Thinking about a new computer

[dreamshark]

I'm very afraid that the next one of my essential things to break down will be my computer. It's not like it hasn't been emitting squeaks of exhaustion and despair for months now. I've already spent way too much time trying to cleanse, upgrade, and debug it. There's just been too many new devices, demanding games, random pieces of freeware, and mismatched drivers flowing through it over the past four and a half years. For a computer that age it's not doing too badly. I could live with the RAM maxing out all the time, and the almost daily hangs and the fact that I still cannot install XP Service Pack2. But I'm getting the hankering to play a new game, and this poor old thing can't handle the game I have in mind.

So... I'm looking for advice on what to get. Mac people, you can leave the room now. I don't want to hear about how much better your stuff is. I'm happy for you that you've found your electronic soulmate, but I don't want a Mac. Here's what I do want - a computer that:

* Supports the same classic Windows interface I am so comfortable with, runs Office 97, and works with my essential shareware apps (i.e, NO VISTA).
* Supports all my peripheral devices (like I said, no Vista).
* Will run my old games (at least the ones that currently run on XP).
* Will not become RAM-bound in the next 2 years (I'm getting the max amount of RAM that I can jam into the thing this time!)
* Will play kickass first-person shooters for at least the next year or so with all the graphics turned up high (doesn't have to be the fastest possible CPU, but I want a top of the line graphics card )

LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS ON...
* Components. I'm not sure if anybody reading this is into high-end gaming, but if you are, what's the graphics card I can't live without? What about CPU - AMD or Intel?

* Who can build it for me? Once I figure out what I want, I can always order it from Dell. I did that in 2000 and was happier with the results than I was with the overpriced Alienware I bought in 2003. But I know that a lot of people sneer at Dell and recommend going with local businesses or individuals. Any recommendations?

* Just how hard is it to build your own from scratch? I've installed components in existing systems, but really wouldn't know where to start to build one from the ground up. Anybody with experience in that area that could help me, or point me to instructions for novice computer builders? I once rebuilt an engine using the book, "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive." I'd need something at least that simplistic and detailed.

Comments

[sraun]

I'm not the guy for specific hardware recommendations.

However, for getting the actual computer, I like the local vendor General Nanosystems. Their web site claims they can still sell you Windows XP. The last time I was computer shopping, they came close enough to the cost of build-my-own mail-order that I decided it was worth it to buy it from them and have them put it all together and test it. They'll let you spec out exactly what you want and build it to order. They'll also be happy to help you spec out a system to meet your needs and desires.

Putting together the pieces is actually pretty easy - it's all pretty much a 'there's only one way this can go', and frequently 'there's only one place this can go'. It's just a lot of fiddly bits that have to be put together, and there's usually a 'you need to do this bit before that bit' just because you can't physically access the one bit after the other goes in. Unfortunately, you tend to find that out by experience - yours or someone else's. And it's component specific - it's because you have model X motherboard and type 35 case, so the books aren't going to have that info.

As for Dell - if you buy one of their business systems, you can still get it with WinXP. I like their business systems.

[wombat-socho.livejournal.com]

As for Dell - if you buy one of their business systems, you can still get it with WinXP. I like their business systems.

This.
I've been pretty happy with Dell systems in general; my current desktop box is a refurbed Optiplex running XP Pro. You can probably still get one at the Box Shop on Feronia in St. Paul.

[dsgood.livejournal.com]

I also recommend General Nanosystems. My experience: I've gone to them twice with computer problems. Both times, they fixed the problem and didn't charge me. (Once it was easy; once not so easy.)

I know considerably less about computers than sraun does; so you've got two people from different places on the spectrum recommending General Nanotech.

[laurel]

Good deals can be found on Dell systems.

I've also heard good things about General Nanosystems.

Kevin has tended to buy PCs off of websites for dirt cheap, though I think this last time he looked for a better machine for gaming-- he might have some ideas.

I've built a PC from the ground up, more or less, and it's dead simple really. Well, I bought a case that already had a motherboard; then added RAM, harddrive, optical drive, video card, etc. You just have to pay attention to details of the components to make sure they'll work together. I bought components from newegg.com and then put 'em together.