BleepingComputer.com: Looking to Buy My First Desktop

All I've ever had are laptop. I'm looking for something more powerful with more space and speed, so basically a desktop pc.... my first. ^_^ I'm looking for a computer that can play games like Sims 3 and Black & White 2. I also need a computer that I could use for school.


My budget for the new computer is: $400 - $700. (if possible)

What are the primary uses for this computer (IE: mail, web browsing, programming, games, etc)? Web browsing, playing games and music and movies.

What software do you intend on using on the computer? Mostly games, Media Player, Word

Do you play games? Sims, Black & White 2, and mass multi-player games

Do you tend to have a lot of programs running at the same time, or do you close every program when you are done using it? The more I can run at one time the better.

Do you store a lot of pictures or music on the computer? Mostly music, around 18 GBs right now, and 500 GBs in movies.

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I am open to and would appreciate any and all suggestions. I'm not looking for a pc that will last forever, but something decent that I can upgrade gradually with time. Starting I'm looking for 3GBs RAM and 500 GBs for the hard-drive. I know it's better to build a computer, but I don't know how. But I am willing to go through a company that will build one for me. As far as brand computers my only thing is NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO Compaq/HP stuff.

Any suggestions? Any ideas?

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What about these computers?
ZT Elment http://www.walmart.com/Zt-Element-Desktop-...0La/ip/11082484
Acer Veriton http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?...uct_id=11987970
Gateway http://www.frys.com/product/5954664?site=s...CH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

And even though I said no....
HP http://com.puter.tv/hp-pavilion-a6826f-desktop/6839/

This post has been edited by Kristrin: 07 September 2009 - 07:22 PM

The above suggestions are alright... but not very good for games. I like the gateway the best. The acer is terrible performance-wise.

Meanwhile, I was looking around on newegg, and I found these-

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16883229094

But, the problem with that is apparently the power source is a bit weak, making it hard for upgrades, unless you upgrade the power source, and usually thats 60-120 for a decent one, and depending on how much you're upgrading past that. Its a good gaming machine, and just general use.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16883103218

I like this quite a bit, other than reviews claiming it overheats.


Of course, remember that most computers don't come with a Screen. You MUST make sure, unless you already have one. If you don't already, then I suggest the Gateway I posted, and then get a nice monitor like this- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16824009145

Thank you for the replies that I've gotten so far, with their help I've narrowed down to these. Please let me know what you think.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16883229114
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductRevie...N82E16883227151
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16883229061


My favorite is this combo, for a complete system:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductRevie...-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16824009158
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16812107131
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16835150007

One question. Would I need anything else to install two more fans?

This post has been edited by Kristrin: 08 September 2009 - 11:41 AM

To install the fans it wouldn't be too hard, I bet. You might need some small screwdrivers of various types, but they come with fans in them. You shouldn't need spare ones unless they break.

I have screwdrivers of various sizes. I got them when I when as upgrading the memory in my laptop. The reason for the two extra fans is cuz during the worst of summer it gets super hot here and I don't have amazing A/C. I just wanna make sure it would stay cool. I always get cool pads for my laptops.

Would extra fans hurt anything?

well, they probably already have 2 installed in their fan ports, but if you want to try and make them fit in there somehow, you could. I doubt you'll need them. I don't know how you'd put them in there either unless you start making major case modifications. Maybe order one, and if you don't need it, just keep it in case one breaks or dies for some odd reason. they aren't that expensive.

The only possible problem with extra fans is if the case is engineered to have air flow through it a certain way, and it changes how it flows to a less efficient path. Its probably not a big deal.