Computer Questions

[FunSeeker27]

Just had my desktop die a slow painful death today so now I've got to buy a new one. I used to check out "The Hub" computer magazine in the past but it seems like that's just as dead as the desktop now. Any suggestions on computer stores to buy from? I'm not looking for a Dell or any other brand name, more interested in putting some parts together and building one.

Looking to spend around $1000 for the computer (no monitor), any recommendations from you guys on:

1. Motherboards, chipsets... I've used ASUS in the past and I'm leaning towards an i7 processor.
2. Anti-virus software to use? (already know Norton isn't the best idea)

 

[fuji]

Infonec or Canada Computer if you want cheap. Cheap doesn't come with a warranty though for that you need to buy a brand name.

 

[Smash]

Just don't get a AMD. Get Intel and also I'd stay away from HP. I purchased a brand new one 2 years ago and within 6 months the network card went (got it back 1.5 months later from HP) then 12 months later the monitor died. I contacted HP and they said it was a known problem with their monitors but since my warranty was 2 months over they could'nt do anything for me. So now they wanted $400. to replace the monitor AND get this there's no guarantee the new monitor wont flake out within another 2 years cus it seems to be an on going problem.wft?
I would never buy a HP again. I forgot to mention that I was on the phone with HP for 4hours the first time the Network Card fried. Customer support is lousy with them.

I'd recommend Toshiba or Sony.

Good luck

 

[WoodPeckr]

1. Motherboards, chipsets... I`ve used ASUS in the past and I`m leaning towards an i7 processor.

Good choice. Luv my i7.

Here`s a thread in the Tech Forum where you should have posted this, dealing with a new system Danolo is building with the i7. Lot of good info there.

For Anti-virus software, I use free Microsoft Security Essentials on it.

 

[El_Cid]

check out newegg.ca if you want to buy a kit and do the job yourself. they have some combo specials..check it out.

 

[OddSox]

For Anti-virus software, I use free Microsoft Security Essentials on it.

Huh? They put out a Linux version?

 

[Master_Bates]

www.canadacomputers.com - they always have competitive prices.

What do you use your computer for? that's the most important question we need answered before giving suggestions.

 

[blackplumseason]

how did the desktop die? can you salvage any parts from it? what do you intend to use it for?

bewawa.com

nod32 is a solid antivirus and if you don't mind looking for serials every two-three weeks, no need to buy it either.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Huh? They put out a Linux version?

LOL!

I have a dual boot system and use Microsoft Security Essentials on the Windows side for Win7. The Linux side requires no AV...

 

[hamermill]

Don't buy Dell

 

[basketcase]

There's a detailed thread in the tech forum.

 

[AnimalMagnetism]

www.canadacomputers.com is the best place for parts
I've been dealing with them since 1995ish

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Does anyone still build their own computers from components? Can you still save money that way? With computer at the big box stores at $400 for a 3 gigB with 250 gigB of storage can you get better? The days of MDG at all in the past. I think your best deal is to buy on special at the big box stores.

 

[trod]

Building your own is always cheaper and it allows the user to have components that he needs. Of course, the user needs to identify what he will be using the machine primarily for.

Here is a gaming setup :

Intel Core i7 930 processor
Nvidia GTX 460 video card
6 gigs of RAM from Crucial / G. Skill
Asus Rampage III Formula Motherboard
Antec 900 case
Corsair TX650W PSU
Western Digital 1TB Hard Drive

All for around $1200 total from newegg and its gaming bliss for atleast 5 years imo. The above setup will do anything, from video/audio editing, HD movie watching, heavy duty gaming at 1080p ( of course ) and everything in between.

If your needs are less demanding, I can conjure up a less expensive system which will be close to the above one and you won't notice much difference in performance unless you are performance junkie in games.

 

[xix]

Premier Computer Canada
3311 Lake Shore Boulevard W
Etobicoke, ON M8W 1M8
(416) 251-2215

The only issue I had with them is I put my system together myself. When I opened the MB box it was empty. I called them and told what I didn't find. I didn't know I spoke to the mgr at the time. I showed up that day and the MB was on the display case. THe sales guy who helped me looked at me weird but the MGr was there and said, I spoke to him and checked it out. it is okay give him his MB.

My parts are running great. I didn't buy the monitor. But now Freaking video cards are better and cheaper than when I bought mine. ATi/Nvidia didn't come out with new one for awhile so I had no choice back then. But HD files play on my computer.

 

[pc0mo]

ncix is now in ontario , they have a storefront and usally pretty decent prices on complete computers.

if your going to put it together yourself http://www.bewawa.com/ has pretty decent weekly deals on harddrives and processors

 

[Cobster]

ncix is now in ontario , they have a storefront and usally pretty decent prices on complete computers.

Wow, when did this happen?

 

[james t kirk]

Just don't get a AMD. Get Intel and also I'd stay away from HP. I purchased a brand new one 2 years ago and within 6 months the network card went (got it back 1.5 months later from HP) then 12 months later the monitor died. I contacted HP and they said it was a known problem with their monitors but since my warranty was 2 months over they could'nt do anything for me. So now they wanted $400. to replace the monitor AND get this there's no guarantee the new monitor wont flake out within another 2 years cus it seems to be an on going problem.wft?
I would never buy a HP again. I forgot to mention that I was on the phone with HP for 4hours the first time the Network Card fried. Customer support is lousy with them.

I'd recommend Toshiba or Sony.

Good luck

I feel the same way about Dell.

Piece of fucking shit desktop I have - always siezing up, failing to start, taking FOREVER.

Part of my problem I'm sure is Norton Anti Computer. I need to get that POS off of there.

 

[Cobster]

James, which version of Norton is it?
Apparently the one that came out under a year ago is MUCH better than the stuff they put out over the past few years.

If not, uninstall it, go with Avira, Avast for the (good) free stuff.

 

[jwmorrice]

...Part of my problem I'm sure is Norton Anti Computer...

OUCH! That's a harsh characterization!

jwm