Nice Computer

[orcutt989]

Here, at Staples. (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=566677&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs)



I was thinking of getting this computer, i think it is pretty good. Pentium 4 2.5 Ghz, 512 RAM expandable up to 2GB, 64 mb video, 120 GB hdd, 5 USB ports, integrated LAN, integrated sound, 2 extra PCI slots. Is there anything really bad about it?

[kaiweiler]

You could probably build it a lot cheaper but it doesn't look to bad, just the bad graphics, but if you don't game then it wouldn't be that bad
why not just build your own though?

[Peerzy]

Yeah build one much cheaper, although i couldnt even get that page to load but still chances are you can get 20% or more off by building.

[bigdawgfoxx]

Yeah, you can build one with a 9600Pro and smaller HDD for 550

[Spindulik]

Not a bad system at all, if you can't build one yourself.

I have been lazy lately (to build my own) and if I didn't own a computer at all, this one would be one to buy.

What they don't tell you...
- Are there free online driver updates?
- How many PCI slots are available
- Who's motherboard are they using?
- What type of DDR memory (Is it 2700?)
- powerful DVD+RW drive! (But what brand is it?)
- Integrated AC97 (It means it an onboard sound card, but to me that is okay)
- Integrated SiS650GX AGP (Can you by-pass that and put a real AGP card in?)
- Windows XP Home? Is it loaded with OEM crap and software bundles? (Does it have an AOL commercial?).
- Where's the floppy drive? (Not that I would miss it, but you never know)

What I like about it...
- Complete, and ready to use.
- 120GB hard drive.
- Pentium 4 (But can it be upgraded above 2.5 gHz?)
- DVD drive/Burner
- Extra bays for future upgrades, like CDROM drives, Zips, etc...
- Comes with 17" monitor


What I would do...
- Double the DDR memory
- Add CDROM drive
- Install a better video card
- See if the XP Home Edition isn't crapped up with bundles, then format the hard drive and install a clean copy of XP


Anyhow, this was just my opinion and good luck on this system. It seems to be better than most PCs that I have seen lately for that price.


-------------------
And now I change the subject completely

I still dislike AMD CPUs. I admit that I am impressed with their product and like the price and their quality, but they can't seem to be straight forward on how fast they are? An AMD 2800 is 1.6 gHz! Why don't they call it an AMD 1600? I hate them for that! They suck! They are deceptive. Until they can call it what it is, I will not buy one, no matter how much better they are than Pentium.

[tesco]

Originally posted by Spindulik@1 July 2004 - 00:21
------------------
And now I change the subject completely

I still dislike AMD CPUs. I admit that I am impressed with their product and like the price and their quality, but they can't seem to be straight forward on how fast they are? An AMD 2800 is 1.6 gHz! Why don't they call it an AMD 1600? I hate them for that! They suck! They are deceptive. Until they can call it what it is, I will not buy one, no matter how much better they are than Pentium.

I see what you mean.

BUT:

the naming system of AMD, IMO, is less deceptive than Intel's. ;)
It tells you the expected performance of the chip. AMD athlon 2600+ will give the performance of a 2.6ghz "regular" chip (think they relate to duron's?)

[clocker]

Originally posted by Spindulik@30 June 2004 - 22:21

And now I change the subject completely

I still dislike AMD CPUs. I admit that I am impressed with their product and like the price and their quality, but they can't seem to be straight forward on how fast they are? An AMD 2800 is 1.6 gHz! Why don't they call it an AMD 1600? I hate them for that! They suck! They are deceptive. Until they can call it what it is, I will not buy one, no matter how much better they are than Pentium.

HUH?

The default speed of my 2600 is 2.08GHz.
The 2800 is LOWER?

Who cares about the advertising anyway?
It's the performance that counts.

Recently I was comparing specs with an Intel based PC belonging to a forum acquaintance.
He was quite enamored with the hyperthreading of his chip and claimed that it alone would account for his Intel's (2.8, I believe) superiority over my weenie AMD.
Oddly, I trounced him in every benchmark that we compared.

So much for advertising.

[kaiweiler]

The speed for the AMD Athlon 2800+ Barton is 2.083Ghz, not 1.6Ghz&#33;&#33; <_<

[Spindulik]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@1 July 2004 - 13:29
The speed for the AMD Athlon 2800+ Barton is 2.083Ghz, not 1.6Ghz&#33;&#33; <_<
Then the AMD should be called AMD Athlon 2083±

[orcutt989]

Thank&#39;s everyone for responding, i can&#39;t build one because my mom doesnt think i can, which i can with the help of some friends and relatives. But anyways, i think it is good 64mb is a lot of video memory. Right now i have 4mb of video memory. I asked the guy at the Staples store, and he said there are 2 extra PCI slots, but i will ask previous questions posted and see what happens. But now i might be able to buy a better computer. Like maybe this one (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=522066&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs). Well maybe not like that, but maybe this one (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=560189&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs) but why is the 64 bit processor better, i know i sound like a newb, but all i understand is clockspeed. Are P 4&#39;s 32 bit? What is the story. What makes 64 bit better?


{Edit} this one??? (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=557875&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs)

[SingaBoiy]

Originally posted by Spindulik+1 July 2004 - 14:02--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Spindulik @ 1 July 2004 - 14:02)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-kaiweiler@1 July 2004 - 13:29
The speed for the AMD Athlon 2800+ Barton is 2.083Ghz, not 1.6Ghz&#33;&#33;&nbsp; <_<
Then the AMD should be called AMD Athlon 2083± [/b][/quote]
:huh:

........

:o

No....

:huh:

Just cant find the right words....

The way AMD label&#39;s their chips is not as deceptive as Intel&#39;s, as Clocker pointed out. Speed is not what a chip should be based on alone. There are so many more things that account for a great chip then speed. Im sure clocker can explain this better. My 2200+ is 1.67 MHz. But if you want to blow your load on a fast chip rather then one with better performance for cheaper, then by all means, be my guest.

Its 4:15 in the morning over here so its kinda hard to think.

[tesco]

Originally posted by orcutt989@2 July 2004 - 00:20
Thank&#39;s everyone for responding, i can&#39;t build one because my mom doesnt think i can, which i can with the help of some friends and relatives. But anyways, i think it is good 64mb is a lot of video memory. Right now i have 4mb of video memory. I asked the guy at the Staples store, and he said there are 2 extra PCI slots, but i will ask previous questions posted and see what happens. But now i might be able to buy a better computer. Like maybe this one (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=522066&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs). Well maybe not like that, but maybe this one (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=560189&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs) but why is the 64 bit processor better, i know i sound like a newb, but all i understand is clockspeed. Are P 4&#39;s 32 bit? What is the story. What makes 64 bit better?


{Edit} this one??? (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=557875&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs)
32bit processor can process 32bits of info each cycle. 64bit, does 64bits per cycle. ;)
so basically it&#39;s faster at a much slower sped than the 32bit processors.

all P4&#39;s are 32bit.

best i can explain, sorry. lol.

but what i do know is that windows xp 64bit is coming out and it only runs on 64bit processors so you might wanna get the 64bit if you wanna try it out. ;)

[Spicker]

The way AMD label&#39;s their chips is not as deceptive as Intel&#39;s, as Clocker pointed out. Speed is not what a chip should be based on alone. There are so many more things that account for a great chip then speed. Im sure clocker can explain this better.

Can someone/Clocker explain this to me...

because my friends always ask why an AMD is good or better than a P4 and why are the numbers all weird :helpsmile: and all i can is that AMD is really cheap and you don&#39;t see a noticiable difference between a AMD and Pentium 4 (unless there are big clock differences)

thanx in advance ;)

[clocker]

Your friends are asking the wrong questions.
Or perhaps, the right question in the wrong way.

Neither chip is "better" or "worse" than the other.
They both have strong points and weaker points.

The favoritism shown to AMD by most forum habitues is based on cost....pure and simple.
AMD chips which compare favorably with Intel chips in terms of performance are substantially cheaper.

Unless you run Pixar studios or do something outside of normal PC use, you won&#39;t ever utilize the (theoretical) advantage of the Intel chip, but you will PAY for it up front.

[orcutt989]

Originally posted by ROSSCO_2004+2 July 2004 - 16:18--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (ROSSCO_2004 @ 2 July 2004 - 16:18)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-orcutt989@2 July 2004 - 00:20
Thank&#39;s everyone for responding, i can&#39;t build one because my mom doesnt think i can, which i can with the help of some friends and relatives.&nbsp; But anyways, i think it is good 64mb is a lot of video memory.&nbsp; Right now i have 4mb of video memory.&nbsp; I asked the guy at the Staples store, and he said there are 2 extra PCI slots, but i will ask previous questions posted and see what happens.&nbsp; But now i might be able to buy a better computer.&nbsp; Like maybe this one (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=522066&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs).&nbsp; Well maybe not like that, but maybe&nbsp; this one (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=560189&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs)&nbsp; but why is the 64 bit processor better, i know i sound like a newb, but all i understand is clockspeed.&nbsp; Are P 4&#39;s 32 bit? What is the story.&nbsp; What makes 64 bit better?&nbsp;


{Edit} this one??? (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=557875&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs)
32bit processor can process 32bits of info each cycle. 64bit, does 64bits per cycle. ;)
so basically it&#39;s faster at a much slower sped than the 32bit processors.

all P4&#39;s are 32bit.

best i can explain, sorry. lol.

but what i do know is that windows xp 64bit is coming out and it only runs on 64bit processors so you might wanna get the 64bit if you wanna try it out. ;) [/b][/quote]
Wait so the 64 bit processor wont work with any other operating system? or are you just saying windows 64 bit will only work with the 64 bit processors? and if i am photo editing, composing music, recording, listening to music, uploading websites, designing websites, searching the web, gaming, chatting, i think i am pulling more out of a computer more than the average ho hum that is playing solitare. i think i will get the first one i proclaimed, or the one that was a little better.

[tesco]

Originally posted by orcutt989+2 July 2004 - 14:50--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (orcutt989 @ 2 July 2004 - 14:50)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
Originally posted by ROSSCO_2004@2 July 2004 - 16:18
<!--QuoteBegin-orcutt989@2 July 2004 - 00:20
Thank&#39;s everyone for responding, i can&#39;t build one because my mom doesnt think i can, which i can with the help of some friends and relatives.&nbsp; But anyways, i think it is good 64mb is a lot of video memory.&nbsp; Right now i have 4mb of video memory.&nbsp; I asked the guy at the Staples store, and he said there are 2 extra PCI slots, but i will ask previous questions posted and see what happens.&nbsp; But now i might be able to buy a better computer.&nbsp; Like maybe this one (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=522066&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs).&nbsp; Well maybe not like that, but maybe&nbsp; this one (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=560189&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs)&nbsp; but why is the 64 bit processor better, i know i sound like a newb, but all i understand is clockspeed.&nbsp; Are P 4&#39;s 32 bit? What is the story.&nbsp; What makes 64 bit better?&nbsp;


{Edit} this one??? (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=557875&bcFlag=True&bcSCatId=3&bcSCatName=Technology&bcCatId=71&bcCatName=Computers&bcClassId=142714&bcClassName=Pre%2DConfigured+Desktop+PCs)
32bit processor can process 32bits of info each cycle. 64bit, does 64bits per cycle. ;)
so basically it&#39;s faster at a much slower sped than the 32bit processors.

all P4&#39;s are 32bit.

best i can explain, sorry. lol.

but what i do know is that windows xp 64bit is coming out and it only runs on 64bit processors so you might wanna get the 64bit if you wanna try it out. ;)
Wait so the 64 bit processor wont work with any other operating system? or are you just saying windows 64 bit will only work with the 64 bit processors? and if i am photo editing, composing music, recording, listening to music, uploading websites, designing websites, searching the web, gaming, chatting, i think i am pulling more out of a computer more than the average ho hum that is playing solitare. i think i will get the first one i proclaimed, or the one that was a little better. [/b][/quote]
NO the 64bit processors will still run regular OSs, but only the 64bi processors can run windows xp 64bit.

understand?

[orcutt989]

comprendo.