I know absolutely nothing about computers and was just wondering whether this Dell XPS 8300 is worth $600. I thought about buying it and adding additional processor speed to 3.1ghz for $40 (from 2.9) but someone said that the wattage and motherboard was shit anyway and it might not be worth it.
First link is the Dell XPS 8300 compared to some cheap crap that I'm not buying. This Dell XPS 8300 I'm considering buying though.
http://www.dell.com/us/p/configuration-compare.aspx?ocs=fddnbt41c,dxdnma3&returnURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dell.com%2Fus%2Fp%2F4-day-sale.aspx%3Fcs%3D19Second link is just a more powerful Dell XPS 8300 that's more expensive but has additional information that for some reason isn't included at dell.com??
http://www.pcworld.com/product/788982/dell_xps_8300.html?p=specsNoticeable differences between the cheaper one ( that i'm considering getting) and the more expensive one is like processor speed, processor (i-7 to I-5) and memory.
So basically is this a computer worth getting or are there any recommendations for better computers for $600 or less? Also will the cheaper version of the Dell XPS 8300 run Starcraft 2 smoothly on at least the normal graphic settings (not low quality eww so gross)? (will I need a better graphics card or a little boost in processor speed?)
yyayayayaay
Recommendations from others:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops&series_name=h8m_series&a1=Category&v1=High%20performance difference: (AMD processor, quad core)
Post has been edited 2 time(s), last time on Jul 31 2011, 5:05 am by EzTerix.
None.
Ok. First things first, what will you be using the computer for? Gaming? Hw? What Programs? etc...
None.
Now's as good a time as ever to start learning to build your own computer. Even if you don't plan to actually build one, learning about the various parts and how they interact is a critical skill in choosing what to buy. Google is your best friend.
The thing about powersupplies is it isn't just about wattage. I'm not educated enough about the subject to really get into details, but you would definitely want a brand name PSU like Corsair and a higher wattage. From what I have been told/read, even if a PSU can technically barely manage the demand, you want to avoid stressing it out because this can fluctuate the power draw, especially on a crappy PSU. You want the best, cleanest, most stable power going to your parts. GPUs in particular are very power hungry. Back in the day, I fried two 350 PSU's with just a 9800 pro, the first PSU had been :3 with me for quite a while but the hour I started playing Half Life 2 and pushed the card to high load it was too much for the PSU which then fried. I was lucky not to lose any other components in the process of doing this twice in a row. In short, don't skimp out on your power supply, especially if you value your data/money. I got a 500watt that lasted me a really long time until I started buying Dual GPU cards. Reliability is more important than raw power here.
It is probably possible to get a prebuilt that doesn't totally rip you off; stay away from brand names like Dell and Alienware like the black plague. You'll want something built at a distributor, like NCIX;
http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc_new/ncixpclist.cfm?categoryid=1010Nose a bit around there and compare. This is CAD, though (NCIX probably has a US site).
Show them your butt, and when you do, slap it so it creates a sound akin to a chorus of screaming spider monkeys flogging a chime with cacti. Only then can you find your destiny at the tip of the shaft.
Ok. First things first, what will you be using the computer for? Gaming? Hw? What Programs? etc...
Gaming, websurfing, and video/audio. Hw? NO
Programs uhh idk they'll come to me. Pretty much anything to do with the above stuff + essentials for maintaing a good computer (ccleaner, antivirus)
also the computer operating software is Windows 7. thank goodness cause vista was a nightmare
Now's as good a time as ever to start learning to build your own computer. Even if you don't plan to actually build one, learning about the various parts and how they interact is a critical skill in choosing what to buy. Google is your best friend.
The thing about powersupplies is it isn't just about wattage. I'm not educated enough about the subject to really get into details, but you would definitely want a brand name PSU like Corsair and a higher wattage. From what I have been told/read, even if a PSU can technically barely manage the demand, you want to avoid stressing it out because this can fluctuate the power draw, especially on a crappy PSU. You want the best, cleanest, most stable power going to your parts. GPUs in particular are very power hungry. Back in the day, I fried two 350 PSU's with just a 9800 pro, the first PSU had been :3 with me for quite a while but the hour I started playing Half Life 2 and pushed the card to high load it was too much for the PSU which then fried. I was lucky not to lose any other components in the process of doing this twice in a row. In short, don't skimp out on your power supply, especially if you value your data/money. I got a 500watt that lasted me a really long time until I started buying Dual GPU cards. Reliability is more important than raw power here.
It is probably possible to get a prebuilt that doesn't totally rip you off; stay away from brand names like Dell and Alienware like the black plague. You'll want something built at a distributor, like NCIX;
http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc_new/ncixpclist.cfm?categoryid=1010Nose a bit around there and compare. This is CAD, though (NCIX probably has a US site).
I see I'll look around for a stable computer. I noticed starcraft 2 probably put a burden on my older computer so I'll make sure to get one with reliable specs.
None.
Trust me, you don't need anything special to run SC2 on ultra. Dual core 3.2 ghz with a 512 mb 256-bit video card ran ultra like it was nothing for me. ;o
If you're set on getting a pre-built there is no way I can help you and no way you're not going to get ripped off.
We can't explain the universe, just describe it; and we don't know whether our theories are true, we just know they're not wrong. >Harald Lesch
Quote from name:Dem0nS1ayer
Dual core 3.2 ghz with a 512 mb 256-bit video card
Yeah, because you won't find gaming PCs that are much faster than that.
Quote from name:Dem0nS1ayer
Dual core 3.2 ghz with a 512 mb 256-bit video card
Yeah, because you won't find gaming PCs that are much faster than that.
I'm just saying that you don't need anything special to run SC2. >_>
Mokies. So I went to check on spec requirements for high-end graphic games (such as Crysis 2, S2TW) and they say that the Dell can run fine on both of those. Therefore i assume that Sc2 on ultra wont be a problem.
The Core i5 Processor will be fine for audio/video editing tooz.
None.
If you're set on getting a pre-built there is no way I can help you and no way you're not going to get ripped off.
lol YAY! Well...it's on a 4 DAY SALE WOOO
Mokies. So I went to check on spec requirements for high-end graphic games (such as Crysis 2, S2TW) and they say that the Dell can run fine on both of those. Therefore i assume that Sc2 on ultra wont be a problem.
The Core i5 Processor will be fine for audio/video editing tooz.
ok great! Guess my last question is if I should use the default AMD Radeon™ HD 645 that comes with the computer or replace it with the one on my older computer which was a Nvidia geoforce 8600 G-something
None.
If you're going to get this computer, just test out the card and see if it's better than your old one.
Relatively ancient and inactive
Ex is right. If all you're interested in is "Is this the best value I can get for $600", then no, because by buying a prebuilt you're paying them to arrange components and such. You're paying more than the cost of the components. I won't elaborate, because that's a really stupid question to ask, and I'm hoping you'll find a better one.
None.
Oh wow, I just realized that I have a radeon 6450. It sucks. It only allows me to run sc2 on medium-high. -_- When I built my computer, I had the exact same specs but the graphics card was a little better (that one was 256-bit whereas this one is 64-bit), and I could run SC2 on ultra.
BLOODY PEASANT
Quote from name:Dem0nS1ayer
Dual core 3.2 ghz with a 512 mb 256-bit video card
Yeah, because you won't find gaming PCs that are much faster than that.
the second XPS is way faster than that.
Cheapest computer I can recommend right now uses an i5 2500k for about $800 (made one the other day for $690 after rebates). I can't condone a phenom II x4, though I could see getting an i3 with a 6870. Or maybe a dual core i5.
When you buy a prebuilt you will no doubt get skimped on the video card because 90% of the people they sell these computers don't need speed. Prebuilts generally put a badass processor in and a crappy video card. It makes the computer seem like it's fast (and it is) but it can't play games on the highest qualities.
To elaborate a bit on AMD vs Intel:
AMD's best processor right now is the Phenom II 955 at $120.
Intel's worst processor right now is the i3 2100 at $125.
Intel's best processor right now is the i5 2500k at $220.
AMD motherboards cost ~$90
Intel motherboards cost ~75-$130
The phenom II is slightly better than the i3 at multithreaded stuff, but the i3 core is ~75% faster than the phenom II's core. Throw overclocking into the mix and the phenom pulls way ahead, but the i3 has the ability to upgrade to a better processor, whereas the phenom does not. The i5 is 75% faster than the phenom, and overclocks more, and has the same number of cores.
It's absolutely silly to go with AMD right now, and ridiculous to buy anything intel other than sandy bridge.
Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Aug 1 2011, 9:12 pm by rockz.
"Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman - do we have to call the Gentleman a gentleman if he's not one?"
I BOUGHT IT.
6 months ago it was $1,600 (no joke)
then it was $825 normal price now
then I bought it on sale for $600
Once it gets here I'll see how everything runs or be like F YOu DELL and send it back within 30days.
None.
My soul weeps.
Show them your butt, and when you do, slap it so it creates a sound akin to a chorus of screaming spider monkeys flogging a chime with cacti. Only then can you find your destiny at the tip of the shaft.
May God spare no mercy on thy soul.
None.
No, no, no, No, NO, NO,
NO.
May God spare no mercy on thy soul.
JAJAJA JEALOUS...
whatev it was essentially for freez since I didn't PAY for it derp derp wink wink
None.
