New Desktop Computer

aardvaak

I am looking to buy a new desktop computer to replace my ageing (8year old) one.

I have looked around at some sites and am getting totally confused - I think I want 3000/3200 processor, 80-160GB hard disc, graphics card to run flight Sim., etc., DVD/RW, 500-1000 memory, XP, and able to run broadband.

Does anyone have any idea of reliable machines and deals around to help me make my mind up?

nickmack

My first advice would be to avoid PC World. They are better than they used to be price wise (although this was forced upon them), but IMO they still mostly have staff only interested in selling extended warranties, getting rid of stock, etc. They are owned by Dixons, so imagine that sort of sales technique.

Dell traditionally have been very reliable. They always have offers that change every week. If you catch it right, you can often pick up a decent spec at a reasonable price. Also check out the Dell Outlet, these are PCs returned because the order was cancelled etc. Most are brand new at reduced price. The only thing with Dell is you do get fleeced slightly on the delivery charge, although if you get the right deal, this is sometimes free.

Have a flick through decent computer mags like PC Pro and Personal Computer World, they will give you an excellent idea of the current prices and their reviews of PCs are trusted and reliable.

You say you want to run Flight Sim. In this case, instead of getting a £1500+ top spec PC, you may want to buy a powerful graphics card seperately and install instead of the one that comes with the PC. Flight Sim would benefit from at least 1024Mb of RAM and a very powerful graphics card for higher frame rates.

intel

Try Misco as at the mo they have got...

This Fujitsu

But have a look Via Kelkoo Cumputer section

sellingmysoul666

I have bought my last 2 computers from evesham - not the cheapest but never had any problems with them & they often come top in computer magazine lab tests

http://www.evesham.com/

They do mail order & have some high st stores

Doonhamer

For Dell deals look at https://www.wizmarkcomputers.co.uk
Try and get a system that matches your requirements without adding upgrades, that is when they sting you.

If you've been getting by with an 8 year old machine till now, even the most basic model will do, you should be able to get a Dell with a 17" flat screen for around the £350 mark.

Buy through Quidco for a cashback.

MrsTinks

You mean something like this one for £299?

http://www.wizmarkcomputers.co.uk/hotdealsdell1100.htm#299

If you want to upgarde things then go to a computer fair There is one every saturday morning at the motorcycle museum in Birmingham that I use. Really good prices but haven't looked at full system prices...

Dodgybloke

I've just bought a brand new desktop PC for £155 including VAT. I'm delighted with the package. Ideal if you don't play games on your PC. Doesn't come with a monitor, but I'm sure there have been plenty of suggestions on MSE in the past.

The details of the machine can be found in this Dabs.com link and below.

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Ease of usage and good processing power is what eSys ensures that you have with the ePC D315. All the features you need to get your work done have been taken care of and to top up ports and jacks on the front of the computer allow quick connection to peripherals and headphones. The ePC D315 also caters for extra room to upgrade memory, graphics and drives and strikes the right chord for maximising all your options.

Features

Dependable performance
Simple functions
Easily expandable
A price that's easy on the wallet

Processor: Intel Celeron D 310 (2.26, 533, 256MB)
Memory: 256MB DDR (expandable to 2GB)
Disk: 40GB 7200Rpm
52 X CD-Rom, additional slots available to add more optical drives.
LAN 10/100
ASROCK/ ECS Intel 845GV chipset with built-in 64 MB Intel Extreme graphics
Audio on board incl. Front Pannel Audio
6x USB 4 Rear - 2 front
PARRAREL Port
SERIAL Port
Game MIDI Port
External bays: 2 x 3.5, 2 x 5.25
Expansion slots: 2X PCI, 1XAMR
PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse
Linux
Open office
Software Included
AntiVirus Software; Audio Player

Warranty: 1 year RTB 48 hour response time though eSys Global Services.