Help me choose a new PC tower (now some help troubleshooting too)

[vesh1717]

My PC broke yesterday and won't boot up anymore. I was able to save most important files, and tried to do a restore, but I keep getting blue screen of death. (or I did, now it won't even boot at all). Anyway, I have found 2 potential options for a new tower. Which would you get? I will use for browsing, some HD video playback, but likely no gaming as I mainly play on consoles.

1. HP Pavilion AMD A6-3650 $429

link http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...8222f2e361en02

2. Gateway 2nd Gen Intel Core i3-2120 $529

link http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...248f3769ccen02

I guess a second question would be, is there a place I can get a better deal on a tower? Or can anyone suggest a better replacement in the same price range (400-550ish)

I only have a few requirements I want.
MIN 1TB Harddrive
Wireless
Similar to above option's speed


Thanks in advance.

[xalex0]

Do you intend to reuse any of the parts from your old box? e.g. the hard drive and the wireless adapter.

[vesh1717]

Do you intend to reuse any of the parts from your old box? e.g. the hard drive and the wireless adapter.

Not likely as I would have no idea how to do that. As far as I can tell the hard drive is the problem anyway, and it didn't have wireless.

[DavidY]

Have a custom specified system built by a computer shop like NCIX, ME, etc. An example here:

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/what-...lt-pc-1198250/

Pre-built systems typically have weaker (cheaper) components....220-300 watt cheap power supply is one of the biggest limitations. Refurbs can be cost effective...but a hit or miss on reliability since warranty is only 90 days. Have owned several refurbs...will be having a custom system built for me the next time.

Dave

[vesh1717]

Have a custom specified system built by a computer shop like NCIX, ME, etc. An example here:

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/what-...lt-pc-1198250/

Pre-built systems typically have weaker (cheaper) components....220-300 watt cheap power supply is one of the biggest limitations. Refurbs can be cost effective...but a hit or miss on reliability since warranty is only 90 days. Have owned several refurbs...will be having a custom system built for me the next time.

Dave

Thank-you for the reply. The problem with building a custom system is that I have no idea about brands/parts that will go well together. I am open to the idea, but I would need a lot of help. If I could build an i3 similar to the above Future shop example I have for around 500 I would do it. I just tried a build on ncix but I was just putting random parts lol

[DavidY]

Thank-you for the reply. The problem with building a custom system is that I have no idea about brands/parts that will go well together. I am open to the idea, but I would need a lot of help. If I could build an i3 similar to the above Future shop example I have for around 500 I would do it. I just tried a build on ncix but I was just putting random parts lol

Here's a ~$500 build excluding monitor, keyboard and mouse.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/bwiB
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/bwiB/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/bwiB/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($124.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock H61M-VS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: Patriot G Series Sector 5 Edition 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($29.99 @ Memory Express)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.88 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 6450 1GB Video Card ($30.63 @ DirectCanada)
Case: Rosewill R101-P-BK MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Antec 400W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($38.88 @ Canada Computers)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS70 OEM DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($105.92 @ TigerDirect Canada)

Total: $508.26
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

The following is an alternate tower case...it's a bit larger than the Rosewill R101-P-BK...both are $29.99:

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/cool...se-rc330kkn1gp

PC assembly/testing fee is extra...typically up to $50. Get NCIX/ME/etc. to pricematch $25 Infonec's assembly fee: http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php...RT_RMA_SERVICE

Dave

[vesh1717]

Here's a ~$500 build excluding monitor, keyboard and mouse.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/bwiB
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/bwiB/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/bwiB/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($124.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock H61M-VS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: Patriot G Series Sector 5 Edition 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($29.99 @ Memory Express)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.88 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 6450 1GB Video Card ($30.63 @ DirectCanada)
Case: Rosewill R101-P-BK MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Antec 400W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($38.88 @ Canada Computers)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS70 OEM DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($105.92 @ TigerDirect Canada)

Total: $508.26
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

The following is an alternate tower case...it's a bit larger than the Rosewill R101-P-BK...both are $29.99:

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/cool...se-rc330kkn1gp

PC assembly/testing fee is extra...typically up to $50. Get NCIX/ME/etc. to pricematch $25 Infonec's assembly fee: http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php...RT_RMA_SERVICE

Dave

Thanks. To a person who knows little about computers this looks pretty good to me. So total cost would be about $550? If so, comparing this build to the FS ones - is it easily a better quality computer? I can't tell if it is, or how it is. I appreciate you putting time into building this for me.

Just in case I go with the FS pre-built computer, which one is better in your opinion?

[xalex0]

Just in case I go with the FS pre-built computer, which one is better in your opinion?

The more expensive one (i3 2120 is better than A6-3650). BTW, It looks like it has gone on sale for $500.

comparing this build to the FS ones - is it easily a better quality computer?

The CPU is the same, there is more RAM, the hard drive is faster, it has a dedicated video card, the PSU has more wattage. The only things you lose are the card reader and wifi adapter (yes, you will have to add it to the build).

[DavidY]

Thanks. To a person who knows little about computers this looks pretty good to me. So total cost would be about $550? If so, comparing this build to the FS ones - is it easily a better quality computer? I can't tell if it is, or how it is. I appreciate you putting time into building this for me.

Just in case I go with the FS pre-built computer, which one is better in your opinion?

Yes, if one selects the right components, it will definitely be better than any PC from FS. Most PC's from FS/BB/Staples have weak/cheap power supplies, unknown/unproven motherboards, etc. If you can buy from a computer builder who is local to you, then you can easily get technical support...most custom whole PC have a 1 year warranty (check details; varies by store).

The Gateway has the i3-2120 which is generally a superior CPU to the AMD A6-3650...however, the integrated graphics is better on the AMD. Unless you are doing heavy duty CPU stuff, there isn't a ton of difference. Both have 1 year warranties. Probably pick the cheaper one (by $70 right now) which is the AMD.

http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/275...3_i3-2120.html

http://compare-processors.com/amd-a6...-i3-2120/1119/

http://www.digitalversus.com/cpu/fac...sus-table.html

You could save around $60-$65 on a cheaper CPU on the custom PC....by choosing a Pentium G620....good enough CPU for entry level general desktop applications. You could always upgrade this CPU later to a much faster CPU like an i5-2500, etc.

http://compare-processors.com/intel-...-i3-2120/1199/

Dave

[DavidY]

The more expensive one (i3 2120 is better than A6-3650). BTW, It looks like it has gone on sale for $500.


The CPU is the same, there is more RAM, the hard drive is faster, it has a dedicated video card, the PSU has more wattage. The only things you lose are the card reader and wifi adapter (yes, you will have to add it to the build).

Yes. Currently, the custom PC has no wireless....will need to add a PCI wireless card, etc. to the build. I don't think that the two pre-built systems at FS have wireless either....most PC's don't out of the box. Only selected motherboards that have wireless onboard. H61 is bare bones....hey, it's for an entry level PC.

Dave

[Techgeek32]

From the 2 towers you have mentioned I suggest you the one with the i3 processor. Intel i3 is better than the AMD . It worth the plus $100.

[xalex0]

Yes. Currently, the custom PC has no wireless....will need to add a PCI wireless card, etc. to the build.

There are no PCI slots, so it's either PCIe 1x or USB.

I don't think that the two pre-built systems at FS have wireless either

They do. Probably the OP was choosing them specifically with this in mind.

[DavidY]

There are no PCI slots, so it's either PCIe 1x or USB.

They do. Probably the OP was choosing them specifically with this in mind.

My bad. Both pre-builts have integrated WiFi.

OP,

I would still likely choose a custom rig over a pre-built/refurb. My last 2 computers have been refurbs because they were really cheap...$300 was the last one...I've added memory and a graphics card to it. Previous computers were built by NCIX. One can tell the cheapness of the refurbs/pre-builts.

Dave

[vesh1717]

My bad. Both pre-builts have integrated WiFi.

OP,

I would still likely choose a custom rig over a pre-built/refurb. My last 2 computers have been refurbs because they were really cheap...$300 was the last one...I've added memory and a graphics card to it. Previous computers were built by NCIX. One can tell the cheapness of the refurbs/pre-builts.

Dave

Both of you guys, thank-you so much. So I think I will find a local PC place and get them to help me with a PC build then. I will print out the one you made me, and even ask for their input I suppose. As long as they know it's entry level, and the price range I want, I think you are right in saying a custom build is the way to go. If the quality is better, then it is a no-brainer. Now I just need to find a place that does custom builds.

And yes, WIFI is a must, as I want cords out of the way. I'll keep you guys posted. Walking into a place and asking them to build one with me.... is that an ok way to go about it? I'll bring the print-out of the build you made me, as well as the FS ones for comparables. Good plan?

[xalex0]

I will print out the one you made me, and even ask for their input I suppose. As long as they know it's entry level, and the price range I want

Sure, just don't let them sway you too much. In the end you might be better off just ordering it online.