What makes a PC High definition pc.

sebastianj

Happy New Year every one, I just woke up.
I am looking for a surprise gift for my son who is an animator. Firstly I am confused which processor it should have Intel or AMD, Quad or Dual core then it is the graphics card that probably makes it High Definition. Budget is very low 3-4 hundered max.
Can any one suggest what should I be looking for?
seb

pcombo

you just answered your own question.

"What makes a PC High definition pc." = "then it is the graphics card that probably makes it High Definition"

sebastianj

Thanks pcombo, but which one? If i was to put it in an old pc, will it become High Definition? may be I need a blue ray recorder then or can I just connect it to the tv??
seb

custardy

you need to give all the info
what do you require from the machine?
what will you be aiming to link the machine to?

Donnie

For high quality graphic design it's an amalgamation of all the components, including the monitor.

aliEnRIK

Donnie wrote: »

For high quality graphic design it's an amalgamation of all the components, including the monitor.

Exactly. Its poinless having a really good graphics card if the CPU and RAM isnt upto the job. On top of that its pointless having an 'all singing all dancing' pc if the monitor is low res

rancid-a

You say your son is an animator, so he'll probably want to use processor/memory hungry programs like Photoshop etc.. I don't think your budget will do it? I'm a bit wary of your surprise intention too. If your son is PC savvy, then why not just give him the money towards the cost of the PC. That way, you're not worrying about which machine is right for him & that way he doesn't end up with something that's totally useless for what he needs. He might even add a little cash himself to buy a better spec machine

I'd like to ask fellow gamers on here for example....You've just found out Dad has bought you a new PC, that one on the telly for £400. What's your first thought?
Thanks or Oh Sh**!!

Just be careful Sebastianj

madnlooney

to be honest with you. £400 for a high end computer really wouldnt be enough. it would be better being put towards one

JasX

Also if you want to play HD(Bluray) movies from a disk check both the graphics card and monitor are HDCP compliant.

sebastianj

The question was 'what needs doing to upgrade a pc to HD'. Obviously monitor needs to be 1080p, it is the pc hardware/software in question, ie a technical question leaving cost alone.
seb

pjala

I have just built a top end pc (base unit only - i.e. no monitor) for less than £300. Two components were from ebay, all the others were new.
There is a "Windows Experience Index" in Windows 7 - which gives you a feeling for the speed/performance of a PC. Netbooks, workhorse small laptops, are around 2.0, and this computer is 5.9 - significantly better. The slowest component is the graphics card, but it would still be well good enough for your son.
The other part is software, students/schoolkids etc. can get windows 7 for less than £40 - depending on where you work maybe less, plus you may need other CAD type software - or maybe he already has all that, or can get it for less.
So it is well possible, if you buy out of a shop you don't get the system you actually want, but one someone else thinks you want....
It has taken me quite a while to source precisely the right bits of kit for the right prices, but it pays off.