Xiandi Xiandi

Is this good enough?

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Is this good enough?

Getting a New Computer Soon

from WinCustomize Forums

I need some advice. I know next to nothing about computer specs, but I'm planning on getting a new computer soon. I realize that it will probably have Vista on it so it will need lots of RAM, but thats about all I know.

My son was looking up different computers and comparing prices, etc. This is one of the options he came up with.

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Hp s3400z Computer

Windows Vista Home Premium w/Service Pack 1
2.3 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ dual-core processor
3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM
256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400-HD, DVI, VGA adapter, HDMI video card
No Modem (not sure if important info)
320 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive
LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/- R/RW SuperMulti drive
15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, headphone port
Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/front audio ports sound card

price includes free shipping

$539.99

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Do you think this is a good deal? Is it going to be good enough for what I want to do? Would you change anything on it?

I have specs on a more expensive computer too but was wondering if this one would *do it* for me. Most of the time I use it for skinning and web surfing, but I would like to be able to play games and watch movies on it too (not something I can do with my current computer).

301,978 views 72 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I will offer this: Build your own. You will save money by not paying for a name. Newegg.com and Ebay are your friends.
Reply #27 from Stardock Forums Top

I dont trust ebay and I dont think you want to build your own however I would look for other companies a little less mainstream but sence your going for a cheeper end computer thats probably fine. I notice HP and Dell charge over the top prices on performace goods I am not sure about the lower end i would recomend either getting 2 or 4 gigs of ram 3 will not work well i cant remember why it has to do with frequencies or voltage but you wont get the most out of it if you dont have a even number. I dont have the HP site up but try putting a 8800GT in it that is a exelent card for most anything and its cheep.

Siege of Centauri
Reply #28 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I will offer this: Build your own. You will save money by not paying for a name. Newegg.com and Ebay are your friends.

I know next to nothing about computer specs, but I'm planning on getting a new computer soon.

Unless you know what you're doing, home built is not the best way to go. Yes I do agree I'd rather build it myself than buy some prebuilt crap, but for someone who just wants to get on the net and check email, prebuilt would be easier, especially since they'll be getting a warranty and support whereas home built you don't (hence needing to know what you're doing).
Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top
True Bebi but to think of all the money they are wasting. It's not that hard to build your own and seek advice of what to put in it.

Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Another alternative would be to check out some of the smaller PC stores/manufacturers and get a custom build that will meet your wants/needs better than propriety brands which are often limited and do not offer upgrade/expansion opportunities... and frequently come with unnecessary bloatware you'll never want or need.

Furthermore, these smaller stores are often better on price than larger retailers/department stores. It is my experience that they generally offer more personalised service/better after sales support because it's their bread and butter and want you to return.

Just a thought. :)
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Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I will offer this: Build your own. You will save money by not paying for a name. Newegg.com and Ebay are your friends.


I doubt you could build that HP system for $539 from parts bought elsewhere
Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I find your lack of faith disturbing Leo...

Case: Linkworld 431-06 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - WWW Link

Motherboard and OS Combo: GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 AMD 690V Micro ATX AMD Motherboard and Windows Vista Home Premium Combo - WWW Link

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Brisbane 2.3GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - WWW Link

Memory: Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) X 3 - WWW Link

DVD Burner: LITE-ON Black 20X SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - WWW Link

Hard Drive: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA Hard Drive - WWW Link

Video Card: BIOSTAR V8402GL26 GeForce 8400GS 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - WWW Link

Card Reader: SABRENT 65-in-1 Card Reader w/ USB 2.0 Port - WWW Link

Grand Total - $476.89 plus Shipping

And the satisfaction of building it yourself. If you were to go for a few cheaper parts you could save even more. I had the total down to around 350 dollars the day on a simular build. I'm pretty sure Ebay would be even cheaper as well.
Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Truth is, you'd be better off with either 2gb or 4gb, 3 is just odd. Especially with the way dual-channel works, it works best in even increments (hence the dual channel, not triple all split up).
Reply #34 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Another 20 dollars for another GB. No biggie. Still cheaper than the HP listed above. :)
Reply #35 from WinCustomize Forums Top
3 is just odd


Pun :LOL:
Reply #37 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can;t get the full 4gb of use out of your RAM unless you go 64-bit since 32-bit can only address 3gb.
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Reply #38 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No comment...


Really? Why?
Reply #39 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can;t get the full 4gb of use out of your RAM unless you go 64-bit since 32-bit can only address 3gb.

In which case, just stick with 2gb since 64bit is a can of worms you don't need to open, especially for what you plan to do with the machine. Both my machines (XP Pro and Vista Home Premium) are running on 2gb ram.
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Reply #40 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I really have no experience building a computer on my own, and I don't have anyone thay would know how to do it for me. That's why I was considering a prebuilt one. It's the main reason I asked here, I knew I would get lots of helpful advice on what to get.
I have time still to get all this together. I'll check out your links Kona, maybe I'll learn a thing or two in the process. Thanks to all of you for your input!
Reply #41 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No comment...Really? Why?


As you can see I did comment.

You can use 4 GB of RAM with 32 bit Vista Home Premium. You don't have to use the 64 bit edition.

WWW Link

From the MS website:

Memory specifications

All editions of Windows Vista 64-bit provide increased memory support beyond the standard 4 gigabytes (GB) available with 32-bit editions. Refer to the specific edition of Windows Vista 64-bit to determine maximum memory capacity.
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Reply #42 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I really have no experience building a computer on my own, and I don't have anyone thay would know how to do it for me. That's why I was considering a prebuilt one. It's the main reason I asked here, I knew I would get lots of helpful advice on what to get.
I have time still to get all this together. I'll check out your links Kona, maybe I'll learn a thing or two in the process. Thanks to all of you for your input!


I could walk you through building one. Email me. It's a very simple process. :)
Reply #43 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I could walk you through building one. Email me. It's a very simple process.


I might take you up on that. I need to do some reading and will probably have more questions when I'm done.  :D 
Reply #44 from WinCustomize Forums Top
64bit is a can of worms you don't need to open,

There are problems with 64bit? I am sick of problems with my computer. I'm getting a new one because this one is old and has lots of problems. I don't want problems!  X-( 

All editions of Windows Vista 64-bit provide increased memory support beyond the standard 4 gigabytes available with 32-bit editions.


Increased memory support? What does that mean?
Reply #45 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I find your lack of faith disturbing Leo...Case: Linkworld 431-06 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - WWW LinkMotherboard and OS Combo: GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 AMD 690V Micro ATX AMD Motherboard and Windows Vista Home Premium Combo - WWW LinkProcessor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Brisbane 2.3GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - WWW LinkMemory: Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) X 3 - WWW LinkDVD Burner: LITE-ON Black 20X SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - WWW LinkHard Drive: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA Hard Drive - WWW LinkVideo Card: BIOSTAR V8402GL26 GeForce 8400GS 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - WWW LinkCard Reader: SABRENT 65-in-1 Card Reader w/ USB 2.0 Port - WWW LinkGrand Total - $476.89 plus Shipping And the satisfaction of building it yourself. If you were to go for a few cheaper parts you could save even more. I had the total down to around 350 dollars the day on a simular build. I'm pretty sure Ebay would be even cheaper as well.


So once you add shipping you are saving about twenty bucks on the HP which comes fully built. And don't forget the HP will come with a lot of software - admittedly some of it crap - but you'd have to buy some software to match the HP offering which would leave you out of pocket on your 'build your own' system. Let alone the time spent actually building it and getting it up and running. And as we all know invariably one of the parts you purchase will be defective. Nope, it don't make sense. I'd buy the ready built system and let HP take care of any problems. :) 
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Reply #46 from WinCustomize Forums Top
64bit is a can of worms you don't need to open,

There are problems with 64bit? I am sick of problems with my computer. I'm getting a new one because this one is old and has lots of problems. I don't want problems!  

All editions of Windows Vista 64-bit provide increased memory support beyond the standard 4 gigabytes available with 32-bit editions.

Increased memory support? What does that mean?

64bit is meant for people who do heavy-duty graphics editing, video rendering, extreme gaming, etc. The casual user has no need for 64bit. It also has compatibility problems with some programs (including some Stardock ones). 32bit is the way to go.

More RAM = better performance. You should be fine with 2GB, works fine for me.
Reply #47 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Leo you just don't get it. I said I could build a system for less. I can build one for even less than I showed you here.

Would you like proof?
Reply #48 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thank you, Bebi. I like answers in language I can understand.  ;) 
Reply #49 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Xiandi I could put a system together from Newegg fro around $350 shipped. If you are interested I could post the parts and then write up how to assemble them if you like.
Reply #50 from JoeUser Forums Top
No comment...


lol.

I build my own, personally.

For a "big box" computer, it's not a bad deal though. I recently put together a computer with the following:

AMD 4400+ processor
1GB RAM (running XP, I'll upgrade the RAM when I get a chance)
DVD burner with Lightscribe
2-SATA 160GB Hard drives
450Watt PSU
Onboard video, sound, and Nic

Total cost? $300 (it was built on a budget). Considering that you have more RAM, as much hard drive space, and a video card, as well as the O/S included (my O/S didn't cost me...and no it ain't pirated...lol!), I'd say it's a fair deal. Just thought I'd list my budget machine pricing for a benchmark.