Planning a new(ish) computer...

[Revitozu]

Okay. So. A few months ago, my cohe one PCmputer decided to go kill itself. It's outdated, bought it back in 2004. I'm looking at buying a new CPU (to start), and have been a little out of the loop as far as computer standards go. My old computer that broke down had like... 2.4 GHZ processer, 200 GB HardDrive, AMD64, and I think the graphics card was like.... well, something crappy that was standard in 2004. =/

I'm looking for something pretty mid-range. I'll primarily be using it for internet, photoshop/minor graphic design music, basic file storage, and a bit of gaming. (Sup, FFXIV.) I'm not looking for anything super top of the line quality, just something that'll work well enough for what I've listed.


I've only done a slight bit of looking, but the one I think I've found that seems reasonable is this one here. Mainly what I'm wondering is how this would compare to others that are out there today.

Also, a final question. How much 'video memory' would be sufficient enough for things on FFXIV's level? (I know requirements aren't out yet....but just guessing.)


New PC Specs in Spoiler for the lazy

Spoiler: show

#
Processor
Intel® Pentium®

Processor Speed
2.7GHz

System Bus
800MHz

Cache Memory
2MB on die Level 2

System Memory (RAM)
4GB

Type of Memory (RAM)
DDR2

Hard Drive Type
SATA

Hard Drive Size
750GB

Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce 7050

Video Memory
256MB

Audio
High-definition support with 7.1-channel capability

Network Card
Built-in 10/100 Fast Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)

Recordable DVD Drive
Yes, double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW

Recordable DVD Drive Speeds
8x DVD+R DL; 8x DVD-R DL; 16x8x16 DVD+RW; 16x6x16 DVD-RW; 5x DVD-RAM; 48x32x40 CD-RW

Direct-Disc Labeling
No

Digital Media Reader or Slots
Yes, digital media card reader

Available Expansion Bays
1 (3.5"), 1 (5.25")

Available Expansion Slots
2 PCI, 1 PCI Express x1, 1 PCI Express x16

USB 2.0 Ports
6 (2 front, 4 rear)

[SaviorSelf]

Whats your price range? That would help others build something for you (if you're comfortable doing so) or finding one pre-assembled that will get you the most bang for your buck.

[Revitozu]

Hm. =X I'm looking to spend probably somewhere around $500. I don't need a new keyboard, mouse, monitor, or speakers- not yet. I can go a little higher probably, say up to $600- but nothing much more than that. I know I'm being kinda cheap, and all the professionals are shaking their heads at me, but it's what I can do. xD

[Olo401]

Ok I'm a lil bit lost here.. the computer that died is an older AMD build circa 2004, I got that. The machine specs in the spoiler look much newer tho (like 2008 ). Are you wanting to upgrade it, or build something along the same lines with newer parts?

[Revitozu]

Are you wanting to upgrade it, or build something along the same lines with newer parts?

Ah, I should have been more clear on that. I'm looking to buy a whole new everything- and probably going to buy parts individually. I was just using parts from that computer to figure out what's standard in today's market.

[Olo401]

Ah, I should have been more clear on that. I'm looking to buy a whole new everything- and probably going to buy parts individually. I was just using parts from that computer to figure out what's standard in today's market.

Ahh gotcha.. Hmm now lesse here 5-600 bucks eh? Lemme dig around on Newegg for a sec and see what I can come up with (will edit post here when finished).

Edit: Damn I wish memory prices weren't so expensive..

Motherboard (Combo w/ copy of Win 7 64-bit) - $170
CPU - $70
Memory - $105
Video Card - $100
HDD & Power Supply Combo - $120 (-$10 MIR)
CD/DVD Drive - $25
Case - $50 (-$10 MIR)

After shipping it should be about $650.. Little past the high end but should get the job done. And compared to the system above, you're getting faster & more modern parts, a graphics card capable of handling games more demanding than Farmville, and an overall system that is far more futureproof. And there's a little bonus too - with the motherboard I picked you'll be able to easily unlock the fourth core on the CPU.