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Looking at a relatively basic new PC

  • 13-08-2009 3:07pm
    #1
    jasonb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,337 ✭✭✭


    Hi there,

    Thinking of getting a new PC in a month or two. It doesn't have to be a monster by any stretch, but I would like it to have a decent Processor, Video Card and Ram. I won't be playing top of the range games on it etc., but one good test is I'd like it to run Microsoft Flight Simulator X at full graphics settings and get a fast, smooth frame rate.

    Anyhow, I was looking at this one :

    http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=ie&cs=iedhs1&kc=DRS54503&l=en&m_30=111787&oc=D004503&rbc=D004503&s=dhs

    In case the link doesn't work it's a Dell Inspiron 545 with an Intel Core 2 Quad-Core Q8300 Processor ( 2.5Ghz, 4Mb Cache, 1333MHz FSB ), 4Gb Dual Channel DDR2 800MHz Ram and 512Mb ATI Radeon HD 4350 Graphics Card. The total is €519 ( as I'm not getting a monitor ).

    I also have an option of spending an extra €70 for an nVidia GeForce GT220 1Gb graphics card instead.

    So, basically, is that good spec for that price? I'm happy with the price ( i.e. I can handle spending €500 ) but I'd like to make sure it's going to do the job for me. As FSX is 3 years old I'm hoping that spec should do me?

    I've the option of 32Bit or 64Bit Windows Vista. The little I know of 64Bit suggests to me that it should handle the 4Gb of RAM ( and more if I upgrade in future ) better than 32Bit. But if I'm using a PC for Word / Excel, Internet browsing and a few games ( like FSX ) should I go 64Bit or 32Bit?

    Finally, should I go with Vista or look at Windows 7?

    Thanks in advance for all advice...

    J.


Comments

  • #2
    Kevster
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,980 ✭✭✭Kevster


    Yo,

    That looks pretty fantastic for that price. you might want to make sure you get MS Office bundled with it though, and a wireless/cable router (whatever your prefs. are). Also, I WOULD actually get Windows 7. The transition to Windows 7 is apparently going to be as big as the transition from Windows 2000 to Windows XP (i.e. - it marks a fundamental change in the OS structure). As such, I think you should wait a while to get one with Windows 7 on it.

    Kevin


  • #3
    donmeister
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,158 ✭✭✭donmeister


    Kevster wrote: »
    Also, I WOULD actually get Windows 7. The transition to Windows 7 is apparently going to be as big as the transition from Windows 2000 to Windows XP (i.e. - it marks a fundamental change in the OS structure). As such, I think you should wait a while to get one with Windows 7 on it.

    Gonna have to +1 on this idea,try holding out for Windows 7,its out in October and is a much,much better OS than Vista (I used the RC), just a waste of time using Vista now then buying 7,just my 2c


  • #4
    jasonb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,337 ✭✭✭jasonb


    Thanks for your replies... I already have Office, so don't need that bundled, and already have the Wireless Router too ( and Monitor ). I think I'm leaning towards spending the extra €70 for the nVidia 1Gb card, if I can afford it, there's no harm in buying a bigger spec if I can!

    I have heard good things about Windows 7, and won't be able to buy the PC for a couple of months anyhow so waiting won't be a problem ( well, when I say that, I don't *want* to wait, but I have to! ).

    So that just leaves 32bit v 64bit. Which should I go for? Thanks!

    J.


  • #5
    marco_polo
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 10,087 Mod ✭✭✭✭marco_polo


    New machine with 4GB RAM no reason not to go 64bit IMO.


  • #6
    Kevster
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,980 ✭✭✭Kevster


    Yeh, just get the 64-bit too. All PCs will eventually use that. I think you should be thinking long term really. I bought my current PC way back in 2000 but it's still quite good/powerful even today. That's because I put the investment in for a long term thing. So, I think you should have that in mind.


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  • #7
    jasonb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,337 ✭✭✭jasonb


    Cool...

    Thanks a lot for your advice! I'll get the 64Bit Windows 7 ( Home Premium probably ), and I'm pretty much happy with the CPU and RAM. I've asked a separate question in the Graphics forum to help me decide on a graphics card. Now I just have to wait a few months 'til I have the money!

    J.


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