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Hard drive help.
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Sun, 08/05/2007 - 15:35
My grandma is giving me a computer without a hard drive. I was wondering if I can find an internal hard drive with XP installed and with at least 80 GB of memory and 512 MB of ram. I hope to buy one off of a mainstream store such as Newegg. Thanks!
Sat, 08/11/2007 - 00:07
#10
Re: Hard drive help.
Mongo wrote:
[quote:ba63ea6bf9="Junk-mod-er"][quote:ba63ea6bf9="Mongo"]I would have to agree that a build it yourself computer would outperform any name brand computer if you chose your components wisely.
I would have to disagree under ONE case...
AlienWare.
Rediculously overpriced but some parts are the best and only come with AlienWare computers.
They are just rediculous with their prices; though...in about one minute flat I made a $24,000 computer bundle.
Building your own outperforms theirs right UP to their second-best part selection (because they have custom parts only made for their company; those chipsets AREN'T EVEN SOLD!).
It is an exception to what you are saying if money wasn't a factor; but it is. So...
I bet that was confusing. :lol: :lol:
~Junk ET
You could build the same computer yourself, for much cheaper. :wink: You would just have to spend the time chasing down the parts.
Actually, if you have a basic understanding of what goes together, you can breeze right through finding parts, if tigerdirect, zipzoomfly, or newegg doesn't have said part - it doesn't exist. :lol:
Fri, 08/10/2007 - 22:01
#11
Re: Hard drive help.
yup.. will take a while to get those parts.. but still... those computers are pointless.. unless your a stupid no life gamer :lol:
Fri, 08/10/2007 - 20:21
#12
Re: Hard drive help.
Junk-mod-er wrote:
[quote:a2c2f28fdd="Mongo"]I would have to agree that a build it yourself computer would outperform any name brand computer if you chose your components wisely.
I would have to disagree under ONE case...
AlienWare.
Rediculously overpriced but some parts are the best and only come with AlienWare computers.
They are just rediculous with their prices; though...in about one minute flat I made a $24,000 computer bundle.
Building your own outperforms theirs right UP to their second-best part selection (because they have custom parts only made for their company; those chipsets AREN'T EVEN SOLD!).
It is an exception to what you are saying if money wasn't a factor; but it is. So...
I bet that was confusing. :lol: :lol:
~Junk ET
You could build the same computer yourself, for much cheaper. :wink: You would just have to spend the time chasing down the parts.
Fri, 08/10/2007 - 14:08
#13
Re: Hard drive help.
cheezman wrote:
Most Alienware computers still ship with a 32 bit version of Windows
Huh...
'Hadn't realized it. :?
I didn't know they were owned by Dell now either...
I made a $8700 computer with nothing but hardware. :lol:
~Junk ET
Fri, 08/10/2007 - 12:40
#14
Re: Hard drive help.
Junk-mod-er wrote:
[quote:270b11ebbc="Mongo"]I would have to agree that a build it yourself computer would outperform any name brand computer if you chose your components wisely.
I would have to disagree under ONE case...
AlienWare.
Rediculously overpriced but some parts are the best and only come with AlienWare computers.
They are just rediculous with their prices; though...in about one minute flat I made a $24,000 computer bundle.
Building your own outperforms theirs right UP to their second-best part selection (because they have custom parts only made for their company; those chipsets AREN'T EVEN SOLD!).
It is an exception to what you are saying if money wasn't a factor; but it is. So...
I bet that was confusing. :lol: :lol:
~Junk ET
Actually, many people have built computers that far surpass Alienware in terms of performance (for the same or below their price). Most Alienware computers still ship with a 32 bit version of Windows, which means they are limited in RAM (4GB max but Windows only shows ~3.25GB). You could run in a 64 bit environment and easily open up many doors for performance. Although, driver support is low for 64bit Windows. Many companies don't see the need to write drivers for 64 bit; but that's what duel booting is for.
As for $24,000... all extra software and hardware, the components will only run to about $7,500 (still A LOT), the rest is software bundles from companies like Adobe and Discreet, new games, and external devices like USB hard drives.
Also, Alienware, according to their website, uses "Alienware approved motherboard", meaning, it is not made by them, it's most likely an Asus gaming board. As for everything else, the hard drives are 1TB drives from Western Digital (best hard drive company on earth), the graphics cards are 8800 Ultras from EVGA or XFX.
However, I do like Alienware, even though they are now owned by Dell. But, I still think they need to get better looking cases, something like an Antec P180 or P190... :lol:
But, if I owned a crazy computer, I would want to say that I built it.
Fri, 08/10/2007 - 03:23
#15
Re: Hard drive help.
Mongo wrote:
I would have to agree that a build it yourself computer would outperform any name brand computer if you chose your components wisely.
I would have to disagree under ONE case...
AlienWare.
Rediculously overpriced but some parts are the best and only come with AlienWare computers.
They are just rediculous with their prices; though...in about one minute flat I made a $24,000 computer bundle.
Building your own outperforms theirs right UP to their second-best part selection (because they have custom parts only made for their company; those chipsets AREN'T EVEN SOLD!).
It is an exception to what you are saying if money wasn't a factor; but it is. So...
I bet that was confusing. :lol: :lol:
~Junk ET
Fri, 08/10/2007 - 02:43
#16
Re: Hard drive help.
nitemeer wrote:
actually I tried built computers from my cousin which I saw him build it and i had 3 computer that was build from my cousin. All of them broke down within 1 year... the only computer lasted long is my dell laptop and acer laptop... not sure about the dell desktop but I'm pretty sure it will last long. those were my experience with built computers.
Doing it yourself is always the way to go, I don't see how it would break down so easily unless you used very sucky/old parts and/or it was badly put together.
edit: i've been using the same computer for about 8 years, switching parts here and there, but as you can see it can last for a while.
and im sure that isn't even that long compared to other people
Fri, 08/10/2007 - 01:34
#17
Re: Hard drive help.
actually I tried built computers from my cousin which I saw him build it and i had 3 computer that was build from my cousin. All of them broke down within 1 year... the only computer lasted long is my dell laptop and acer laptop... not sure about the dell desktop but I'm pretty sure it will last long. those were my experience with built computers.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 23:59
#18
Re: Hard drive help.
cheezman wrote:
Just telling you my experiences, and I can safely say I will no longer be a Dell customer.My next computer I am building my self. Most parts have 3 year or lifetime warranties, and step up from AMD and EVGA! :wink:
I would have to agree that a build it yourself computer would outperform any name brand computer if you chose your components wisely.
My last 2 computers I built myself.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 23:53
#19
Re: Hard drive help.
Just telling you my experiences, and I can safely say I will no longer be a Dell customer.
My next computer I am building my self. Most parts have 3 year or lifetime warranties, and step up from AMD and EVGA! :wink:
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 22:37
#20
Re: Hard drive help.
cheezman wrote:
I disagree.Dells are garbage. Proprietary, badly made generic parts. In order to upgrade a Dell, you must purchase a whole new computer, can't do component upgrades unless Dell supplies said parts, which, more often than not, they don't. Unless you buy their most expensive XPS, expect your computer to go out of date one week after purchase.
I also disagree about their customer support. Their "Award Winning" support is a laughable joke. The techs do not know A THING about computers.
After you get thrown around the globe from calling their tech support, you finally get an Indian guy named "Mark" - "M for macaroni, A for apple, R for red, K for kitten" who just reads from, what to me seems like an outdated manual. Then couldn't solve the problem - so they put you on hold for another 20 minutes, then some "superior tech" comes on the phone who is dumber than the first guy, whom gives BAD advice further compounding the problem. After an hour of phone tag, you finally hang up the phone (in frustration with their idiocy), and then fix the problem by doing the EXACT OPPOSITE of what they said to do, in other words, doing what they tell you NOT to do.
Sadly, there is no brand name computer company that is "good".
Dell computers are fully upgradable unless you pick one that does not have any extra MB slots. Thats your fault if you did not check into the particular hardwares upgradability. You sould have purchased the precision line or optiplex line and not the basic Demensions line.
We have had to, and have had no problems upgrading our Dells.
Want to know what kind of server we have running here at work? That handle more than 100,000 emails a day? Dell's high end servers.
And when it comes to support, no complaints there. Most companies have a customer no-service line. Never had a problem getting an issue escalated, or had replacement parts shipped to me when I need to replace broken hardware. And that is not often. Most of the Dell computers that I have worked on, or purchased for companies never had any hardware problems or any need to call support on them.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 22:14
#21
Re: Hard drive help.
Junk-mod-er wrote:
[quote:b1fae44edf="cheezman"]Dells are garbage.
Back on topic...
I'd agree with you, cheez. No companies are very good...all the same crap. :?
~Junk ET
I agree with Junk but not Cheez. Dell isn't so crappy since i have 1 Dell Laptop which is like 3 years already never died. I just got a new desktop since my Gateway Desktop Died and it was totally cheap and good function. Only paid $350 including tax and shipping. For that amount of money I got an AMD 64 Athlon X2 at 4000+ (2.1 Ghz), 2GB DDR Ram, 320GB Hard Drive, DVD+-RW, Media Card Reader(SD, CF, etc.) don't have video card but its running on intergrated 6150 graphic which is fairly good already. Most computers you buy this day dont really come with video card or it'll be just crappy video card if it comes with it. Remember $350 for my Dell Computer is very cheap already.. good functions:D :lol:
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 17:15
#22
Re: Hard drive help.
cheezman wrote:
Dells are garbage.
I would've stopped there. :lol:
Wow...that post was freakin' HILARIOUS. :lol: :lol:
The only good technical support I've ever encountered is eBay's "live chat" function and ONE GUY after about seven who told me to do the wrong thing to get my phone on the internet...
Back on topic...
I'd agree with you, cheez. No companies are very good...all the same crap. :?
~Junk ET
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 15:20
#23
Re: Hard drive help.
I disagree.
Dells are garbage. Proprietary, badly made generic parts. In order to upgrade a Dell, you must purchase a whole new computer, can't do component upgrades unless Dell supplies said parts, which, more often than not, they don't. Unless you buy their most expensive XPS, expect your computer to go out of date one week after purchase.
I also disagree about their customer support. Their "Award Winning" support is a laughable joke. The techs do not know A THING about computers.
After you get thrown around the globe from calling their tech support, you finally get an Indian guy named "Mark" - "M for macaroni, A for apple, R for red, K for kitten" who just reads from, what to me seems like an outdated manual. Then couldn't solve the problem - so they put you on hold for another 20 minutes, then some "superior tech" comes on the phone who is dumber than the first guy, whom gives BAD advice further compounding the problem. After an hour of phone tag, you finally hang up the phone (in frustration with their idiocy), and then fix the problem by doing the EXACT OPPOSITE of what they said to do, in other words, doing what they tell you NOT to do.
Sadly, there is no brand name computer company that is "good".
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 01:42
#24
Re: Hard drive help.
nitemeer wrote:
sometime dell has like $100 off coupon which a computer would cost about $300-$400 with monitor using coupon without coupon its like $400-$500.
For a name brand computer, I suggest Dell hands down.
Good product and great support. I have been buying machines for companies and family for many years, never had a problem that was not solved easily by me or Dell with their computers.
Better to pay a little more now, than much more later when you have problems.
The cheap discount computers use the cheapest parts and normally will have hardware issues usually to do with poorly designed drivers.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 01:16
#25
Re: Hard drive help.
sometime dell has like $100 off coupon which a computer would cost about $300-$400 with monitor using coupon without coupon its like $400-$500.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 01:15
#26
Re: Hard drive help.
it was an Acer which I have a Acer Laptop :wink: never broke it :lol:
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 00:36
#27
Re: Hard drive help.
My cousin and his friend both have eMachines; both of them I had to replace power supplies, that's not good at all.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 00:00
#28
Re: Hard drive help.
Mongo wrote:
If you say emachine, and buy it, your a fool. :wink:
Good point...
I've had three friends who got eMachine's for Christmas from their parents...three different types...two different years.
After about a year of having them, all three started to have unexplainable problems. Improper shutdowns and reboots.
I really don't like those computers... :?
~Junk ET
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 23:41
#29
Re: Hard drive help.
nitemeer wrote:
ahh... just to tell you i found a computer at CircuitCity for approximately $250 inlcude tax. It had a AMD 3800+ not X2 though with about 1g ram and 250ish hard drive not sure since i didnt pay attention to it. was on window vista basic though. pretty cheap... didnt have video card but u can easily upgrade using pci-e i think. it was a intergrated 6150 graphic on that computer.
What brand computer was it? :?
If you say emachine, and buy it, your a fool. :wink:
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 23:25
#30
Re: Hard drive help.
Junk-mod-er wrote:
[quote:e17c51c7a3="nitemeer"][quote:e17c51c7a3="xmodkidd33"]Yeah, I plan on buying the OS new. I hope on spending $200 or less on this, and that includes the OS, memory, and hard drive.
sorry to tell you but you will have to spend over $200 for those. just go buy a computer thats on sale for $200-$250 (monitor not included) and it'll work great on all kinds of stuff. Building your own cost too much. Right now your like just building your own computer. The OS you buy will have to be the real version not an upgrade version which will cost at least $120 and hard drive+ram will cost at least $80 also so good luck replacing stuff. My recommendation is just go buy a computer for $200-$250 which can be easily be found now.
You're actually suggesting to go out and buy a random computer and expect all of the parts to swap? :roll:
A $200 computer is pure crap that is destined to break.
If you go for the right parts and ones that are on sale, you can get great deals and spend about $120 on XP Professional; RAM would depend on how much you want...I'd say $50 for 512mb; and $80 for an HDD.
~Junk ET
ahh... just to tell you i found a computer at CircuitCity for approximately $250 inlcude tax. It had a AMD 3800+ not X2 though with about 1g ram and 250ish hard drive not sure since i didnt pay attention to it. was on window vista basic though. pretty cheap... didnt have video card but u can easily upgrade using pci-e i think. it was a intergrated 6150 graphic on that computer.
This is what you need: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145141
..maybe 4 of those in RAID 1..... :lol:
One word for needing a "non-normal computer": Photography.
I'm running 20MB photos through this thing day in, day out. I need a fast processor for that to happen, such as a gaming computer would. Or like how a 3d rendering computer would, like Cheez mentioned. Problem for me, I don't have near the "stats" I need for these photos. :lol:
The possibilities are endless.
Well, any one who does intensive 3D design (I am learning), game design, HD video editing (...also learning) or HD video playback, HD gaming (I wish I could).etc all would need very high end systems.
HD video editing even on a $5000 rig just rendering can take HOURS. So the better your computer is, the faster, and the less likely it is to mess up. :wink:
Plus, it's human nature to want the biggest and best there is. If you have the wallet for it, why not?
You're the one who said it. :lol:
...and I'm guessing that they're just doing some serious business, gaming, or just got it for the hell of it (and they're impatient like me).
~Junk ET
pfft-.- u go define it.. why would someone need a super high tech expensive computer anyway though?
Define a normal computer.
:roll:
:lol:
~Junk ET
all i can say is... why would someone need those stuff.. kind of pointless.. waste of money... a normal computer is already good enough..
Well try this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131146
Two L sockets, 4 PCI Express x16..... future proof? A little bit, overkill? Yes. Awesome? Heck yes! :lol:
However, it can't be fully utilized; yet.
Actually, if you have a basic understanding of what goes together, you can breeze right through finding parts, if tigerdirect, zipzoomfly, or newegg doesn't have said part - it doesn't exist. :lol:
I've made quite the noob of myself...
I'm stuck in AlienWare's past...when Dell and them had no similarities and they had top-end parts only sold with their computers (what? Three years back?).
I built my own computer, to put that out there.
I took what you guys said and found any AlienWare part available with a quick TigerDirect search (besides their MoBo). :roll:
~Junk ET