I need a new computer, how's this one look?

[krunchyfrogg]

My friend helped my build this computer. Let me start by saying that I really don't know much about computers. I also only use my computer for checking e-mail, visiting message boards, and things like that. I also play some older video games, like the Baldur's Gate games and Planescape, ect.

Anyway, here's what we came up with:

Dell Dimension 3000 Series
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor (2.80GHz, 533 FSB)
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition OS
512MB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz
Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics 2 video card
80GB Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive
48x CD-ROM Drive + Save $40! 48x CD-RW/ DVD Combo Drive
Integrated Audio Sound Card


Will this be able to handle the needs I detailed above? TIA.

 

[Krieg]

Will this be able to handle the needs I detailed above? TIA.

I 1ghz PIII box could handle pretty much all of the needs you mentioned...so I would say that yes this machine will cover your needs.

You might want to check to see if it has an AGP slot in case you want to upgrade your video later.

 

[GlassJaw]

That PC is more than enough to do web browsing, email, word processing, etc. Your only weak point is in the graphics deptartment. If you want to do any 3D gaming, you will definitely need a better video card. Most mobos with integrated video memory allow you to turn it off in the BIOS so you can add a separate card. Do like Krieg mentioned and check what slots are available.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

Yes, it will handle what you need it for. I'd personally spring for a larger hard drive if you want to store music or other large files on your PC, and Windows XP Professional, but that's just my preference.

 

[ender_wiggin]

That will do more than cover. To do what you've listed that's overkill, with a possible exception of the graphics. Still, if you are playing games that use 2D engines (like Bioware's older games you've listed) you needn't worry.

Most of the number-crunching comes from high-end gaming where pixel shaders and pipelines are a lot more important.

So your friends are building this for you? Or are they just buying it for you, because this is supposedly a Dell model? If they are indeed building it, I would not suggest going anywhere near Dell. Assuming they have the knowledge to do such a project, the warranty and customer service you pay a few hundred dollars for with Dell is not worth it (your friends will help you for free).

Oh, and you are using your old monitor / speakers?

 

[Aeolius]

Ever considered one of THESE ?

 

[Hand of Evil]

Oh, double check you memory in your old PC, if you have same memory cards, add it to your new PC for 1 GB memory, you can also grad the hard drive for a slave, then again could always network them. Some people just trash without savaging.

 

[Krieg]

Ever considered one of THESE?

Note to the Mac cultists:

Please remember that religious discussion is prohibited per the board rules.

Thank you.

 

[Aeolius]

Note to the Mac cultists:

Please remember that religious discussion is prohibited per the board rules.

Thank you.

Note to the Windoze drones: Neener, neener, neener!

 

[Elephant]

If you can get comfortable working with the innards, I suggest buying the components from pricewatch.com and building it yourself - you'll get a new computer for around $300 or so, more flexibility, and the ability to reuse parts of the old computer that don't need to be tossed.

It's actually quite easy once you've messed around with the internal components a few times - however you go, I'd suggest trying a few projects with the old one, like swapping RAM sticks, upgrading the hard drive, etc. - that way, you'll feel comfortable working with components next time you're ready for a new computer

As for buying one, I'd steer you away from Dell, but that's mostly because I don't like them (buy an AMD-based machine, instead). That said, the Dell machine shouldn't cause any problems for you.