Help Loki find a cheap computer

[Loki]

As you might know, Loki is moving to the cornfields, and taking my 5-year-old desktop is not really an option. I have a laptop, but it's ridiculously slow, so I want to buy a desktop. I don't want anything too fancy; my 5-year-old desktop runs all the programs I currently use just fine, so I assume that any half-decent computer today would do a good enough job. Don't really care about new graphic cards or sound systems; I just want something that works and won't break for 4 years. I also need a monitor (probably about 19 inches, though an inch in either direction won't matter) and a printer. I could get something like this from Dell for about $650 (with the monitor and printer), so I was wondering if someone can propose something that's of at least the same quality and is cheaper. Also keep in mind that I will be in the cornfields, so the delivery cost could make a different. Thanks in advance. :noob:

A cheap TV would be nice too (25 to 32 inches). I'm going to buy a Wal-Mart one if I can't find anything else. :o

[RandBlade]

Not being a Yank, RandBlade can't help much, but RandBlade is wondering when Loki started talking in the third person.

[Steely Glint]

but RandBlade is wondering when Loki started talking in the third person.

Dissociative identity disorder.

[Loki]

http://www.emachines.com/products/

I personally wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole, but they do have that whole "cheap" thing you're talking about nailed. And if you're used to a 5 year old machine, you probably won't notice that they're total crap. Not like you need anything powerful if you just use it for Word processing and browsing the web and email and such. Still, they're very much ****.

Of course, take all my comments about their crappiness with a grain of salt, as I have two dual core machines and one quad core machine within 5 feet of me at the moment, and I've been building bleeding edge desktops since I was in highschool, so my standards for quality might be a bit out of line with yours.

I do play some games, but they run fine with machine that's 2.52 GHz and 512 RAM, and I doubt any new computers today are worse than that. :noob: The prices on the emachines websites are roughly the same as ones on Dell, and they sell through BestBuy, which tends to overcharge by a good 20%.

Not being a Yank, RandBlade can't help much, but RandBlade is wondering when Loki started talking in the third person.

Since Loki has been bored out of his mind for the last two months or so.

[biogal]

Have you tried looking at newegg.com? You can compare different brands and see how they have been rated by other users.

[Echovirus]

http://www.emachines.com/products/

I personally wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole, but they do have that whole "cheap" thing you're talking about nailed. And if you're used to a 5 year old machine, you probably won't notice that they're total crap. Not like you need anything powerful if you just use it for Word processing and browsing the web and email and such. Still, they're very much ****.

Of course, take all my comments about their crappiness with a grain of salt, as I have two dual core machines and one quad core machine within 5 feet of me at the moment, and I've been building bleeding edge desktops since I was in highschool, so my standards for quality might be a bit out of line with yours.
As an owner of an eMachine desktop, I'd recommend a cheap Acer or even Compaq before eMachine.

[Loki]

As an owner of an eMachine desktop, I'd recommend a cheap Acer or even Compaq before eMachine.

HP actually is cheaper than Dell. :up: Does anyone know if their quality is similar?

Have you tried looking at newegg.com? You can compare different brands and see how they have been rated by other users.

Will do.

[Ominous Gamer]

newegg and tigerdirect barebones machines are the way to go
even a halfwit with only an hour to spare would understand how to pop in the parts that may not come with the machine.

I'm actually ordering a computer from scratch for my sister right now from newegg.


As for TVs Walmart's store brand (Vizio I think) gets a lot of praise for being ok quality but at the lowest price.

[Loki]

As for TVs Walmart's store brand (Vizio I think) gets a lot of praise for being ok quality but at the best price.

Danke.

[DarkWraith]

HP actually is cheaper than Dell. :up: Does anyone know if their quality is similar? HP is crap. You can get the same quality cheaper.

Tiger direct is a crapshoot. You'll either get a good deal or totally screwed, and it's extremely difficult to tell in advance.

eMachines is also crap, but if you're looking for cheap, I think they might be a good choice.

If you want the cheapest decent quality machine, Dell is probably your best choice. They sell at a large enough scale that they can sell decent machines for a lower price than other companies can get away with.

For the TV, just go to Wal-Mart and grab something.

[Dreadnaught]

I've heard HP has had much better quality over the past few years, but I also never owned one. And Dell has my eternal wrath for three laptops that had notable design flaw.

If you were feeling savvy, your university network allowed it and you didn't care about the games, you could get a bare-bones laptop and install Linux. But I wouldn't do that, so not sure why I'm suggesting it.

One big way to save on money is to use Open Office or Google Docs (or better yet, in combination as needed), as even the MS Office student packages tend to cost a bundle.

[Loki]

I've heard HP has had much better quality over the past few years, but I also never owned one. And Dell has my eternal wrath for three laptops that had notable design flaw.

If you were feeling savvy, your university network allowed it and you didn't care about the games, you could get a bare-bones laptop and install Linux. But I wouldn't do that, so not sure why I'm suggesting it.

One big way to save on money is to use Open Office or Google Docs (or better yet, in combination as needed), as even the MS Office student packages tend to cost a bundle.

I've had several Dell desktops and I've seen several Dell laptops. The former were all excellent, to the extent that I only had 2 problems in about a decade (hard drive broke down on both occasions). All the Dell laptops I've seen had massive problems. No idea why. I'm slightly peeved with Dell since the only printers they sell with their system cost $100+ (HP gives you a free one) and I believe their shipping cost is high (I guess I'd have to buy the printer at Wal-Mart as well). If I'm spending $600-700, I don't want to be spending wasting an extra $200.

I adapt to technological change only when I have absolutely no choice, so changing from Windows is a no-no. :noob: Not a fan of Vista either for that reason. I still have my MS Office '97 disk, so I think I might just use that if I'm not in a mood to blow $50. I did use the Google version of a spreadsheet and word processor, and they have a lot of potential, but I think I'll wait until I'm forced to use them. :noob:

HP is crap. You can get the same quality cheaper.

Tiger direct is a crapshoot. You'll either get a good deal or totally screwed, and it's extremely difficult to tell in advance.

eMachines is also crap, but if you're looking for cheap, I think they might be a good choice.

If you want the cheapest decent quality machine, Dell is probably your best choice. They sell at a large enough scale that they can sell decent machines for a lower price than other companies can get away with.

For the TV, just go to Wal-Mart and grab something.

I have an HP laptop and it is crap, though it admittedly never broke down in 3 years. :o I don't know if their desktops are any better.

[Dreadnaught]

I've had several Dell desktops and I've seen several Dell laptops. The former were all excellent, to the extent that I only had 2 problems in about a decade (hard drive broke down on both occasions). All the Dell laptops I've seen had massive problems. No idea why. I'm slightly peeved with Dell since the only printers they sell with their system cost $100+ (HP gives you a free one) and I believe their shipping cost is high (I guess I'd have to buy the printer at Wal-Mart as well). If I'm spending $600-700, I don't want to be spending wasting an extra $200.

I adapt to technological change only when I have absolutely no choice, so changing from Windows is a no-no. :noob: Not a fan of Vista either for that reason. I still have my MS Office '97 disk, so I think I might just use that if I'm not in a mood to blow $50. I did use the Google version of a spreadsheet and word processor, and they have a lot of potential, but I think I'll wait until I'm forced to use them. :noob:

Yeah, Dell just has something with every fourth laptop they make...can't figure it out, but the odds are in no one's favor.

The Google Docs/Spreadsheets have gotten tons better in the past two months. I've actually started using it for letters that I need to print (there is a fixed-width viewing option). But I also use Open Office for stuff that needs to be laid out. Saves a ton of money! I like MSOffice products (very well made, especially the new version), but I don't have a need to spend the money at the moment.

[Illusions]

I would advise against Tiger Direct...

...I still dislike them for the month it took me to get my laptop due to a shipping error. Ohh...whats that? Didn't ship it out because you couldn't bill me? Well then, why didn't you call me to tell me you ****ers? Ohh, and you couldn't bill me because the name I gave you to bill didn't match whats on my credit card? Well maybe ****heads its because you gave me an option to input my first name, and my last name...but not my middle name, which is on my card, you complete douchers... :mad:

[littlelolligagged]

I like MSOffice products (very well made, especially the new version), but I don't have a need to spend the money at the moment.

Funny, as soon as I got the patch on my Office 2007 it started opening porn folders all the time.

[Ominous Gamer]

This is what I threw together, its just the tower components: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=9098286
Intel Dual-Core 1.6Ghz celeron with an onboard Nvidia 7050 GPU (thats enough to get 20fps in Doom 3 at 800x600), but includes a PCI-express slot for when you feel like moving up.

$254
only needs a screen, mouse, keyboard

I was going to say to use utorrent to get your OS, but you don't want to try Vista yet...

[Loki]

This is what I threw together, its just the tower components.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=9098286
Intel Dual-Core 1.6Ghz celeron with an onboard Nvidia 7050 GPU, thats enough to get 20fps in Doom 3 at 800x600; but includes a PCI-express slot for when you feel like moving up.

$254, only needs a screen, mouse, keyboard.
I was going to say to use utorrent to get your OS, but you don't want to try Vista yet...

Thanks for the time, but having Loki build things is just asking for a fire or an explosion; that even extends to legos. Though I think I'll wait til I'm in the cornfields and see if I can quickly befriend a techie. :noob:

Yeah, Dell just has something with every fourth laptop they make...can't figure it out, but the odds are in no one's favor.

The Google Docs/Spreadsheets have gotten tons better in the past two months. I've actually started using it for letters that I need to print (there is a fixed-width viewing option). But I also use Open Office for stuff that needs to be laid out. Saves a ton of money! I like MSOffice products (very well made, especially the new version), but I don't have a need to spend the money at the moment.

I just hate laptops in general. My 5-year-old desktop takes about 30 seconds to start; my laptop took 5 minutes almost right off the bat. :bored:

I'll see how bored I am when I have to start writing papers. :)

I would advise against Tiger Direct...

...I still dislike them for the month it took me to get my laptop due to a shipping error. Ohh...whats that? Didn't ship it out because you couldn't bill me? Well then, why didn't you call me to tell me you ****ers? Ohh, and you couldn't bill me because the name I gave you to bill didn't match whats on my credit card? Well maybe ****heads its because you gave me an option to input my first name, and my last name...but not my middle name, which is on my card, you complete douchers... :mad:

That happened to me with Canon. The lens broke for no reason, which was a major defect (hundreds complained about it), so I sent it to them to fix. Took them a week to fix it, then they decided to ship it to the wrong address. Then when they got it back, they decided to "lose" it at whichever dump they keep the stuff. Took me a month and a half to get the stupid camera back.

[Ominous Gamer]

Thats what I figured after I saw your reply to Dread, but I figured what I hell. I have fun making those lists, and its a nice benchmark for comparing what you get from the prefab places.

[littlelolligagged]

Loki, go to Circuit City. They tend to sell the thing recently replaced by the next big thing fairly cheaply, with a lot of brands to choose from. They might have a store in bumble**** for you, if not check online.

Just shop around, if you aren't going to do a lot of graphics intensive gaming it doesn't really matter.

[Loki]

Loki, go to Circuit City. They tend to sell the thing recently replaced by the next big thing fairly cheaply, with a lot of brands to choose from. They might have a store in bumble**** for you, if not check online.

Just shop around, if you aren't going to do a lot of graphics intensive gaming it doesn't really matter.

I try to stay away from these kind of stores, since they overcharge you like hell. But I'll look into it when there.

Thats what I figured after I saw your reply to Dread, but I figured what I hell. I have fun making those lists, and its a nice benchmark for comparing what you get from the prefab places.

So they're basically charging me $300 for the OS and putting the crap together?

[littlelolligagged]

I try to stay away from these kind of stores, since they overcharge you like hell. But I'll look into it when there.


Circuit City isn't too bad - it's almost certainly a good place for a teevee, even if you can't get a computer from them.

[Ominous Gamer]

So they're basically charging me $300 for the OS and putting the crap together?

If its a bottom of the line machine, I would say yes. For what you are suggesting you would need it for, you wouldn't notice a large difference in performance between my listed parts and a something like this from Dell: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=ddcwoa3&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=productdetails~desktop-inspiron-518
That one is $599, but includes a 17" LCD.


If you can buddy up with a geek, a night worth of pizza is usually all you need to get the parts put together for you.

[DarkWraith]

So they're basically charging me $300 for the OS and putting the crap together?

One of the biggest things you get from places like Dell is the waranty, and the promise that your components have all been heavily tested together. No random errors because your components don't get along, and no having to buy a new processor because the thermal paste wasn't applied just right. Also, antivirus and usually some other odds-and-ends that you might not think of right away.

[Echovirus]

If you can buddy up with a geek, a night worth of pizza is usually all you need to get the parts put together for you.
This is actually what I've charged several of my buds when they want me to tinker with their systems. :D

[Miang]

You said you'd been looking at Dells but have you tried their refurbished section?

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&lob=INSPDT&MODEL_DESC=Inspiron%20530&s=dfh

If you're looking for a deal, it's probably the way to go.

[marnetmar]

I don't know if this'll help you or not Loki, but I figure it's worth a shot.

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Athlon_AM2_Dual_Core_Custom_Build_Configurator/

Athlon AM2 Dual Core processor (I know nothing about these, I have a P4), but this has a free printer (after rebates), free shipping & you can configure it, such as drives & monitor & see the price. The base, no monitor or operating system starts at $365.00.

[Dreadnaught]

One of the biggest things you get from places like Dell is the waranty, and the promise that your components have all been heavily tested together. No random errors because your components don't get along, and no having to buy a new processor because the thermal paste wasn't applied just right. Also, antivirus and usually some other odds-and-ends that you might not think of right away.
True, though I've found that most of the software that Dell installs is pretty junk. And his university will probably give him free anti-virus in order to protect their own network.

[Loki]

If its a bottom of the line machine, I would say yes. For what you are suggesting you would need it for, you wouldn't notice a large difference in performance between my listed parts and a something like this from Dell: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=ddcwoa3&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=productdetails~desktop-inspiron-518
That one is $599, but includes a 17" LCD.


If you can buddy up with a geek, a night worth of pizza is usually all you need to get the parts put together for you.

Not sure if a hundred bucks is worth befriending an engineer for. :o

One of the biggest things you get from places like Dell is the waranty, and the promise that your components have all been heavily tested together. No random errors because your components don't get along, and no having to buy a new processor because the thermal paste wasn't applied just right. Also, antivirus and usually some other odds-and-ends that you might not think of right away.

Good point about the compatibility, though as Dread says, there should be some campus-wide anti-virus.

You said you'd been looking at Dells but have you tried their refurbished section?

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&lob=INSPDT&MODEL_DESC=Inspiron%20530&s=dfh

If you're looking for a deal, it's probably the way to go.

I'd consider it if the price was considerably lower, but I don't think it's worth the risk for $100-150. I do want to keep it for 4 years.

I don't know if this'll help you or not Loki, but I figure it's worth a shot.

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Athlon_AM2_Dual_Core_Custom_Build_Configurator/

Athlon AM2 Dual Core processor (I know nothing about these, I have a P4), but this has a free printer (after rebates), free shipping & you can configure it, such as drives & monitor & see the price. The base, no monitor or operating system starts at $365.00.

The Dell costs about the same, so not really worth it.

[Bardock617]

well if you were good with computers id say build your own. but since your not, id say go with Acer. they sell real good PC's.

[Lebanese Dragon]

Not being a Yank, RandBlade can't help much, but RandBlade is wondering when Loki started talking in the third person.

That´s exactly what LD was thinking. You sound like a pokemon by the way.. rand rand randblade!! randblade raaannnnddd...

[Miang]

I'd consider it if the price was considerably lower, but I don't think it's worth the risk for $100-150. I do want to keep it for 4 years.

I've had my computer for about that long and the only issue it's ever had was a stuck cd drive bay.

It's not as if they don't come with the regular warranty and with computers generally if they're going to break, they break early.

[RandBlade]

This is actually what I've charged several of my buds when they want me to tinker with their systems. :DHehe, I used to tinker with lots of mates systems, I'd charge one beer ;)

If you're considering building a system then you don't need to be an engineer to do it, if you ever played with lego as a child I find putting a PC together to be just like that :). The one thing that doesn't just slot in or plug in is applying the thermal paste to the processor, besides that its all childs play :)

[Echovirus]

Most of my pals aren't old enough to buy yet. One of them has a dad who can cook really well though, so that's how she pays me. I'd prefer if her dad just bought me a bottle of Maker's Mark, Finlandia or Svedka though. It'd cover them for two or three maintenance sessions on each of their computers.

[dbz_hunter 001]

Try out tigerdirect, television sets and parts for computers are cheap there.

Like most people suggested, building a pc would be way cheaper. The only hard part, imo, is installing drives and programs, like xp or vista. I still need practice so that I can make a pc work straight from scratch.

A random guy may charge between 50 - 100, if you have everything there, and I have no idea how much a place like Best Buy would cost.

[RandBlade]

Installing programs like Vista is the easiest part: Insert DVD, follow on-screen instructions :bulb:. Just like installing any other app.

[dbz_hunter 001]

Last time I tried installing, it asked for a code. It was as complicated as I make it seem, it was just me being too lazy to sit there and wait to key in codes.

[RandBlade]

Riiight :bulb:

Last time I installed a game or anything else it asked for a code too. Its called a CD Key something most legal applications ask for nowadays :bulb:

I think for some reason Loki might just have the intelligence to type in a CD Key

[littlelolligagged]

I think for some reason Loki might just have the intelligence to type in a CD Key
Loki? Yeah, right. That Loki couldn't even find his way out of a wet paper bag.

[ImAnOgre]

I can't stand Tiger Direct. Their rebate system just doesn't work.

My favorite site to go to for anything is www.slickdeals.net.

Check out not only their front page, but their forums as well. I just bought an "xbox 360 elite" for less then 300 last week.

[Widows Peak Oz]

The words "cheap" and "computer", should never appear in the same sentence. :bored:

[Loki]

Riiight :bulb:

Last time I installed a game or anything else it asked for a code too. Its called a CD Key something most legal applications ask for nowadays :bulb:

I think for some reason Loki might just have the intelligence to type in a CD Key

You'd be surprised. :o

Loki? Yeah, right. That Loki couldn't even find his way out of a wet paper bag.

That depends entirely on what else was inside the bag and if it was wet.

The words "cheap" and "computer", should never appear in the same sentence. :bored:

Welcome to the 21st century.

[']['ear]

Loki is a nimrod, and should go to Consumer Reports to find the combination of low cost and high quality. Better than anecdotes, no?

[Loki]

['ear;10616805"]Loki is a nimrod, and should go to Consumer Reports to find the combination of low cost and high quality. Better than anecdotes, no?

I actually have the Consumer Report magazine that ranks desktops in front of me, and it doesn't really explain why some are a better value than others. It also doesn't list too many options.

[']['ear]

It's still more scientific than anything else you are going to get.

PS they also rate monitors if you don't get a combo system.

[Loki]

Nothing says you have to befriend the guy... just cozy up long enough to get him to build your system. Then again when you need it fixed.

Hmm, I shall have to start a "rent an engineer" program.

As long as the warranty's the same, no worries. I'll let you in on a dirty little secret... whenever a computer maker replaces (or sends out a replacement) part for a computer, it's a refurb, unless there were none available. I've done thousands of parts replacements in my IT career, and almost every single one came from the manufacturer with a "refurbished" stamp on it.

The only part I ever had to replace in my decade of owning desktops is the hard drive. There's also the issue of new computers being more customizable.

Incidentally, Loki, why a desktop? I'm typing this out on a 5 or 6 year old Dell laptop at the moment (Latitude D810), and for word processing and web browsing, it's overkill... it runs strategy type games and even older FPSes (has a built in NVIDIA graphics card with 128 MB video RAM) but I basically use it as a tertiary desktop - always on, hooked up to Pandora, and have had no problems... you can pick up a nicely speced out one for $500 or so these days (down from about 3 grand new), and wouldn't have to worry about a monitor or anything. It's got a [EDIT: 15.4"] LCD screen and is definitely a solid desktop replacement. I can also swear by them - we've had some in production for 6 years where I work, and even still, the only issue I've seen with them is that after about 5 years, the LCD backlight burns out if it's been left on constantly (stupid ****ing users... that is a pain in the ass part to replace).

You don't seem too keen on spending an extra 200 for a printer and/or monitor, so there's half your solution... get a beefy, reliable laptop from a few years ago and you can always pick up a $50 printer from Walmart/Best Buy/Circuit City, etc. Something to think about.

From personal experience, laptops are much slower, which is very annoying. I also can't stand a laptop keyboard or "mouse", meaning I end up using external ones. Plus you get a 19 inch monitor for a desktop for much less than if you tried to get a laptop with a 19 inch screen. Do you have any idea why it takes my laptop 5 minutes to start (i.e. from the moment where I hit the on button to the point where I can actually open an application)? It did this even when it was almost empty. I'm fairly sure it's not malware. When I tried playing a MMORPG on it, it also lagged far more than my desktop.

[Dreadnaught]

There's no objective reason for them to be slower, unless you just got less performance for the buck by buying a laptop. Which does happen.

But you do get portability and something that doesn't hulk and take up lots of desk space (with the exception of the iMac). I agree that laptop trackpads are pretty lame, so I use an external mouse. But frankly I don't really need more than 15 inches — do you really need it?

Your laptop slowness issues may be related to your personal laptop. Have you tried backing up all your files and doing a full wipe/reformat of the drive? Beside the fact that backing-up things is good karma for any computer user, you may find some performance enhancements.

[Loki]

There's no objective reason for them to be slower, unless you just got less performance for the buck by buying a laptop. Which does happen.

But you do get portability and something that doesn't hulk and take up lots of desk space (with the exception of the iMac). I agree that laptop trackpads are pretty lame, so I use an external mouse. But frankly I don't really need more than 15 inches — do you really need it?

Your laptop slowness issues may be related to your personal laptop. Have you tried backing up all your files and doing a full wipe/reformat of the drive? Beside the fact that backing-up things is good karma for any computer user, you may find some performance enhancements.

Well yes. My 5 year old desktop has 512 MB of ram and a speed of 2.52 GHz, while my laptop, which is only 3 years old, is worse in at least the latter. Not that it cost any less. :bored:

Anywho, I already have the crappy laptop in question, so I could use it if I need to type up something on the go.

It was like this since about 2 months after I started using it, and it's not like I download a lot of things (I download far more on my desktop).

I'm done being a Dell shill I guess, but seriously, where are you going to find a better deal than a desktop like that, plus 3 years of warranty service for under $500? (Monitor not included, FYI.) So what if it's a refurb?

But I could get a similar new desktop from Dell for the same price...

[Loki]

Yeah, that's probably a number of things from lower disk RPMs and cache to cheaper components with lower bus speeds, and the like. That said, I recommended the D810 because it was designed by Dell as a "Desktop Replacement Laptop" (and their Latitude D8xx line does a good job about it, and why those laptops cost upwards of $2500 new). My dirty techie secret is that I don't have a desktop at work, and I haven't noticed the difference - I do it all from my D830, which is a laptop that I'm obligated to take home with me. Ugh. It was only cool for the first two weeks, let me tell ya.

So if I could get a $650-700 desktop that is far better than a laptop, and cost a good $400 less, why bother with the laptop? And if I had the money, wouldn't it make more sense to buy a $1200 desktop that performs as well as a $2500 laptop? And you're not going to convince me that the laptop keyboard and mouse aren't crap. :o

I checked, and that one would cost you about 30% more new. OK, so that's only $120, but... it's still 30%, which is quite a substantial difference. Like I say, if comes with the same warranty, what's the difference to you? Hell, half the stuff in their refurb store is "previously ordered new," meaning it got returned without seeing more than 30 days of use. For all intents and purposes, it is new, just cheaper.

I built a pretty good machine for $670, including a monitor. :o

[Loki]

Because you're not going to find a $1200 desktop for $500, but I found you a solid desktop replacement laptop that I know could do what you need it to and last 5 years within your budget... you throw out the low quality crap, and cut out the expensive stuff to stay in budget, you kind of limit your options a little bit. :p

In the words of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammed, laptops suck. :o

So, then buy it... what do you need our advice for? Find a similar refurb to knock it down to within your $600 budget, or bite the bullet and shell out an extra 70 bucks (plus printer... though I don't know why you wouldn't just use the university's printers anyway).

I'm kind of out of the loop when it comes to technology, so I don't know what the prices for decent machines are nowadays. I do have to say this makes me pleasantly surprised when the prices get lower each time I look. :noob:

[Loki]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9856472

Worth it or not?

[Ominous Gamer]

That thing is almost as deep as it is wide :bulb:, and **** 80lbs for a 27" TV.

Its just a standard TV with the digital tuner box built in.

[Loki]

That thing is almost as deep as it is wide :bulb:, and **** 80lbs for a 27" TV.

Its just a standard TV with the digital tuner box built in.

Wow, didn't see the weight. :bulb: The problem is that most TVs there cost $400-450...

[Dreadnaught]

I got a 20 inch from Best Buy for $79.99, works great. Though it was like two years ago.

[Ominous Gamer]

Wow, didn't see the weight. :bulb: The problem is that most TVs there cost $400-450...

If you can't do a flat screen yet, you'd get more for your money by getting a 2nd hand tube TV from a yard sale/craigslist and one of the government coupon tuner boxes.

[Hazir]

Why don't you get a flat screen TV and have that double as your PC monitor ? If it weren't for my partner I would still be working with that set up.

[Loki]

Why don't you get a flat screen TV and have that double as your PC monitor ? If it weren't for my partner I would still be working with that set up.

Because I'd go blind. :o If I was to go blind, I'd rather it be from the other thing. :o

Edit: For the techies, is it to worth to pay $100 to go from a 2 GB system to a 4 GB system (RAM)? Also, is there a need for a USB printer cable ($25)?

[Dreadnaught]

The extra RAM is mainly useful if you're running one or more heavy-hitter applications. In my opinion, the 2GB is probably plenty for what you need if you're looking to save money. You can usually upgrade your RAM later if needed, even on many laptops.

Oh, and I think more RAM on laptops means more heat in a confined space. A USB printer cable is only needed if you're getting a printer with your system. Especially a printer with a USB connection. :)

[Ominous Gamer]

Edit: For the techies, is it to worth to pay $100 to go from a 2 GB system to a 4 GB system (RAM)? Also, is there a need for a USB printer cable ($25)?

If you ever need a cable for anything go to monoprice, even after shipping, their prices can not be beaten. Your $25 USB cable costs .88 cents there.

2GB for a notebook for your uses would be fine, but Dread's heat concern is baseless for notebooks and how memory sticks scale.

[Loki]

The extra RAM is mainly useful if you're running one or more heavy-hitter applications. In my opinion, the 2GB is probably plenty for what you need if you're looking to save money. You can usually upgrade your RAM later if needed, even on many laptops.

Oh, and I think more RAM on laptops means more heat in a confined space. A USB printer cable is only needed if you're getting a printer with your system. Especially a printer with a USB connection. :)

Thanks. :)

If you ever need a cable for anything go to monoprice, even after shipping, their prices can not be beaten. Your $25 USB cable costs .88 cents there.

2GB for a notebook for your uses would be fine, but Dread's heat concern is baseless for notebooks and how memory sticks scale.

Wow, thanks for the heads up. :)

[Loki]

Howdy again everyone. :o

My gf, who lives in the UK, is wondering where it would be cheaper to buy a computer, in the US or UK (especially with the pound going to hell)? If in the UK, can someone tell me a cheap place to get a decent laptop with a decent graphics card, hopefully for under 600 pounds (which is probably worth about $10 by now)? Danke in advance. :)

[Steely Glint]

Laptops generally start at around £400. What does she want the 'decent' graphics card for? Is it gaming? If so, she'd be lucky to get hold of a gaming laptop for under £600.

[Loki]

Laptops generally start at around £400. What does she want the 'decent' graphics card for? Is it gaming? If so, she'd be lucky to get hold of a gaming laptop for under £600.

For something like the Sims/watching videos I guess. Nothing as extensive as what the high graphics games require.

[Dreadnaught]

The Pound is still more valuable, right? I think the Britishers traveling here still buy this stuff in the US.

[Loki]

The Pound is still more valuable, right? I think the Britishers traveling here still buy this stuff in the US.

The pound fell from $1.90 to $1.49 in the last few months. So whatever advantage there was in buying in America is pretty much gone. I was checking two exact models of Dell, and one cost 600 pounds in the UK and $930 here. With the current exchange rate, the 600 pounds is worth only $900.

[pedxing]

For something like the Sims/watching videos I guess. Nothing as extensive as what the high graphics games require.
for that, one good thing to make sure is that the graphics card has built-in HD video decoding.

otherwise, the CPU has to do the work, and the playback will be carp for video with decent resolution.

also, there is a current trend towards offloading some tasks, like video transcoding and photoshop filters, from the CPU to the GPU, with huge speed improvements resulting.

that trend is only likely to accelerate in the near future, so if she's planning on keeping the machine for a few years, more GPU is more future-proofing.

definitely, don't skimp on the graphics... get a slightly slower CPU if you have to, to stay within budget!

[Timbuk2]

The pound fell from $1.90 to $1.49 in the last few months. So whatever advantage there was in buying in America is pretty much gone. I was checking two exact models of Dell, and one cost 600 pounds in the UK and $930 here. With the current exchange rate, the 600 pounds is worth only $900.

I'm surprised. Thought any goods, and particularly electrical goods, were considerably cheaper State-side. Uk be a pricey place to shop.

Dell do very reasonably-priced laptops. Couldn't comment on their quality/reliability though.

Also, Loki have no pound sign £ on Loki's keyboard? :weird:

[Loki]

I'm surprised. Thought any goods, and particularly electrical goods, were considerably cheaper State-side. Uk be a pricey place to shop.

Dell do very reasonably-priced laptops. Couldn't comment on their quality/reliability though.

Also, Loki have no pound sign £ on Loki's keyboard? :weird:

They were considerably cheaper...until the pound depreciated over 20%. There should still be good deals out there somewhere, but I don't know where.

Only European keyboards have keys for different currencies. :p Standard American ones only have the key for a dollar.

Wow, a pound is $1.46 now.

[Flixy]

I have a standard european one, no pound sign on this though :p Only € and $.

[Steely Glint]

Wow, a pound is $1.46 now.

Cheap at twice the price.

I have a standard european one, no pound sign on this though :p Only € and $.

Not even as an alt-grrrrr?

[EmperorNorton]

Learn to use the 'Num' keypad. Alt+0163 = £

[littlelolligagged]

right alt+shift+4 = £

[DarkWraith]

I lol at the n00bs who don't have all the alt codes memorized.

[Steely Glint]

right alt+shift+4 = £

Which is where the euro is on my keyboard. £ is probably on european keyboards, but not marked as such.

[Ominous Gamer]

right alt+shift+4 = £

This works if your keyboard is set to English-International. Dell keyboards for example are set to English-Dvorak, so the Right Alt combos don't work.

[XopePoquar]

Map (http://www.altcharactermap.co.nr/)

Only goes to 700 but still pretty impressive.

[Ominous Gamer]

Map (http://www.altcharactermap.co.nr/)

Only goes to 700 but still pretty impressive.

Thats a different map.

The Right-Alt keyboard map:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/KB_US-International.svg/800px-KB_US-International.svg.png
Remember, it works when the keyboard is set to International
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306560

[Flixy]

I have that keyboard too, OG (on dutch, international). I just dont have windows an dmenu keys. The only alt-gr key that is printer on the keys is the € sign though.

[Loki]

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1956531218.1226671306@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadefjjemihjcflgceggdhhmdfhj.0&category_oid=&sku=320231&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null#productInformationSection

Is there anything particularly bad on this computer or something that's a waste of money?

[Echovirus]

The only thing I see that I don't like on it (and is unchangeable, even on Dell's site) is the glossy TrueLife screen. It'll be practically impossible for her to view if she plans to use it outdoors or near bright lights. The upside is that it's over 200 quid cheaper than if getting it directly from Dell with that configuration.

[coinich]

They didn't say what his of RAM, which kinda worries me.

[Echovirus]

Dell's site says it's 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2.

[Loki]

Would it be possible to get a similar model (doesn't have to be Dell) for cheaper?

[Hazir]

I am typing this on a cheap HP that does everything I need. I bought it for €399 a month or so ago. CPU is a Celeron 530 1.73Ghz with 2 GB ram. It wouldn't be any good for playing serious games on it. But it runs on Vista Basic like a breeze. It's also good for watching films etc.

Only thing that's not so cool is limited time on the battery. 3 hours tops. But even that didn't matter too much for me because this thing basically is my home-machine for in Istanbul.

[XopePoquar]

Would it be possible to get a similar model (doesn't have to be Dell) for cheaper?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115506

Costs $850 United States Dollars with a bigger screen, bigger hard drive, faster video card. I think you mentioned earlier you would be able to buy State side but if I'm wrong I apologize.

Edit: That Dell has a Blu-Ray writer. I don't see anything here in the States that is priced any better which also includes one.

[Khendraja'aro]

The only thing I see that I don't like on it (and is unchangeable, even on Dell's site) is the glossy TrueLife screen. It'll be practically impossible for her to view if she plans to use it outdoors or near bright lights. The upside is that it's over 200 quid cheaper than if getting it directly from Dell with that configuration.

I remember the times when they advertised TVs with non-reflecting screens as a big advantage. :mad:

And now they try to sell me those mirror screens as the best thing since sliced bread?

[pedxing]

Is there anything particularly bad on this computer or something that's a waste of money?
the GPU is awfully weak.

8600M GT would be a bit better than the GS, and anything 8800 quite a bit better, but something from the 9xxx series would likely be your best bet, £-for-£.

[Loki]

So summer is coming, and Loki's graphics card is absolute crap, to the point where even games that are 2 years old are ultra-laggy. Can anyone recommend a graphics card that would run games like this (http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Total-War-Pc/dp/B0018YXM3Y/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1240155018&sr=8-1)? It can't be too expensive (say much over $120) and has to be fairly easy to install (I have a Dell PC). Danke in advance. :)

[Illusions]

So summer is coming, and Loki's graphics card is absolute crap, to the point where even games that are 2 years old are ultra-laggy. Can anyone recommend a graphics card that would run games like this (http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Total-War-Pc/dp/B0018YXM3Y/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1240155018&sr=8-1)? It can't be too expensive (say much over $120) and has to be fairly easy to install (I have a Dell PC). Danke in advance. :)

The problem might end up being that whatever card we can suggest for you under $120 might be too big for your case and require too much power. Any information on the wattage of the power supply in your case and its dimensions?

[Khendraja'aro]

Any Geforce GTX at the price range you want to spend should do.

[Ominous Gamer]

You could go for an ATI 4830 ~$80. Use ATI's software to clock into (legal, warranty covered, and takes like 2 clicks) the range of a 4850 ~$110.

The point Illusions made about if you even have the 6 pin connectors (or the power) that the ~$100 cards come with should be answered before deciding :up:

[Loki]

The problem might end up being that whatever card we can suggest for you under $120 might be too big for your case and require too much power. Any information on the wattage of the power supply in your case and its dimensions?

It's 250 watt. Also, the original card is integrated or whatever you call when you can't take it out. Though I assume there are additional spaces for more (and I know I'm meant to disable the old one when I put in new one).

[Khendraja'aro]

Ah, Dell, the bane of upgrading. Problem with Dell: The proprietary power connectors...

[Loki]

That's what I get for not thinking that I'd stay here for most of the summer. :o

[Ominous Gamer]

250W usually means you don't have the updated connectors, or enough rails to power any GPU asking for a 6pin connection.

[Loki]

If you go on the Dell website, they claim that some of the graphics cards work with this machine.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&category_id=6715&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&mfgpid=192778&chassisid=8459

Any of those any good? I assume they're all overpriced.

[Illusions]

If you go on the Dell website, they claim that some of the graphics cards work with this machine.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&category_id=6715&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&mfgpid=192778&chassisid=8459

Any of those any good? I assume they're all overpriced.

None of those will suit your needs (well the XFX might, but the customer rating says it sucks, and its not one of the better ones so...). Plus the fact that your power supply is 250 watts...you're pretty much screwed...hard... :sour:

...remember to thank Dell... :o

[Loki]

Would they be recommending those video cards if they didn't work on this machine? :confused: Keep in mind that I wouldn't be using this to play state-of-the-art or online games. My gf has a new Dell laptop and the game that's ultra-laggy on my computer is perfect on hers.

[Illusions]

Would they be recommending those video cards if they didn't work on this machine? :confused:

No, the 250 watt thing means you can't really use any not on that list, and everything on that list sucks...so... :sour:

Wait for OG...if the Skipper hasn't banned him yet...he might have more information...

[Loki]

No, the 250 watt thing means you can't really use any not on that list, and everything on that list sucks...so... :sour:

Wait for OG...if the Skipper hasn't banned him yet...he might have more information...

See edited bit above. And are you sure about the first part, since there are reviews of those cards by people who have the same computer as I do...

[littlelolligagged]

I would suggest Wraithy when he shows up again - he was quite helpful when I was looking for a graphics card.

[Loki]

Can he come and install it too? :p I haven't managed to befriend any engineers yet. :sour:

[Ominous Gamer]

Think the Inspirons are new enough so that the motherboard and PSU use industry standard connections.

The case also takes a regular sized PSU.
You want anything that would be worth the trouble, you need a new PSU and a GPU that comes with a 6 pin power connection.

I'd take your $120 and put ~$40 for a 450ish Watt PSU (BFG is having a deal on one right now), and try for the ATI 4830 for ~$80.

[Steely Glint]

Can anyone recommend a graphics card that would run games like this (http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Total-War-Pc/dp/B0018YXM3Y/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1240155018&sr=8-1)?

I seriously recommand you wait.

[Loki]

How hard is it to install a new PSU and GPU for someone who has absolutely no idea what he's doing?

I seriously recommand you wait.

When did you command me the first time? :p What am I waiting for?

[Ominous Gamer]

PSU isn't hard, but its messy because of the wiring. When you open the case you'll take a long look at what wires go where, and duplicate that when you put in your new PSU.

The GPU is easy, it goes in the only slot it will fit in :p

[littlelolligagged]

Can he come and install it too? :p I haven't managed to befriend any engineers yet. :sour:

:p It's really not hard to do.

Much harder to replace dvd drives.

[Steely Glint]

**** :D

Anyway, Empire is totally unfinished, deeply unstable and lacks any kind of meaningful AI. They might - might - have fixed these problems by the time you get around to buying it, but I recommend caution :o

[Loki]

Steely, I'm playing Medieval 2 for now. I'm not planning to get Empire for a month or two.

Display adapter type Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Total available graphics memory 286 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 0 MB
Dedicated system memory 128 MB
Shared system memory 158 MB
Display adapter driver version 7.14.10.1409
Primary monitor resolution 1440x900
DirectX version DirectX 9.0 or better

Does any of that mean anything useful?

:p It's really not hard to do.

Much harder to replace dvd drives.

I beg to differ. Befriending engineers is hard. :o

[Ominous Gamer]

That yells me you need memory, aka computer memory, aka ram sticks, aka RAM.
Minimum requirements for Total War, I think, lists 1GB.

[Khendraja'aro]

Yeah - to summarize that: "Not Usable For Gaming (TM)"

Nah, Ominous, that's a graphics card which uses the normal RAM. But the Intel one stinks...

[Loki]

That means you need memory, aka computer memory, aka ram sticks, aka RAM.

Could that be the reason Medieval 2 is laggy, and not the video card?

I have 4 GB system RAM, I assumed that would take care of the graphics part as well. Guess not...

Windows gives me a 4.1 for graphics (Graphics Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family) but only a 3.4 for gaming. :o

[Ominous Gamer]

Yeah - to summarize that: "Not Usable For Gaming (TM)"

Nah, Ominous, that's a graphics card which uses the normal RAM. But the Intel one stinks...

I caught that, you posted right before I was going to delete my reply :( I'm used to reading that dxdiag as one long post.

Could that be the reason Medieval 2 is laggy, and not the video card?

I have 4 GB system RAM, I assumed that would take care of the graphics part as well. Guess not...

I jumped the gun, but you're still running with integrated graphics. A violation worthy of kitten killing.

[Steely Glint]

just post your full system specs dude

[Loki]

just post your full system specs dude

This?

System
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturer Dell Inc.
Model Inspiron 530s
Total amount of system memory 4.00 GB RAM
System type 32-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 2
64-bit capable Yes

Storage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total size of hard disk(s) 233 GB
Disk partition (C:) 126 GB Free (223 GB Total)
Disk partition (D:) 6 GB Free (10 GB Total)
Media drive (E:) CD/DVD

Graphics
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Display adapter type Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Total available graphics memory 286 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 0 MB
Dedicated system memory 128 MB
Shared system memory 158 MB
Display adapter driver version 7.14.10.1409
Primary monitor resolution 1440x900
DirectX version DirectX 9.0 or better

Network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Network Adapter Intel(R) 82562V-2 10/100 Network Connection
Network Adapter Microsoft Tun Miniport Adapter

I caught that, you posted right before I was going to delete my reply :( I'm used to reading that dxdiag as one long post.



I jumped the gun, but you're still running with integrated graphics. A violation worthy of kitten killing.

Well yes, I expected to be using my NY computer this summer. :o

[Steely Glint]

No, the 250 watt thing means you can't really use any not on that list, and everything on that list sucks...so... :sour:

Wait for OG...if the Skipper hasn't banned him yet...he might have more information...

If all he wants to do is play Medieval 2 without lag, does it really matter how much they "suck"?

[Loki]

So is the video card the reason for the lag?

[Steely Glint]

definately. major bottle neck.

[Loki]

Bah, if I paid $50 extra (for a less crappy video card) when I was buying this thing, I probably wouldn't be having this problem.

[Steely Glint]

Have you tried Rome: TW? It's less demanding on the ol' GPU, and with a mod such as Total Realism or Europa Barbarorum, is a very rewarding experience

[Loki]

Have you tried Rome: TW? It's less demanding on the ol' GPU, and with a mod such as Total Realism or Europa Barbarorum, is a very rewarding experience

I played it on my old computer, so it should definitely run on this one. Bored of it though.

[Ominous Gamer]

The ATI 4670 ~$70 doesn't require any extra power plugs, anyone think that would be to taxing on Loki's PSU?
If so I know the 4550 ~$50 would work, newer tech thats not integrated. One on Newegg even comes with Alone in the Dark, so it can't be that bad.

[Steely Glint]

With mods, or just vanilla?

[Loki]

ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB supporting HDMI

I coudl have had that as my video card for $60 extra when I bought the computer. Still an option? Or does it suck?

With mods, or just vanilla?

Not with the ones you mentioned. I just don't like the Roman era that much.

[Kazuha Vinland]

The minimum recommendations for ATI 4670 is 350W. That said, the numbers are often exaggerated. Well, if Loki got anything below 300W, I would not give it a bet. Anyway, why has nobody suggested buying a new PSU? For instance this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148027) (25$).

[Steely Glint]

I think the best thing to do would be to find the best available card which he can run safely with his current PSU. It should be able to handle Med2 - he just needs something, anything, which isn't an integrated PoS.

As for Empire, well half the time it's not stable on machines which meet and exceed the recommended spec, so what the ****, right?

[Kazuha Vinland]

It must be agonizing though, because the game is so deliciously well made.

[Steely Glint]

it's terribly made.

[pedxing]

wikipedia claims that the Inspiron 530s is limited in graphics card selection, due to size constraints:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Inspiron#Inspiron_530s

note especially the part about low-profile cards fitting!

low profile cards are half the height of full-sized cards.

also, it appears that your power supply is non-upgradable:

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19239950.aspx

in general Dell annoys me, because they built their business on using off-the-shelf hardware, but have over the years tried to lock in customers by using more and more custom hardware.

the plugs on an off-the-shelf power supply are very unlikely to match the plugs on a Dell motherboard, these days... forcing you to pay Dell for the custom unit, if they even offer one.

in this case, they don't. :sour:

[Loki]

Would either of these work:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Graphics_Cards/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0683274&mfgpid=192778&chassisid=8459

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Graphics_Cards/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0662672&mfgpid=192778&chassisid=8459

And do they not suck? Dell claims both are compatible with my computer.

[Ominous Gamer]

Loki, the x1300 is old tech. Several generations old. For the same coin you can get cards that draw the same power, are the same size, but stronger and maybe even cheaper.

These cards are low profile, and should work with your PSU power output (they have the same suggested power requirement as the x1300).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&Subcategory=48&Description=&Type=&N=2010380048+1419530408+106792627&srchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&PropertyCodeValue=4195%3A30408&PropertyCodeValue=4195%3A31894&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A44922&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A44850

Of course, someone should verfiy, since I've had egg on my face twice now within 20 posts :cry:

wikipedia claims that the Inspiron 530s is limited in graphics card selection, due to size constraints:


Nice save ped, I was basing all my Info off the 530, not the 530s :downcast:

But I thought Dell was getting away from custom PSUs and connectors?

[Steely Glint]

I miss the days when you could determine how good a piece of computer hardware was by just looking at a number. P133 > P90

[Loki]

How easy are those to install? Also, I have a TV tuner on this computer (watch TV on it). Would any of those affect the quality (it's pretty good now, though a bit blurry)?

[Ominous Gamer]

Is the TV its own expansion card? Its filling one of the 4 slots that come out the back of your computer?
Either way, the video card won't increase or decrease the quality, but depending on which slots it uses, your video card options could be limited again. If its in the top, 3rd or 4th slot, you can get any of the cards I linked to. If its in the 2nd slot, you may be limited to cards that only take 1 slot (thus ruling out the fanless model).

The cards I linked are easy to install. They come with full size brackets on them, but its a matter of 2 screws to switch them to low profile brackets (that are included). After that they simply plug into the only slot they fit into.

EDIT:
Doing actual research finally, your computer has a Foxconn G33m02 mATX motherboard, no custom anything, industry standard everything :up: Your video card is going to be installed in the 2nd slot, so if the TV tuner is the only other card installed, you can use any of the cards I linked to in my last post.

EDIT 2:
Someone who is already running an ATI 4550 in a 530s: http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19245509.aspx

[Loki]

Is the fact that these have 512 memory and I have 286 graphics memory mean anything?

I'm leaning toward this one, though it has no reviews:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121306

Any reason I shouldn't buy it?

[Ominous Gamer]

For cards these low on power, the extra memory won't help with adding the eye candy. They've only shown to help at larger resolutions, but again at this price range, the difference is single digit FPS increases. Especially since these cards are 64bit, most mainstream range and higher cards are 128bit - 512bit.

Asus is a good name, solid in the motherboard market :up:, 3 year warranty too.

[Loki]

Danke to everyone. Hopefully this will work. :)

[Loki]

Video card too big for the computer. The case doesn't close with it in (it sticks out like an inch). :sour:

[Steely Glint]

You can actually leave the case open.

[Ominous Gamer]

Did you take off the large bracket that has the VGA output on the side, and replace it with the smaller bracket that has the VGA output under the DVI ouput?
http://www.pcstats.com/articleimages/200903/ASUSEAH4550_half.jpg

[Loki]

Oops. :p How do you do that? Is it just screws? What do you do with the blue thingy and the thing attached to it?

[Ominous Gamer]

The screw circled in red should be the only screw you have to remove that connects the bracket to the card. HOWEVER, the nuts circled in green need to come off as well, they hold the outputs to the bracket. If you have good grip with your fingertips, you're good to go, otherwise a pair of needlenose pliers will go a long way. The blue (VGA) connecter still connects to the card, it wraps around the card and screws in where I've circled in blue.



http://i42.tinypic.com/t85b7m.jpg

[Loki]

Turns out the TV tuner was in space 2 (and something else in space 4), while this thing needs spaces 1 and 2. I took the TV tuner out for now, since I don't use it much. The video card works really well, but I can't watch TV as long as it's in. :(

[CitizenCain]

I guess there's a reason you didn't put the TV tuner back in in slot 3? Or figure out what's in slot 4 and whether or not you need it?

Or spend a few hundred bucks for a second machine to use as a TV tuner?

[Loki]

Slot 4 has some modem-related thing. Not quite sure. But neither slot 3 or 4 are the proper type for the tuner. I guess I'll worry about the TV later. Can I take it that if I decide to take this video card out at some point, the old one would work (it disabled itself automatically it seems)?

[Ominous Gamer]

If you don't use the modem thing in the bottom slot yank it out. :p

Your TV tuner card...did your monitor plug into it? The new video card plugged into the same slot that the TV tuner card was in? Lastly, are the gold connectors on the tuner card the length of my sample picture here, or the same length as the gold connectors on the new video card?

http://i42.tinypic.com/op3gq1.jpg

[Loki]

No, the monitor used to plug into the old integrated video card. I have a separate wire that plugged into the TV tuner (cable). Slot 3 and 4 have weird things sticking out at the edge that prevents the TV tuner from going in fully. Also, slot 3 and 4 look a bit different to 1 and 2. The TV tuner has the same gold things as on your photo.

[Ominous Gamer]

Your TV tuner card is PCIe-1x. It works in all PCIexpress slots (your top 2 [your 2nd slot is PCIexpress 16x]). If you really wanted it back, you would have to snap the bracket for your video card in half (if possible), or install the card without the bracket, either way you would lose your VGA (blue) connection. Your card locks into your motherboard, and the DVI connection will stop it from moving to much, so going without a bracket isn't a threat to anything as long as you don't carry your PC everywhere.

It doesn't plug into your bottom 2 slots because those are legacy PCI slots. I'm sorry I didn't catch that sooner, when I first saw the product image I thought the VGA connection went under the video card, blocking only one of the PCI legacy slots :(

Since we are under budget you could also try looking for a USB or legacy PCI tuner

----------

Since you have it installed now, how is the gaming performance?

[Loki]

I need the VGA connection as that's what my monitor is plugged into. I'm also already using up all of my USB slots. I'll think about the breaking thing when the time comes, but I'm not really planning on using this to watch TV for at least two months.

The game is running ultra-fast, so everything is ok in that regard.

[Loki]

Figured I'd bump this instead of starting a new thread. I was deleting old photos earlier today, and it turns out I deleted a few I wasn't supposed to delete (I deleted them all with shift-delete). Any idea how to get them back? I tried a few file recovery programs, but absolutely no luck.

[DeR]

Figured I'd bump this instead of starting a new thread. I was deleting old photos earlier today, and it turns out I deleted a few I wasn't supposed to delete (I deleted them all with shift-delete). Any idea how to get them back? I tried a few file recovery programs, but absolutely no luck.Stop using the computer now to minimize the actual loss of data. Remove the hard drive and put a new hard drive in and install what you need temporarily. Take the original hard drive to a data recovery expert and they will be able to retrieve most of what you deleted depending on how much you used the drive between then and now.

[Loki]

They aren't so important that I'd kill myself if I didn't get them back. Was just wondering if there's a quick way of doing it myself.

[DeR]

They aren't so important that I'd kill myself if I didn't get them back. Was just wondering if there's a quick way of doing it myself.Shift-Delete gets rid of the table entries so you won't find a simple way of recovering them. :(

[Loki]

Bah. Guess I'll be deleting files to the recycle bin in the future.

[DeR]

Bah. Guess I'll be deleting files to the recycle bin in the future.Daily backups aren't much trouble. I'm not one for throwing my information into cyber space but most IPs provide backup services these days.

[Loki]

I do backups of document files to avoid losing work. Didn't have a reason to do backups of photos.

[DeR]

I do backups of document files to avoid losing work. Didn't have a reason to do backups of photos.Well, you do now. :D

[Ominous Gamer]

It would be much easier to recover the photos from the digital card the camera used. How long ago were they taken?

[Loki]

It would be much easier to recover the photos from the digital card the camera used. How long ago were they taken?

Something like 2 years ago, and it wasn't from my camera, so no real chance of getting it back that way.

[Ominous Gamer]

poop :(

[Loki]

Didn't realize it was this hard to recover deleted stuff. Law and Order lied to me. :(

[DeR]

This is the reason I revived Minx's Hello thread. My family and friends think that once the pictures are transferred to their computer they are like old photos in the shoe box. So I got everyone to Hello all their treasured pictures to me. I'm a backup-aholic. I have a linux file server with raid 5, a vista file server with raid 5, and a 50 gig blueray writer. Since Hello shut down I've tried to get everybody to backup their photos on dvd. They don't. :(


Didn't realize it was this hard to recover deleted stuff. Law and Order lied to me. :(They didn't lie. They can afford the data recovery experts.

[Loki]

I actually managed to find all the photos using a data recovery program, but the trial version only allows you to recover one photo a day. So I should at least be able to get some of the photos back (got 1 back already), until they're overwritten.

[DeR]

I actually managed to find all the photos using a data recovery program, but the trial version only allows you to recover one photo a day. So I should at least be able to get some of the photos back (got 1 back already), until they're overwritten.Care to share?

[Khendraja'aro]

Figured I'd bump this instead of starting a new thread. I was deleting old photos earlier today, and it turns out I deleted a few I wasn't supposed to delete (I deleted them all with shift-delete). Any idea how to get them back? I tried a few file recovery programs, but absolutely no luck.

Under Vista/7 you could also try the automatic Recovery aka Shadow Copies.

[Dreadnaught]

They just do what DeR suggested with the data recovery specialists. :noob:

[coinich]

Stop using the computer now to minimize the actual loss of data. Remove the hard drive and put a new hard drive in and install what you need temporarily. Take the original hard drive to a data recovery expert and they will be able to retrieve most of what you deleted depending on how much you used the drive between then and now.

I'm assuming you are referring to the fact that the data is simply marked to be overwritten, and hasn't actually been deleted (most of it), no?

[Loki]

Under Vista/7 you could also try the automatic Recovery aka Shadow Copies.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/features/shadow-copy.aspx

Unfortunately it's for special versions of Vista.

[DeR]

I actually managed to find all the photos using a data recovery program, but the trial version only allows you to recover one photo a day. So I should at least be able to get some of the photos back (got 1 back already), until they're overwritten.So boot to bios, change the date in your cmos, over and over until you get them all back.

[Loki]

So boot to bios, change the date in your cmos, over and over until you get them all back.

How much time does that take? I have a paper due Tuesday that I haven't started. :sour:

Care to share?

http://www.handyrecovery.com/

The files had their names changed a bit due to the hard delete, but I found them by looking through all the jpegs deleted in the folder I deleted the photos from. Took about an hour to do the search.

[DeR]

My initial suggestion would run you close to $1000 so $50 doesn't look bad to me. Only you can decide if the pics are worth it. But the longer you use your PC without recovering the files the more chance they will get over-written.

[Loki]

Maybe we can ask this guy:

http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=689257

:o

[Dreadnaught]

Too late, I nuked him. :o

[Ziggy Stardust]

Thanks for making me :eek:

I read, I nuked him and click on Loki's link, first thing I read:

Ziggy Stardust

and I'm all like "Wait, what did I do?"

you do not have permission to access this page.

But I was already there. So, I thought it would be better to fess up: I was at your page, accessing the hell out of it.