OK, I'm going to be looking into getting a new primary Computer over the next few days and I'm not completely sure about a few of the specifications I'll need specifically, so I need them cleared up, along with a few recommendations (I don't think budget will be too much of an issue, maybe 2 to 3 Grand tops, as this will be primarily THE Christmas present I'll be receiving from my family):

1. What are some good specs to look at? I'll be using it primarily for Internet browsing, music listening, and web-based work, like designing and maintaining my websites (and maybe a few computer games on the side too). I know I'd like to have a great amount of speed, making things go as fast as they can, so I assume I'll want a new machine with the fastest PC processor possible.
2. What's the best Security Software to go with from the start? I'm talking about everything from Antivirus programs to registry cleaners to Antispyware, Malware, etc. I'd prefer the best defense possible for my new machine and I want it to be optimized the best way it can. I know things like viruses and adware can slow down a machine considerably, and I don't want that.
3. How will Data transfer from the HDs be dealt with? I'm pretty sure I have quite a few junk files on my current computer, ones that either placed there via viruses or something, or other ones I put there manually that I just don't need anymore (like useless word documents, old images, etc.).
4. Also, another thing I may be looking at is the router system we have set up. Currently we have a wired setup, but my family was thinking about going wireless, but we aren't sure if it's completely necessary, and whether it would offer that many benefits. And because of the computer slow times I still encounter while on the internet, which I discuss in another thread.

If I have any other questions I can think of (which I'm sure I will), I'll post them in this thread.

so budget is not your problem i think you should go for . quadcore top of the line. the. then get an asus motherboard for the gaming type. videocard preferably asus to. hard drive at 1 tb. wireless keyboard mouse. and 22 inches lg monitor. i think that woll do.

For the web design related tools better have more RAM and powerful CPU. Also pay more attention on the monitor. Some TFT can misrepresent collors. You do not need powerful video path. That will cut your budget.

About the PC components:
- Processor: CORE2 DUO E8500 will do pretty good.
- Memory: 4Gb, as fast as possible.
- Graphics: Something decent, not too expensive.
About security and programs:
- NOD32 as antivirus.
- TuneUp Utilities 2008 as PC cleaner, repair, tools, and all that.

Originally Posted by jamestl2

OK, I'm going to be looking into getting a new primary Computer over the next few days and I'm not completely sure about a few of the specifications I'll need specifically, so I need them cleared up, along with a few recommendations (I don't think budget will be too much of an issue, maybe 2 to 3 Grand tops, as this will be primarily THE Christmas present I'll be receiving from my family):

1. What are some good specs to look at? I'll be using it primarily for Internet browsing, music listening, and web-based work, like designing and maintaining my websites (and maybe a few computer games on the side too). I know I'd like to have a great amount of speed, making things go as fast as they can, so I assume I'll want a new machine with the fastest PC processor possible.
2. What's the best Security Software to go with from the start? I'm talking about everything from Antivirus programs to registry cleaners to Antispyware, Malware, etc. I'd prefer the best defense possible for my new machine and I want it to be optimized the best way it can. I know things like viruses and adware can slow down a machine considerably, and I don't want that.
3. How will Data transfer from the HDs be dealt with? I'm pretty sure I have quite a few junk files on my current computer, ones that either placed there via viruses or something, or other ones I put there manually that I just don't need anymore (like useless word documents, old images, etc.).
4. Also, another thing I may be looking at is the router system we have set up. Currently we have a wired setup, but my family was thinking about going wireless, but we aren't sure if it's completely necessary, and whether it would offer that many benefits. And because of the computer slow times I still encounter while on the internet, which I discuss in another thread.

If I have any other questions I can think of (which I'm sure I will), I'll post them in this thread.

1. get a macintosh - the latest one - a big one - really large - and the biggest screen

2. your security is about 900,000% greater with any mac, since virus writers effectively all target the billions of fools who use non-mac computers

3. use an ethernet cable to network your machines together, windows to mac is no problem either, transfer over your internal network - it will be high high speed, instant pretty much

4. the fat newest mac will be wireless already, you'll just have to ask it, in any language, verbally, for anything, even a tequila, and it will get it for you

I know I'd like to have a great amount of speed, making things go as fast as they can, so I assume I'll want a new machine with the fastest PC processor possible.

No, definitively no...
The slowest part of a computer is the hard disk.
If you can, go with an SSD disk, rather than hard disk. Less mechanical part and faster seek time.
It's 50% of the reason why netbooks with them boot in less than 40 seconds.

The second slowest thing in your computer is the memory.
Or to be more precise, the databus between your memory and the other components.
Invest in good ram (4Gb is way enough, and the max. a 32 bit processor can handle) and be look for the lowest access time.
Then, the Front bus throughput should be what should matter.

For that, try to find the highest possible combimation of a FSB frequency and level1 cache.
The more the better.
Frequency is just a benchmark like many other, and do not always represent what you get.

If you have a super fast cpu with a low fsb and buyed cheap memory with high wait states, your cpu will end up waiting on your memory to transmit the data anyway.
The same for the HDD. A cheap one will work, but your system will have to wait it finishes to read thos files before processing them.

Honestly, I builded a system with an intel E2140 dal pentium (real dual p4 core) with 2 Gb fast ram and a bunch of SAMSUNG HD321KJ Sata2 disks in RAID5, attached to an promise PCI sata raid card.
I don't play games (or old one like farcry1, doom4, neverwinter nights or mame emulators) and for every days use, it's already pretty fast.

Thanks so far everyone for the tips. Another few Questions I thought of would be:

5. What type of Operating System should I look into? My current computer runs on XP, but it's not the most up-to-date. I've heard stories about how bad vista is, so I'm not sure if I should go that route either.

6. How about Video and Graphics Cards? Like I said I may play a game or two in my spare time, but they won't be the focus behind getting the machine.

7. Should I focus on pre-built store-bought computers, or just build my own? I couldn't put it together myself if I do it alone (I'm not a hardware expert) but there may be some places online that sell custom-built computer packages, haven't really looked into it. Or how much of a hassle it would be (for my family, as it's my Christmas gift, and they no next to nothing about anything computer-related).


OK, I also don't need a new monitor or other supplies (I already have a 13" flat panel monitor that should just do fine on a new computer, and I already have wireless keyboard and mouse, and we already have a printer on the network) So basically, additional peripherals aren't necessary.

@Zagmore - I'm not quite sure about going the mac route. I already own a PC and it is the platform I am most familar with, and how it functions, nor quite why I should prefer a Mac over a PC. All the software I own is only compatible with PC too, for the most part, and I can't afford that much to reinvest in Mac specific software.

Also @Thierry - Thanks, I'll look into those recommendations. I didn't realize that the HD would be the main causes of computer slowdowns (although I had a suspicion RAM was up there as well), what would be a good-sized SSD to have?

Also what FSB and Cache sizes should I be looking for? And are most of them compatible with whatever CPU I decide to get? I'm not as familiar with the Bus and Cache ends of the computer.

5) Stay with XP. Vista did not bring any major improvement that justify ditching XP to switch to it.
6) I've got an Asus 7300GT silent when I upgraded my comp last year. Mind you, I was able to play crysis (in low res) and I even enjoy far cry2 (still in low res) these days. If you don't look for high res, antialiased with every artifact on, they make a good run for cheap. It was around 80$ when I buyed it.
Being a "silent" one even adds that it doesn't have any ventirad, making it 100% silent.
That was an absolute priority. I want my boxes as silent as possible. Even if I have to lower the cpu speed to make it cooler.

7) I always have built my computers, never buyed any, so it's up to you.

what would be a good-sized SSD to have

Honestly, I had winxp on a 80 Gb disk, and never filled it up...
SSD are not cheap, but they are **** "sexy"
http://www.memorydepot.com/ssd_disk.asp

Also what FSB and Cache sizes should I be looking for? And are most of them compatible with whatever CPU I decide to get? I'm not as familiar with the Bus and Cache ends of the computer.

This is dependant of the cpu itself, and the motherboard. As for CPU compatibility, don't care for that. Every cpu is 100% compatible with the X86 cisc instruction set, and you will never run into cpu incompatibilities.

For example, looking at my regular hardware provider, I see that the Intel Core 2 duo E7300 have an 1066 Mhz FSB and 3 Mb of level1 cache.
That's pretty good, given that it's retail price is 109 €.
But, the core 2 duo E4700 is only 800 Mhz FSB with 1 mb level 1 cache. That one won't be my pick.
And it's even priced 134€ !

If you want tips for hardware, look at http://www.tomshardware.com
I've found this chart:
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/d...0b200,805.html
You can see that some AMD processor are not so badly placed in the mid range, for an intersting price.
Like the
AMD Phenom X3 8750 for 129$ that is just between 2 intel cpu costing 174$ and 165$

My recommendations....

Intel Core i7 Processor
Triple Channel DDR3 Memory
Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB Graphics
300GB Velociraptor Hard Drive
1000W Power Supply
Windows XP Pro
8 USB Ports (2 front)
2 IEEE1394 Firewire (1 front)
22x DVD/CD Writer
7.1 high definition audio
Gigabit Ethernet

My recommendations

Just curios, for what kind of computer are those specs?
I did not followed the hardware evolution for several years now.

I just think that my computer has a 250W psu, and I never had any problem with it.
So when I see a 1KW psu, I wonder what kind of monster this could be.
And seriously, what is the sense of putting 2Gb of ram on a video card !?
What does it is used by ?

Looks like a top of the line hard-core gamer station for me....
Quite far away of the requirement James told us:

I'll be using it primarily for Internet browsing, music listening, and web-based work, like designing and maintaining my websites (and maybe a few computer games on the side too).

@rewy

I think 4GB is over killing.

The way things are looking now, it seems as though they're just going to buy a computer pre-built. (That doesn't mean that we can't still have a custom built one though.) Just from where though, I'm not sure, or what companies offer building services to look into yet.

Just curious here, with all those specs and parts you recommended, are there some that should definitely not be used in the new system? Honestly, I wouldn't know whether to choose between the Intel Core 2 duo or the AMD processor, or the different brands of SSDs that are favored performance-wise. And how much of a severe difference getting a competing brand would make.

Hello,

I wish I could get a new computer. My custom built computer is only maybe 6 months old. Its just nice having a new computer haha.

you can have the best computer if you have the right budget on that! it is nice to have a new computer though!

Yes go for quad core with 4gb of ram, vista ultimate, 1tb hdd with 10000 rpm WD, 22 inch samsung and a good graphic card or your choice...

Honestly, for $3000 you are going to get a top of the line computer from any company. I think what you should really consider is not how great should I make the computer, but how great do I need my computer. For $1500 you can get a fantastic prebuilt computer that'll probably more than suit your needs (I'm not sure what they are, however, this might be helpful to know), and have $1500 to save for upgrades as your computer ages. Something to consider... Also, wifi for a desktop computer just seems unnecessary to me. Is an ethernet cable really that much of a burden?

the i7 pentium processors would be your best bet. newest and coolest thing in computers (from the time you hit the power button, until windows loads is about 5 seconds).

Personally though, a $1k+ processor isnt worth it for me.

I just got done building my new PC.

Quad Core, P5Q Pro Asus Mobo, GeForce 9800 GTX 3D Card, and 4GB of Ram, with a 600W Power Supply, and a Thermaltake SopranoRS Case...and some LED Lit 120MM Fans

Wow.. all the computer specs they've provided here are superb! hope to get one of those too..