Help me spend €600 and not a penny more!!!

BenEadir

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a PC which will do all the family web surfing etc but also accomodate my 11 year old son who's into Minecraft and will no doubt soon migrate to more system challenging games.

I was going to go with a bog standard Dell Inspiron 620 MT for €399 inc VAT and delivery (see attached spec sheet) + this 24" Acer monitor from Komplett for €149 http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/ZKB_04RAND/16_MONITOR/01_MONITOR/productdetails/80003788/Acer_24_G245HQBID_LCD_2ms_VGA_DVI_HDMI/ET_UG5HE_019/default.aspx and these speakers for €39.95 http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/prod...0/default.aspx which for €590 all in looks like good value to me and means I don't have to blow my €600 budget. That is until someone came along and kindly pointed out the Inspiron won't play games very well and I would be far better off getting some advice on here as to how to spec up a better machine for the same money which Hardwareversand will build for €30.

My total budget including Monitor, OS and delivery is €600. Needless to say this is required for Crimbo!!!

Help anyone?

Ben

deconduo

It would have been possible a month ago but not any more. A 500GB hard drive is now €120 instead of €30 which, when coupled with the €80 for windows 7, destroys the budget. The integrated graphics on the Inspiron should run minecraft at the very least.

thenightrider

There was a guy last week on adverts selling 500 gb hard drives for €20 not sure if he still is he had loads of them

kfish2oo2

Yeah a friend of mine got a HDD from him yesterday so he might have a few left.

BenEadir

Thanks for the info guys but I won't be building this myself or installing any components, it's just not my cup of tea.

Can I perhaps ask my question a different way? I guess what I'm looking for is an entry level gaming machine I can get ready built and delivered (or picked up if bricks and mortar store) for as close to €600 all in or €450 excluding monitor but including OS.

Any

eth0

Linux + SSD ftw

BenEadir

eth0 wrote: »

Linux + SSD ftw

Ahh Janey, are ye trying to crack me up????? Linux??? I know thise who use it love it and Android is based on it etc (as far as I know) but seriously I just want nice easy Vanilla windoze which I can set up without having to go on a learning curve.

Don't suppose this would do the trick would it? http://www.elara.ie/productdetail.aspx?productcode=ECE2272493

C'mon guys, help me out here. I'm way out of my comfort zone here

Ben

uncle_sam_ie

BenEadir wrote: »

Ahh Janey, are ye trying to crack me up????? Linux??? I know thise who use it love it and Android is based on it etc (as far as I know) but seriously I just want nice easy Vanilla windoze which I can set up without having to go on a learning curve.

Don't suppose this would do the trick would it? http://www.elara.ie/productdetail.aspx?productcode=ECE2272493

C'mon guys, help me out here. I'm way out of my comfort zone here

Ben

If you really want value for money building your own is the way to go. I know it sounds like its something thats way out of your league but , it's not. If you can follow the instructions to put together an IKEA table then you can build a PC. All the parts you buy will come with a guarantee. There are loads of videos on Youtube to show you how. Here is a good one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?src_vid=1w6UZNeGgXU&annotation_id=annotation_305478&feature=iv&v=L9em2kHmllo

deconduo

BenEadir wrote: »

Ahh Janey, are ye trying to crack me up????? Linux??? I know thise who use it love it and Android is based on it etc (as far as I know) but seriously I just want nice easy Vanilla windoze which I can set up without having to go on a learning curve.

Don't suppose this would do the trick would it? http://www.elara.ie/productdetail.aspx?productcode=ECE2272493

C'mon guys, help me out here. I'm way out of my comfort zone here

Ben

Nah thats even worse. This is what I would try and go for:

Item|Price
Total build cost: €446.44 + €30 shipping
Intel Core i3-2100 Box, LGA1155|€99.46
ASRock H61M-HVS (B3), Sockel 1155, mATX|€45.89
8GB-Kit G.Skill PC3-10667U CL9|€31.51
Xigmatek Asgard, ATX, ohne Netzteil, schwarz|€31.61
Antec BasiQ VP350|€33.29
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA|€15.41
Club 3D Radeon 6770 1024MB, AMD Radeon 6770, PCI-Express|€88.29
BenQ G2225HD|€100.98


The monitor is 22' instead of 24', buts its still a good one. You're missing a copy of windows and a hard drive in that build. You can get windows for €45 if you know someone with a student email, otherwise its €75. The hard drive is the tricky one. If you can get a cheap 7200rpm one anywhere, that will do. Otherwise take this SSD but it won't hold a whole lot:
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=46113&agid=1145

If you're in Dublin I'll put it together for you. If not there might be someone else in your area willing to help. Otherwise they'll assemble it for €20, though thats pushing the budget close to its limits.

BenEadir

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

If you can follow the instructions to put together an IKEA table then you can build a PC.

- See you hit the nail on the head there, excuse the pun. I can't do jigsaws, I can't do IKEA or flat pack furniture and I know I definitely can't assemble a PC, regardless of how easy it looks on you tube!!

BenEadir

deconduo wrote: »

Nah thats even worse. This is what I would try and go for:

Item|Price
Total build cost: €446.44 + €30 shipping
Intel Core i3-2100 Box, LGA1155|€99.46
ASRock H61M-HVS (B3), Sockel 1155, mATX|€45.89
8GB-Kit G.Skill PC3-10667U CL9|€31.51
Xigmatek Asgard, ATX, ohne Netzteil, schwarz|€31.61
Antec BasiQ VP350|€33.29
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA|€15.41
Club 3D Radeon 6770 1024MB, AMD Radeon 6770, PCI-Express|€88.29
BenQ G2225HD|€100.98

The monitor is 22' instead of 24', buts its still a good one. You're missing a copy of windows and a hard drive in that build. You can get windows for €45 if you know someone with a student email, otherwise its €75. The hard drive is the tricky one. If you can get a cheap 7200rpm one anywhere, that will do. Otherwise take this SSD but it won't hold a whole lot:
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=46113&agid=1145

If you're in Dublin I'll put it together for you. If not there might be someone else in your area willing to help. Otherwise they'll assemble it for €20, though thats pushing the budget close to its limits.

Deconduo, thanks very much for the offer. I am indeed based in Dublin (Sandyford) but I couldn't ask you to build it for me, that would be taking the urine as they say.

I've looked on the hardwareversand site and don't see an option to cutomise a machine which they'll then build and ship. What am I missing?

My son is in school so Win 7 shouldn't be a problem for €45. Would a HDD like this not do the trick? http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=26549&agid=892

€446 for the components you listed + €20 to build + €30 for shipping + €119 for the 500GB HDD I listed above = €619 delivered.

Am I missing something??

Ben

Serephucus

BenEadir wrote: »

Deconduo, thanks very much for the offer. I am indeed based in Dublin (Sandyford) but I couldn't ask you to build it for me, that would be taking the urine as they say.

It's actually not. Most of us build machines as hobby; it's fun. I'd be more than happy to build it for you for free. (maybe a Bulmers while I'm working, but that's about it. :P) As would many here.

There is an option on HWVS for them to build it. You ad a €20 item to your cart (can't remember what it's called, someone else will help you there) and that's for them to build it for you.

As for the drive. That's a laptop hard drive (nothing wrong with using one, just mentioning it), and if you're doing that, my might as well get something cheap. http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=33483&agid=1610
It's not going to be as fast as regular hard drive, so it might be something to replace come next Autumn when the prices are back down to reasonable. The drive I've linked you to is an external drive, but it has a regular hard drive on the inside. Just crack open the case, and install as normal. (someone here can help you through it if you're not sure)

MakeNine

BenEadir wrote: »

I've looked on the hardwareversand site and don't see an option to cutomise a machine which they'll then build and ship. What am I missing?

All you need to do is add this to your basket along with your components.

deconduo

BenEadir wrote: »

Deconduo, thanks very much for the offer. I am indeed based in Dublin (Sandyford) but I couldn't ask you to build it for me, that would be taking the urine as they say.

I've looked on the hardwareversand site and don't see an option to cutomise a machine which they'll then build and ship. What am I missing?

My son is in school so Win 7 shouldn't be a problem for €45. Would a HDD like this not do the trick? http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=26549&agid=892

€446 for the components you listed + €20 to build + €30 for shipping + €119 for the 500GB HDD I listed above = €619 delivered.

Am I missing something??

Ben

I've built loads of machines for friends, family and a couple of boardsies as well Its no problem at all.

EDIT: Get this drive instead
http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=49615&agid=1342

Or this one if you think 160GB would be enough
http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=42810&agid=1342

BenEadir

Have to say lads (and lassies if there are any on this forum) that you are decent with your knowledge and willingness to help. Some forums hate the constant newbie type questions I'm asking.

So, back to the project at hand.

I figured out the website and PC configurator and put together the attached based on DeconDuo's recommended spec. I decided to burst the budget for a ITB HDD as I know I'm going to need it anyway and the idea of installing a 64GB SSD first then a 2nd 500GB drive later just sounds like a messy solution. I had chosen the 1TB HDD in the attached before you recommended the 500GB Seagate DeconDuo. Is the one I've chosen OK for what it'll be used for i.e. mostly game play? Is it fast enough and reliable enough?

Assuming no one has any negative comments or additional suggestions on the attached if I fire ahead and order this they'll build and ship it in a couple of weeks I guess?

A couple of things I'd also appreciate some input on:-

1. Does the configuration have built in wi-fi? I assume the wi-fi capability is built onto the motherboard or some other component but I need to be sure as this machine will need wi-fi.
2. I see that an i5-2310-LGA1155 2.9GHz processor would cost me an extra €52. Would that be a wise investment in terms of improved performance and working life of the machine???
3. As the machine would be coming with no OS I assume if I get Win 7 from the students softare people it will load automatically once I put the CD in the drive?

Ben

Serephucus

I'm not sure why you think simply adding a second hard drive later on is messy. The SSD is smaller, but the reason it's expensive in comparison is because it's ridiculously fast, and would probably benefit you as much as a faster processor would*.

That config does not have WiFi capability. Chuck this in as well and you're good.

* An SSD gets you:
- Much faster boot times. As low as fifteen seconds (versus a minute, usually) in some cases.
- Virtually instant loading times for web browsers, media players, office applications, etc.
- Hugely increased loading times in games.
- They also don't get slower over time, like HDDs do because of fragmentation. You won't need to reinstall Windows every six months this way.

If I were building that PC right now, I'd be going for the SSD without a doubt. No way I'm spending €150 on a 1TB HDD.

deconduo

BenEadir wrote: »

Have to say lads (and lassies if there are any on this forum) that you are decent with your knowledge and willingness to help. Some forums hate the constant newbie type questions I'm asking.

So, back to the project at hand.

I figured out the website and PC configurator and put together the attached based on DeconDuo's recommended spec. I decided to burst the budget for a ITB HDD as I know I'm going to need it anyway and the idea of installing a 64GB SSD first then a 2nd 500GB drive later just sounds like a messy solution. I had chosen the 1TB HDD in the attached before you recommended the 500GB Seagate DeconDuo. Is the one I've chosen OK for what it'll be used for i.e. mostly game play? Is it fast enough and reliable enough?

Assuming no one has any negative comments or additional suggestions on the attached if I fire ahead and order this they'll build and ship it in a couple of weeks I guess?

A couple of things I'd also appreciate some input on:-

1. Does the configuration have built in wi-fi? I assume the wi-fi capability is built onto the motherboard or some other component but I need to be sure as this machine will need wi-fi.
2. I see that an i5-2310-LGA1155 2.9GHz processor would cost me an extra €52. Would that be a wise investment in terms of improved performance and working life of the machine???
3. As the machine would be coming with no OS I assume if I get Win 7 from the students softare people it will load automatically once I put the CD in the drive?

Ben

If you are willing to splash out on a hard drive, then get this one:
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=28152&agid=689

Its painful for me to recommend it at that price though

The motherboard has an ethernet port, but no wi-fi. This would be good:
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=48078&agid=1147

But this is cheap and works fine if you are near the router:
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=44976&agid=207

BenEadir

Serephucus wrote: »

* An SSD gets you:
- Much faster boot times. As low as fifteen seconds (versus a minute, usually) in some cases.
- Virtually instant loading times for web browsers, media players, office applications, etc.
- Hugely increased loading times in games.
- They also don't get slower over time, like HDDs do because of fragmentation. You won't need to reinstall Windows every six months this way.

If I were building that PC right now, I'd be going for the SSD without a doubt. No way I'm spending €150 on a 1TB HDD.

I'll pass on the SSD thanks. My 11 year old can wait an extra 45 seconds for teh machine to boot up

Ben

BenEadir

deconduo wrote: »

If you are willing to splash out on a hard drive, then get this one:
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=28152&agid=689

Its painful for me to recommend it at that price though

The motherboard has an ethernet port, but no wi-fi. This would be good:
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=48078&agid=1147

But this is cheap and works fine if you are near the router:
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=44976&agid=207

I know I'm paying a bit of a premium due to the supply chain shortage but I'll live with it. I do want to convenience of getting this thing built and delivered right first time so I don't have to fart around with it in a few months to add another drive.

I went back into the configurator and wsapped the Seagate for the Samsung 1TB drive as you suggested but for the life of me I can't locate the ASUS PCE-N10 wi-fi card. I expected to see it in the network/communication option but that just brings up two options the http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=48495&agid=114&pcconfAddUri=pcconfigurator.jsp%3FpcConfigurator.networkcard.networkcard.0%3D48495%3A5002&pcconfBackUri=pcconfselect.jsp?pcConfigurator.catid=20&pcConfigurator.maid=0&search.reset=1&search.sKey= and the http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=48031&agid=114&pcconfAddUri=pcconfigurator.jsp%3FpcConfigurator.networkcard.networkcard.0%3D48031%3A5002&pcconfBackUri=pcconfselect.jsp?pcConfigurator.catid=20&pcConfigurator.maid=0&search.reset=1&search.sKey= What am I doing wrong??

I noticed in the configurator that I'm not including a fan. Is that becuase a fan is already built into the box?

Lastly, I assume there isn't much benefot so to spending an extra €50 and upgrade to an i5 processor? If €50 would extend the life of the machine 6 months or a year I'd go for it.

Ben

Serephucus

Not to harp on about it, but if you want your computer to be generally snapper, and faster to do... well, most things office/browsing-related, a faster processor won't help you. an SSD however will. Google for reviews if you're not sure.

eth0

BenEadir wrote: »

Ahh Janey, are ye trying to crack me up????? Linux??? I know thise who use it love it and Android is based on it etc (as far as I know) but seriously I just want nice easy Vanilla windoze which I can set up without having to go on a learning curve.

Don't suppose this would do the trick would it? http://www.elara.ie/productdetail.aspx?productcode=ECE2272493

C'mon guys, help me out here. I'm way out of my comfort zone here

Ben

You really can't bate the SSD for speed, silentness and low power consumption

and I thought I'd a have to get in my DeLorean and go back to the 90's for a fresh comment like that about Linux. With n00b distros like (x)Ubuntu the learning curve is less than the curvature of the earth

BenEadir

Serephucus wrote: »

Not to harp on about it, but if you want your computer to be generally snapper, and faster to do... well, most things office/browsing-related, a faster processor won't help you. an SSD however will. Google for reviews if you're not sure.

OK Serephucus, you make a convincing argument. Get an adequate SSD now and add a 1TB drive later when prices have dropped??

Would you recommend this? http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=46634&agid=1145 I don't understand the difference between the different models.

Ben

Serephucus

If you can spend the little extra this is a much more reliable option. (The drive you selected uses a controller that's reported to have quite a few problems with it.) Recent updates have mostly fixes this, but you strike me as someone who want stuff to "just work", as it were.

http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=46110&agid=1145

BenEadir

Serephucus wrote: »

you strike me as someone who want stuff to "just work", as it were.

You've been struck correctly my friend :D:D

BTW, who doesn't want stuff to "just work"???

The problem I'm having is when I'm in the PC configurator I'm not offered the Crucial SSD's. Am I doing something wrong? I tried all sorts of alternatives but can't find them. I similarly can't find the wi-fi card I want in the communications section withing the PC configurator even though these products are abviously available on the site.

Any ideas?

Ben

Serephucus

Find the components you want in the configurator, then search for them, and add them to your basket - as if you were going to build the PC yourself - then add this. They'll then build the PC for you, as if you'd used the configurator.

BenEadir

Custhie as Del Boy would say!!!