spiegel06 Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Hey everyone, I know there are a lot of computer people here and I could use some advice. Currently I have an emachine T3626 with Windows Vista 32 Home Premium edition, AMD Sempron 3800+ 2.2GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, NVIDIA 6100. Now my question is would it be better to buy a brand new computer/laptop or just upgrade this old desktop? I received Starcraft 2 as a gift from one of my friends and runs ok on my emachine with everything on low and windowed. I don't know that much about gaming computers and technical aspects. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f0xx Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 I personally wouldn't buy a new one. Perhaps some more RAM would be nice. One advice, get off that sucky vista mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 I am an IT professional and my best advice to you would be to buy a new one. Your computer is very behind the times with a single core processor, less than 2gb of RAM (most likely it is DDR and not DDR2, let alone DDR3) The cheapest thing you can buy would be better than what you have, so you're talking 300 bucks at your local walmart or bestbuy. I don't recommend a 300 dollar system, but if getting out the cheapest is what you're wanting to do...go for it. You can build your own computer that would play SC2 very well for around, if not less than, 500 bucks. PM me if you want some part suggestions/links Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zavero Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 It is not easy for an amateur to just build a computer, however, it can be done. I would agree to purchase a new one but understand most cheap desktops and laptops from companies like Dell or HP do not have integrated graphics cards. If you can find someone to help you build a computer then it would be cheap and very effecient for a fraction of the cost over Dell, HP, Sony, Asus... Etc. If you are poor white trash like me than you could upgrade your current PC to run the game a little more effectively. Ram is important and 1.5gig is just too little to run games on a outdated machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 No offense to anyone...but if you can't build your own PC, then you are just illiterate and/or not motivated enough :-) There are SO many places on the web that will give you step by step instructios with pictures, or even video. It can't be made any easier...and it's not that hard to begin with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zavero Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Maybe for you it isn't difficult but you forget that some people have trouble opening a browser. I am not suggesting that is the case here I am just saying that just because it is easy for you or I, doesn't make it easy for others. Obviously he knows to at least connect to telnet. It is really what you are comfortable doing, Spiegel06. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f0xx Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 No offense to anyone...but if you can't build your own PC' date=' then you are just illiterate and/or not motivated enough :-)[/quote'] Seriosuly Zrothum, how can you even say something like that? Why should we know how to build a computer? It's not what we do for living jeez, and I have better things to do with my free time, things like mudding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Really foxx? Read my post. You dont have to know anything about computers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f0xx Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Really foxx? Read my post. I did and I even quoted it, as you can see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiegel06 Posted August 3, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Well I know how to build build computers cause I used to help my dad build back in the day. That's not the problem, the problem is I don't know what to get, put in, buy, what's good/decent/awsome or anything like that. Honestly I thought this was a good pc cause it ran Warcraft 3 good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f0xx Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Jeez it IS a good PC. I am running on 512 mb RAM and 1.6 gh processor. Runs zmud/skype/facebook perfectly well I am sorry, I don't play graphic games really. The only good reason for me to upgrade is my antivirus, it seems a bit heavy, but I plan on removing it soon too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zavero Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 I could help you but I haven't built or looked at pcs in a couple years so I would have to look at what is good. Zrothum currently works with computers daily so he is prob your best bet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 I did and I even quoted it' date=' as you can see.[/quote'] Then you obviously have a comprehension issue because your argument was already covered in my post. Foxx, you obviously have a problem comprehending the english language then, that's all I can say. My post clearly illustrated that you do not need technical expertise to be able to build a computer. Simply know how to use google. I wouldn't recommend your 70yr old grandma build her own computer. I would recommend it to anyone who plays this game and uses this forum as 99% of you are fully capable of doing so. I am not an auto mechanic...but I change my own spark plugs, tires, brakes, etc etc. If you can install a video card, you can build your own computer without the videos/guides. It really is that easy and every you need to know comes in the manuals with your parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f0xx Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Zrothum, the way you "exress" yourself is quite arrogant and aggressive. First you called us illiterate because we can't build a PC, then you accuse me of not being able to comprehend english language. I stop responding to your posts untill you get some manners. By the way I ain't surprised, all you "IT specialists" have comminucation problems... *shrug* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Zrothum, the way you "exress" yourself is quite arrogant and aggressive. First you called us illiterate because we can't build a PC, then you accuse me of not being able to comprehend english language. I stop responding to your posts untill you get some manners. By the way I ain't surprised, all you "IT specialists" have comminucation problems... *shrug* I reply to your posts that way because I have read almost every post you've made on this forum, and you are very confrontational. So I make my points with you and I make them loudly. I have been highly praised in my ability to simplify tech jargon to customers, so your assumptions about me are wrong, I assue you. I stand behind what I said. If you cannot read the instructions that say put this square into that square hole....then I can only assume you are A) illiterate or not movitated enough. Which is all I said. I never said you were stupid because you can't build a computer. Google will supply you with all the notes and videos you would ever need to make a simple PC build something that will only take you 45-60 minutes. There is no science or technical expertise required to build a computer. The biggest reason people don't build their own computers is fear. They think it's some magical creature that is going to melt down if they don't do something right. It simply isn't the case. If someone takes offense to what I have said then I apologize, but if you're at all interested in building a computer and you haven't built one yet....it is YOU holding yourself back, nothing more. PS - I realize none of you are illiterate...listing that as an obviously invalid option is used to emphasize the latter option, which is that you are lacking motivation. It is a commonly used informational/persuasive writing technique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croyvern Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 You guys are fun. Mike there are far better computers for sale than you will find at walmart. There are a lot of websites for computer builders, you will find a moderately "new" computer(meaning not top of the line, but also not a 300 dollar walmart special) if you do a search. Since your obviously looking for something for video games, search for a gaming computer. If mmajunkie's advice is not sitting well, send me a FB message and I will let my sixteen year old son research it for you. I am kind of like Foxx, video games are for the younger people, I will stick with the FL. But my son (being young) really knows his computers, I swear he has the requirements for hundreds of games memorized. He built his own computer last year for around 300 dollars but he bought every part from a different site because it was cheaper. I guess some people are proud of their ram, and others are proud of their video cards, ect. Good luck my friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinblades713 Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 I've seen even better deals around where I am. My Best Buy was selling an Asus with 500 gig hard drive, and 4 gigs of RAM for 379. You tried Best Buy? Not sure if you have one around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Also, if you do decide to build your own, the links I supplied to you in reply to your PM will have things available called Barebone Kits. They can take a lot of the guesswork out of component selection and sometimes they ship them already assembled. There are usually still a few things needed to purchase for these, hence the name. However, in some cases a lot of the actual building as already been done for you. Those two links aren't the be all, end all but they will at least get you out there to see what you're looking at price-wise. My opinion is that if you are going to build a low-end system, you really aren't going to save that much money. It's hard to build a system for 300 bucks that's worth a crap...so you might as well buy the cheapest retail system you can find. Again, that's my opinion. Where you really start to save money is in building the upper-mid to high end level machines. If you're interested in something like that, then I would love to help you select components. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zhokril Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Honestly, the only reason to build your own computer these days is for purposes of customization. Computer costs have gone down so much in the last 10 years that it doesn't save you any money. You can buy a very good desktop computer for 500$ or less. You can buy a good desktop computer for 300-400$. Just find a good sale. I bought a top-of-the-line laptop for 800$ not long ago. Side rant: I can't understand how anyone buys a computer from Apple. Its like buying a middle-of-the-road bicycle (power/functionality-wise) for twice the price of what a normal top-of-the-line bicycle would be. If you want to argue usability, maybe, but not worth it in my opinion (nor do I agree, but I can see how people would) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Hrmmm, I'd be interested to see your numbers Zhokril :-D I'd argue that spending $2,000 on whatever top of the line system Dell or anyone else has to offer can be built (better in most cases) for about $1,500 or less, with some competitive shopping. Anything less than $1,000 retail though, I agree, you might as well just buy your own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zhokril Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 I meant general purpose computers really. As you said, anything less than 1-1.5k. Yeah, premium systems always charge just that...premiums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 So can we agree that Apple is a premium machine? :-P edit - my personal experience with the apple computer i purchased was pleasant. i wouldn't say it is any better of an actual machine than any other comparable PC...they all use the same parts for the most part. I didn't gain anything from apple software solely because I am not in that industry...but I could definitely see the differences in it compared to other software. My opinion on them remains that they definitely excel in the Arts industry...but for the general internet/email/gamer....stick with a PC for sure. Thus, I sold mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zhokril Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Apple's suck. Period. "Oh hey, you mean I can put a nice looking coat of paint on this Toyota and then price it like a Maybach? Sweet." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmajunkie Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Lol I think a lot of their design concepts are pretty cool. I mean cmon....a laptop machined out of a solid aluminum block? That's about where my interest in Apple falls off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akoz Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 Apples are good computers, well built, alot of high quality parts and ALOT of software that comes straight on the machine.... that being said. You can buy a computer for about as much as you can make on these days, and still get a warrenty. I would personaly build one and if that is the route you would also like to take send me a PM and I will help get some parts listed that will fit inside your budget. and about the IT and communications comment, I communicate just fine thank you very much sir/maam. If you go the route on buying one, let me know as well, because I will gie you a few links that will lead to good machines at an affordable price. If you need me, PM me as I dont always look in every thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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