Thread: Buying New Computer

My one concern:

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64-bit

64-bit Windows has no support for the 32-bit drivers, which hinders most programs. This may also effect your games. Your graphics card says Vista capable, but make sure that it has a 64-bit driver.

Most compatibility issues have been solved. I've been on Vista 64 since mid-October plugging in a wide variety of peripherals and a 3-4y.o. sound card. Most devices were flawlessly plug-and-play. I was concerned about old games not playing, but while I get a lot of "This application has known compatibility issues" dialogues, I have yet to experience any such issues.

My only scare was when my PS2 mouse and keyboard weren't detected at first, but after a bit of plugging and unplugging the PS2 and USB ports and some restarts, the system noticed they were there.

>Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
With up to 256MB shared graphics memory for quality video performance.

I would assume that's why he's adding the nVidia graphics hardware

only thing i would suggest is maybe building it yourself? You get a much better computer for the same $$$ if you do.

Even if you don't want to even buying the components and paying a local computer store to put it together would probably let you get more bang for your buck.

Not necessarily cuddleyperson, the price is pretty good actually.

generally, you can't undercut the price of OEM machines with a component-for-component self-build

BUT....

for £50 or so more, you can build a machine of similar spec that'll last twice as long as the OEM machine
(typically choosing a better motherboard, that's actually expandable and future proof)

OEM machines typically have a severely limited upgrade path
(they want you to throw it away and buy a newer one)

well I don't see why they bother with 6gb of ram yet place in no dedicated graphics card, guess cos a good one is pricey and they hope people understand this computer isn't going to be playing any games any time soon.

Originally Posted by cuddleyperson

well I don't see why they bother with 6gb of ram yet place in no dedicated graphics card, guess cos a good one is pricey and they hope people understand this computer isn't going to be playing any games any time soon.

I BUY OEM MACHINES SO THAT I CAN DO PROFESSIONAL AUDIO EDITING.

Originally Posted by Marvo

I BUY OEM MACHINES SO THAT I CAN DO PROFFESIONAL AUDIO EDITING.

sorry,
what's audio editing got to do with buying OEM machines?

about the only advantage of going OEM (Dell, HP, etc.) is the warranty

in fact, if you're doing professional audio editing,
you'd probably be better off choosing your own hardware

If you're doing professional audio editing, I wouldn't recommend a PC in the first place

Why not?

A PC works just fine with audio recording/editting as long as you have the right equipment.

Unless you plan on spending huge amounts of money or using the cheap stuff then you have no choice. The middle ranges stuff is mostly for Mac only. Final Cut Studio is the most popular. The Adobe and Sony ones are insanely expensive and Audacity doesn't have professional tools.

I'd personally build it with the same specs, but with a different motherboard, and third party heat sink for about the same price. That way I could overclock the Q6600 from 2.40GHz to 3.20GHz and higher. More performance for the same cost, and perfectly safe with Intel Core 2s. Been running an overclocked E6600 for over 2 years now (from 2.40GHz to 3.51GHz).

You're right about having to spend some hard cash, ninja, but if you're serious about your recording/editting you'd spend it anyways. My mom's boyfriend is a pro musician and has the whole setup for his PC, and it works great.