Planning on getting new PC - tell me wat u think of this one

[sabrage]

Something else to consider with pre-builts... The included power supply is probably crap, limiting your upgrade possibilities without replacing it entirely.

[ATARI800XLfan]

with the pc build for 512.93 plus 77 = 589.93 still in 500 dollar range. also a 6750 would also be cheaper. about 30 bucks cheaper, still better then 520 gt.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814161395

[ATARI800XLfan]

Something else to consider with pre-builts... The included power supply is probably crap, limiting your upgrade possibilities without replacing it entirely.

exactly.

[ATARI800XLfan]

The Tom's guide is just a baseline... Obviously the graphics card and processor can be swapped out for lesser/higher alternatives. That said, you won't see me recommending AMD.

why not? All I have ever used and never had a problem. Thinking getting a new GPU my self. Can't decide between XFX or Sapphire

[sabrage]

For the reasons outlined in that link, and the fact that my 6850 broke within 2 months. Go with XFX, you can't beat that lifetime warranty.

[ATARI800XLfan]

For the reasons outlined in that link, and the fact that my 6850 broke within 2 months. Go with XFX, you can't beat that lifetime warranty.

which brand for the 6850 you had? I put a AMD 3870 into a early 2000's dell desktop and it is still running. I do respect your right to your own opinion. Can a person build/get a decent gaming computer for around 500-600 dollars?

[BoringSupreez]

Something else to consider with pre-builts... The included power supply is probably crap, limiting your upgrade possibilities without replacing it entirely.

exactly.

I looked up the prebuilt's power supply... here's the specs:

Form factor: Internal ATX
Total wattage: 300W
Nominal input voltage range:

100-127V/6A (50-60Hz)
200-240V/3A (50-60Hz)

Is that low? And how much of a pain would it be to upgrade?

[ATARI800XLfan]

When it comes to prices though whatever route you end up taking if you do build your own go with Newegg. I have asked many people, fellow builders and certified techs. They all say Newegg has the most realistic prices and closest to what it actually costs to build the product.

[ATARI800XLfan]

Something else to consider with pre-builts... The included power supply is probably crap, limiting your upgrade possibilities without replacing it entirely.

exactly.

I looked up the prebuilt's power supply... here's the specs:

Form factor: Internal ATX
Total wattage: 300W
Nominal input voltage range:

100-127V/6A (50-60Hz)
200-240V/3A (50-60Hz)

Is that low? And how much of a pain would it be to upgrade?

that is very low. the HD 6750 and 6770 I listed require at least 450W just by themselves, 520 Gt is around 350-400. It should not be too hard though with that case the power supply would be top mounted instead of bottom which is a little harder managing the cables and putting in. If you do buy it and decided to upgrade and get another one, always go with a ATX form factor on the power supply. That is normal. Unless HP uses a costume size power supply. For the 75 or so dollar price difference you are getting a good deal more with the costume build. Unless you want the 1TB hard drive, then you could get the HD 6750 instead of 6770 to make up the difference and keep around the same price. I would have gone this route if I were not in the middle of summer finals when my last computer went down. Still plain to upgrade it though. Asus is easier then some others. That does include a new power supply of course.

[BoringSupreez]

Looking around at prices, it seems the route with the best value would be to buy the prebuilt and upgrade the power supply and video card. Not having to buy the OS, having a quad-core instead of dual-core processor, and the massive hard drive are all very attractive.

Can I use just about any power supply in any PC, or are there special cord types and whatnot that I need to be aware of? I'm thinking I could take my current power supply and use it in the prebuilt.