Build a computer or buy the set??

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by macaela, Dec 19, 2010.

  1. #1
    Hi just recently my desktop gave up on me took the the shop the guy said something wrong with the motherboard could cost £200
    my previous one ram 1 GB

    So now i need a new desktop my background web developer so i use alot web software, photoshops and so on, and wrking towards programming so need to do alot copiling such java, c++, visual studios and probably alot other programming tools. i need it to be fast multi-task.

    I think i need to worry about the processor speed and ram size's maybe other things dnt really know much bout it but has to be fast multi-task computer so what should i be looking for to have a computer suitable for a feature programmer???
    should a build or buy my budget is £400 dnt need monitor????

    one of the options i thought was the following

    * Dual-core Intel® Core™ i3-540 (3.06 GHz) ----------------is this fast enough????
    * Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    * Memory: 3GB ------------------ is that good size for a programming???
    * 500GB
    * DVD writer

    or which of this would u recommend???
    http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pcs/706_7021_70021_xx_xx/xx-criteria.html

    or should i build from scratch????
     
    macaela, Dec 19, 2010 IP
  2. typeteam

    typeteam Peon

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    #2
    If you are not comfortable with building one then I think the best choice for you is to buy new one, however in your situation I think it's cheaper to build one especially you have most of the parts (except motherboard). Just replace motherboard and you are good to go. Oh and motherboard is cheaper that 200 pounds(check what type it's and search on amazon). If you need some help feel free to contact me.
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2010
    typeteam, Dec 20, 2010 IP
  3. RickFlo

    RickFlo Greenhorn

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    #3
    you can get better performance for a lower price if you build one...and some of the pre-set configurations are locked in their case so you can't add another part unless you buy it from the same vendor which sucks in my opinion.
     
    RickFlo, Dec 20, 2010 IP
  4. DIGITALCHAMELEON

    DIGITALCHAMELEON Peon

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    #4
    Build a computer on your own is pretty good so you can choose your preferred hardware brand and specification, but if you want hassle free then buy the set.
     
    DIGITALCHAMELEON, Dec 21, 2010 IP
  5. avpower

    avpower Peon

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    #5
    just build one, you can get better performance with same/less price
     
    avpower, Dec 21, 2010 IP
  6. macaela

    macaela Active Member

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    #6
    which of this would you recomend for a programmer?? use for webdeveloipng c++ csharp photoshop and maybe more

    AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Processor Socket AM3 Price 158.99

    Intel Core i5 650 3.20GHz Socket 1156 4MB L3 cache retail Box Processor Price 132.99

    AMD Phenom II X2 560 Black Edition 3.3GHz Socket AM3 80w 7MB L2 Cache Retail Boxed Processor 77.99

    AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2 GHz Socket AM3 8MB Cache Retail Boxed Processor £119.30

    or a better one within those price range
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2010
    macaela, Dec 21, 2010 IP
  7. Jakiller

    Jakiller Member

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    #7
    I would personally buy this one:

    AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2 GHz Socket AM3 8MB Cache Retail Boxed Processor
     
    Jakiller, Dec 21, 2010 IP
  8. iFlames

    iFlames Greenhorn

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    #8
    Building a computer
     
    iFlames, Dec 22, 2010 IP
  9. sagatr

    sagatr Active Member

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    #9
    If you are comfortable with building you own computer then its best to build your own. You get more for your money and plenty of self satisfaction. The best place to buy the hardware is online from ebuyer or dabs.
     
    sagatr, Dec 22, 2010 IP
  10. Pro Content Writer

    Pro Content Writer Peon

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    #10
    Building your own computer means it will be much cheaper so you'll be able to buy better parts. If I knew how to make a desktop PC then I would!
     
    Pro Content Writer, Dec 22, 2010 IP
  11. mattphelps

    mattphelps Peon

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    #11
    I suggest you build your own from scratch so you'll know how to fix it later. Intel Core i# is enough for your programming needs and 3GB is good enough to run all those softwares you work with. Goodluck.
     
    mattphelps, Dec 27, 2010 IP
  12. CrazyProgrammer

    CrazyProgrammer Active Member

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    #12
    Buying your own has advantage and many disadvantage if your pc breakdown for 1 part u take the part out and get it sent away if you have as a send the machine away
     
    CrazyProgrammer, Dec 29, 2010 IP
  13. Al-Paxum.com

    Al-Paxum.com Peon

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    #13
    Personally, I would say build your own, but seeing as your budget is fairly low I would just buy a pre-built one. If you had a higher budget I would say build your own with higher specs then you actually need. This way you will be ready for whatever you may need in the future. At least this is what I do when I build a PC. I get hardware that's way beyond what I actually need so I won't need to constantly upgrade which can get expensive in the long run.
     
    Al-Paxum.com, Dec 31, 2010 IP
  14. ragunzz

    ragunzz Active Member

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    #14
    just build a new one,, cheap than you buy a new one..
     
    ragunzz, Jan 1, 2011 IP
  15. James Bwoii

    James Bwoii Guest

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    #15
    Build one yourself. It was the best thing I ever have done. You learn so much, save loads and can choose the specs you want. Also, £400 is quite expensive for that build. I would recommend 4GB RAM.
     
    James Bwoii, Jan 6, 2011 IP
  16. cdesigner

    cdesigner Peon

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    #16
    Buying Brand always has benefits :)
    Dont go your custom building it will cost more and no warranty!
     
    cdesigner, Jan 6, 2011 IP
  17. macaela

    macaela Active Member

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    #17
    macaela, Jan 8, 2011 IP
  18. macaela

    macaela Active Member

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    #18
    sorry heres the specs what do you think is compatible

    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3 AMD 770 Socket AM3 8 Channel Audio ATX Motherboard.... (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/196403)
    Processor
    AMD Phenom II X6 1055T 2.8GHz 9MB Cache Socket AM3 Retail Box Processor...... (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/204939)
    RAM
    EXTRA VALUE 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz Memory Kit 1.5V CL9 two sets total 8GB of each of 2BG. (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/192049)
    Power UNIT
    Corsair 650W TX Series PSU - 120mm Fan, 80+% Efficiency, Single +12V Rail....... (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135514)
    Total cost £334.33 £50 going on a case and using my 350GB Hardrive
     
    macaela, Jan 8, 2011 IP
  19. dgiles79

    dgiles79 Peon

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    #19
    That power supply is way overpowered for what you need. Corsair is an excellent choice, but you could easily run your system on a 450-550W power supply. I would also get the Corsair memory, it comes with a lifetime warranty, and with this sale price it's about the same as the extra value you selected (I can't post links yet)

    The processor and motherboard are fine.
     
    dgiles79, Jan 8, 2011 IP
  20. bisma anwar

    bisma anwar Peon

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    #20
    build a computer..it would be better
     
    bisma anwar, Jan 9, 2011 IP