up a PC off craigslist as there are some decent deals to be found.

Considering that I play games only on occasion (might download one per year) and my main PC usage these days consists of internet, Photoshop, and lots of media (PC is a DVR and plays 1080 movies on the TV), would you recommend buying something like what I linked in the first post or trying to build my own?

I think getting something like what I linked would be just right.

EDIT: btw, the only reason I mention how much the XPS's are selling for was just to say there is that much less that I'll have to spend; not that I can't spend more than that or anything.

[clocker]

... would you recommend buying something like what I linked in the first post or trying to build my own?

I think getting something like what I linked would be just right.
It's not the machine I would spec myself, but that really means very little.

I've never used a XFX mobo and have zero experience with the newer nVidia chipsets.
The harddrive is hardly a "premium component" either.

Looks like a CoolerMaster case, which is OK.

He doesn't mention what kind of cooling components he used, so I'd assume stock.

It's a tough call Skiz.
$500 is not outrageous for what it is and there's certainly something to be said for "plug-n-play".
On the other hand, if you're capable of building your own, you can't beat the total personalization that's possible and the safety of knowing what inside and where it came from.

[tesco]

I've got the same processor, similar motherboard (lower model, 680i, but same brand), same graphics card.
This is definately fast enough for what you need. :)

$500 isn't bad, but skizo can you not just buy a new motherboard, and possibly processor, maybe case, and build a computer reusing the good parts of your current computer?

edit: Just realized you said you could sell your current pc for $600. So it would not be worth doing what I just said above. :lol:

[Skiz]

Bought and paid for.

Talked him to $475. The guy works at a computer shop or something. The wire management inside is immaculate and there isn't a spec of dust inside. I'd say I did alright. :)

He put Vista Ultimate x64 on there as well. Not even a stolen copy either as I got the disc. I think I'll sell that. :shifty:

[clocker]

Good for you, S.
Hope it works out.