Advice for new PC

astec123

Right Im kinda out of the world of computers and most of the more minor developments have passed me by in the last 12 months, but I now think that my old xp2600 based machine is feeling her age so I think I will move on up again in the world, but not knowing whats hot and whats not these days Im not sure where to start, I know intel and AMD have been hard working releasing dual core processors and so forth. So what I want to know is money no object (within reason) what should I buy by way of an upgrade machine.

Im used to having top spec and when I bough my machine I couldnt strech to buy the top processor so had to settle for the next one down and would be willing to do that again if the speed vs. price is affected to my liking I also had 1GB of ram when top models didnt even bundle 512, they still fitted 256 as standard.

But what I need is pretty much everything, I have a 19" CRT which depending on the advised monitors may stay but its not something I vitally need. I also have a surround sound speaker set that uses composite so that needs to be there so I can hook up. But beyond those I need the works.

What I use the machine for is plenty of graphic design work so ram needs to be reasonable, and also will be buying half-life 2 soon so needs to play that.

Also where is the best place to buy all the parts as I prefer to build em myself, I used to import machines all the time as it was cheaper, is it now worth the effort or just a waste of time these days?

astec123

Oh forgot to mention, I also have some cathode tubes and things that would need to move over so needs to be a modable case. Im after
-suggested components
-Full machine specs that people advise
-places to buy (dabs.com ebuyer.com etc and real world stores)
-anything people can offer to clue me in with the technology to look for.

One other question is should I wait a few months with the dual core revolution and 64bit?

astec123

Anyone willing to help me here? Been waiting patiently for 10 hours now.

DemonOfTheFall

Which is more important to you? Your graphic design work or your gaming ?

The Pentium 4 will easily win for graphics work, the Athlon 64 for gaming.

astec123

DemonOfTheFall wrote:

Which is more important to you? Your graphic design work or your gaming ?

The Pentium 4 will easily win for graphics work, the Athlon 64 for gaming.

I want AMD to be future proof really as they are the kings of price for punch and have always gone with them.

cuppa

yawn