Need a new computer - but what should I buy

judygarland

My PC is now in need of replacement as its about 5 years old and I have issues with parts of the motherboard not working.

I have built my own PC's in the past but I'm wondering whether anyone has found any good deals for the whole base unit as by the time I have purchased a new motherboard, I might as well go for something already put together.

I only really use my pc to surf the net, watch the bbc online and processing video footage of the family and would only need the base unit itself.

Not sure what type of processor to go for but one thing I do want is a quiet machine.

Any help, greatfully received!

thegrimreaper

have you looked at some of these bundles, there are plenty of other people who do them but these are always tried and tested http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/bundles.html

and maybe look for a silent power supply or consider water cooling

crampo_2

What Price Range Would You Be Looking To Spend In?

judygarland

crampo wrote: »

What Price Range Would You Be Looking To Spend In?

Yes, that would probably help. £400 - £500 sort of price.Been looking at motherboards on their own which werew £200 so I think I'd rather just buy a base unit. Not keen on having Vista though.

crampo_2

Normally I would say how you shouldn't keep with Xp and move forward with Vista , BUT considering Microsoft are Going to be releasing Windows 7 in Q4 of this year. Would you consider waiting until it is released. You get a better OS & probably better deals on PC's.

kippen_noedel

judygarland wrote: »

I only really use my pc to surf the net, watch the bbc online and processing video footage of the family and would only need the base unit

A basic dual core machine will do all you need and leave room to spare.

£300 max for system with reasonable gfx card with TV out/in

macman

Dell Inspiron 1545, or 1545S (slimline version), with Core Duo processor?
If you are doing work on video files then you want a reasonably fast processor, though from your post I don't get the impression that this is a huge part of the workload for your PC. For all the other tasks any mainstream PC will do the job. Around £400 if you don't want a monitor.

crampo_2

What about Something Like This. At The Top End Of Your Budget:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/161642/

Marty_J

A Mac Mini would come with iMovie and iDVD, and be very quiet.

worbikeman

I am just now using a 'basic' build, new, from GHI which has 120GB (+my old HD), new motherboard, fan, PSU, DVD rewriter, and does the job great (silent). They install XP using the key from my old laptop, I attached my old speakers and monitor. Total was £170. Dont need to spend a fortune for a new PC. Dont normally recommend them, but they did alright this time.

crampo_2

worbikeman wrote: »

I am just now using a 'basic' build, new, from GHI which has 120GB (+my old HD), new motherboard, fan, PSU, DVD rewriter, and does the job great (silent). They install XP using the key from my old laptop, I attached my old speakers and monitor. Total was £170. Dont need to spend a fortune for a new PC. Dont normally recommend them, but they did alright this time.

Just a Couple Questions?

How new and what was the MB?
What Watt was the PSU?
What was the CPU?

It might be saving money, but it will costing you in the long run. It will outdate itself within 6 months and become your 5 year old pc within 12 months. Why not spend (not over the top) but a good amount and get something that will last you another 5 years rather than upgrading it every year.

I take it you will be storing the "Family Videos" on the computer? in which case you'll need a good amount of storage.