So, I'm looking to get an entirely new desktop computer. Unfortunately, it's been a while since I've paid any attention at all to hardware specs and the like, especially since I've subsisted on laptops and netbooks for some time now. I've started questioning the great oracle of Google, of course, but...
...I know there's a great deal of collective expertise on the subject here. So, I ask you, the distinguished Drunkard's collective - opinions? Advice?
1. Custom build or off-the-shelf brand name?
I'm not entirely opposed to building my own machine, or getting one custom-made by a local store. But at the same time, I also recall the last time I tried my own upgrades...well, it worked for the next several months. And still technically does work, if you discount the twitchy motherboard and sad-panda'd graphics card. That was in 2004. I don't think I've improved my skills since.
Conversely, I live in Singapore, and y'know, we're wired to hell and back here. Walk-in service for the big manufacturers is pretty damn excellent. I've had good experiences with Asus and Acer for laptop and netbook stuff. That makes the option tempting - it's a lot more convenient than having to deal with separate warranties for individual parts. But I know damn well I'd get less computer power for my money spent. Is that worth convenience and peace of mind?
In addition, since I'm looking for a new set of everything - monitor, keyboard, OS, whatever, I imagine it won't end up all THAT cost efficient to build from scratch. If I just needed a tower and had OS licenses, that's one thing...but I need the whole kit here...
2. Specifications and value
Right. Presently I use a 2008 Asus laptop. I game, though mostly MMOs and RPGs - City of Heroes, Bioware's stuff, the upcoming SWTOR, and so on. I also dabble in art - but honestly, Elements and CS aren't that intensive and it's been a long while since I've fried something with too many layers and filter effects, so I doubt that's a huge issue.
I was eying a $950-ish Acer package with monitor, keyboard and junk (using US dollars for universal simplicity - but I mean $1200-ish in local currency) with a GeForce GT 530, but I've been told that's not a good deal on the graphics card. I don't know. What do folks think is worth shooting for? I guess I'd be willing to pay about $1000-1500-plus (again, in American). I've shelled far out more in the past for a good laptop, on a far smaller income. But, hey, y'know. I guess I'm getting either financially more prudent or just damn cheaper as I progress further and further away from the hallowed stupid teenage-hood.
I know some folks favour building monster PCs with a whole lot of future-proofing, but I dunno, I figure one way or the other, with the way technology develops, I'll end up buying something new in a couple or three years anyway. Viva consumerism.
I know crap-all about processors, and I have no idea what the minimum value of RAM one should settle for these days is, beyond MOAR = GUD.
(A word on cost - again, since I know damn well you folks mostly aren't located in, well, Asia like me, I realise money figures here don't mean much. But component and spec advice could be useful. Shipping generally isn't another cost issue for me; I'm in a big city, anything I do is just gonna be picked up personally and shoved in the back of a car. I just dunno what I should be shoving into said back of car.)
-- Acyl
...I know there's a great deal of collective expertise on the subject here. So, I ask you, the distinguished Drunkard's collective - opinions? Advice?
1. Custom build or off-the-shelf brand name?
I'm not entirely opposed to building my own machine, or getting one custom-made by a local store. But at the same time, I also recall the last time I tried my own upgrades...well, it worked for the next several months. And still technically does work, if you discount the twitchy motherboard and sad-panda'd graphics card. That was in 2004. I don't think I've improved my skills since.
Conversely, I live in Singapore, and y'know, we're wired to hell and back here. Walk-in service for the big manufacturers is pretty damn excellent. I've had good experiences with Asus and Acer for laptop and netbook stuff. That makes the option tempting - it's a lot more convenient than having to deal with separate warranties for individual parts. But I know damn well I'd get less computer power for my money spent. Is that worth convenience and peace of mind?
In addition, since I'm looking for a new set of everything - monitor, keyboard, OS, whatever, I imagine it won't end up all THAT cost efficient to build from scratch. If I just needed a tower and had OS licenses, that's one thing...but I need the whole kit here...
2. Specifications and value
Right. Presently I use a 2008 Asus laptop. I game, though mostly MMOs and RPGs - City of Heroes, Bioware's stuff, the upcoming SWTOR, and so on. I also dabble in art - but honestly, Elements and CS aren't that intensive and it's been a long while since I've fried something with too many layers and filter effects, so I doubt that's a huge issue.
I was eying a $950-ish Acer package with monitor, keyboard and junk (using US dollars for universal simplicity - but I mean $1200-ish in local currency) with a GeForce GT 530, but I've been told that's not a good deal on the graphics card. I don't know. What do folks think is worth shooting for? I guess I'd be willing to pay about $1000-1500-plus (again, in American). I've shelled far out more in the past for a good laptop, on a far smaller income. But, hey, y'know. I guess I'm getting either financially more prudent or just damn cheaper as I progress further and further away from the hallowed stupid teenage-hood.
I know some folks favour building monster PCs with a whole lot of future-proofing, but I dunno, I figure one way or the other, with the way technology develops, I'll end up buying something new in a couple or three years anyway. Viva consumerism.
I know crap-all about processors, and I have no idea what the minimum value of RAM one should settle for these days is, beyond MOAR = GUD.
(A word on cost - again, since I know damn well you folks mostly aren't located in, well, Asia like me, I realise money figures here don't mean much. But component and spec advice could be useful. Shipping generally isn't another cost issue for me; I'm in a big city, anything I do is just gonna be picked up personally and shoved in the back of a car. I just dunno what I should be shoving into said back of car.)
-- Acyl