Need help choosing a computer

Ashok_2

Thankyou!

Okay, well I opened up the case and I noticed the noise is coming from somewhere at the bottom, very near to PSU.. I spoke to the guy who built it and he wasn't that helpful.. he told me to turn the fan settings to low (which they already were).. And well the noise is definitely not quiet, and I'm not exagerating, it's very very noticeable, and I'd almost say loud.

To be honest, I haven't checked part by part, but he included all original packaging in, and apart from that I haven't really checked. I've seen a couple of logos that are meant to be in the case, but I'm not sure how exactly I can find out if they're the exact same part without taking them out?

Well, I've downloaded 5/6 games and tested a few, and they don't look that great to be honest.. I don't know if it's because of the monitor I'm using? It's a Dell 15" LCD (in fact, I had it replaced by Dell today due to problems with other, so it's actually a brand new unit, but it's same model and specs as one I bought about 4 yaers ago)... so even though I'm not a gamer, I'm not impressed with graphics up to now, but maybe they'll be better with the Samsung when I haev it in a couple of weeks?

Speedwise.. I guess it is noticeable compared to the laptop. I can open up a lot of programs and they will come up near to instantly (not all though), and that is definitely nice.

Hopefully it will improve as I buy better hardware but not sure. All I have left to change is the monitor (to SM206BW) and better speakers will be put in (right now I'm using ones from an £8 keyboard/mouse/speakers set). I was going to buy a new keyboard, but Dell sent me a new one today (as compensation for poor customer service), it's their cheapest one, they probably sell for about £10, but I'm surprisingly happy with it, so will probably stick with it for a while!

Also, a note, I downloaded a few HD movies too.. they're all 720p, and with file extensions like .mkv .. I ran them in VLC and WMP and they look normal? Again, it's possibly due to an old monitor, but not sure? What do you think.. could monitor really be the cause for unimpressive gaming and movies?

Thanks all!

Cerro

Hmmm I think you miss understand when people say "improve" graphics - its more speed at higher settings. Pick a new(ish) game and go into options and set everything to max eye candy and do the same on the laptop - you will notice the difference. Laptop will stutter and probably get less than 30 frames per second (fps) where as the PC will probably be around 100. Also check that the graphics drivers are the latest as this will also make a big improvement in performance - the stock ones given on CDs tend to be old. Just go to the nvidia website and look for graphics drivers for vista 32bit.

You monitor will make a huge difference to dvds. Your graphics card won't actually "improve" the visual quality, you can put on HD-DVDs but that won't be much use because the monitor will still give a poor picture (poor contrast, poor viewing angle and ghosting).

Want to find out the difference between your laptop and PC? Download and install "3D Mark" - its free. It will benchmark and score your PC, it is designed to push the very best hardware available (even when overclocked) to the max so don't be surprised if it appears sluggish, even on your new PC! It will however give a score based on the entire PCs performance.

btw, LiteON do have a lightscribe DVD drive - here.

Ashok_2

Cerro wrote: »

Hmmm I think you miss understand when people say "improve" graphics - its more speed at higher settings. Pick a new(ish) game and go into options and set everything to max eye candy and do the same on the laptop - you will notice the difference. Laptop will stutter and probably get less than 30 frames per second (fps) where as the PC will probably be around 100. Also check that the graphics drivers are the latest as this will also make a big improvement in performance - the stock ones given on CDs tend to be old. Just go to the nvidia website and look for graphics drivers for vista 32bit.

You monitor will make a huge difference to dvds. Your graphics card won't actually "improve" the visual quality, you can put on HD-DVDs but that won't be much use because the monitor will still give a poor picture (poor contrast, poor viewing angle and ghosting).

Want to find out the difference between your laptop and PC? Download and install "3D Mark" - its free. It will benchmark and score your PC, it is designed to push the very best hardware available (even when overclocked) to the max so don't be surprised if it appears sluggish, even on your new PC! It will however give a score based on the entire PCs performance.

btw, LiteON do have a lightscribe DVD drive - here.

Okay so will see how it is with new monitor..

Yeah 3D Mark is already installed.. So what, I run it and post a score, and would that tell you how good PC is?

I meant LiteOn didn't do a SATA Lightscribe..

Edit: I ran 3DMark06. I didn't really watch what happened, but I noticed in the first couple of minutes of the first game it showed FPS was very low like 35ish.. Just wondering, would the monitor have affected the test score?

Score:

9934 Marks
SM2.0 Score: 4442
HDR/SM3.0 Score: 4517
CPU Score: 2423

Is that good?

wantmorejobs

does anybody have any suggestions for the best value laptop for around £500???? I already have a printer so simply need a laptop for university next year! Thanks.

Cerro

Ashok wrote: »

Yeah 3D Mark is already installed.. So what, I run it and post a score, and would that tell you how good PC is?

There is actually a 3DMark07 but 06 is fine. The testing (and therefore score) is harder in 07.

Ashok wrote:

I meant LiteOn didn't do a SATA Lightscribe.

They do I can assure you they do, but you have to order it from the states (one with international shipping) or call up/email a supplier who will buy on request (I know komplett do this).

Ashok wrote:

I ran 3DMark06. I didn't really watch what happened, but I noticed in the first couple of minutes of the first game it showed FPS was very low like 35ish.. Just wondering, would the monitor have affected the test score?

Score:

9934 Marks
SM2.0 Score: 4442
HDR/SM3.0 Score: 4517
CPU Score: 2423

Is that good?

Thats a decent enough score, do the same on your laptop and compare scores - i'll be surprised if your lappy comes anywhere near it. 35fps is fine, as anything above 30 is smooth enough to the human eye, less and it becomes choppy and unplayable. But i'd expect 07 to bring your PC below 30fps easily - it brings mine down to 3fps on one test, its designed to test the best hardware available. No your monitor won't make any difference, monitors are only visual they don't increase the computers performance.

wantmorejobs wrote: »

does anybody have any suggestions for the best value laptop for around £500???? I already have a printer so simply need a laptop for university next year! Thanks.

Please post a new thread - don't hijack someone elses. You are also more likely to get answers that way too.

Ashok_2

There is no 3DMark07 :S.. http://www.futuremark.com/download/

So again.. Do you think the reason games/movies don't look so great is simply because of the current monitor.. Would it change a lot on a better monitor?

I'm not sure what ghosting etc.. actually means, but I've tried playing Oblivion and it's just I can notice minor detail that doesn't make the game look that great..

Cerro

Ashok wrote: »

So again.. Do you think the reason games/movies don't look so great is simply because of the current monitor.. Would it change a lot on a better monitor?

I'm not sure what ghosting etc.. actually means, but I've tried playing Oblivion and it's just I can notice minor detail that doesn't make the game look that great..

Yes your monitor will be (by far) the biggest limiting factor in the quality of image - think of the difference between an expensive plasma/lcd tv and an old, small, cheap rear projection tv.

Ashok_2

Guys the system has been VERY loud from start, when I spoke to guy who built it he wasn't helpful at all, and said it should be silent and was when he built..

I opened it up and sound is clearly coming from PSU...

Any advice on making it quiet? As according to reviews this PSU is meant to be silent.

Thanks.

GoofyGAT

It may have gotten damaged in transit. Request the seller to get a replacement for you through the RMA/warranty process. If it's from eBuyer, this is the process regarding returns. Good luck, G

Ashok_2

Turns out other people have had similar problems with the Extreme Power range, so looking to change the PSU to something else..

Current thoughts are this: http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/114945

anybody got any other recommendations in similar price range?