Decent 400 pound PC?

pinkchilli

Hi,

I am looking for a new pc and have found one for 397.20gbp but I need to know if i'm getting the best value for money as I have saved long and hard for this money. I have a very limited knowledge of pc hardware so really need advice about the level of value for money I would be getting with this pc.

I use the computer mainly for web surfing but also basic tasks in windows like word doc's and spreadsheets. I occassionally play with photo's and home movie's (editing) also do you expect it will last/keep up with developments for the next 4/5 years or so? I have my own mouse/ keyboard, monitor, printer but is there anything I might have overlooked?

The specs of the pc I have found are;

This model comes with Microsoft Windows Vista Premium pre-installed to reduce set up times. Please note that no monitor or Windows CD is supplied with this system, a HDD recovery solution is available on the disk.

Processor

• Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad Core Processor (2.4Ghz, 8MB Cache)

Memory

• 3072MB (4096MB max)
• Memory Slot: 2 x DIMM

Hard Drive/Storage

• 500GB (1x500GB) SATA II Hard Drive

Optical Drive

• DVD/RW

Software

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Premium

Display

• Monitor Not Included

Graphics

• nVIDIA® GeForce 8400GS 256MB DDR2

Networking

• 10/100/1000 LAN, Realtek® RTL8111B

Dimensions

• 190mm (W)
• 480mm (D)
• 360mm (H)

Input Devices

• PS/2 Standard Keyboard and Mouse

Power Supply

• Power supply - 350W

Interfaces

• 1 set 5.1 channel Audio jacks (3 jacks)
• 1x PS/2 keyboard port
• 1x PS/2 mouse port
• 1x Parallel port
• 1x Serial port
• 6x USB 2.0 ports
• 1x RJ45 LAN port
• 1x VGA port
• 1 x DVI port

Warranty

• 1 Year Warranty

If you do happen to know of a better one out there that I can get for this budget I would greatly appreciate it if you could post the link.
Thanks to those who take the time to read/ reply to this.
Take Care and thanks again.
Ck.

Conor_3

By heck, that's not bad. Graphics card is a bit lame for the CPU but for the price, it's not bad at all if Vista is a genuine version.

Airwolf1

I would try to get the installation discs for your operating system though, just in case.

If you spent thousands on the latest home PC, it would be out of date in 3 months - this is in answer to the question about it lasting with developments etc.

The other thing to check, hardware such as your printer, I'd make sure it is compatible with Vista.

globalds

This one has the 8600 gts
and is a quad core
http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/261478/acer-aspire-m3640-base-unit-quad-co/

Oh and it is cheaper

Igol

Appologies to everyone for doing it again.

Library - 'Haynes Build your own PC'

Even if you are truely terrified at the thought of building your own and after reading it still think its too difficult, if nothing else the knowledge you'll have gained will let you know what all that nonsense they print for PC specs means and buy a decent off the shelf one.

Fifer

I just bought a base unit from the Dell Outlet site. They were doing a £40 off and free delivery offer (current offer seems to be £55 off and free delivery). I got an Inspiron 530 with E7200, 2GB, 350GB HD, Vista Premium, Works (with CDs) for £207 including VAT and delivery. It's a refurb (apparently, but you wouldn't know) but comes with a year's warranty. I've usually built my own in that past, but I couldn't build it for that price.

Third one down here is a quad core with 3GB and 640GB HD for £346 when you take the £55 discount off.

pinkchilli

Hi,

Firstly thank you all for taking the time to reply. I have ordered the pc from ebuyer for 359.98. I e-mailed everyone in my e-add-book and got the recommendation of ebuyer and this pc.
It should arrive in the next few days and I'm soo excited. :T

Specifications

SpecificationValueProduct DescriptionAcer Aspire M3200 - Athlon 64 X2 5000+TypePersonal computerForm FactorMicro towerDimensions (WxDxH)18 cm x 44.2 cm x 36.7 cmLocalisationUnited KingdomProcessor1 x AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ ( Dual-Core )RAM2 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAMStorage ControllerSerial ATA ( Serial ATA-300 )Hard Drive2 x 500 GB - standard - Serial ATA-300Optical StorageDVD±RW (+R double layer)Card Reader18 in 1MonitorNone.Graphics ControllerPCI Express x16 - NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS - 256 MBAudio OutputSound card - 7.1 channel surroundNetworkingNetwork adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit EthernetOS ProvidedMicrosoft Windows Vista Home Premium


Thanks again.

Claire.