Looking at new system

[PMK]

Well I have looking a replacing my computer for a while now. Now I know everyone will tell me to build a system. But real life just doesnt allow me that much time. And to top it all off I get confused when trying to spec a system out for a reasonable cost. I ran accross a site that builds computers and they have this system a for what seems to be a very good price to me. I know the vid card is short but what about the rest of the system.

CASE: X-Cruiser Mid-Tower 420W Case W/ WINDOW, MultiMeter Display & Control (Silver Color)
CPU: (Sckt775)Intel

[congo]

It can get confusing when speccing out, it takes me ages to make a decision for myself, but I would always buy parts and build. You simply get a better machine. If you can't do that, well, the $650 PC could be an option.

I always base my PC builds on the mainboard. Get that right and half the battle is won.

Mushkin and major brands make some ordinary ram, it's the stuff the " PC special price builds" use. There is good budget ram available if you know what to get.

The case isn't important to me, I usually strip it down anyway and leave it "open frame" on the desktop, primitive, but it doesn't get hot and doesn't gather dust. What matters is the PSU in there. Likely that special price pc's will have a cheap PSU fitted.... reliability is an issue then, but there is a possibility of fire/fusion in an overloaded, cheap PSU. 420w is a sketchy figure in a cheap PSU, with the actual effective 12v output a lot less than that.

Time is a common constraint with many people.
That PC is old before you buy it IMHO, but then, I am using an outdated PC to good gaming effect, it's fast enough for me at the moment, using my current software.

Finely tuned, that new system could come close to my rig, not sure about the graphics though...

[PMK]

Thanks congo. i realize the system is not top of the line. I think I will step back and take another run at it. My schedule will really lighten up in the next couple of months. I think I will start trying to figure out what to buy and then you will be seeing alot of me on the forum with my stupid questions.
Again thanks for the help.

Pk

[MWISimmer]

you will be seeing alot of me on the forum with my stupid questions.
Again thanks for the help.

Pk

No such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers  ;)  This is one of the most knowledgable Hardware forums on the net and you'll receive plenty of answers and friendly advice here.

Ask away  8-)

[volunteer]

I have that board - the P5N E Sli and am well pleased as its overclocked my E6600 to 3400, which really helps FSX.

I think you will need a better cpu than a E6550 and know the board is fussy with the memory if you plan to overclock.

Get it wrong with th ememory and it will not overclock well and lock up. If you look on the Asus website you will see plenty of agony from new owners as they come to grips with the board.

I think its better to put a little more money in and get a better board. THe P5N runs NVidia 650i chip which is getting a little old now.

My own idea was to get the best I could for my budget and overclock it like hell. Its worked - but I got the system a year ago now. It was researched by looking at the spec of specialist builders I found offering their wares on EBay.

It may be worth hanging on a little until the chips come down in price. I think getting a quad core chippy and a good over clocking board is the way to go. Couple it with really fast memory and you will have a decent system.

good luck.