New computer advice

[PSCO2007]

I'm in the market for a new computer and am thinking of this one:http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Mega_Special_III/

I went online and some people say the power supply is garbage and burns out after a month; others have no problem.

I'm not a gamer - but might be in the future.

I presently have an Emachines T6212, that I've had for 6 years and never had a problem with the power supply (300w), so I don't know if the people with problems are abusing their machines.

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

I know I should upgrade the power supply - which one would you recommend?

Also, any opinions of this brand?

Thanks,

Paul

[gman863]

Based on the power supply upgrade prices, it appears you're getting about a $15 cheapie PSU as standard equipment. If you want the best, I'd get the Corsair.

Like Dell, a lot of the "upgrade" options seem to be overpriced. Personally, I'd rather have a plain black box versus something that looks like a neon sign.

Also, the $849 price does not include Windows! This actually makes it a $954 PC if you have them install Windows 7 Premium.

I don't have any experience with this company; however I'd verify they have a local service provider in your area. Having to ship this thing back for service at your expense would easily cost $50+ one way via insured UPS or Parcel Post.

This being said, are there any decent local PC shops in your area? It's possible they may be able to build a system to your specs locally at about the same price.

Hope this helps.

[PSCO2007]

Originally Posted by gman863

Based on the power supply upgrade prices, it appears you're getting about a $15 cheapie PSU as standard equipment. If you want the best, I'd get the Corsair.

Like Dell, a lot of the "upgrade" options seem to be overpriced. Personally, I'd rather have a plain black box versus something that looks like a neon sign.

Also, the $849 price does not include Windows! This actually makes it a $954 PC if you have them install Windows 7 Premium.

I don't have any experience with this company; however I'd verify they have a local service provider in your area. Having to ship this thing back for service at your expense would easily cost $50+ one way via insured UPS or Parcel Post.

This being said, are there any decent local PC shops in your area? It's possible they may be able to build a system to your specs locally at about the same price.

Hope this helps.

Thanks a lot!!

I didn't realize the os was not included.

I'll look elsewhere.

[PSCO2007]

Originally Posted by gman863

Based on the power supply upgrade prices, it appears you're getting about a $15 cheapie PSU as standard equipment. If you want the best, I'd get the Corsair.

Like Dell, a lot of the "upgrade" options seem to be overpriced. Personally, I'd rather have a plain black box versus something that looks like a neon sign.

Also, the $849 price does not include Windows! This actually makes it a $954 PC if you have them install Windows 7 Premium.

I don't have any experience with this company; however I'd verify they have a local service provider in your area. Having to ship this thing back for service at your expense would easily cost $50+ one way via insured UPS or Parcel Post.

This being said, are there any decent local PC shops in your area? It's possible they may be able to build a system to your specs locally at about the same price.

Hope this helps.

I never thought about a custom build until you mentioned it.
I checked out a local place that had glowing reviews and am going with them.

Upgraded motherboard, 500 watt cpu ( although I may go a little higher), I7 Professional, 8 gb ram, upgraded video card.

The total including tax is $952.00.

Thanks again!!

[davismccarn]

Recently, I bumped into the "Official Acer eBay Outlet Store" and they have some pretty impressive deals! Here is effectively the same box BUT with a Core i7 processor for $719 (and it does include Windows): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gateway-Inte...item3cc45cedef
P.S. Acer now owns Gateway

[gman863]

Originally Posted by PSCO2007

I never thought about a custom build until you mentioned it.
I checked out a local place that had glowing reviews and am going with them.

Upgraded motherboard, 500 watt cpu ( although I may go a little higher), I7 Professional, 8 gb ram, upgraded video card.

The total including tax is $952.00.

Thanks again!!

If the board you're using can be upgraded to dual video cards (Crossfire or SLI) and you may be gaming in the futre, I'd upgrade to a 650-watt PSU just to be on the safe side.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005

[gman863]

Originally Posted by davismccarn

Recently, I bumped into the "Official Acer eBay Outlet Store" and they have some pretty impressive deals! Here is effectively the same box BUT with a Core i7 processor for $719 (and it does include Windows): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gateway-Inte...item3cc45cedef
P.S. Acer now owns Gateway

Although $719 seems like an excellent price, keep in mind this is a "manufacturer refurbished" unit with only a 90-day warranty.

"Refurbished" can men one of two things: It was a working return (buyer's remorse), or a unit Acer ended up having to exchange due to reoccurring problems they couldn't initially fix (usually the latter).

As a PC tech, I honestly don't think this is a good deal since your risk of ending up with a lemon is much greater than buying new - that and, after 90 days, any repairs come out of your own pocket.

[PSCO2007]

Originally Posted by gman863

If the board you're using can be upgraded to dual video cards (Crossfire or SLI) and you may be gaming in the futre, I'd upgrade to a 650-watt PSU just to be on the safe side.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005

I contacted the place and they said the card quoted is dual and an upgrade to 650 is only $10.00 - so that's what I'll get.

[PSCO2007]

After doing more research, I decided on this unit.

The price is a little more, (Including Windows 7 Professional and 8 more gigs of ram) but I think the components are much better.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...4&Sku=B69-1407